The Rev. James Ellis, III
(
CBF)
In the song "Up All Night," which features his friend Nicki Minaj, popular hip-hop artist, Drake said this: "I prefer the better things. / People with no money act like money isn't everything. / I'm having a good time. / They just trying to ruin it. / Shout out to the fact that I'm the youngest brotha doing it." I understand the theme of Drake's lyrical assault of us lowly, common folk, but I must disagree with it. While people with no money do sometimes act like money isn't everything, they are largely a small, marginalized group. Last I heard no one was knocking down the door for membership there. I know lots of people who relatively speaking have little or no money and very certainly do act like money is everything. Even so, in rising to a higher spiritual altitude, even begrudgingly, we come to find that life is about more than money.
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The Rev. James Ellis, III
(
CBF)
Outside of the shower whatever vocal ability that I dream to possess fades drastically, so I am careful to keep my illusions of grandeur there. I am fine with preaching, "spoken word" poetry, and other individualized public presentations, but singing is another story altogether. There are countless soloists and choir members whose melodic notes I have benefited from in church, as they have led praise and worship. But, of course though, there are the household names that we know and love. Heralded vocal geniuses and bonafide superstars--in random order--like Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Chaka Khan, Vesta Williams, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, Celia Cruz, Freddie Mercury of Queen, B.B. King, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Fred Hammond, Bob Dylan. This is an über abbreviated, highly subjective list from a novice music lover, but you get the point. These artists are not just good, like Tony the Tiger has screamed all of these years about his sugar concoction of milled corn, "They're Gr-r-reat!"
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March 26, 2012
The Rev. James Ellis, III
(CBF)
If Christians are to make a significant impact in their communities, families, and within their professions, they must exhibit integrity based on God’s character. Rightly so, the world is watching how a life of faith is birthed, shaped, and lived in a pagan society. Being silent in the midst of injustice renders us just as guilty as the perpetrators.
February 06, 2012
The Rev. James Ellis, III
(CBF)
My wife and I recently celebrated five years of marriage. It hasn’t been a stroll in the park though. There have been high highs and low lows. Thankfully, God has guided our steps, and used the good, bad, and ugly of it all to draw us closer to one another as husband and wife. God has turned us into people that barely resemble their former selves, but that is a good thing!
January 27, 2012
The Rev. James Ellis, III
(CBF)
What is quiet brilliance? Are introverts God’s stepchildren or second-best creations with extroverts as the “crème de la crème”? Princeton University and Harvard Law School graduate, and former corporate lawyer, Susan Cain has penned an intriguing book titled, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” (Crown, 2012). Maybe God can use introverts (and extroverts) to do great things in this wacky, crazy world after all.
December 22, 2011
The Rev. James Ellis, III
(CBF)
Many of us have are familiar with this sage advice: “Don’t mistake activity for achievement. Busyness does not equal productiveness.” Well, unfortunately Christians and church leaders routinely do the opposite, especially during Advent as we look towards the higher heights of ministry for the New Year. So, come, let us reason together.
November 24, 2011
The Rev. James Ellis, III
(CBF)
Even with faith as our fuel, the graceful means by which we make it from one day to the next, we know all too well that life is sho 'nuff anything but easy. There are ups and downs, highs and lows, failures and successes, and not always at an equal frequency or impact. Of course, God is still God and Jesus still reigns, but thus is life on this side of heaven. Nevertheless, the apostle Paul (amongst other biblical writers) tells us that a thankful disposition is the antidote to any unending disturbance of the soul.
October 23, 2011
The Rev. James Ellis, III
(CBF)
We ought to be thankful not only about from whence we have come, but about where God will take us in the days to come. For most of us life is no walk in the park, yet we complicate things by our decisions to walk down easy street where the paparazzi of prestige and total comfort shower us with feelings of entitlement. No matter our station or circumstance in life we have much to be grateful to God for.
September 02, 2011
The Rev. James Ellis, III
(CBF)
Cheating isn’t inevitable. Contrary to the sometimes popular opinion, all men are not dogs. However, anyone (woman or man) who decides that they are above God’s word (both law and grace), whether in one moment-in-time or as a lifestyle, can become a cheater. Following Christ is always the better way!
August 13, 2011
The Rev. James Ellis, III
(CBF)
The pastoral life is unlike any other. Remy Rougeau rightly reflected that those who follow Christ are “ambassadors of truth in a world of illusion.” As such, those who serve as shepherds of the people of God are multitalented. Yet, certain core competencies and gifting are needed to responsibly point others to Jesus. Learning to listen well, which doesn’t at all require agreement with what has been heard, is a life skill for us all, even as much as a requirement for pastors to be faithful on God’s terms. In a world where everyone is jockeying to be heard over and above the loudspeaker of conspicuous consumption, listening well, as a social architect and servant-leader, is paramount in embodying the biblical road less traveled.
