Dead Weight

A lot of churches are full of dead weight. 20% of the congregation is involved in ministry, the other 80% has their butt imprint on a pew.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 9, 2015

I said it, many churches are full of dead weight; especially megachurches. Megachurches can have 10,000+ members on the roster. Of the 10,000 or so members, what percentage is involved in ministry? I'll wait. I'm not saying all church members are lazy, but some of them are. They come to church to feast on the Word, but when it's time to step up in ministry, you can't get a dozen people to help out. If some people do step up, it's begrudgingly (they won't admit it). Then you have those who don't mind serving because they have a heart for souls. The true servants are the ones you can count on to step up whenever there's a need in the church. You don't have to ask, they know there's a need and they're ready to work. 

The true servants do 80% of the ministry work in the church while the majority has their butt imprint on a pew. When the pastor gives thanks to those who helped out, the slackers want to stand up like they did something; that's the mess that burns me up. I think all churches should adopt a mandatory volunteer policy, where all members must volunteer 3 times a month in different ministries within the church. If they do NOT volunteer, they are kicked out of church. It's harsh, but I'm tired of seeing butt imprints on church pews. In other words, some people can come to church to get fed (the Word), but they won't volunteer in ministry. It's easy to sit on the sidelines and nitpick about what you don't like about this and that ministry when you're not doing nothing.

Count The Cost

Count The Cost.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 12, 2015

Everything has a cost, whether you like it or not. There's a cost for going to college and/or grad school: Most of your time is spent pursuing knowledge, completing assignments and networking for your future career. The cost is less time for a social life, but that's the price you pay for choosing to better yourself. So you want to get married, great. The cost? You give up the single life to be with someone. You can't go into marriage with a single mindset, but so many people try and fail. You want to be a goon? Great. The cost of being a goon is legal issues because the police and District Attorney will have it in for you because they see the carnage you cause in your city and want you off the street quick. If I'm an investor looking to invest in a business, I'm counting the cost: I'm weighing the risks and benefits of investing before I agree to put up my money. It's only right because it is my money, and I want a good return on my investment. No matter what you do, count the cost.

Priscilla Shirer - Speak Lord | Priscilla Shirer 2014

Until a few days ago, I didn't know about Priscilla Shirer. I didn't know she was Dr. Tony Evans daughter until I did a little research. I discovered her through the movie War Room, and that's how I discovered she has her own ministry called Going Beyond Ministries. I've listened to a few of her messages over this past week, and in the short time I've followed her, I enjoy her preaching. I look forward to listening to more of her messages on YouTube. I want to share this message with everyone.

Messages Of Substance vs. Posting Filth

People have no problem posting sexually-oriented memes and thoughts, but struggle with posting messages of substance.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 9, 2015

Social media is good for this. All over social media, folks are comfortable posting filth but when it comes to posting messages of substance, they struggle. Why is posting filth easier than substance? Because posting sexual stuff requires no intelligence. You type freaky stuff and post, that's it. When you're posting substance, you put more thought into your writing. Your thoughts have to flow like water so your reader can follow. For those of you who are new to my blog website, let me give you a brief history: I've debuted Richard's Gospel (formerly The Chill Zone) in Jan. 2012. Richard's Gospel is my view of what's going on in life and the world. I've written 1050 blogs (and counting) covering various subjects like sports, politics & Christianity.  I've shared YouTube videos from time to time and I've posted other bloggers writing on my site. Of the 1000+ blogs I've written, not one of them have been sexually-oriented, because I don't go for that.
I think some people find it easier to post sexual stuff on social media because that's what gets folks attention. Unfortunately, sex sells so if someone's trying to get noticed on social media, post sexual tweets or FB statuses and they're instant social media stars. I'm used to posting my views on the world, so it's nothing for me to write a commentary on whatever I feel led to discuss. I could write an X-rated commentary, but that's not me. It would be awkward because I'm not used to writing about sex. I write what I'm comfortable with, and that's sports, life, Christianity, politics, and my own personal thoughts. I feel like this: It takes less time to post a freaky statement than it does to post substance. Most people are comfortable posting about sex because that's their passion. I'm passionate about real talk, so that's what I write.

Silence Is Golden

I can go several days without turning on my TV; the silence allows me to hear from God.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 9, 2015

Silence should be a staple in every believer's life. Most believers struggle with hearing from God because they don't set aside time to meditate and feast on his Word. God's always speaking, it's that believers don't take time to listen to him. We have time for everything else (social media, IPhone, jobs, friends, school, etc.), but some believers struggle with making time for God. Believers have family and job obligations which I understand, but start off with 30 minutes of quiet time with God. You can pray &/or meditate, read the Word, whatever works. I was praying for God to help me set aside time for him, and he's answered. I usually have my TV on for most of the day, but I struggle to find worthwhile programming. Yesterday, I had the TV off all day so I decided to listen to a YouTube sermon. Afterwards, I read a few verses on my Bible app, followed by prayer and I felt good afterwards. 

Today, I did the same thing, heard a YouTube sermon from Priscilla Shirer (daughter to well-known Dallas minister Tony Evans), and she spoke the real. I listened to 4 of her sermons (2 yesterday, and 2 today) and each one spoke to me. I said that to say this: Sometimes, it's tough finding something worthwhile to watch on TV, so I've decided to dedicate the time I normally spend watching TV to God. It's 7pm right now, and I've never turned on the TV since coming home, and I'm ok with that. Sometimes it's good to sit in silence and meditate. I'm trying to get closer to God and the way I do that is by meditation. Besides, most TV programming is ratchet anyway and I can't take too much ratchet foolishness. I'll take quiet time with God over ratchet foolishness anyday.

Satan Is Real

It's one thing not to believe in God, it's another not to believe in the Devil. Look around you, it's obvious the enemy is real.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 10, 2015

It's one thing not to believe in God, it's another thing when you deny the obvious existence of Satan. Look at what's going on in society from homosexuality running amok to Christians being persecuted for taking a stand for Christ; it's difficult to deny the enemy's existence. If people want to deny God, that's on them, but to deny Satan's existence is borderline crazy. If Satan wasn't real, why did he take 2/3 of the angels with him when God banished him from Heaven? Lucifer (as he was known back then) started getting beside himself and wanted to put himself above the Creator, but God showed him who's in charge. Since Lucifer was kicked out of heaven, he's waged an all-out attack in society. Children being born with disabilities, marriages falling apart, poverty, violent crime, etc. People better wake up & understand there is a real devil out there who's taking as many folks to hell as possible before his time is up.

Collection Of Real Talk

Life is about balance; everyone must be one or the other: Real or Fake, Rich or Poor, Saved or Unsaved, Capitalist or Socialist, etc.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 9, 2015

If a child has to talk sense into a so-called grown person, that adult should be embarrassed. Adults should be dropping wisdom on children.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 8, 2015

When somebody says they're spoiled, it usually means they're selfish. Spoiled people feel entitled to things others have to work for.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 7, 2015

I don't like folks talking down on their ex on social media. It makes you look bitter. Keep it moving if it's over.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 7, 2015

If you want to find out a family's true colors, let money be involved and watch family go at it. Money brings out the worst in people.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 6, 2015

You can't keep it 💯 with people unless they feel like they can talk mess about you. In reality, they want you to keep it 99% with them.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 5, 2015

People can stand up for corruption, but get in their feelings over high school students showing love for Christ before a football game.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 4, 2015

Some friends are around you because they want your blessings & favor.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 3, 2015

Cortez Mack- It's a SAD DAY in our society when people are being PUNISHED and PENALIZED for upholding VALUES, and being MORALLY right. And we keep asking, "Where Are The Examples?" for our youth. Well, they are being CRUCIFIED for exemplifying REAL MORAL VALUES. I know none of us are perfect, but a man that doesn't own his mistakes is not a man. Random Pet Peeve: People who are scared to do things by themselves. Vacations, going to events/festivals, etc. You don't need people in order to have fun. Rachael Guelle In the black community, if you don't worship the drug dealers, the gangbangers, the addicts, the deadbeats, the thieves, basically all the vile shit most normal people hate. You are labeled a COON. How dare I want black people to be drug free, not to kill each other, not to abandon our children, not to steal but to work hard for what we need and want. I am obviously a HOUSE NIGGER because I won't spread the lie, that black lives matter. Smh.

Confidence is staying true to yourself even if others don't like you.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 2, 2015

Everything does not warrant a reaction; sit back and observe some stuff.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) September 9, 2015