Every morning I wake up and say a prayer, giving thanks and honor to the one true God who woke me up and gave me breath. Before I freshen up or eat anything I walk towards the nearest window and set my eyes to the mountains. The spirit of expansion is overflowing in the air. There's a joke amongst some circles that says that we're in the middle of Egypt on one side and Mount Sinai on the other side (which is true once you look at the geography). New Earth's congregation is growing faster than the speed of light. My heart rejoices when I see men and women of different walks of life repent of their sins, get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of The Holy Ghost (with the evidence of speaking in tongues). Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is the only reason we are among the living and thriving as a body.
"If a man doesn't work, he doesn't eat" and "one must earn his keep in order to survive" are sayings that best describes residing at New Earth. Everybody is put to work and is given an occupation. Besides going to Bible Study on Wednesdays and attending Discipleship classes on Sundays I'm in charge of the congregation's library. Solomon's Temple is more than a place where books are placed and taken off shelfs. This is also where I lay my head. Inside of a disclosed entrance sits a mattress, a stack of books, and a mini desk. Some days are lonely and full of traumatic episodes. My old partner in crime, Jim, who has a family of his own, has his own responsibilities to deal with. In order for a body to function properly every organ needs to play its part.
Hazel and I met when I first arrived at New Earth. Both her and Elisha approached and interrogated me before realizing who I was. While her right hand tugged Jim's collar and her left hand bared a sniper our eyes couldn't leave each other. We both attend the same Discipleship course and are the top two students in our group. Once in a while we both would sit together and talk privately where no one could find us. Sometimes Hazel is seen at Solomon's Temple and sometimes I'll be seen in front her dorm (King Mel has enforced a strict shacking policy). One day while we were both free I promised Hazel that we can have a friendly kendo battle. The crisp January air hit the atmosphere like it was a sweater. Thank the Lord for the sun, because that was the only source of heat we would receive. Holsters were put on our katanas, and that's all she wrote. Things started off slowly, but would soon get interesting. I took the first round with an open tap on the ribs. The second round went to me with a tap to the left arm. Being the fighter she is Hazel didn't go out without a fight. The third and last round went to Hazel, the underdog, with a surprise reverse maneuver that tapped me in the back of my neck. Before I could bow and say fair one I was tackled to the ground and covered with kisses. Laying in a bundle of leftover snow felt like an eternity looking into her light brown eyes.
"There's two sides to being a shepherd," King Mel always tells me. If there is any sufficient evidence of his own words it would be his two sides of the same coin personality. One moment Mel would be loving, caring, and understanding. The next minute he would be a tyrant sending his troops to march on his beat. On more than one occasion I have witnessed Mel's treacherous brutality. However, there's one incident that stands out the most. Sitting next to Mel while riding in his carriage we approach a location where members of the congregation were holding unknown individuals hostage. Both myself and Mel hopped out of the carriage and walked our way towards the soldiers doing an holy work. When I finally was able to see the face of the hostages more clearly I asked myself what is going on here? Before I could ask any questions Mel made his grand entrance (as usual). Teary eyes and quiet pleads were written on the faces of those who of those who were held hostage. Of course, this didn't phase Mel one bit. Lying about tithes and short-changing your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is a punishment worth receiving right? As anger and rage filled Mel's face he quoted Ezekiel 25:17 which states "And I will execute great vengeance upon them [you] with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them." The second Mel finished quoting the piece of scripture each hostage was shot execution style. To many of our surprise one remained spared. With his arm stretched out wide Mel instructed me towards the trembling man. Come to think of it there was a reason Mel had requested me to bring Rapunzel along. "The choice is yours big shot. It's your move,' uttered Mel. I commanded the gentleman who was holding an assault rifle behind the man to take his left arm and hold it forward. Without fainting I took one thrust and his left arm was no more. Next came his right arm. Another thrust of the blade and what was once a living organism was no more. Than he was offed by a shot to the head. The impression on Mel's face was one of respect and admiration. Wearing a smile that best fits his physique and personality King Mel rest his hand on one of my shoulders and says "I have an appointment for you."
The Bible tells us that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Elisha has fallen a dozen times and has boasted in his sin instead of repenting and turning away from his evil doings. Over the past three months Elisha has gotten himself into some serious trouble. Offense #1 was short-changing his tithes. Offense #2 was falsely accusing a member of the congregation of using God's name in vain (which was never found or proven). The third and last offense was when Elisha was caught having an orgy with members of the congregation (with both a man and a woman). After the third strike Elisha was seen as a fallen one (we don't have to get into the story of Sodom and Gomorrah). During his Sunday School sessions he even had the nerve to add his own flare to the gospel. If it wasn't misinterpreting the story in Mark 8:22-26, by gulping his own saliva and rubbing it into his palms and smears it on the face of a young disciple in training. It was demanding members of the class to put their hard earned money (sometimes resources) on the floor where ho stood so he could bless it so your inheritance can be multiplied. One Sunday after a session was finished Elisha pulled me aside to have a quick one-on-one. "Do you feel as though we need to change our approach here at New Earth?", asked Elisha. I would response by saying, "No , I think that things are moving in the right direction." Elisha went on by stating, "people don't want to be reminded that their sinners in need of a savior." I would pop back at him saying, "No they don't. They see the vandal and prostitute as sinners and themselves as innocent." Shouting and almost losing his temper Elisha response by saying "God broke the law for love." Like shooting a dagger I than strike back with John 3:16. In a state of disbelief Elisha had no words to speak. Than I would quote Galatians 1:6-9. Colossians 2:8-9 was the next blow he would receive. 1 Timothy 4:1-6 was socked to him as well. Finished off with 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Elisha was almost paralyzed with fear and condemnation. Our little one-on-one caused a little bit of a scene. It was reported to New Earth's leadership (sometimes called King Mel's Inner Circle) and Elisha was suspended from his position until further notice. Hazel can't stand his crooked ways ("Every man must stand before the Lord," she says). King Mel doesn't look at his right-hand man the same anymore. It's safe to say that Elisha has become a threat to himself and the congregation.
One night myself and Mel were hanging out, laughing, and going over some scripture. The wind was light, and the temperature was just right for late winter. More laughter and reading of scripture continued until a pebble was tossed. Both of us hold on to our weapons of choice and command the intruder(s) to show themselves. Two white-handled short barrel Peacemakers were thrown to the ground in front of the closet set of bushes. Placing his hands in the back of his head stood a gentleman that weighed no more than 180lbs and stood at least 6ft 3in. On his head wore an untrimmed flat top fade. Underneath his nose sits a chevron mustache. His light skin and nutmeg eyes were topped off with a decent set of coffee-stained teeth. Zachariah Green is his name (sometimes called Brother Zac or Z for short). Zac owns his own compound further up by the mountains. Him and his seven followers make up what is called "The Defenders." Before the rapture took place Zac and his crew were seminary students and apologist hailing from the city of Ferguson, Missouri. Once the close was cleared we all collected ourselves. Picking up his guns and placing them back into his holsters Zac smiled at me and said, "Howdy partner.' I responded back with kind and cordial words of my own. Knowing who he was Mel got up to greet Zac. Grabbing the nearest object for a seat Zac joined in our scripture reading and dialogue. I am not allowed to tell you the content or matters that we discussed. Only God can foresee the future concerning His people.
For almost a month I have been invited to eat supper with King Mel and his inner circle. One end of the table sits Sarai, King Mel's newly wedded wife. On the other end sits King Mel in all of his excellence and greatness. Sitting on his left is myself and Hazel, symbolizing promise and progress. And sitting on his right was the man that use to have his back and use to be a mighty man valor, Elisha. Chewing on some food and sipping out of his gold-plated cup King Mel looks and observes everyone that is seated at the table. Usually, it's hard to determine what he is thinking (sometimes one needs not to know what he's thinking), but I can predict what he's trying to see. Staring into the eye's of my spiritual mentor I can sense that we as a congregation have come a long way we still have a long way to go. Those who you started off with won't always be there in the long run. In order to grow you have to get out of the four corners of your own understanding. Everything you thought would be isn't going match up in reality. Obedience is better than sacrifice in the eye's of the Lord. Some people need to be led by an iron fist instead of a soft touch. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. The same way one must watch their back the same goes with their front. Anyone that's a shepherd must have this on their mind whenever God shifts the atmosphere.
To end every supper King Mel turns to me for a closing prayer ("Go on Brother J and takes us home," King Mel always says). My prayers are not special or fancy. The words that are spoken out of my mouth are sincere and give glory to God. As we all hold hands around the table, we pray together in one accord. With my eyes closed and head lifted the presence of the Lord takes over. When the presence of the Lord takes control, I pray for the flourishment of New Earth's ministry. I pray for the Lord to give King Mel and Sarai protection and strength to keep up the good fight. I pray that we as a congregation will stay fixed on sound doctrine. I pray that God will humble us and make us meek in the face of adversity. I pray that our names will be added to the Lamb's Book of Life. I pray that we as a congregation stick together and display brotherly love towards one another. I pray that God blesses us with the tools we need to expand and plan for the future. And let the church say, Amen.
TO BE CONTINUED....
"If a man doesn't work, he doesn't eat" and "one must earn his keep in order to survive" are sayings that best describes residing at New Earth. Everybody is put to work and is given an occupation. Besides going to Bible Study on Wednesdays and attending Discipleship classes on Sundays I'm in charge of the congregation's library. Solomon's Temple is more than a place where books are placed and taken off shelfs. This is also where I lay my head. Inside of a disclosed entrance sits a mattress, a stack of books, and a mini desk. Some days are lonely and full of traumatic episodes. My old partner in crime, Jim, who has a family of his own, has his own responsibilities to deal with. In order for a body to function properly every organ needs to play its part.
Hazel and I met when I first arrived at New Earth. Both her and Elisha approached and interrogated me before realizing who I was. While her right hand tugged Jim's collar and her left hand bared a sniper our eyes couldn't leave each other. We both attend the same Discipleship course and are the top two students in our group. Once in a while we both would sit together and talk privately where no one could find us. Sometimes Hazel is seen at Solomon's Temple and sometimes I'll be seen in front her dorm (King Mel has enforced a strict shacking policy). One day while we were both free I promised Hazel that we can have a friendly kendo battle. The crisp January air hit the atmosphere like it was a sweater. Thank the Lord for the sun, because that was the only source of heat we would receive. Holsters were put on our katanas, and that's all she wrote. Things started off slowly, but would soon get interesting. I took the first round with an open tap on the ribs. The second round went to me with a tap to the left arm. Being the fighter she is Hazel didn't go out without a fight. The third and last round went to Hazel, the underdog, with a surprise reverse maneuver that tapped me in the back of my neck. Before I could bow and say fair one I was tackled to the ground and covered with kisses. Laying in a bundle of leftover snow felt like an eternity looking into her light brown eyes.
"There's two sides to being a shepherd," King Mel always tells me. If there is any sufficient evidence of his own words it would be his two sides of the same coin personality. One moment Mel would be loving, caring, and understanding. The next minute he would be a tyrant sending his troops to march on his beat. On more than one occasion I have witnessed Mel's treacherous brutality. However, there's one incident that stands out the most. Sitting next to Mel while riding in his carriage we approach a location where members of the congregation were holding unknown individuals hostage. Both myself and Mel hopped out of the carriage and walked our way towards the soldiers doing an holy work. When I finally was able to see the face of the hostages more clearly I asked myself what is going on here? Before I could ask any questions Mel made his grand entrance (as usual). Teary eyes and quiet pleads were written on the faces of those who of those who were held hostage. Of course, this didn't phase Mel one bit. Lying about tithes and short-changing your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is a punishment worth receiving right? As anger and rage filled Mel's face he quoted Ezekiel 25:17 which states "And I will execute great vengeance upon them [you] with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them." The second Mel finished quoting the piece of scripture each hostage was shot execution style. To many of our surprise one remained spared. With his arm stretched out wide Mel instructed me towards the trembling man. Come to think of it there was a reason Mel had requested me to bring Rapunzel along. "The choice is yours big shot. It's your move,' uttered Mel. I commanded the gentleman who was holding an assault rifle behind the man to take his left arm and hold it forward. Without fainting I took one thrust and his left arm was no more. Next came his right arm. Another thrust of the blade and what was once a living organism was no more. Than he was offed by a shot to the head. The impression on Mel's face was one of respect and admiration. Wearing a smile that best fits his physique and personality King Mel rest his hand on one of my shoulders and says "I have an appointment for you."
The Bible tells us that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Elisha has fallen a dozen times and has boasted in his sin instead of repenting and turning away from his evil doings. Over the past three months Elisha has gotten himself into some serious trouble. Offense #1 was short-changing his tithes. Offense #2 was falsely accusing a member of the congregation of using God's name in vain (which was never found or proven). The third and last offense was when Elisha was caught having an orgy with members of the congregation (with both a man and a woman). After the third strike Elisha was seen as a fallen one (we don't have to get into the story of Sodom and Gomorrah). During his Sunday School sessions he even had the nerve to add his own flare to the gospel. If it wasn't misinterpreting the story in Mark 8:22-26, by gulping his own saliva and rubbing it into his palms and smears it on the face of a young disciple in training. It was demanding members of the class to put their hard earned money (sometimes resources) on the floor where ho stood so he could bless it so your inheritance can be multiplied. One Sunday after a session was finished Elisha pulled me aside to have a quick one-on-one. "Do you feel as though we need to change our approach here at New Earth?", asked Elisha. I would response by saying, "No , I think that things are moving in the right direction." Elisha went on by stating, "people don't want to be reminded that their sinners in need of a savior." I would pop back at him saying, "No they don't. They see the vandal and prostitute as sinners and themselves as innocent." Shouting and almost losing his temper Elisha response by saying "God broke the law for love." Like shooting a dagger I than strike back with John 3:16. In a state of disbelief Elisha had no words to speak. Than I would quote Galatians 1:6-9. Colossians 2:8-9 was the next blow he would receive. 1 Timothy 4:1-6 was socked to him as well. Finished off with 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Elisha was almost paralyzed with fear and condemnation. Our little one-on-one caused a little bit of a scene. It was reported to New Earth's leadership (sometimes called King Mel's Inner Circle) and Elisha was suspended from his position until further notice. Hazel can't stand his crooked ways ("Every man must stand before the Lord," she says). King Mel doesn't look at his right-hand man the same anymore. It's safe to say that Elisha has become a threat to himself and the congregation.
One night myself and Mel were hanging out, laughing, and going over some scripture. The wind was light, and the temperature was just right for late winter. More laughter and reading of scripture continued until a pebble was tossed. Both of us hold on to our weapons of choice and command the intruder(s) to show themselves. Two white-handled short barrel Peacemakers were thrown to the ground in front of the closet set of bushes. Placing his hands in the back of his head stood a gentleman that weighed no more than 180lbs and stood at least 6ft 3in. On his head wore an untrimmed flat top fade. Underneath his nose sits a chevron mustache. His light skin and nutmeg eyes were topped off with a decent set of coffee-stained teeth. Zachariah Green is his name (sometimes called Brother Zac or Z for short). Zac owns his own compound further up by the mountains. Him and his seven followers make up what is called "The Defenders." Before the rapture took place Zac and his crew were seminary students and apologist hailing from the city of Ferguson, Missouri. Once the close was cleared we all collected ourselves. Picking up his guns and placing them back into his holsters Zac smiled at me and said, "Howdy partner.' I responded back with kind and cordial words of my own. Knowing who he was Mel got up to greet Zac. Grabbing the nearest object for a seat Zac joined in our scripture reading and dialogue. I am not allowed to tell you the content or matters that we discussed. Only God can foresee the future concerning His people.
For almost a month I have been invited to eat supper with King Mel and his inner circle. One end of the table sits Sarai, King Mel's newly wedded wife. On the other end sits King Mel in all of his excellence and greatness. Sitting on his left is myself and Hazel, symbolizing promise and progress. And sitting on his right was the man that use to have his back and use to be a mighty man valor, Elisha. Chewing on some food and sipping out of his gold-plated cup King Mel looks and observes everyone that is seated at the table. Usually, it's hard to determine what he is thinking (sometimes one needs not to know what he's thinking), but I can predict what he's trying to see. Staring into the eye's of my spiritual mentor I can sense that we as a congregation have come a long way we still have a long way to go. Those who you started off with won't always be there in the long run. In order to grow you have to get out of the four corners of your own understanding. Everything you thought would be isn't going match up in reality. Obedience is better than sacrifice in the eye's of the Lord. Some people need to be led by an iron fist instead of a soft touch. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. The same way one must watch their back the same goes with their front. Anyone that's a shepherd must have this on their mind whenever God shifts the atmosphere.
To end every supper King Mel turns to me for a closing prayer ("Go on Brother J and takes us home," King Mel always says). My prayers are not special or fancy. The words that are spoken out of my mouth are sincere and give glory to God. As we all hold hands around the table, we pray together in one accord. With my eyes closed and head lifted the presence of the Lord takes over. When the presence of the Lord takes control, I pray for the flourishment of New Earth's ministry. I pray for the Lord to give King Mel and Sarai protection and strength to keep up the good fight. I pray that we as a congregation will stay fixed on sound doctrine. I pray that God will humble us and make us meek in the face of adversity. I pray that our names will be added to the Lamb's Book of Life. I pray that we as a congregation stick together and display brotherly love towards one another. I pray that God blesses us with the tools we need to expand and plan for the future. And let the church say, Amen.
TO BE CONTINUED....
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