Raising the Standard

My Top 10 by Bryan Miller

2010-01-03T08:17:00.000-08:00

As we approach the New Year a number of TV shows feature the top 10 things that have happened over the past year. The top 10 funniest commercials, the top ten scandals, and the top 10 sports events just to name a few. Well here are my top 5 happenings for M.O.G. in the past 10 years. (Mine are in no particular order)

Celebrating our 10 Year Anniversary December 5, 1999 – December 5, 2009
Ministering at our first event – ALO’s Praise Joint in 2000
Being part of the first meeting to establish the UCCFS – Virginia Beach, VA – August 2006
Establishing our second under grad chapter at Stephen F. Austin State University – Abishai Chapter
Seeing Rodney Shepherd propose to his wife Kendra at one of ALO’s Praise Joint events after M.O.G. had just ministered

I encourage you to put together your top “whatever” list. It will help you remember the good times and God’s great blessings.

Merry Christmas by Bryan Miller

2010-01-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

As Christmas approaches we are always constantly reminded to be politically correct. For example, say “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” because not everyone celebrates Christmas. I can remember having a conversation with a friend who told me that her young son is in a music class at school. Recently, they were learning to sing the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, except the teacher told the class that it was going to be “We Wish You a Merry X-Mas”. Of course her child being a Christian questioned the teacher as to why that is the case. His teacher said the normal statement, “not everyone celebrates Christmas and we don’t want to not offend anyone.”

Well it offends her son and many others not to be able to say Merry Christmas. Not to mention the song is ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, not X-Mas.

For me Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. So I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

2009-05-03T14:49:00.000-07:00

THE

BEAUTY OF

TRANSLUCENCE

As spring immerges and the countdown until summer begins I’ve notice a reoccurring trend among the new fashion looks for the upcoming season. The rise of the Translucent Age!

It looks like one of the more popular styles for the summer is a fresh take on a summertime classic the basic t-shirt. Reminiscent of the see through craze of the late 1980’s this sheer translucent tee looks poised to be the hipster sensation of the summer.

Although I personally am not keen to the style I think there is a lot to be said about its design. Its translucent construct invokes a sense of boldness and assurance among those daring enough to dawn the shirt. And its unbranded motif is a perfect illustration of how great design can be the catalyst in the transference of qualities from garment to wearer.

And that got me thinking! There something about the intrinsic honesty woven within the shirts design that’s really interesting. By its nature it can do nothing but reveal the true form and essence of that which resides beneath it. Acting in function as a covering but in form as a window. I wonder what would happen if we as Christians dared to be translucent. What would happen if we stopped trying to mask our faith to accommodate the world and revealed whom we truly are inside?

So often we establish ourselves at our jobs, with co-workers, and among mutual friends all without ever leaving a single shred of evidence that we are followers of Christ. But if we truly share in this endosymbiotic relationship with Christ then we should be obliged to show case the Christ within us.

Yes, I believe the manner in which we live our lives is perhaps the strongest testimony we can offer, but I wonder if there is more required of us. If there is an obligation to become at least translucent if not transparent to the world around us. After all we were called to be a shining light before men in a dark and faltering world, and what better way than to showcase Christ within!

~ Ambassador Peaceful

Everyone Gets Tired by Bryan Miller

2009-05-02T09:28:00.001-07:00

Last night my beloved Spurs lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs. This is the first time in a long time that they have been knocked out so early in the playoffs, but it was clear that they were tired and hurt. After looking back on their season commentators and fans remembered that both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginoboli played in the Olympics over the summer. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan played in the NBA All-Star game this year and several new comers have never played in the NBA playoffs before. Anyone team who has their best players playing year around is going to find themselves tired and injured.

I thought about my own life and the many things I have been through in the past year and realized it is okay to be a little tired and possibly needing to recover from injury. Life can deal some heavy blows and even the word says we should rest on the Sabbath. The Spurs will have a longer summer break for the first time in a long time which will give them time with their families, time to heal and time to reflect on the great accomplishments they have had in the past several years. We should all do the same.

God bless!

Up by Bryan Miller

2009-04-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

My daughter is now 1. Now when I come home, the first thing she does when she sees me is say, "UP". I pick her up and say daddy loves you and misses you. I have gone to work for you, to provide for you, and now I am home to love you. Anytime she says, "UP" I know she wants to sit up in my arms and be loved and protected and cared for.

That is what we want in our relationship with God, just to be able to say "UP". Develop a close relationship with God, one that is not just give and take (He gives and you take), but one that fosters love so that the next time you are having a bad day and just need to be hugged by your Father, all you have to say is "UP".

Word on the Street

2009-02-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

Keep up with the fellas of Men of God Christian Fraternity, Inc., one hundred and forty characters at a time, at www.twitter.com/mogfrat.

And It's Good by Blaine Mountain

2009-02-01T13:50:00.001-08:00

There has never been a day more appropriate, than a day like today, to discuss man's innate desire to worship. As hundreds of thousands of men gather today to enjoy good food and camaraderie in front of television sets that span the length of walls, they unknowingly congregate for one purpose, to lavish praise.

Painted faces, boisterous declarations of dominance, and authentic jersey's paying homage to men of great physical strength and ability are evidence of this grand statement: worship is who we are. We long to boast and celebrate for those things that are awe inspiring. We wait for a moment to lift our hands and raise our voices. Ultimately, we are creatures of worship.

But far superior to any football game, is the King of Kings who sits mightily on his throne, for the earth is his foot stool. And as we lift our glasses and try not to knock over the queso, let us not forget the one who makes all things possible.

Much Love

2009-02-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

If you love his music, then you're definitely going to love his new blog.