The End Of 2018

It never fails. People talk a big game and don't follow through.

Today's Sermon: Fake Apology

An apology is valid if it's followed up with repentance. If you're not willing to repent of whatever transgression that you apologized for, you can keep your fake apology because I don't want it.

Fellas: Choose Better, You Deserve It

Thought For Today: Christmas Ballin'

For some of you, Black Friday is going to be the first week in January. Y'all balled out for Christmas and January bills looking at you like, "Where's My Money?"

COGIC Pastor Kicks Out Drag Queen

COGIC pastor Pastor Rocquemore of Chicago, IL is catching major heat from the LGBT community for kicking out a transgender person of his church. After quick research, it was discovered this transgender person was told several times about coming into the church dressed as a woman. I'm all for sinners coming into God's house, but the Bible clearly forbids men dressing up as women. I stand with this pastor because it's about time we get pastors who aren't afraid to stand on the uncompromising truth of God's word. There are far too many milk toast pastors afraid to tell it like it is for fear of membership decline. I like what this pastor said about God holding him accountable because it's true: When you're in a position of leadership, you're held to a higher standard; that goes double for Christian leaders. Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple, as well as those selling animals. In other words, those people had no respect for God's house. The transgender person did what (s)he thought (s)he could get away with, but they learned today.

Excerpt from Pastor Rocquemore:
 "I hold a standard in here. Whatever you do on the outside is your business, but I will not let drag queens come in here. And if you're gonna come in here you're gonna dress like a man," the pastor said. "When you come in this house if you're a man, dress like a man. If you're a woman, you dress like a woman. I'm not going to allow it. My salvation is more important and God is holding me accountable."

Tell me what's so wrong about what he said...I'll wait. The world wants to regulate Christianity, but as soon as Christianity tries to impose godly standards for society, people are in their feelings. And some of these so-called believers who criticize what this pastor did, I question their salvation. I'm going to keep it real by saying: If people in the world are upset because this pastor did what was Biblically correct, then in his words, "Don't come." Go to one of these other marshmallow churches where you're comfortable in sin and aren't challenged to change.

No More

I don't know how many blessings I've blocked (I'm hoping I haven't blocked any) by keeping people in my life that should've been gone long ago, but no more. I'm trying to get all God has for me, and if I have to choose between my blessings and crossing people out of my life that have no business there, I'm going to choose my blessings every time.

WYD Texts Offensive?

Like the potential gov't shutdown, for example? Some things are too trivial to get offended over.

Pastor John Gray Criticized For Buying Wife $200K Lamborghini

Here we go again: People are in their feelings over Pastor John Gray buying his wife a $200,000 Lamborghini. The man has written books, has his own TV show, speaking engagements and I'm sure he has other income sources outside of ministry, so tell me why folks are mad again? Because they believe ministers are supposed to be broke & busted. As long as he didn't use church money to buy his wife the car, people should cut it out. I'm sure his wife enjoys the car, so let her and John be great.

Classic

I sporadically post some of my favorite songs from various decades, and this happens to be one of them.

I remember this song being played on the Cosby Show, when Bill & Claire celebrated their grandparents anniversary. Ray Charles - (Night time Is) The Right Time https://t.co/QTTbggsMcB via @YouTube

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) December 16, 2018

Today's Thought: Deadbeat Fathers Have No Rights To Their Children

Earlier today, I watched a Steve Harvey talk show clip where this single mother's son asked her to send him to military school, so she decides to send him. Her family is against the idea because the boy is 12, and they think he's not capable of making wise choices. Get this, the father wasn't involved in the boy's life at all. Here's the video footage:

Family Questions Parenting Choice

Kudos to this young man. This mother did the right thing by sending the boy to military school so he can get the structure and discipline he needs to do big things in life. I like how she admitted that she's not a man, so she doesn't know the first thing about raising a boy into a man. So many single mothers try to raise sons into men and while some are successful, they leave out where they had father figures along the way to show their sons what manhood is about. Unless this mother's family is taking part in raising this boy, they should have several seats and let this mother continue doing the awesome job she's doing with her son. Where do some fathers get off thinking they can dictate how their kids are raised when they weren't around since Day 1, and refuse to be in their children's lives?

Role Reversal

The idea for this blog came from someone's FB, where they posted the following meme:

Role reversal at it's finest. What's worse is that there are women who are ok with their pretty man, and men being ok with letting their woman make the money. Liberalism has done major damage to the roles of men & women. I don't want to hear nothing about "what works in your household, may not in everyone else's." There's a reason why God gave men & women separate roles, and that's to complement each other. I don't care about anyone else, but as a man, I feel whole when I'm grinding. I couldn't & wouldn't leave it up to my woman to be hardworking. Some of these men want to call themselves men when they have their woman working while they sit home and do nothing, I cannot.

"Racist", Overrated?

Racist is the most overused term today. People throw out the racist card for every little thing, even when there's nothing racist about someone, something or some place.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) December 15, 2018

You Have Not Because You Ask Not - Steve Harvey Rags to Riches video tes...

The Black Community Watched Out For Each Other

One time for my FB friend Vanessa for this trip down memory lane as it relates to the black community. I hope we as blacks can return to looking out for each other like we did back in the day.

Thought For Today: How Christians Should Vote

These last two elections have shown me how important it is to vote according to who closely aligns with godly values. I get that no candidate is perfect, but Christians should know better than to vote for what God is against.

Christians should vote for the candidates who most closely align w/biblical principles, who are pro-life & support religious freedom. Otherwise progressives & those who stand for godless secularism will be put into key leadership roles. 3/3

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) November 5, 2018

Loving The Unlovable

Some people are toxic to the point where they need to be written off and cast into the sea of forgetfulness.

“Those who act the worst, need the most love”.
One issue with this is that no matter how much love a mean, hateful person gets, they will still be mean & hateful.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) December 7, 2018

Dating Someone Of A Different Religion

2 Corinthians 6:14 states do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, which means don't get involved with an unsaved person. This can extend to someone outside religion. There's too many issues that can arise.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) December 7, 2018

Submission: When Not To Submit

Some men need to study the word submission and what it really means, because these dudes take submission to mean their wife submits to every demand, even if it goes against God. They miss the part where man submits to God because God is the ultimate head, then wife submits to her husband. A wife is NOT obligated to submit to her husband if his request goes against God's law. Being that God frowns upon abortion, she would be correct in refusing to get one, even at her husband's displeasure. Going further, a Godly man would NEVER instruct his wife to do anything against God. Man submits to God, wife submits to husband. A man's responsibility as the head is to lead honorably.

Question Of The Day

Do you think prenuptial agreements are necessary? ❤️

— Mel Mann, MBA, M.Ed. 🎗 (@MelDMann) December 4, 2018

Answer: Yes, because they're a good way to weed out the undesirables. I used to believe prenups weren't necessary because people marry each other for love and companionship, but my eyes were opened after reading how many couples had bitter divorces, and the wife cleaned the husband out; left him almost penniless. The men were well-off, very successful. People change in marriage; the person you married 20 or 30 years ago isn't the same person 30 or 40 years from now (if y'all make it that far). All prenups do is ensure you leave with what you came into the relationship with. Make it so bad, some spouses get upset when their partner asks them to sign a prenup because in the spouse's eyes, (s)he doesn't trust them. Well...if people weren't so foul, prenups wouldn't be needed, but because people marry for ulterior motives, a prenup is necessary to protect the person coming into the relationship. Not everyone comes into your life with good intent, so you would be foolish to open your heart to an undesirable person. God gives us a brain, and he expects us to use it.

What if you're engaged to someone and you ask them to sign a prenup, they get upset and leave? Any (wo)man who gets upset at their partner's request to sign a prenup and leaves is doing the other person a big favor. The newly single person should see it as God looking out for them by showing them what that person was really about. 

Thought For Today: Some People Will Be Left Behind

As you elevate in life, some people will remain stagnant. It's no slight to you because when you're blessed, you want your loved ones to share in that blessing, but maybe...just maybe they're content at their current level.

Everybody that comes with you, can’t go all the way with you.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) December 3, 2018

Steve Harvey Thanks God

Steve Harvey Gives Thanks To God

I was listening to SHMS this morning and Steve went in on praising God for his success. Anyone who can go through what Steve has and come out on top, should never tire of thanking God. To hear Steve praise God for his success makes me more of a fan.

As A Man Thinks, So Is He

This came fresh off the Steve Harvey FB page.

Thought For Today

An elder told me “sickness has no friends. People will hang with you when you’re well, but if you get sick, they scatter like rats.”

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) November 6, 2018

Power vs. Wisdom, Knowledge & Understanding

My mom and I had a Biblical discussion yesterday evening and she brought this topic to me. She asked me which would I rather have, Power or Wisdom, Knowledge & Understanding? My response was: I'd rather have Wisdom, Knowledge & Understanding because power automatically comes with that. Many kings throughout the Bible were very powerful, but other than Solomon, not many of them had the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of how to use that power in a godly manner. Solomon was the wisest king because not only was he powerful, but he asked God for wisdom. Wisdom, Knowledge & Understanding makes one far more powerful than just mere power.

Revelation

Amen. I have to keep this in mind

You Play, You Pay

Thanksgiving Gospel

How you know it's personal is when the person goes out of their way to destroy your good name.

Thought For Today: Relationship Etiquette

This is how relationships are supposed to work. Don't mind the hogwash that says you ave to fuss in order to have a successful relationship.

Hey Grandma, what's up? Listen....

The only time family members check on their elderly relatives is when they want them to cook Thanksgiving dinner.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) November 17, 2018

Today's Scripture

One thing I like about Bible apps is you can share them on social media, which I share my favorite verses from time to time.

“If you have sinned, you should tell each other what you have done. Then you can pray for one another and be healed. The prayer of an innocent person is powerful, and it can help a lot.”

James 5:16 CEV https://t.co/Tyz6tFiyBO

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) November 13, 2018

Wisdom

Something for some women to think about before they lay down and have kids with a potential deadbeat father.

A child cannot and will not make a man act like a man.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) November 10, 2018

Tuesday Encouragement

Everyone doesn't need to see your struggle, just the finished product.

Dynomite

I want to give a shout out to my FB friend Rosalyn Mason for this fire post. She spoke for many of us who feel the same way. Not one lie was told, all facts spoken. I've made similar posts about this very issue, and Rosalyn confirmed what I, and other likeminded people think. My thing is, the time Democrats spend hating Trump is time that should be spent preparing a candidate to go against him in 2020, but you know what: Let the Dems continue wasting time hating Trump. All that's doing is making it easier for him to win a second term in 2020. Democrats are playing checkers, Republicans are playing Chess.

Sunday Preaching

Friday Wisdom

Most people do for those they have history with.

Today's Thought

To oppose God’s word is what takes you to hell.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) October 31, 2018

Bills, Bills, Bills

Scenario: I Can't Take It Anymore

We don't ask for a lot of unfortunate circumstances in life, but they happen. We live in a fallen world so there will be unfortunate circumstances that take place. It's said that life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it, but this scenario here...I can't. My thought is this: Some people want to rewrite the wedding vows to say: I promise to cherish you for better, as long as you're in good health, and rich. I came up with this scenario because it's one that all married couples are facing, or will face (God forbid). The husband is dead wrong on many levels. It's bad enough his wife had two strokes, but divorce consideration is foul. This is the time she needs him the most. 

Situations like this are why couples need to be careful when they decide to marry because God forbid, they have to deal with something like this. The irony of this scenario is that I remember reading about this very situation online, where a rich man divorces his wife because she got really sick. I don't know the outcome, but I would think he's paying hefty alimony and spousal support. I understand the anger of seeing your spouse incapacitated, so I think this is where a lot of his anger is coming from. He's making $500K annually with bonuses, so I'm sure he can afford top-notch care for his wife. How does he think she feels? She feels ugly, useless because she can't do what she used to, but he has to be strong for himself and her.

Everyone says they got you when times are good, but when hard times come, you find out who's "got you."

I'm doing this & that; Oh really? Prove It.

Who are you trying to impress?

Not everything needs to be posted on social media. Learn the art of keeping them guessing. https://t.co/t4uzJjIoxR

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) October 27, 2018

Step 1: Repentance, Step 2: Forgiveness...

This is how forgiveness SHOULD go

When true repentance occurs, that's when forgiveness should be extended.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) October 27, 2018

Thought For Today

Buying The Hood

From time to time, videos pop up on my FB timeline about how successful blacks leave the hood instead of buying the hood. In order for that to work, you have to rid the hood of the criminal element: gangs, drug dealers, and murderers.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) October 25, 2018

Rae Carruth Prison Release

Rae Carruth released from prison and wants custody of the child he tried to kill; tell me how that makes sense. This is the SAME child that has cerebral palsy because of his actions. The shooter got 40 years, so Rae Carruth should’ve gotten 40 years or the death penalty. I don’t think he should be allowed to see his kid because he didn’t care about the child’s well being when his girlfriend was shot 4 times and died, so why would he care now? Besides, his kids probably don’t and won’t remember him. Rae isn’t truly free because he has to live with causing his child’s disability. I hope the disabled boy can have some sort of independence.

Internet Fame

In the end, no one's going to care how many followers you had on Twitter or how many likes, shares and retweets you had.

If you’re only claim to fame is social media, you need to re-evaluate your life.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) October 21, 2018

Bible Study

One day I was doing some Biblical research and this is what I came upon. Then...who knew that Hurricane Michael would share the same name as one of the Archangels?

8 Biblical Facts About Archangel Michael | Who is the Archangel Michael? | - Beliefnet https://t.co/ox1DcYkoWT

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) October 10, 2018

Thursday Real Talk

Fake Love

It's real funny how much love you have for someone after they die, but didn't bother showing them love while they were alive.

Tuesday Encouragement

Shout out to Janea King for this powerful message:

Word For The Day

Pulled this out of the vault, thanks for the encouragement Tanya Ware. Even though you're wild at times, you're alright with me.

Question Of The Day

I think with marriage, you and another person are choosing to become one, to bear one another's burdens, love each other unconditionally, all that other stuff. When kids come on the scene, that's more of a commitment that's required of the parents because they need to be sure they can financially take care of the child for an 18-year minimum. 

Thought For Today

The Side Eye

Women SAY they want a man that's in touch with his emotional side, but deep down they're attracted to strength in a man. They want a man they can look to for strength even when he has reason to break down.

A man that gets emotional to his woman loses her respect.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) October 7, 2018

Betrayal

Credit goes to LaTonya for this post. Folks better watch those close to them; people are good pretenders.

Take Care Of Me

I'm a big believer in doing for self. There's nothing like being able to do your own laundry, cook your own meals, etc. This post sums up my feelings towards men who say they want a woman to take care of them. I guess many of them got their wish since some women take care of their man with no problem. The only man a woman should take care of is her husband, period (and vice versa). Women taking care of men who they aren't married to is not a good look; it never was & never will be.

History Of Tithing

Most believers aren't educated on tithing, they do it because God commands them to (which is true). It's important to research the history behind various activities of the Christian faith.

I'll Take The Anointing, Not The Persecution

Throughout Jesus time on earth, he had a powerful anointing which came with a lot of persecution. Believers can't get God's anointing without persecution.

Attention vs. Intention

When Steve Harvey said this on his morning radio show, it got me thinking about the intent behind people giving you attention. Even if people give you good attention, you should still question the intent behind it because some folks have ulterior motives.

Thought For Today

Not much has changed.

10/2 Strawberry Letter: I Can Do Bad By Myself

My response:

I also want to add that she kept making children with this dude, knowing he wasn't trying to better himself, so who's really at fault here?

Blessed To Be A Blessing

After listening to this interview, one time for Kevin Hart for not only making it, but giving opportunities to others so they can shine too. I've got a new level of respect for him after this interview. As far as Tiffany Haddish goes, anyone who goes from rags to riches is good with me. Someone made a valid point when they said Kevin is where Katt Williams could've been and they're right. Katt Williams is one of the most talented comedians in comedy, but he let drugs destroy his talent. I hope Katt Williams can get clean (if he hasn't already) so he can return to being the best of the best in stand-up.

Kevin Hart And Tiffany Haddish Address Katt Williams, Talk Night School ... https://t.co/9snhv9n4FD via @YouTube

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 29, 2018

Today's Thought

Everyone's in their feelings over Bill Cosby being charged with sexual assault. I was a Bill Cosby fan just like most people, but I never thought he was above wrongdoing. I guess I just don't put celebrities on pedestals, then act shocked when they're accused of wrongdoing.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 29, 2018

Question Of The Day

One time for a FB friend for posting this thought-provoking question:

My answer: I feel God calls some sins abominations because they bring greater guilt. Abomination is something that is highly hated above all else. Sin is sin, but there are certain sins that God will hate above others.

Rant

Long Commutes To Work

What annoys me is people who complain about long commutes to work. Well, no one told you to live an hour or so from your job, knowing you have to commute to and from work daily. People who do this have no one to blame but themselves. Many employees with bad commutes have them because they work in the city they don't live. For example: If I worked in Boston, wouldn't it make sense to live in Boston? Why live an hour away from Boston knowing I have to commute to work in the city 5 days a week? That eats up fuel, contributes to freeway traffic, among other annoyances. I deal in common sense, and common sense tells me to live close to my job (which I do), so I have less driving, which helps me save on gas, etc. Or if you live in a major city, living on one side of town while working on another. City traffic is hectic as is, and the last thing any city needs is people who live on one side of town while working in another area of the city. Once again, I'm blessed to live and work on the same side of my city. 

Faith Or Worry?

I've gotten MUCH better with this over the years. It was easy for me to say I have faith in God, but deep down I second guessed him as to whether I need to step in and make it happen somehow or sit back and let God do him. Now, I declare my faith in God and sit back and let him come through. Still, I put works behind my faith because faith without works is dead.

Throwback Wisdom

This was posted by me back in 2012, but it's still good, timeless advice.

Boaz Isn't Looking For You

The irony of some women who expect a man to love them despite all their flaws, but they won't do the same for him. Could that be the reason why some women don't have their Boaz?

Today's Thought

The thought of men competing for a woman is ridiculous.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) August 25, 2018

I said it, any man who competes with other men for a woman is a clown. For one, a woman already has her mind made up as to who she wants. Two, a man can have everything a woman is looking for and still not get chosen. Three, I compete for prizes that only I can win. 

Life Without God

All the mess I've gone through, how could I not need God in my life? I tell God daily, if it wasn't for him, I would be in bad shape.

Be You

I'll never understand why some people go out of their way to change into who others want them to be. Maybe it's not for me to understand, especially since I'm comfortable in my own skin.

Stay Or Go?

I've been thinking about the many fathers who have found out their child they've been raising since Day 1 is not theirs, and it's because of the mother's deception. Honestly, I'm torn because he's invested in the child's life from Day 1 and it would crush the child to know the only father (s)he's ever known is no longer around. I can't say I fault any man who chooses to leave upon finding out he's not the father, but at the same time, think of the child's feelings. For me, if I've invested in a child's life from Day 1 only to find out I'm not the bio father, I'd continue taking care of the child for several reasons: 1. I've become attached to the child since I've been there for him/her since Day 1. 2. The bio dad is nowhere to be found, so he can stay gone. 3. I couldn't risk hurting the child by leaving even though I would have every right to because I'm not the bio father.

I commend the men who choose to stay in the child(ren)'s life even though they're not the biological father. Doing that is the epitome of selflessness.

Food For Thought

If God's the center of your marriage, but you find yourself contemplating divorce, something's wrong. I hear couples who have fought and fussed, and they stayed together and worked it out. My thing is, if God was the center of a marriage, divorce should've never became a thought.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 18, 2018

Strawberry Letter: He Wants Me But Not The Children

If he wanted her, but not the children, maybe he shouldn't have agreed to be the father of her kids. Let's be honest, she was a package deal when they first met, and now he's in his feelings because he can't have her without the children? Be for real. This man must be high because any parent knows that parenting is a life-long job. Even though kids turn into adults, they'll always need their parents in some fashion, whether it's for advice or help with the grandkids. He signed up for this, this is the choice he made so he needs to man up. If he feels this way about the children, how was he feeling while raising them? The answer is obvious: She may have to spend her golden years alone because the husband doesn't want anything to do with the children because "he's done." No, a parent is done raising children when they go to the grave.

Mice To Rat

You can never trust rats because you don't know where their loyalties lie. If a rat can throw you under the bus to save themselves, that's what they'll do.

I Like That

I've heard this song on the radio for quite sometime and it's got a catchy beat, so I decided to showcase it.

Being Woke Requires You Sleeping

Everyone who is now woke wasn't always woke; If they're honest, they'll admit they were sleep before their eyes were opened.

Amen! In order to be woke, you had to be sleep. https://t.co/cVTjHBmaQu

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 9, 2018

Thought For Today

I will always...ALWAYS advocate peace of mind over unconditional love. No one should have to go to war outside and inside the home. If you can't have peace in your home with the one you so-called love, why are you with them? Better yet, where can you have peace?

Dead Churches

Truth vs. Reception

The truth will be received ugly even if you tell it in love.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 6, 2018

Humility

Most people forget that some of their favorite actors, rappers, singers, etc. had regular jobs before they got famous. Even former president Barack Obama had a regular job before he got to President status. I said that to say this: Let People Be Great.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 5, 2018

A Word On Prayer

People have the phrase "Prayer changes things" twisted, so this should bring clarity to the statement.

Throwback Message

Throwback message that continues to be true today. The same people standing up for corruption are the same ones that blame God for the state of society. No, you wanted God out, you got your wish, so deal with the consequences.

Gender Confusion

I'm going to put this gender confusion crap to rest: You can feel like a woman or man all you want, but if your body parts say otherwise, you're a man or woman, period.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) August 31, 2018

The Name Of Jesus

Everything must come under subjection when believers call on Jesus.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) August 31, 2018

Mid-week encouragement