Ministering to a Soul, Drinking the Cup of Forgiveness

  "I could see the pain in her eyes, in her face and in her Spirit." She was totally overwhelmed with grief and loss, that she could barely function.

She was lost.......

  My friend that I am talking about was about to head down a road that I had lived and walked 10yrs ago. She had experienced the loss of a family member by someone else's hand. Having been down this road, I knew what she was going through and even though the pain was almost the same, it was not. I knew the thoughts that were going through her head, her heart and her Spirit. The hate, the pain, the hurt and the emotions were beating her down. The enemy was trying to take her out!

I wasn't going to let him!!!

  It was 10 years ago that I lost my mother at the hands of another man while working at her job. She was killed along with 5 other people with only 1 survivor. That survivor lost his 15 year old son that day. Anyone that had a father, son or husband that day, was lost forever. Me and my sister lost our mother that day. My life was forever changed.

  I went through something that I would never wish upon my worst enemy and lived to testify only to the Grace of God that I made it through. And instead of leaning on God, I put my family through hell, pain, anger and so much more. And even though I could ask for their forgiveness for the rest of my life, it will never take away the pain that I caused them. I have a relationship with my father and sister, but because of my actions, it's not the same anymore. God has restored a relationship with them, but I have done nothing to continue that healing.

  So, knowing all of this, I was able to talk to this lady and minister to her the things of God. Now, when my mother died, the last thing I wanted to hear was anything about God. I was so mad at him, that I wanted to just walk away from Him. I thank God today that I didn't walk away from Him, but wished that I had His help in going through all of that. Instead, I leaned on my own understanding.

So began the path of destruction....

  So as I am talking to this lady, she breaks down. She can't handle the emotions or anger anymore. She let's it all out. God was in our midst and He was about to reveal Himself to her through me. GOD is awesome in His Glory!!!

 When she got done talking, I started telling her that there is a God that loves and would do anything for you. He actually did something for us a long time ago. He gave us a way to be healed. His Son, Jesus Christ was the healing. He provided this healing over 2000 years ago. The key to receiving God's healing touch, is not a choice that we all will come to easy, but brings a peace and a "love that surpasses all understanding." Just as God forgave us of our sins, we should forgive those who have sinned against us. His forgiveness brings healing to our soul. Jesus's Blood provided the healing..........

  When I told her that forgiveness was key in her healing process, she just looked at me like I was crazy. I gave that same look to my Pastor when he told me the same thing. "There is no way that I could ever forgive him!" I wanted to put some thought into that action. I mean, most of us believe that "murder" is the worst sin out there today. But the truth is this, "sin is sin, none is greater or lesser than the other." That was a hard pill for me to swallow at the time and an even harder pill for her to swallow.

  When Jesus went to the cross, He provided much more than the payment for our sins. He provided healing from the actions of sin. Whether you or someone else committed the sin, the healing has been provided. His Blood has provided that healing. The Blood of Jesus Christ is powerful. It's more powerful than any weapon on this planet today. Why? Because it destroys every weapon and attack of the enemy. I get chills just thinking about it. 

There is Power in The Blood of Jesus Christ

 But, forgiveness is key to healing. My testimony has always been how God healed me and delivered me from depression. After I made the choice to forgive the man that killed my mother, I started to see a change in me about 3 to 6 months later. The thoughts of suicide and depression were slowly disappearing. Within a year, they were both gone. It didn't happen overnight, but it happened once I realized that I had to put "faith into action" by reading and studying the Word of God and then making that choice. That choice, forever changed my life.

 The choice that she makes in this walk, will forever change her life. We prayed together over the situation and I gave her a hug. I gave her my number and told her to call me if she needed a shoulder to cry on or just someone to listen. She walked away for a little bit, only to turn around and run back into my arms. She said, "Buckwheat, you have helped me more than anyone else ever could." She continued to cry and just held onto me so tight, it was like she was holding onto God Himself.

 Then it hit me. GOD is in me. JESUS is in me. The HOLY SPIRIT is in me. How amazing it is when we put ourselves aside and focus not on the situation or the feelings that we are going through. We are "lifting our eyes upon the Lord" who has given a way for healing.

 Now, I can't make you forgive everyone that has hurt you. But I can tell you that in order for you to deal with the pain, the hurt, the loss and the anger, the best way is to love on God and let Him love on you. The best way to deal with all of these issues, is to make the choice to be forgiving. 

 We have been forgiven already. Forgiving someone else will be one of the greatest choices in your life.  

 Make that choice today...................

 

Did You Know that Espresso is 3 Parts Jesus!!!

"Hey Buckwheat, I need a doppio. If I don't get soon, I won't make it through the day!!!"

"Really?" Are you gonna die?

"Yes!"

"Whatever."

Most people have been totally taught and trained to believe that there is a special ingredient within espresso that will literally make them feel like "Superman." Now even though espresso has a concentrated form of caffine in it, there is nothing special about really. If you have never had a shot of espresso, then it will give you a run for your money. Some people feel their heart beat a little or alot faster. I have people order 4 to 8 shots of espresso by itself almost daily. But in time, they become null to the effects and it's like drinking water to them. In order to understand espresso and it's effects, you have to break down it's components.

Espresso has three parts to it's body. Just like humans, it's a 3 part being. Just like God, He is a 3 part being!

"Okay, God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are like espresso?" Yes..........................

"Buckwheat, are you crazy?" Yes, but that is beside the point!!!"

Espresso consists of the heart, the body and the creme.
Humans consist of the mind, body and soul.
Jesus was the Son of God in the flesh and was filled with the Holy Spirit. He had the mind of God, the body of man and the Spirit of God in Him.

Now, in espresso, the shot is poured in layers. The first layer is called the "Heart." It is the basis and bottom ground on which the espresso has been poured. It contains the power of the espresso with caffeine. It's where people get their rush for the mornings to make it through the day.

Our Heavenly Father is the Heart of everything. He alone has the power to do anything. He has the "caffeine" to get you through the day, the month, the year and this life. The more that you drink of Him, the bigger and stronger "rush" you get from knowing Him. His Heart is behind everything in this life. Drink of His heart, drink of His blessings.

The second layer of the espresso is the "body". It has a fullness and a reddish color when it pours. The body pulls the first layer and the last layer together. Jesus was the "body" that holds all of us together and has brought us back into the fold through His sacrifice.  The reddish color is a great representation of "the blood." I have watched the espresso shot pour 10 million times over and really never paid attention until recently. It was His "Body" that did everything for us..........

Now the last layer is called the "creme." It holds the flavor and the sweetness of the espresso. It has a light goldish-brown color with a creamy froth on top of it. It's the "icing on the cake" moment. It has a very rich and nutty flavor. To some, it tastes just like coffee and leaves a bitter taste in their mouth. But a true "espresso drinker" can taste the "sweetness and flavor" of the espresso.It has a smooth aroma to it as well.

In the Old Testament, there were different types of sin offerings. One in particular was called the "Sin Offering." This one holds a very special meaning to most. In the Old Testament, when a "sin offering" was made, it released a "sweet aroma" unto the Heavenly Father. Therefore, it was pleasing to God. The same sacrifice that Jesus had made, being the once and only "sin offering" for all of man, was a "sweet sacrifice unto God." Without His sacrifice, the Holy Spirit would not have been able to come and help us.

The "woman at the well" was drinking and taking in the aroma and sweetness of the Lord. She was drinking and filling herself on the "espresso" of the Lord. The "living water's" that flowed from Jesus brings refreshment, life, peace, love and so much more. The more "espresso of Jesus" that you drink, the more filling, the more power, the more righteousness that you get from His Word and His presence. The "espresso" that he offers will never lose it's rush. If you continue to drink of Him, the rush, the "caffeine kick" that you need and get from Him will last you alot longer than any power drink or coffee that you will ever have.


Now, all of this may seem like the ramblings of a Baristo at a coffee house, but the truth is that if we don't start drinking and feeding of what God has for us, through the Blood of Jesus Christ, we will continue to feed on the things of this world. When we feed on the things of the world, we slowly die and lose the energy. When we feed on the Jesus, we are empowered through His Word. Through His Word, the Holy Spirit can guide and lead us to do the same things that Jesus did while He was on this earth. That is the "espresso" of Jesus.

So the next time you come into my shop and get a shot of espresso, think of this..........

How much espresso do you drink on a daily basis? How much Jesus do you drink on a daily basis?

Which espresso is really gonna get you through the day?

Stoney's Toffee-Nut Stronghold...........

 You know, I get all sorts of texts or calls from customers that are always wondering if I am working the day that they want to come in. Now, I am not saying that I am the greatest Baristo out there, but I do have some mad skills when it comes to making coffee and getting to know my customers.

One customer refers to me as "King Midas!"

I have a friend that texts me a couple of times a week to see if I am working. Her name is Stoney. This is her story..............

Text from Stoney............."Buckwheat, are you working today?" End Text
Reply from Buckwheat..........."Yes, I am here."

Text from Stoney.............. Okay, I need my fix and its been a couple of days since I have had one. I will be there shortly or I will send the hubby to get it." .........End Text
This is the text that I get at least 2 times a week from Stoney that I had unknowingly made a drink for her and she has become addicted to as well.

Now, here is how this all began. I had made Stoney a drink for her one night as a trade for letting me take her husband to the movies. By the way, that is the best trade that I have going right now. I had made her a toffee-nut Caramel macchiatto. Normally it comes with vanilla, but Stoney is always open to me experimenting.

So when I got to her house, we traded items(coffee and husband) and went about my way to the movies. After I left, she texted me and wanted to know what I had made her. I told her and thought nothing of it. Her reply back was this....."Buckwheat, you have gotten me addicted to this thing. I totally want nothing else." Me, I just laughed.

Now, I get texts from Stoney from time to time telling me that she needs her fix for the day. Did I lead her into an addiction or create a stronghold for her? Makes me wonder! Do we unknowingly create or lead people into sin on accident or on purpose. What does The Word say about leading people into an addiction or a stronghold? Or leading that person to sin?

James 1:14-16 says "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has concieved gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Now, it is human nature to just go out and do what feels good. Our flesh is not any different. These days, most of us feed our flesh more than we feed our bodies. The one thing that we have to be careful of is leading others into addiction or strongholds, sin!!!

Now Stoney doesn't have an addiction or stronghold to this drink, but the truth is that there are many people like myself that may unknowingly lead people into sin by my actions, thoughts or words. I should know that, through the Holy Spirit, that if I am leading someone into the path of righteousness or in a path of destruction.

Now, in James he used to the words "lured or enticed by our own desire." Yes, our flesh has desires. We have the ability through the Holy Spirit to control those desires using The Word of God and the help of God-ly people.

Here is an example. A man is dealing with an addiction to "adult material." Now, even though you may think that there is nothing wrong with looking at it,but he does! It may have ruined his marriage, career and so much more. Now as God-ly men, we shouldn't be looking at that stuff anyways. But there are millions of people that are addicted to that stuff and have lost everything because of it and many of them are Christians. By showing him that kind of material, you have unknowingly led him into the "idea" that this is what a "real woman" looks like versus what God says what a "real woman" looks like.

As a man, I have have to deal with this issue and use The Word of God to help me fight these types of sin. Do I always win the fight, NO!!! But Jesus has was given me the victory to overcome all sin. Tall, Grande or Venti!!! Sin is sin and no one is greater than the other. 

What we have to remember though is this. Romans 5:20 "where sin abounds, His grace abounds much more."  Now that is not a ticket to sin, but a love that covers us even in our arrogance. If we recognize that we made a mistake through The Holy Spirit, then God has promised to no longer remember that mistake. That is the mercy of a loving God............

So, the next time Stoney calls or texts me, I will have to remember that I am not just fixing her drink, but leading her into a world of great tasteness!!! 

So imagine what your drink would be like if Jesus made it and you became totally addicted to what he served you? I wonder what kind of coffee Jesus drinks?

Makes me wonder............... 

A Christian Cappucino? Are you Serious?

 How do you like it?

  That is the question that I ask hundreds of people almost everyday..............

The answers are always different, but the truth is that they are all the same.

  Cappuccino's................A strange twist for a coffee drinker.

There are only about 3 different ways to prepare a cappuccino......Wet, dry or in the middle.

  A wet cappuccino is basically more milk with just a little bit of foam. The drink itself is very heavy to the feel.  It has fullness and a body to it.

A dry cappuccino is all foam with no milk. Almost no weight to the drink. It has no fullness and no body.

  A "in the middle" cappuccino has the best of both worlds. Half milk and half foam. The body is thrown off due to the uneven weight of the drink.

Now, I am really surprised to the fact that I have more people that want a "in the middle" cappuccino more than anything. This can say alot about a person. True cappuccino drinkers are very "picky" with their drink. Almost to the point of being "anal and mean."

  As I was making a drink one day, I got this thought from the Lord, "How many of my children are like the drink your making?" There are alot...........

Now, I am thinking, "I don't get it? A dry Christian cappuccino?" Help me here Lord...........

  The scripture that comes to me when I did some thinking on this was from the Book of Revelations 3:15-16.............I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Now how does the different type of cappuccino describe a Christian today?

  When you look up the definition of dry it means the exhaustion of a supply of liquid and has no body or moisture.
The definition of wet means to be soaked with a liquid or to be immersed.
The definition of middle is to be neither extreme.

"So Buckwheat, what is a dry Christian?" I am glad that you asked............

  A dry Christian is not immersing themselves in the Word of God or His presence. They want nothing to do with "organized religion" or "church." They believe in God and that's it. They don't want the "fullness" of the Lord. They haven't focused on their relationship with God.

A wet Christian is immersed in the Word of God, enjoys being in His presence, takes joy going to church. They want to continue to building a relationship with their Lord and Savior. They want the "fullness" of the Lord. They focus on their relationship with God.

  A "in the middle" Christian wants the best of both worlds. They will attend church like they are supposed to and say that was a great sermon. They continue living the life that they want and occasionally do what the Bibles says or much less read it. They focus on their relationship with God when they have time.

Jesus said it is better to one or the other. Hot or Cold, but not lukewarm. Why is that? In my thoughts and belief, it means that you accept Jesus as you Lord and Savior, acknowledge His sacrifice and raising from the dead, but you want to continue to live the life that you want. You have lost sight of your "FIRST LOVE," which should be Jesus Christ and the Heavenly Father.

  Here is how I relate to this. Before I had a relationship with the Father, I just believed He existed. That was it. When I got saved, it took me a while to develop and passion for the Lord and a relationship. Then once I got that fire, I was burning for Him. Then, for a moment, I lost that passion and went back to my old ways and tried to fit God in on my time. Then, I became a singer on the Praise and Worship team at church. I found a fire again. Then, I found myself slipping again. I lost sight of my "first love." I lost my focus.

I kept thinking to myself, "I am not going to make it into heaven, I will be vomited." That was an attack of the enemy right there.

  When you feel yourself getting into that "lull," that is when we need to regain our focus on Jesus and God and find that fire again!!! We allow the cares of the world to get on us and then turn around and put our relationship with God to the side. We become lukewarm in a way. Jesus says it is better to be one or the other. We need to make Jesus the "One" in our lives. PERIOD!!!

Now many people might say, "Buckwheat, aren't you being a little judgemental?" Yes and no!!!............. Huh?

  It is not for us to question each other's salvation nor the reason behind it. But we are to judge people by their fruits. If I see a pastor walking into a bar on Saturday night and then preaching on Sunday from the pulpit, then I might have a question for him. Sadly, there are many Christians that feel that way today. I often see myself like that at times. "I am doing things that will make people see me as a good Christian or as a hypocrite?" How do other's see me?

Do they see me as a "dry Christian, a wet Christian or in the middle Christian?" Only God and I can answer that..........

  Now, I maybe reading too much into this analogy, but the truth remains that there are Christians that or stuck in a mode that need help getting out of it. If we come across those people, we need to help them anyway we know how. We need to give the some of "God's espresso" to get that caffeine rush or fire burning in them again. There is only one kind of "espresso" that you can get from God that will put you in a complete rush, high, on fire and always want more....................Do you know what it is?

The presence and relationship with God..................there is nothing better than that! Nothing!!!

  So the next time you get a drink from the "Baristo Bar" ask yourself this question, "Is there a better way to drink this?"

God has prepared something for you that is far better than anything on this planet that you could ever eat, sleep or drink in this world. He has a better way.

  And whenever you accept a drink from the Lord, it is the sweetest and best tasting drink that you will have ever tasted.............Amen!!!

Venti Soy Latte with No EDS?

 "I would like a Venti Soy Latte, please with no foam."

What makes a man a "man?"
Is it His style? His Clothes? His looks?

Or is it the ability to date mutiple women at the same time? This is a question that has long plagued "men" themselves and I am sure alot of women as well.

 When men come to the "Baristo Bar," most of them get a regular coffee. A blessing that has been pasted from generation to generation. But most recently, I have seen more men order "soy lattes."

Now recent studies show that "soy" has some side-effects on men over a long-term use and if used consistently. Once such side-effect is one that most men would consider a "losing their manhood."

Erectile Dysfunction Syndrome or EDS for short. It reduces the amount of testosterone that a man's body produces and produces an "estrogen" type of chemical in our bodies.

Now, your asking yourself "Why is Buckwheat talking about Soy Lattes and EDS?" Does size really matter?

 Short, Tall, Grande or Venti..........

As men, we put alot of value and stock into our ability to satisfy a woman sexually. It's like marking a our terroritory in life.

 I work with a girl by the name of Heather that is notoriuos for telling men that "soy" is bad for them in a "bad way." She will further go into explaination as to why it is so important for men to stop drinking soy.

Now, if a man asks me about soy, I will certainly tell and show him the studies that have been done on men in regards to soy and it's side-effects. Every thing that we drink or eat these days is considered bad for us anyways!!!

 It wasn't until recently that everytime a man would ask for a soy drink, I would question whether or not I should tell him the side-effects. I realized that if I told him of the EDS side-effect, it was almost like saying he was going to be a "lesser man" later in his years.

 Now what God says about being  a man is a far different cry than the way we label men these days. Society has made men into "Greek gods" or "men of authority" and not in a good way either. We see photos of models and movie stars saying that this is what a man looks like. Brad Pitt is always under the camera and has been voted by People Magazine as "The Sexiest Man Alive."

 Let's see what God says about being a man.

 Genesis 1:27 says "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them

 The God of Love that we serve created us solely for the purpose of experiencing the love that He has for us. "The Lord sought for Himself for a man after His own heart." 1 Samuel 13:14. God continues to seek after men that will chase Him and the image that God has created for him. His Will should become our image. 

 King David was first defined by His faithfulness in God when he slayed Goliath. We all know the story. But, what some of us don't know is that like many men, David got his focus on "himself" for a moment, when he got a woman pregnant outside of wedlock and then sent the husband of the lady he got pregnant to the frontlines of a huge battle and was killed. David screwed up! But even in the midst of all that, David loved God and God knew that.

 Men were created for alot of things, but the main reason is only to love and to serve God with his heart, mind and soul. We have to start seeing ourselves as God see's us, Holy and sanctified, set apart and above reproach. We are a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a chosen generation and His own special people. When we see ourselves the way God see's us, then everything else is insignificant. 

 We cannot let the world define what the world says that a "man should be." We certainly cannot let other people define the attributes that God has given us through Jesus Christ.  As a man, I want nothing more than to have a family. Families define a man because of his "seed" that will go forth in the future. Most men take great pride and honor in their family. A sense of accomplishment has been fulfilled. Once we feel that sense of accomplishment, we go after something else.

 What we need to remember is that Jesus Christ fulfilled the "greatest accomplishment" known to man. He layed His life down for all men so that we would not be defined by the world, but by what God has defined us to be. Jesus is the example. He knew no sin, He loved His heavenly Father and put others before Himself.  If we start putting  ourselves last and start putting God first, then the definition of a man will be who God wants us to be.

 So whether you drink soy or not, the truth is that no matter what, you are not defined by your own abilities or accomplishments, but by how God defines you through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

 Next time you order a drink from the "Baristo Bar," ignore the opinions, remember what God says about you.

 Jesus is the Man!!!

 Next weeks Blog: I want a Dry Cappucino!?!

God Bless,

Buckwheat

A Double Chocolate Chip Frappucino Faith

   Since this is my first blog, I am very excited of the things to come with this only to testify how faithful God really is!!!

   Who would have thought that a Double Chocolate Chip Frappucino would ever change my world?

  Certainly not me!

  I have been blessed by the many customers and co-workers in my life that I see everyday. I truly never thought that I would be working at Starbucks as an older man, but God has truly blessed me with such a great chance to talk and minister to people over the years since being at Starbucks, that at times I can't help but get excited. I have come across many walks of life and certainly many characters. But there is one that always "strikes my heart" everytime he walks in the door.

  His name................Owen.

  Now many people that I work with would only see Owen as a 4 year old boy that just gets his Double Chocolate Chip Frappucino with his chocolate chip cookie as a customer and nothing more. I have gotten to know Owen to the point, he's almost like a little brother to me. In moments of anger or sadness, Owen has and will always put a smile on my face. He loves and hugs without question. He acts so shy and crazy, he is almost a miniture Jekyll and Hyde. I also have gotten to know Owen's parents Jeff and DeDe very well over the years time. They all love and serve God with a passion that can only be measured by their Faith.

  Owen has taught me some awesome lessons in faith and what it means to have a relationship with Our Father.

  Big "O" as I call him has a great relationship with his parents that it's almost jealous to me. But it's so awesome to see how much he loves his mom and dad. I was having a horrible day at work and even though I knew that he was coming to see me that day, it still wasn't comforting me in the thought. I had been making coffee, lattes and frappucino's all day and after the 2000th drink, it gets really old.

  Big "O" comes strolling in with his bashful smile until I call him over and tell him to come see me. He runs into my arms as if we haven't seen each other in years. He hugs me so tight around the neck, that their are moments when I could possibly lose the ability to breathe. I make his drink, The Double Chocolate Chip Frappucino, the same drink he has been getting ever since I have known him. Big "O" says, "Jeremy, I want a cookie please. Okay bubba." After I made his drink, I sat with Jeff, DeDe and Owen like I normally do and just have a moment of fellowship with them. DeDe had sensed something was wrong and asked "are you okay?" Yeah, I'm fine. Just having a rough day." I had been dealing with some very powerful emotions and they were getting the best of me. "O" comes walking over and gives me a hug and starts laughing for no reason. I couldn't help but laugh with him.

 He doesn't sit still in the chair for more than a second. First his feet is in the air or he has buried his head between the pillows of the chairs we were sitting in. He's such a goober!!! He leaned over into my ear and whispered something that I will never forget. He said "Jesus loves you and me, mommy and daddy forever."  Now that may not seem like much more than the ramblings of a child, but to me it was so much more.

  I see how close "O" grabs and clings onto Jeff and DeDe. He knows nothing else other than them. He has "faith" that his parents will always be there for him through thick and thin. He doesn't question them, unless he has a question. He believes in "faith" that they will always protect him with their lives. He believes everything that comes from their mouth.

  As a child of God, we want nothing more that to have a great relationship with Our Heavenly Father. But because "we" get in the way of that "faith" it makes it harder for us to take the focus off ourselves and focus on God. We are to simply believe and have "faith" in every good thing that God has for us.

  Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

  God has so much for us in store if we just learn a couple of things. The first, just believe. That is the key to our walk with Christ and to build a relationship with our Heavenly Father. The second, walk in love. Pray, do not persecute. Faith, Hope and Love, and the greastest of these is Love.  The third, recieve the gift that Jesus has given to us. The gift is eternal salvation through Him, the one who died for every man, woman and child. These are "child like qualities. A child believes everything that you say. They are always loving and they love to receive gifts. "O" likes it when he gets a "TRANSFORMER" from time to time.

  Big "O" teaches me something new everytime he walks in the door. The best part is that when He teaches me something, it's like Jesus is sitting in my lap and telling me a story. "O" just believes and loves with a heart that I could never imagine. "O" will always be a part of me no matter where I go. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always with me wherever I go. The impact that God has had on my life has been so extreme, that there have been times of just "pure wonder."

  So everytime I make "O" his drink, I think about what he is going to teach me. His Faith could teach so many adults. He is so much sweeter than the drink itself.

  Now what would happen if we made it a Java Chip Frappucino?

Oh yeah......................a four year old on coffee!?!