HOUSTON – A great reformer in the 16th century launched a protest movement that struck at the heart of Christendom. The Church CEO had a voracious appetite for extravagance that drained the treasury in a few years. After looking at the empty coffers, he decided to permit letters of indulgences that would pardon and forgive sins. Luther was outraged at this twisting and distorting of the gospel. He protested and Methodism, Baptist and other PROTESTANT denominations can be traced to Luther’s confrontation with error. The 20th century fountainhead of Rev. Kirbyjon Calwell’s church was this epoch changing action by Martin Luther.
Anointed leaders inside and outside the church have used many schemes and devices to support their extravagant lifestyles and separate you from your pocketbook. They end up remorseful after they left the casino and broke the golden goose. In order to monetize vanity, one must have a scheme whether it is eating at the public trough or the public flock’s pocketbook. It’s called an angle on the cuts. For my dear aunt ‘s evangelist, the angle was healing through holy water or holy oil, somewhat like indulgences. The charismatic leader sold the trinkets to the believing public because of FEAR. The only real way to starve your fears is to feed your faith. But who has time to feed their faith when you are afraid of shadows and can’t stop running? The partakers of the trinkets are sincere, but they are also sincerely deceived because they don’t understand finance and trusted the created, more than the creator.
Whether it is Michael Milliken, who was recently pardoned by POTUS 45, or Mr. Madoff or televangelist Jim Baker, power and wealth easily corrupts. Especially when one is drunk with the wine of the world. It hurts when black people plead guilty to fraud and their targets are the elderly, weak and vulnerable. This behavior is not racial but let us not forget that too often we adopt the value system of the oppressor. We reason that gluttony must not be so bad, otherwise the ruling classes could not be so rich and famous. Too much high living, rich food and other vicious enticements erode the will to say “NO.” Fellowship is broken when we no longer possess the discernment to be able to determine how much is enough. The trailblazers taught us that often less is more. Maya Angelou says that our punishment is deserved because we dismissed the wisdom of the ancestors. The wisdom of the elders loudly proclaimed that if an angle appears too good to be true, it is.
Conscience is important because it is a soft pillow to sleep on. Conscience is a course corrector if it has not been put to sleep. Conscience is the father of healthy shame. Conscience applies the brakes to keep you from becoming reprobate. It is good that conscience acts before a merciless district attorney acts to keep you from completely going over the cliff. Some DAs will not plea bargain for they have forensics -gun powder residue and burns, and DNA from the crime scene. Meanwhile, the flock doubles down on polishing your halo.
I heard his attorney arrogantly say that he was going to beat these charges like you beat a rented mule. But JT says that you can’t win with a losing hand.
The GOOD NEWS is there is REDEMPTION after Contrition and Restitution.
Benjamin Mayes preached the greatest sermon that I’ve heard other than the Sermon on the Mount. His sermon was BE KIND TO JUDAS. Know that whether the fall from grace was because of pride, Ignorance, covetousness or envy, there are varying degrees of these sinful virtues in all of us. Being kind to Judas is being kind to ourselves for we have all sold worthless bonds.
Rev. Caldwell, it is incalculable to overstate the way that your gifts have profited this Houston community. You have put first-time homebuyers into wonderful homes and designer communities. You have lifted the downhearted and helped to free the captives from deadly addictions. You helped many to stop running from their shadow by stepping into the shade.
Brother, you have been important to our spiritual life in this nation. Stay true to your God and your native land and COME BACK TO YOUR FAMILY. You have been wounded, but not mortally. I know you are contrite, manning up and paying restitution. THROUGH IT ALL, YOUR CHALLENGE IS TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS WELL WITH YOUR SOUL. CONFRONT ERROR.
YOUR ECCLEASIATICAL AUTHORITY MIGHT NOT HOLD YOUR PLACE, but we don’t leave the wounded on the battlefield.
As the Tan Canary from the Crescent City, Johnny Adams sings, THERE IS ALWAYS ONE MORE TIME.
P.S. Jim Baker was just warned about selling Coronavirus cures. – AANI
Search our archive of past issues Receive our Latest Updates
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
