Lies. The white lies we tell as kids, the thoughtful lies we tell our loved ones to so-call protect them, the cruel lies we tell in order to destroy others, and the massive lies that can rock a nation (ala the January 6th Insurrection on the Nation's Capitol). It's been a while but Assume "Celi" Suli and I are back with another Faith podcast and sh…

Endurance - we've had to endure a lot during 2020, no matter what part of the world you're from. COVID-19 attacked us physically, mentally and spiritually. Today, Suli Assumi and I focus on Endurance: why we must endure pain and hardship, what our role is as Christians are regarding pain, and the realization that pain doesn't last - as we endure, w…

How important is it to forgive? How important is it to hear "I forgive you"? Are those words "I forgive you" healing words, or is it all in the mind? In this first episode of You Gotta Have Faith on Youtube, I examine 1 John 1: 9 (which talks of asking for forgiveness); Ephesians 4: 31-32 (which talks of forgiving someone); and Matthew 6:14-15, whi…

This will be our final Faith podcast, until Craig Dickerson settles himself in Fort Worth, Texas. In this episode, we dive into a well known bible verse - if you're a fan of Peter, Paul & Mary (I always thought it was the Byrds), you know the verse. A time to love. A time to hate. A time for peace. We talk about our need for things to happen on our…

Paul is about to die and he writes his last letter to Timothy. It is a letter of letting go, moving on and fighting the good fight. Craig Dickerson is relocating to Texas, so this may be our last show before he leaves. We share Paul's letter to Timothy and talk about people who follow their own desires (verse 3) as oppose to sacrificing their lives…

Trump says jews are traitors if they vote democrat. In Thursday's Washington Post, an article talks about how some evangelicals are taking hold of anti-semitic beliefs (https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/08/22/how-anti-semitic-beliefs-have-quietly-taken-hold-among-some-evangelical-christians/)and how today's politics, especially the words…

I mention it every podcast in my preamble, but in this episode, Craig and I drill down on what exactly is Faith? What does faith mean to you and me? What is the difference between belief and faith? Craig and I talk about the christian journey and how important it is to act on your faith and have faith as a foundation for your spiritual life - and h…

What do we define as power? Who are the people who we define as powerful people? Are they the dominant yellers or the gentle ones that keep their cool? On this episode of Faith Craig and I dive into Colossians 3 and revisit Luke 11 to talk about the power of peace and how we can validate our own power through the love of God instead of giving power…

Our words can be words of inspiration and encouragement, motivating people to live better lives and to be better people. But our words can also destroy - to be vehicles of hatred and oppression. In the wake of very hateful texts and tweets by our President, Craig and I focus on James 3: 5-12 and also listen to the morning prayer of Rev. Patrick Con…

In this episode, Craig and I talk about pressure – the pressure we put on ourselves and the pressure others place on us. It can cause anxiety and depression. Considering a very tense first week of July, I turned to James 1: 2-4, where James implores us to look at our trials as challenges and have faith that you will endure in the end. James is cons…

In this episode, Craig and I dive into the old Testament and 1 Kings 19: 1-15 – this is the story of Elijah and his fleeing from the wrath of King Ahab – after traveling a very long distance, he comes to Mount Sinai to talk to the Lord. Verse 11 and 12 has Elijah confront winds, fires and earthquakes – but the Lord was with him in “the soft whisper…

In this Father's Day episode, Craig and I focus on Ephesians 4: 1-6 and his message for all of us to walk with humility, gentleness, patience and bearing with one another. I take these four points to focus on the redefinition of manhood, a subject we talked about before. We get our templates on what it is to be a man oftentimes from television and …

In this episode, Craig and I talk about the pentacost and the Holy Spirit, using Acts 2: 1-21 and John 17: 20-26 as text. Acts 2 introduces the holy spirit, as it blows through the first church, allowing many people of different backgrounds to understand each other, regardless of language. John 17 has Jesus praying to God, hoping all men will be as…

This week, the women in Alabama were presented with an oppressive law that takes away their ability to choose. Craig, Deb and I are Christians, but we don't believe laws, especially oppressive laws, should be based on one faith. There are many protests and calls for civil disobedience - and my thoughts turn to one man who is no stranger to civil di…

She stayed with him, all through the crucifixion. She was present at the tomb. She washed his feet with expensive oil, incurring the wrath of Judas, Jesus' betrayer. She was strong, independent, and full of the love of God. She was Mary Magdeline. In honor of Mother's Day (which is next week, but we'll be taking next week off) we honor all the grea…

In this episode, we talk about the rest after the work – and asking for help. In Matthew 11: 28-30, Jesus speaks to us: “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will gi…

This is a VERY quick podcast with only me talking. I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover for our jewish friends. Death is not a favorable topic, but it's something we inevitably face, usually with a loved one passing away. I think the greatest gift Jesus has given us is the lesson that death is not to be feared - and that if…

What is Evil? Is it a demon that conjures hateful and destructive thoughts in people to do bad things? Is it what Freud would call the battle between conscience and desire? Is it the wrath of God? Bad things happen to us all the time and we ask why - and is there a daemonic presence that keeps us from enjoying life? Deb is back with us (Craig and I…

Coming Home. Holding on to grudges. Dealing with others' glory while you work hard and appear to receive no compensation. These are the topics we focus on as we explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son, told in Luke 15: 11-32. Craig and I explore the three characters in the story - the younger son, who takes his father's wealth, blows it, hits rock …

We’ve talked in the past on this podcast about pain and endurance – seeing the other side and believing in a better future than being stuck in pessimism. We revisit this as we jump into John 16:20-24, as Jesus teaches his disciples that there will be tears and sorrow, but it will be followed by joy – the key is your belief. It seems, this past two …

In Luke 9, Jesus is on a mountain with Peter and the apostles. There, the image of Moses and Elijah appear to speak to Jesus. The apostles then are engulfed in a cloud, where a voice says "This is my son. Listen to him". It's a rare bible verse where the subject is Jesus but Jesus has no words. But we are asked to listen to him. As we approach East…

Angels. Are they real, imagined - are they cherubic, childlike figures, or are they warriors sent by God to protect us? In this latest episode, Deb, Craig and I dive into Psalms 91: 11 and talk about angels - how they have been depicted in history, how other faiths see angels, and whether angels are among us. Listen up and let us know what you thin…

On today’s Faith podcast, we talk about Luke 11: 5-8 – and we revisit Dr. King’s sermon “A Knock At Midnight”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDRQTzNzu1IDr. King uses Jesus’ parable of the visitor who needs bread as an analogy of the “midnight” of the soul – the war in Vietnam is raging and people aren’t as attentive to their souls as they should.…

Are you cutting off your blessings? Do you not recognize the ways God has already blessed you? In this episode, Deb, Craig and I dive into Luke 5: 1-11, where Simon Peter and the other fishers witness the glory of God through Jesus Christ, who blesses them with an abundance of fish. But they were skeptical at first - both of Jesus as the savior, an…

Happy Pre-Valentine's Day! When we think of V-Day, we think of flowers, candy and the proverbial card we give to the people we love in our life. Craig, Deb and I present a question - actually a question Paul presents to all of us in 1 Corinthians 13: what is love? How do we love people who don't make it easy to love them? Do we love ourselves? And …

On today’s Faith podcast, we talk about John 13: 14-17 and about humility, especially in a world of heightened masculinity. Monica Hesse of the Washington Post wrote two interesting articles on the toxicity of masculinity:(https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/how-traditional-masculinity-hurts-the-men-who-believe-in-it-most/2019/01/12/22d2…

On today’s Faith podcast, we talk about the Epiphany, the Christian feast day that celebrates the first revelation that Christ is God incarnate. Usually celebrated on January 6th or the first Sunday in January, it’s also sometimes called Three Kings Day. Matthew 2 talks of the Magi’s visit to King Herod, where he tells of the King of the Jews being…

On this new episode for 2019, Craig, Deb and I talk about our favorite bible verses focusing on the theme "I Am". I Am has several perspectives: the perspective of God, of Jesus, and of ourselves - who are we? What are we not? The more you know who you are, the stronger you can be in achieving your goals in life and to be what God wants you to be a…

On this last Faith episode of 2018, we talk about renewal and reconciliation as we dive into Paul's letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 5: 17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." We talk about the different types of reconciliation and the need to do away with the things holding …

This is a VERY quick Faith podcast, with only me (Craig is working and Deb has the cold). I just wanted to wish everyone listening to Faith a wonderful holiday season, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, or just finished celebrating Hanukkah. I briefly read Matthew 1: 22-23, which echoes Luke 2: 4-14 - basically, the gift God has given t…

In this Faith episode, Craig and I talk on Exodus 2: 1-9, the story of baby Moses, which parallels baby Jesus (also to give some love to the jewish folks). Themes: a rich woman and a poor woman share compassion for a child. Also, the disobedience of a bad law (Exodus 1:16 - to kill all Hebrew boys) - the lesson is that, no matter our social status,…

On this episode, Craig, Deb and I talk about the birth of Jesus, as chronicled by Luke (Luke 2:4-14). We talk about how the 14 year old Mary gave birth in a manger and how the angels gave the good word to the shepherds - and how the gift of peace is a gift we can all give. We also talk about our favorite Christmas memories.…

On this Faith episode, Deb, Craig and I talk on Revelations 1: 1-8 and talk on the concept of God that was, is and will be and how we must be Christ-like, to remember the sacrifice and the lessons Jesus has given us, to be the Christians Jesus wants to be, and to hold on to the promise of the Christ that will come. We also talk about the Reclaiming…

On today’s Faith podcast, we talk about 2 Timothy 3, at first focusing on verse 6 and 7 and then jumping to verse 16 and 17. November 18 will be the 40th anniversary of the Jonestown Massacre, one of the worst mass killings in history – many of the 900 dead were people seeking Christ and salvation. Here are three things I’ve thought about, regardin…

On this episode, Craig and I welcome back Deb Carriger, who just got back from her vacation in Rome - we talk on the story of David and his battle against Goliath (1 Samuel 17: 1-50). We focus on the dominance of Goliath, the Philistine who intimidates the Israelis, who cowers at his size; the doubt the Israelis have with David, a young shepherd bo…

Episode 55: The Border (Ruth 1: 1-18) by You Gotta Have FaithYou Gotta Have Faith

On today’s Faith podcast, we talk about Titus 3: 10-15. In life there are some people who you simply cannot reach – but when do you walk away and when do you continue to reach out? As we examine Paul’s letter to Titus and his instructions as to how to instruct the elders on how to preach the word, there are three thoughts to consider: 1. What is yo…

On this episode, Craig and I talk about Mark 10: 35-45 - in this passage, Jesus rebukes disciples James and John because they want to know who will sit at the left and right side of Jesus when he dies - Jesus' lesson is a lesson in humbleness and the understanding that to be a true leader, you must serve. Jesus gives his life as a ransom to save ou…

On this episode of Faith, I have a special guest - my Dad (Reg Clay Sr.) and my aunt, the Reverend Georgia Davis. We talk on the evolution of Gospel music and how it has bound our family. Enjoy!You Gotta Have Faith

On today’s Faith podcast, Craig, Deb and I focus on Mark 9: 38-50.Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon but chastises the disciples for their lack of faith and their dismissing another person who has the power of healing. Verse 50 “..Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other” resonates with me – are we at peace with each other? I…

On this episode, Craig, Deb and I look at movies and books that have messianic themes. These are movies and literature that are not blatantly christian, but show the usual tropes: the protagonist is born with special powers, is persecuted by authority figures, must battle an adversary that only he can destroy and sometimes must sacrifice his life f…

On this episode, we take a left turn and talk about Christianity in pop culture. Deb, Craig and I list the movies, songs and other pop culture references that references God (the Piss Christ artwork of Andres Serrano; Madonna's Like a Prayer, the musicals Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar) and how movies and music has viewed God though the years,…

On this Faith episode, Craig, Deb and I tackle Titus 2: 7 - 9 and we address integrity. In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed, because they have nothing bad to say about us. - Titus 2: 7-9Ti…

On this Faith episode, Craig, Deb and I revisit James 1: 17-27, something we touched on in Episode 18 (with our guest Scott Munson) - back in January, we focused more on looking in the mirror and being honest with ourselves. Today, we focus more on listening and not speaking without having the word of God planted in our spirits.I recently donated t…

Faith Episode 46: A Foundation On Light And Peace (Numbers 6: 24 - 27) by You Gotta Have FaithYou Gotta Have Faith

On today’s Faith podcast, Craig, Deb and I draw on John 13:35 and the Qur’on (Chapter 49, Verse 13) and both of their messages of looking upon each other as a family. In the gospel, Jesus talks to Peter and implores him to love one another – it’s through your love and fellowship with others that people will know you are my disciple. We revisit the …

On this Episode, Craig, Deb and I wing it a bit and talk about an assortment of things, the main subject being recognizing our value to others and our value to God - God appreciates us, values us, and needs us to amplify all that is good in this world. Deb provides us with a wonderful quote: If life, you will have moments when you wonder if you're …

Episode 43: Encouraging Each Other (1 Thessalonians 5: 11) by You Gotta Have FaithYou Gotta Have Faith

On this episode of Faith, Craig, Deb and I take a look at Jeremiah 29:11 -"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", and an article that talks about how the phrase can easily be misinterpreted as God having a plan for you only. An article from Relevant M…

On this episode, Craig and I talk about the need resist in times of oppression, diving into Mark 6: 14-29, and the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. Christians are used to obedience, but there are times where laws and people who lead us are misled - and it's up to us to challenge authority. We talk about the decisions of John the Baptist …