"I'm on One"

The song, “I’m on One,” created by Louisiana-born hip-hop artist DJ Khaled, gained heightened popularity in 2011. Featuring the likes of Drake, Rick Ross and Lil' Wayne, Khaled blended the harmonics of 3 of the world’s most popular urban artists. What was the result? A tune so catchy that in 2011 sat atop the “R&B/Hip-Hop Tracks” and “Rap Songs” charts for 11 and 13 weeks respectively. By many, the popular track has been found to be conducive for creating a party-type atmosphere by suggesting that it’s “trendy,” or common, to be “on one.” Or -- in layman's terms -- under the influence.

Recent findings based on a survey conducted by the University of Michigan, of 47,000 eighth-, tenth- and twelfth-graders have left me boggled. Sadly, the results have revealed that 1 in every 15 High School Seniors reported smoking marijuana on a daily or near daily basis. These results are the highest since 1981.

Furthermore, the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that nearly two million Americans were dependent on, or abusing prescription pain relievers (i.e. OxyContin (oxycodone), vicodin, percocet, etc.). Although the data provided here only provides a snapshot of the growing abuse of marijuana and prescription painkillers, a conjecture that a staggering amount of Americans are “on one,” is well within reason. Evidently, to the tune of millions, the act of being “on one” has been widely accepted; and would atop America’s favorite iTunes "playlist."

If you will -- let's take a ride.

John 1:1 presents the following declaration: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here, through divine inspiration, crystal clear substance is provided around the origin of the Word. For the believer -- it is imperative to realize that although God is not confined to the Word -- the essence of His character is. Moreover, because the Word was inspired by the spirit of God, it’s a display of His very nature. By consistently yielding to the Word and its “influence” we have the license to take on God’s nature (righteousness); and by consistently abiding under its "influence," we have access to the abundant life as promised by our Savior.

As we swiftly progress through John, let’s yield at chapter 15 -- verse 7. Peering through the windshield, are displayed the words: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." At the core of this text exists a message -- a message that presents a sound defense to the apparent ideology of millions of Americans. The text suggests that instead of being "ON ONE," true benefit comes from being IN HIM. Unfortunately, many are under the misconception that being "on one" (under the influence), provides an answer to the issues of life and have been deceived to believe a mere substance possesses power to make everything okay.

Contrary to popular belief, it is only through Him that we become truly influenced! Under His influence are the answers to life's issues! Under His influence are we given the privilege to make our requests known! And under His influence we find true PEACE!

Prior to today's post, the true power of God's word and influence may not have been visible in your life. But I challenge you today to neglect the commonality of being "ON ONE" and choose to be IN HIM!

Asset Protection

According to recent statistics, annual inflation has averaged north of 2.7% over the past 10 years in the United States. Consequently, the cost for most common purchases has increased. In light of this increase, it would seem foolish for an individual to exercise negligence pertaining to insurance coverage, especially when it comes to a home or a vehicle. In fact, a prerequisite in most states is that adequate insurance be obtained prior to purchasing these items. Absence of this compensating measure could be detrimental, leaving the owner vulnerable to a complete loss, given an accident or natural disaster. Regrettably, there’s a large demographic of folks that view insurance as a complete waste -- until it’s needed -- that is. I too, once belonged to this category.

About 4 years ago, I awoke to what I thought would be a “normal” day, which would include a “normal” trip to my campus (I was a college student at the time) filled with rigorous study. After completing my “normal” morning routine, I prepared for departure. As I approached my cherry-red Honda Accord, I was alarmed as the sound of broken glass crunched under my feet like crackers. Instantly, I knew that something was wrong. I circled around the rear of the vehicle to find that an intruder had shattered the driver-side window, stolen the CD player as well as the laptop computer that I assumed was “secure” in the trunk. Following a brief period of moping, I came to my senses. I realized that although this was an inconvenient intrusion of my property – I possessed something that had previously seemed pointless – insurance! At the peak of my revelation, I whipped out my cell phone and made some calls to file some claims. Ironically, a few weeks later, I received a check from my insurance provider that afforded me to not only replace that which was lost, but to purchase new and improved items.  

From some reason, it took an "experience" for me to realize the value of the assets and the insurance to protect them. Needless to say,  in retrospect, this negative "experience" worked in my favor because of the insurance in place to cover the loss of these assets. 

As Genesis 2:7 so clearly describes, man was the only thing created by God, where life was initiated by the infusion of God's breath as opposed to His word. This action alone was a monumental display of man’s value in the heart of God. To truly understand this value, it is vital for the “creation" to understand its self-worth. Self-worth begins with the “creation,” (man) gaining an accurate understanding of who the “Creator” (God) is. A review of Genesis 1 reveals that God created ALL things that have existence. Because we were created by Him, and He breathed into us, we have a measure of the same creative ability that was used to create ALL things. This factoid implies that we even have the ability to create things which we so reluctantly learn to insure! Psalm 139:14 further substantiates our worth, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” If it wasn't known before, we, the creation, are valuable in God’s sight.

After the fall of man, a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Gen. 3), it became necessary for the creation, which had originally belonged to the Creator, to be repossessed from the evil one – Satan.  Man’s fall literally provoked an eye-opening experience that provided an unwarranted insight of darkness and presented a heightened vulnerability to sin.

Pressing the fast-forward button through years of history, out of the Israelite tribe of Judah, was born a "destitute" man named Jesus (Matt. 1). Born under so-called meager conditions, His life would prove to be one of gallantry. Purposed to reconcile us from our sinful nature, The Messiah attacked this mission with strict obedience and intensity. At the prime of His life (33 years of age) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fulfilled His divine purpose when He died for ALL of mankind, for the remission of our sins. He died that we might have access to an abundant life. He died that we might have access to an eternal life. But, ultimately, by the shedding of His blood, He died that we'd be bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20). The invaluable blood of our Savior, the blood that NEVER loses its power, WAS AND WILL ALWAYS be sufficient enough for God to re-gain an asset, one that was supposed to belong to Him from the beginning. Now, through fervent, effectual BELIEF in God’s word, a word that encompasses this message of Christ, we have access to a blessed assurance, an assurance that is our HEAVENLY INSURANCE.

So today, don’t find yourself in a demographic of folks that view "insurance" as being a waste.  Don't wait for an "event" to occur for you to realize your "value," or the "insurance" that has already been established. If you can read this post, that means your breathing, that means you still have time to "claim" what's already yours (God's insurance/assurance).  Realize, you are a valuable asset with divine purpose and divine destiny. And, His blood is the only “asset protection” that will suffice!