Clarence E. Stowers, Author at Clarity for Your Second Act

A Picture IS Worth a Thousand Words

by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 30, 2013 | Christian, Christianity, Easter Weekend, Events, History, Mars Hill Baptist Church

Over two thousand years ago, in the Middle East, an event occurred that permanently changed the world. Because of that event, history was split. Every time you write a date, you’re using the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the focal point.

What’s so important about Easter? It’s important because it proved that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was God in the flesh, and He came to earth to save us. Four events occurred in a dramatic succession on that Easter weekend: the betrayal of Jesus, then the suffering of Jesus, next came the crucifixion of Jesus, and finally the resurrection of Jesus.

It’s been said a picture is worth a thousand words so Let’s look at each of those events and their implications.

But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” (John 6:64 NLT).

While we cannot be absolutely certain why Judas betrayed Jesus, some things are certain. First, although Judas was chosen to be one of the Twelve, all scriptural evidence points to the fact that he never believed Jesus to be God. He even may not have been convinced that Jesus was the Messiah (as Judas understood it). Unlike the other disciples that called Jesus “Lord,” Judas never used this title for Jesus and instead called him “Rabbi,” which acknowledged Jesus as nothing more than a teacher. You can read more HERE.

But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man. Isaiah 52:14

Jesus suffered most severely throughout the trials, torture, and crucifixion (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19). As horrible as His physical suffering was, it was nothing compared to the spiritual suffering He went through.

Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded. Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?” (John 18:22-23 NLT)

Beginning before 6:00am, Jesus was subjected to harsh interrogation, beaten, spit on, mocked, brutally whipped, and finally convicted and made to carry His cross to His own crucifixion. He was nailed by His hands (or wrists) and feet to the cross and left hanging for hours before He died. You can read more about it HERE.

Scripture presents conclusive evidence that Jesus Christ was in fact resurrected from the dead. Christ’s resurrection is recorded inMatthew 28:1-20;Mark 16:1-20;Luke 24:1-53; andJohn 20:1–21:25. The resurrected Christ also appeared in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:1-11). The resurrection is not an event, it’s a person and His name is Jesus.

What a glorious truth the resurrection of Christ is! “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Did you enjoy the story?

What I Learned From Watching ‘Scandal’

by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 8, 2013 | Current Affairs, Dating, Politics, Relationships

Like many, I eagerly anticipated the airing of the show Scandal. Whenever I see beautiful, African Americans who are power players in our Nation’s capital, I’m excited. So, like millions, I was glued to the TV wondering what would happen to Hollis, will Fitz divorce his wife, and would Olivia & Edison become a permanent item.

DISCLAIMER:

If you’re a fan of the show, you may be offended if you continue reading.

With all the strong television shows for women, I don’t know why a beautiful, African American women forsakes a relationship with an African American Senator (Edison) for a married man (President Fitz).

I know why…love makes you do crazy things & act out of character.

Before you go sucking your teeth, rolling your eyes and calling me self-righteous, hear me out. I think there is an opportunity here to encourage the writers of the show to be bold and courageous.

I am rooting for the show to succeed, but, the creators have to be fearless and let Olivia Pope not be another man’s mistress. She’s too beautiful, too strong, and too smart for that. I say let Olivia Pope control the interactions with her lovers. Don’t allow her to be a woman of straw that bends in whatever direction her lover needs. Additionally, I’d love to see her relationship with Edison grow into a beautiful picture of a healthy/strong relationship.

Finally, If not Edison, Olivia needs a new love interest and assert her independence from Fitz. People seem to be ignoring the fact Olivia is having an affair with a married man. In my humble opinion, that isn’t romantic…it’s actually tragic and pathetic.

Why?

At the end of the day Olivia goes home to her apartment ALONE and single…hardly an equal relationship.

What are your thoughts about today’s post?

Boring Is No Fun

by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 30, 2013 | Empowerment, Encouragement, Self-Leadership, Success

Boring is predictable. Boring is no fun. The boring slot is already taken so go ahead create something that will make the world awesome!

Stop blaming your circumstances on others. Stop whining. Stop complaining. Stop blaming others for the decisions you’ve made. As Dr. Mike Murdock says, “never complain about what you permit.”

Your present circumstances are existing with your permission. Your toleration of them breathes life and longevity into them. Intolerance of your present will create a different future. Nothing will really change in your life until you cannot tolerate the present any longer.

Thanks Kid President – you encouraged me & I’m paying it forward and encouraging others.

Whatever You Post – Stays Forever

by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 19, 2013 | Communication, Computers, Current Affairs, Decisions, Internet, Social Media

There really is such a thing as too much information.

There are things that you don’t want to know, even about your spouse or significant other. Yet people seem to like to share these things online. Before you do, think about whether you’d want your parents, grandparents or even kids to see the post. It seems today that everyone is using social media.

Blogs, Facebook and Twitter are popular and powerful tools. And like most tools, they could be helpful if used correctly or dangerous if used inappropriately.

The bottom line principle is that you are responsible for what you write. The Internet is a public forum, and writing something is the same as speaking it from a stage. Even if you delete a blog post, RSS feeds will still contain your post. Once something is published, it’s impossible to take it back, so think before you update, and be responsible for your words.

Recently, I decided to rework our social media policy and send it to our ministry leaders to share with their teams. Additionally, I used Facebook to encourage our members to connect with their ministry leaders and read the policy. Surprisingly, many pastors and ministry leaders sent inbox messages and emails requesting our policy. Yep, I sent it to them…free of charge!

I want to be a blessing to the Kingdom of God. Therefore, I decided to post it on my blog for all to glean. Here’s what it says: (more…)

Do You Know The “Real” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 15, 2013 | Current Affairs, Politics, Preaching, video

When was the last time you heard a speech that moved you, that made you sit up and brush the potato cookie crumbs off your lap and watch?

The last time you heard a speech that made your eyes well up? When was the last time anyone really got to you, really said something with substance that you will always keep with you?

Lately, I’ve been thinking about sound bites, and how we live in a sound bite society. Unfortunately, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been reduced to the “I Have a Dream” soundbite. But, if you think about it, Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream…” message was a simple, yet powerful message. And very necessary.

Do you really know Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Why doesn’t anyone ever quote these words by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

A Picture IS Worth a Thousand Words

What I Learned From Watching ‘Scandal’

Boring Is No Fun

Do You Know The “Real” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

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