The Choices We Make

Gary Orlando Mason

     John 8:47- ⁴⁷ He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."

     That is some hot scripture.  When I read it yesterday I knew I was going to expound on it.  Right after I read it I understood why a lot of people aren't Christians, why they don't like Christians and why they won't follow Jesus Christ.

     Loving Jesus and following and obeying His Word have been the most life-giving, rewarding actions I could ever do.  It wasn't easy to do at first because I didn't want to surrender my life and the way I was living it, over to Him.  I didn't know him and I didn't trust him.  I also thought I could bring happiness to myself through my own actions.  But I found out that I could do nothing worthwhile for myself.  Not only that, but I couldn't do anything for anyone else either.  I was living a miserable existence as I tried to find happiness in drugs and women and false friends and money and material items.  Woe to me, my life as I knew it was slowly but surely coming to an end.


     As I look back I see where I was headed which was certain death with an unfulfilled, meaningless life.  People that know me, know of some of the struggles I went through such as drug addiction.  They've heard me say how I was able to overcome that bondage which was through Jesus Christ.  They hear me talk and they see my joy and happiness yet they don't want to accept that I achieved it through Jesus Christ.  Not only that, but they don't believe they can have peace, joy and success in life by giving up their life to God.  They see me moving forward in an extraordinary way, they hear me give praise consistently to God for all I have, yet they won't make the connection as to how I have success and am able to get through crisis with strength and love.


     How sad it is to hold on to misery with both hands and believe that is all there is for you.  Fear is not a part of God's plan for any of us and to live in it is to not know God.  Worrying about anything, but especially things you can't control, will not add one day to you life but will definitely subtract some.


     Come on people.  Get it together.  Realize how far you go in life without God and discover how far you can go with Him!

Growing up slowly but surely

     So, my last week of school break is coming to an end as is the community service I've been doing while I was on vacation(some vacation).  Anyways, I've managed to stay busy during these two weeks.  I celebrated my first year of recovery, I've cracked open a couple of my upcoming books, I filmed and edited another segment to my Recovery in Jesus series, community service(40 hours),  attended a couple of CA meetings, co-led a substance abuse class(twice), attended church, debated with a Muslim about Christianity vs. Muslim and had several revelations of which I will share one here.

     As my one year anniversary of sobriety went by, I reflected on my life over the last twenty years and I came to the conclusion that I am maturing.  Ya, I know, I should've already matured as I am long in the tooth and forty-two summers past.  Hey, it takes some of us longer than others and still some never get there, so calm down.  Be happy that I'm making progress.

     Anyways, I had a revelation about sobriety and that was, as I continue to lead a drug-free life, I've started growing again in areas that I had stopped due to long term drug use.  I started drinking at the ripe old age of eleven and was using drugs by fifteen.  My intellectual growth slowed down considerably due to the chemical interaction in my brain and I basically remained a teenager, mentally, until recently.  That's what drugs do.  They stop your mind from growing.  When I decided to stop using, that was my first step toward maturing.  I made an adult decision to do something positive and productive and my intellect has been catching up at record speed with my age.

     I used drugs as a child and I remained one far longer than I should have.  It's past time for me to be the man I'm supposed to be!

Weathering the storm

     I had a revelation this morning about how I deal with problems as they arise and how people deal with them in general and it came to me that when you truly love and trust Jesus you're able to get through times of turmoil easier than without Him.  As a matter of fact, during some times of trouble, you won't even recognize the trouble because you are completely covered and absorbed in The Holy Spirit.  That's awesome!

     I know this may sound radical or impossible but I know it to be truth.  The more I stay in The Word of Jesus Christ, the more I surround myself with people, places and things of Jesus Christ, is the more I'm able to withstand the things that attack me that are not of Jesus Christ, namely everything of this world that doesn't line up with The Word of Jesus Christ.

     I've noticed that things that use to bother me or irritate me have little effect on me now.  I'm not moved by peoples negative words or opinions anymore.  Not even that long ago I would imagine choking the life out of people that would say or do crazy, disrespectful things around me.  Today not so much so.  I love Jesus so much that I'm in constant conversation with Him.  It's like when I see or hear something that bothers me I go straight to Him and tell Him about it.  He's my best friend, my brother, my father and when I tell him about something, He hears everything I say and He usually points out a few things that I've overlooked such as I need to quit trippin' and move on and don't let these petty things get to me.  We both laugh, shake our heads and move on.  That's awesome.

     Having Jesus there for me is the difference maker and has not only saved a lot of people from getting the sense knocked into them by me but has really saved me from hurting myself with stress and grief.

Dharma is not at peace with Christianity

  Last night I attended a court ordered substance abuse class at Phoenix Shambhala Meditation center which studies Dharma as it pertains to recovery.

     I was not happy to be there because I don't believe it's right that I have to participate in another religions practice because I'm court ordered to.  I was also unhappy because we've never studied recovery through Christian methods yet here we are at a Buddhist temple studying recovery.

Frank

 

     So, let me tell you how I perceived the events from last night.  First, the gentleman that was instructing the class was a personable, quiet, elderly man named Frank.  Frank specifically told the class that the study of Dharma doesn't teach against any religion as it can be a supplement to all religions.  During the class he informed us to allow all thoughts to run through our minds and not to label them good or bad just allow them to go through and out.  This is in direct opposition to The Word of Jesus Christ as Christ commands us to capture any negative thinking and expel it out of our minds and hearts as quickly as it enters.  Frank instructed that there is no right or wrong, that there is only pure reality and to reach peace and joy we cannot hinder ourselves with doctrines and dogma.  Christianity is a doctrine of how to live life according to a set of beliefs and principles that lead to a high quality and peaceful, productive life.  Again, I found Franks subtle words contrary to Christianity.  I remind you, he said Dharma does not teach against any religion yet that is exactly what it does.

     Toward the end, Frank allowed for a question and answer session after which many of my classmates were asking how to use meditation as an everyday tool.  My friend and brother Reggie asked how Dharma recognizes a "higher power" which Frank answered by saying, "What is a higher power?"  "Couldn't a tree be a higher power? Or couldn't the four season's be considered a higher power?"  Frank said, and I quote, "I have trouble understanding Christianity but Dharma can compliment any belief!"  This was one of many things he said during the course of an hour that I found inaccurate and offensive.  Even as I write this I am considering litigation against Maricopa Superior Court because I am certain there are rights protecting us from being forced to participate in religious programs.

     Anyways, I'm interested in anyone's thoughts concerning this post.  Please feel free to respond!

What more do you need to succeed?

     I was watching T.D. Jakes this morning and he was making a statement about how Satan takes care of his children, pimps, prostitutes, drug dealers, and drug czars financially. Wouldn't it make sense and be obvious that God would take care of his children (those that love Him and are called according to His purpose) better than Satan could ever take care of his?

     When I heard that I knew it was right.  I was a bit saddened because I knew this truth all along yet I have been operating in a way that doesn't glorify this.  I was saddened because I shouldn't have to have someone point this truth out to me.  I should be operating on such a level of faith and belief and trust in God that I have no fears, no doubts, no worries.

     I personally know drug dealers that have large amounts of money, shoot, they have over $250,000,000 dollars of my money from over the years.  I know of a lot people that don't love God that are very prosperous, financially.  I know and I believe God is mightier and greater than he who is in the world.  It isn't possible for someone who truly loves God to be less than one that doesn't.  We are the head, not the tail!

      I am very prosperous in every way except finances.  I declare that I am going to reach and receive the blessings God has for me concerning finances.  I believe and I have faith in The Father that I am on the path He has set forth for me and that I am moving in His will and not mine.  I love you Father and I praise you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Work Harder!

     After receiving my grades for this past term, I've resolved to work harder and achieve a 4.0 next term.  I can do it.  I just need to focus on the areas where I am weak at and work on them.  First, I need to continue in my study of The Word as this feeds my mind and gives me insight on how to live and accomplish Gods will.

     In case anyone is wondering, it's been through Jesus Christ that I have experienced the success I have so far in college and in life.  I started college with some doubts and fears that I've been able to overcome because of my faith and belief in Jesus Christ.  Now, I look forward to challenges with the knowledge that I can rely on God for assistance.  And believe me, I've relied on Him for help in all areas of my life and school is no different.

     My goal is a 4.0 and I plan to get that.  I also have a goal of producing quality, professional material and making a profit from my work.  These are the goals.  I will continue to seek Gods will and align myself with The Word!  Amen!

Sobriety Tip #35

Keep moving Forward

     There are always going to be setbacks, obstacles, and hurdles in life and when one is maintaining sobriety it seems like they double but it is important to recognize them for what they are and to keep moving forward.

     I recently experienced a setback as I confused the dates of a class I was supposed to attend and I missed it.  The consequences could include jail time and or a fine or more community service but that's okay.  It doesn't take away the year of sobriety I've gained and that's what is important.  The way I see it, there's always going to be something coming against me.  I actually look forward to the challenges because I KNOW I'm not going to lose.  I've got Jesus on my side and if He is for me, then who can be against me?

Finals are over, I'm officially on Vacation!

     Just finished the last of my exams and classes and it's vacation time.  Two weeks to be exact until I join my classmates again and I look forward to the downtime even though I will not be going anywhere special as my children just returned to school this week.

     I will actually be working physically harder in the next two weeks than I have in quite some time, as I will be doing community service around the Phoenix valley.  That'll be fun, not, but the alternative is jail time so it looks like I'll be making Phoenix a better place to live by cleaning up it's trash in neighborhood alley's.

    Anyways, I'm happy for the break and I plan to get some projects done.  I've got a substance abuse class I am going to co-lead tonight so I may put up another post depending on how interesting this class is.

Renew your mind, change your life, and understand the perfect will of God!

     You can't see, make or have a change in your life if you do not first renew your mind.  If you want to see a change in your life, if you want different results in your life, you have got to renew your mind.  You've got to look at things differently.  You've got to do things differently, you've got to operate differently.

     I no longer operate in fear, of anything, because I've renewed my mind and I continue to renew my mind on a daily basis.  I use to be addicted to drugs.  I renewed my mind, through Jesus Christ, and am able to live life in a positive, productive way, without drugs.  I use to be jealous, and insecure because of infidelity in relationships on both sides.  I renewed my mind and discovered I was selfish, which was causing me to operate in fear of losing something that was never really mine.  The renewal of my mind allowed me to see that I don't have to depend on other people for my happiness because other people can never fulfill happiness within me.  That's renewal of the mind.

      I look at everything in a different way than I did before I knew Jesus Christ.  I truly believe in and trust Jesus Christ and His Word which gives me a renewed mind and a different way to live.  Now I get results, different results, through the Blood of Jesus Christ. Amen!  I walk and talk with strength and power through Jesus Christ. Amen!

Finals Week

     Well the old man has finals this week and I'm happy to report that all is well.  I've got three projects to turn in and one written, open book final and essay.  As of this writing I've got two projects done and I'm ready for the written final and essay.  I've got until Thursday to finish the other two projects(digital editing) and I believe I will have quality edits to turn in.

     So, I will keep this short as I've got work to do, papers to write and film footage to edit.  I will report back later about my final grades!

Realizing God is present and accounted for

Dr. Charles Stanley

     Dr. Charles Stanley spoke on the power you receive when you recognize God's presence.  I really can relate to that sermon and I thought I would expound on that.

     I walk through my life like most people, with a bit a uncertainty and doubt and fear when it comes to things that are unknown to me but I have been growing in faith and strength through Jesus Christ.  What I have done is look at the world around me with the knowledge of The Word of Jesus Christ.  I truly love Jesus and I trust Him.  In order to activate the power of The Holy Spirit in my life I had to let go of my trust in myself and actually let God work in my life.  The results have been supernatural.

     For one, I don't have the spirit of fear on me any longer, and when it does attempt to make it's presence known, I recognize it immediately for what it is which takes it's power away.  If you believe in and trust Jesus Christ, there's no way you can possibly walk around in fear.  Jesus tells us that if He is for us then who can be against us.  Jesus tells us that He has instilled in us the same power He has over death.  Jesus tells us that we will perform the same miracles and many more than He did when He was on earth.  Knowing all of this and believing it and utilizing it releases the Holy Spirit in your life and allows you to life in peace and strength.

     If you truly love Jesus Christ and believe in Him and allow Him to work in your life, completely, you can overcome all fears, worries and doubts and move in power which is the ability to get results with confidence!

Truth ain't hard to tell, but sometimes it's hard to swallow!

     I led a substance abuse class tonight and the topic of discussion was truthfulness.  I was dismayed at how many people in the group condone lying and believe it's a necessary part of life.  Some of these men were adamant in their beliefs and were not happy to hear my response to them.  At one point during the discussion I summed up our goal for sobriety as this, "If you can't be honest and speak truthfully, you will never achieve sobriety, plain and simple!"  You could hear a pin drop when I said that and one gentleman actually got upset when I called him out on a statement he made that showed some weakness in his program.

     Anyways, I have the opportunity to lead this group every week if I choose to.  My initial response was to never come back but right now I'm thinking there is purpose for me to be there.  Sometimes we are called to do things that we don't like or are not comfortable doing.  It's those times that God has something good for us but it is up to us follow through with the work.  So I guess I've just decided to continue leading this class!

Sobriety tip # 813

     Change your circle of friends and acquaintances.  This may seem like a difficult task and it very likely is but it is crucial when it comes to gaining and maintaining sobriety.  You have got to change the people you surround yourself with, even if it includes family members.  In my case, I cut-off all addicts, thugs, prostitutes, pimps, liars and thieves and surrounded myself with God first, then my immediate family,(wife, kids, parents and in-laws) and college kids.  I'm not around anyone who has an inclination to use drugs and that helps my sobriety immensely.  I remember one time, one of my old homies came by my house and I relapsed that day because I wasn't strong enough to resist.  That was over two years ago.  Today I have a new group of friends and family that actually want the best for me.

     You've got to do something new if you want something new!

Let me show you how God works

     Last Friday I wrote about how my wife's lack of control over her words had caused strife between her mama, a neighbor, and myself.  At that time, what it amounted to was her parents ending their financial assistance to us because my wife was angry and said some things she should've kept to herself.  The next day my wife announces that we have to have a sit down with her parents about our finances.  I immediately told her, "I don't have to talk to anyone about anything, I'm a grown man and what I do at my house is my business!"  I was angry because she caused this whole situation and now I have to be further tormented by having to discuss my household with her parents.

     I went into prayer.  I told God how angry I was and that I don't want to be this way.  I asked for His grace and peace to come upon me, which it did.  I asked that he calm my wife's spirit and reveal Himself to her so she could grow closer to Him.  I asked for peace in my home and I praised the Father for all He has done.

     Fast forward to last night.  We went to my son's hip-hop dance recital with her parents and on the way there my wife asked me if I was ready to have that conversation with her parents.  I shot her a look that should've melted the skin off her face and I thought it served it's purpose as she remained quiet during the short drive.  Right when we pulled into the parking lot my wife loudly says, "mom, Gary and I are ready to talk about our finances now"  My muscles tensed up.  I think I ripped the seat as my butt cheeks clenched together from the white hot anger that was seething through my body.  I got control and remained calm.  As she spoke to her parents, I didn't say anything.  It was pretty much a one sided conversation with my wife doing most of the talking and her mother occasionally chiming in.  After a few minutes it was over.  I stepped out of vehicle and walked around to the side of the building where no one was at and began to call my wife every name I could think of that wasn't hers.  Then I went to God and told Him everything that just happened and how heated I was and how I didn't want to feel this way.  That hot anger subsided and I went into the building and watched my son do his thing.  My wife sat next to me and could tell I was mad but she tried to talk to me like nothing was wrong.  I told her I was mad and that she doesn't consider how I feel or have respect for me and that she only thinks of herself.  When I got home I grabbed my laptop and my headphones and went into my room and listened to some S.O.S band which calms me.  During all of this I kept hearing that passage in The Bible about not letting the sun go down while angry.  The Holy Spirit would not allow me to stay sour.  I looked over at my wife and she had the saddest eyes.  I knew then that I was going to apologize for my anger at her and I did.  She apologized too and I told her not to worry about it and she fell asleep minutes later.

     I went to bed with peace and I woke up with peace.  I kissed my sleeping wife goodbye and started my day on a positive note.  God calls for us to give love freely and willingly not only because it's powerful and good, but because it gives us life.  Thank you Father for the love you give to your children.  I never want to know life without You!

Mama's boys!

     Today is my youngest son Emanuel's birthday.  He's the ripe old age of five and he's incredible.  I vaguely remember when I was that age but I believe I was having as much fun as he is.  Something about my son that is undeniable is that he is a mama's boy.  That boy can't make a move without his mama.  To be fair, I believe all men are mama's boys to some extent.  I love my mama and will do anything she asks me to do.  I try to see her at least once a week as she lives way across town and I don't drive.

Me and my Mama!

     Anyways, I've seen enough fights in my lifetime that stemmed from someone saying something negative about someone's mama.  Shoot, I've bloodied some lips over that.  There's something that strikes a chord in a man's heart when someone says something about their mama and in case there's anyone out there that doesn't know this, beware.  I've seen best friends fight, old men fight, complete strangers fight over words about someone's mama.  I remember in seventh grade this kid said something about my mama and had everyone in the locker room laughing, except me.  I whooped him on the spot and then vowed to whoop him every time I saw him.  Do you know that particular situation lasted until I was in my mid twenties?

     Thankfully I've matured since then and I'm not as sensitive(I think) as I was over negative words.  In a way, I've been forced to "let things slide" as my son Extavius loves tellin' mama jokes.  It's funny coming from a seven year old but I even had to remind him to be respectful because he is talkin' about my mama which is his grandmama.

     All jokes aside, it's okay to be a mama's boy or girl.  Our mama's gave us life and would give theirs for ours.  They love us like no one other than God can.  They've got healing power and can take away our hurts with just a touch or gentle word.  Everyone should thank The Good Lord for their mama!  I love you mom and Happy Birthday Manny!!!