Straight Talk with Dr. Mike

With so much we’ve endured these past 12  months in pandemic—the entire world in ‘shut down’ mode, businesses, corporations, churches, travels, sports, etc… all came to a screeching halt!  To add, lest we forget the ongoing plight and perils of unemployment fears and financial despair, bringing much uncertainty, unknown and unresolve.   The problem is, we’ve lost track of the importance of the word of God—reading, studying and living out!  Amos 8: 11 reminds us, “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord.”  It's time to get back to the focus and discipline of putting the Word of God first and foremost above all!  What about you and yours? Let’s talk about it!! Follow me on: FaceBook                    Michael A. Stevens Twitter                        @PastorMStevens Instagram                    Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

Failed marriage?  Sibling rivalry off the charts?  Parenting pain with a problemed adult-child?  Please know that God is in the business of not only building relationships… but, He is also in the business of rebuildingrelationships!  However, for God to do His work… you’ll have to courageously do your work.  Rebuilding ruined relationships will require forgiving and forgetting… as well as, forsaking and focusing.  What relationships in your life right now could use a total rebuilt?  Let’s talk about it!! Follow me on: FaceBook                    Michael A. Stevens Twitter                        @PastorMStevens Instagram                    Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

What does Cardi B, Lil Nas X and Satan Shoes have to do with the Christian Church Today?  I’m not overly concerned with evil being evil… wickedness being wickedness… or, sin being sin.  I’m concerned with the lack of the church’s influence and leadership to address these social and moral ills in our community.  As Christians, our apathy and silence is just as equally detrimental as the erred and ungodly grievances themselves.    Let’s talk about it!! Follow me on: FaceBook                    Michael A. Stevens Twitter                        @PastorMStevens Instagram                    Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world!  With a presence in over 120 countries, this 6.5-million-member, Spirit-Filled and Holy Ghost led -church is making impact in all four corners of the world.  This past weekend, COGIC elected its newest leader, the Bishop J. Drew Sheard as its Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, eight in succession.  I’d like to take a moment to celebrate and congratulate him and the grand ole’ Church of God in Christ!  Let’s talk about it!! Follow me on:  FaceBook  Michael A. Stevens Twitter @PastorMStevens Instagram  Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

Cancel Culture today has no place in our society—especially in the local church.  Cancel Culture, is the recent phenomenon where individuals are ostracized and often silenced on social media or other media platforms, especially those sharing voices of Biblical, Godly or, at best, conservative values.  I believe it is most hypocritical and duplicitous, this cultic-like culture to cancel certain voices while turning a deaf ear or blinded eye to the nude, lewd and crude.  Let’s talk about it!! Follow me on: FaceBook  Michael A. Stevens Twitter @PastorMStevens Instagram  Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

Several years ago, the book titled The Prayer of Jabez took the international stage by storm, becoming a number one best seller instantly.  I purposely did NOT teach, nor preach the over-popular themed book for a reason—the fear of contentment with familiarity.  However, in this pandemic today… the time is now, the time is right for the presenting of these powerful principles of prayer.  In fact, there are 4 essential prayers Jabez prays--4 prayers that you and I should stop now, and immediately pray. Let’s talk about it!!   Follow me on: FaceBookMichael A. Stevens Twitter@PastorMStevens InstagramDr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

Question?  If you were in your very last days, why should God extend your life an additional 15 years?  What 3 reasons would or, could you give?  Next question… what possibly would be your biggest regrets in life?  Pursued dreams?  Worked too hard?  Stayed in touch with family and friends? From the halls of a palliative care unit, sound advice is given by a nurse observing the last thoughts and wishes of those who had very little time on this earth. Let’s talk about it!!   Follow me on: FaceBookMichael A. Stevens Twitter@PastorMStevens InstagramDr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

In the Book of Philippians, we observe the servant, Epaphroditus.  Paul regards him as a brother, a fellow worker, and a fellow soldier.  The Apostle Paul more importantly charges the church to receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold men as Epaphroditus in esteem… Why?  Because for the work of Christ, the true servant leader came close to death for the sake and goodwill of the local church.  I’m thinking today, what would it take for you and I to have the same, great reputation as Epaphroditus?   Let’s talk about it!!   Follow me on: FaceBookMichael A. Stevens Twitter@PastorMStevens InstagramDr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

In the Book of Daniel, we see a practice and a purpose that has always gotten the complete attention of God—prayer and fasting.  The prophet proclaims in Chapter 10,  “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”   Because the Prophet, Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank… we see God using the prophet in a mighty way and answering Daniel’s most desired prayers.  There are supernatural and spiritual blessings prayer and fasting can do for you… just as it did for Daniel thousands of years ago.  Let’s talk about it!! Follow me on: FaceBookMichael A. Stevens Twitter@PastorMStevens InstagramDr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

You can conquer your challenges… everyone of them!  But first, you have to understanding the very purpose for why challenges come your way.  There are 3 facts of life concerning challenges: Challenges are apart of all of our lives. Challenges are presented with purposes and reasons in mind. Challenges are opportunities to make you better. I have found out in life that our challenges can be conquered, but only by strategic prayer and pressing on.  What does this truly mean?  Listen closely and receive the valued divine revelation you can immediately apply now! Let’s talk about it!!   Follow me on: FaceBookMichael A. Stevens Twitter@PastorMStevens InstagramDr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

As we soon enter a post pandemic era in early 2021, it is my desire to remind all the value of understanding how to live as a Christian in a sinful world.  However, not just a sinful world, but a world still experiencing a global pandemic—a pandemic that has affected us as a nation, a local community, a church and our families… but, perhaps mostly as an individual. We’ve experienced: Despair, dashed dreams and shattered hopes Loss of family, friends and close love ones Continued uncertainty and unresolve You might have been simply overwhelmed by grief, burdens, and, or sorrows… but, there’s good news…  2021 will be a year of Release… Resetting… Recovering ALL!     Let’s talk about it!!   Follow me on: FaceBookMichael A. Stevens Twitter@PastorMStevens InstagramDr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

Life is full of many questions…some simply, some complex.  Particularly in times like these—siege and insurrection on Capitol Hill, the brink of a civil war, social injustices witnessed throughout the land, we can be a people of continued inquires and investigations.  For the Prophet Habakkuk, life had become increasingly difficult: Evil was all around him His enemies seemed to be advancing against him and the people of God Habakkuk wanted answers …and he wanted them now! Perhaps today, like the prophet Habakkuk, you have unsettled questions to life’s journey and experience.  This podcast promises to help you navigate through this tough season, by answering some tough questions! Let’s talk about it!! Follow me on: FaceBook                    Michael A. Stevens Twitter                        @PastorMStevens Instagram                    Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

Utter shock.  Speechless.  Anger.  Disappointment.  A sad day in American history!  What we just witnessed on media outlet channels around the country has been nothing short of total outrage and utter disgust.  Where was the pre-event planning by the City of Washington, DC, National Guard, FBI and the like?  Why did it take so long for order and peace to be re-established on Capital Hill?  Where was the clarain call for peace and calm from our Commander in Chief? So, who’s ultimately at fault?  We all are—an arrogant and unrepentant nation that is divided, disorderly and at best, dysfunctional led by a megalomaniac and narcissist President that I once honored, admired and defended for the noble and conservative policies he put in place that once… made America great again… though it was short lived.   Let’s talk about it!!   Follow me on: FaceBook Michael A. Stevens Twitter @PastorMStevens Instagram Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

During this global pandemic, there’s been a continued war on our minds, our hearts and our families.  To add, there’s been the ongoing fears of the unknown, the uncertainty and the unresolved.  David in I Samuel 22, is found with 400 other in a cave called Adullum.  This cave  was a place of isolation, self-hiding and self-harboring.   So, what did David do during his “pandemic” cave experience?  What should you and I do during our “COVID Cave” experience?  3 things readily come to mind that you must do while in the cave: Seek the will of God for your life. Find a safe place of praise, prayer and power. Get up and Go on! Good News!  You will successfully endure this pandemic season of cave moment experiences…but, you’ll first have to understand and appreciate the fate of “getting up and going on”! Let’s talk about it!!   Follow me on: FaceBookMichael A. Stevens Twitter@PastorMStevens InstagramDr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

There’s a real blessing and benefit in being content and complete during this COVID-19 Pandemic.  I would like to remind you that to be content means being in a state of peaceful happiness; being at peace with what one has and being completely satisfied.  In fact, the Apostle Paul tells us, Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. (I Tim. 6: 6-8) As you listen to today’s podcast, please know that it is certainly understood that hard work, investments, savings and the like, are to be affirmed, encouraged and commended.  However, may we be reminded that true wealth, reward and riches can only come from God and our contentment in Him—in both this life and in the eternal life to come. Let’s talk about it!!   Follow me on: Facebook | Michael A. Stevens Twitter | @PastorMStevens Instagram | Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

Our days today, are days of difficulties…  As many already know, these are most historic and unprecedented days… a pandemic era… a day that tries men’s souls.    In Mark’s gospel, we read the story of a great sea storm arising while Jesus was fast asleep with a pillow in the stern of a large boat.  The disciples are fearing for their very lives, all wondering if Jesus even cared that they were perishing.  Truth be told, it might seem today during this great, global pandemic that no one cares whether we live or not, not even Jesus.  To add, we’re facing the reality of retched racism, blatant bigotry, prideful prejudices and hurtful hatred of many evil and wicked people.  But, during the storms of life and the challenges of days of uncertainty, unsureness and insecurity, Jesus speaks to the winds and rain as well as rebukes the roaring waters and proclaims peace to us all!  “While others panic… God will keep you in perfect peace!”   Let’s talk about it!   Follow me on: Facebook | Michael A. Stevens Twitter | @PastorMStevens Instagram | Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

These are not good times for Christian and conservative African-Americans.  As a clergy leader and ministry influencer in the Black community, standing with and voting for President Donald J. Trump is very difficult for me and somewhat problematic.  While I proudly love many of his progressive policies impacting Black America—prison reform, support of HBCUs, pre-COVID employment gains, pro-life, pro-family and pro-Israel… Unfortunately, there’s too the hated and despised imagery that is often associated with our President as the continued lightening rod and posterchild of division, racism and bigotry.  To add, there’s this non-urgent, non-balanced approach to addressing the ongoing police brutality and other various injustices across our land.   Earlier this week, another… ANOTHER unarmed Black man is shot 7 times in the back for noncompliance to officers… our nation’s streets are yet again in turmoil!    So today for us, there is still two deadly diseases Black America fighting—the COVID-19 virus which has exposed the disparity of healthcare access and resources in the Black community, and the ungodly, sinful virus of racism, whether systematic, institutional or overt and obvious—there are unbearable burdens of pain and pressure in the African American community.   Let’s talk about it!!   Follow me on: Facebook | Michael A. Stevens Twitter | @PastorMStevens Instagram | Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

This is the church’s finest hour… its most opportunistic time to “kindle a fire” and show unusual kindness to a pandemic world that is very cold, drenched with the hard rains of troubles and turbulence… bad times in the world are good times for the church!  In Acts 28, the Apostle Paul and 276 prisoners survived a tempest storm at sea, making it safely to the shores of the Island of Malta.  There, unusual kindness was shown toward them… for the natives kindled a fire and made them all feel welcome!  If there was ever a time and space for the church today to show unusual kindness and the demonstrated love of Jesus, now is that time!  May the church today overcome hate, murder, division, envy and jealousy with LOVE!  May we the church, kindle a fire of God’s presence and power… making ALL to feel welcome! May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion.  (Psalm 20:2)    Follow me on: Facebook | Michael A. Stevens Twitter | @PastorMStevens Instagram | Dr.michael.a.stevens.sr Or, go to our website: www.CityChurchHuntersville.com for more detailed information.

Our days today, are days of difficulties…  As many already know, these are most historic and unprecedented days… a pandemic era… a day that tries men’s souls.  For Black America, there are two deadly and destructive diseases—COVID-19 and the spirit of Racism.  Although there have been peaceful protests and new policy reform with change… Black America, yet as a people, grapple with painful imagery of inequalities and injustices.    In Matthew 5, Israel was also seemingly in the fight of their lives… the fight for their lives.  There was Roman governmental oppression and rule—over taxation and under representation.  Also, there was overt persecutions, prejudices and discrimination from all fronts toward Israel.  However, the greatest sermon ever preached, or taught… was given by Jesus!  The “Sermon on the Mount” was not about spiritual gifts… not about the anointing or spiritual power… but, about the attitude, inner qualities and the character of the believer.  The “be-atitudes” is really about what your “attitude should BE like” during these days of difficulty!  Let’s talk!  

For the third time as in many weeks, another Hollywood actor and influencer has expressed anti-Semitic remarks via tweets and posts.  African-American actor, Ice Cube has joined Nick Cannon with recent hurtful and dangerous comments against the Jewish community—much of which has gone without public outrage and rebuttal.  As mentioned in prior podcasts, the greatest rise of anti-Semitism today is unfortunately from the African-American community.  There is no room or tolerance for hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group.     If any ethnic groups should stand and support the Jewish people, it should be African-Americans.  There are unique parallels and commonalities between the Jewish and African-American communities.  Both communities have suffered horrendous persecution and unspeakable oppression as a people and nation.  During such oppression and persecution, both communities have embraced religion and spirituality in a search to find meaning in their lives.  Further, both as a culture of people can identify with the pain and plight of a people dislocated, disenfranchised and disheartened.     With this podcast, we discuss this most attack from both Ice Cube and Nick Cannon as well as look deeper into both the challenges and the solutions to a better, shared community experience.  

Philadelphia Eagles’ famed wide receiver, Desean Jackson was both right and wrong!  With a mix of immature and juvenile social media posts displaying unkind and hurtful anti-Semitics views concerning Jews, he errantly brought shame on both himself and the African-American community—for this, he was wrong!  Within 24 hours, he righted his wrongs by being man enough to both publicly own-up and apologize for his erred statements—for this, he was right and did right!  I fully applaud and commend him.    The greatest rise of anti-Semitism today is unfortunately from the African-American community.  There is no room or tolerance for hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group.  In fact, if any ethnic groups should stand and support the Jewish people, it should be African-Americans.  There are unique parallels and commonalities between the Jewish and African-American communities.  Both communities have suffered horrendous persecution and unspeakable oppression as a people and nation.  During such oppression and persecution, both communities have embraced religion and spirituality in a search to find meaning in their lives.  Further, both as a culture of people can identify with the pain and plight of a people dislocated, disenfranchised and disheartened.    Let’s fully discuss this recent exchange of events concerning Desean Jackson and look deeper into both the challenges and the solutions to a better, shared community experience. 

This past 4th of July was NOT your typical 4th of July weekend…  we’re yet trying to find away to celebrate with food, fun and fireworks all the while enduring this most historic and unprecedented pandemic era, the continuance and now spiking reality of COVID-19!  To add, we are witnessing at an all-time high, the sinful and ungodly spirit of racism—systematic, institutional as well as the overt and obvious.  I don’t believe the underlying motives and movement of Black Lives Matter is the absolute answer.  The answer?  Simple!  We must be a nation and generation of people that finds ourselves humbly back at the foot of the Cross… the Cross of Christ!  This, for all, will be the truest and purest path to freedom and liberty for all!

Not feeling connected to your local church as of lately?  Feeling like something is missing—fellowship with friends and colleagues at the church?  After 100 days in quarantine, it’s easy to feel like you are not being spiritually feed and pastorally covered. Being high tech is a wonderful thing in the world of websites, Facebook Live and various streaming services… but being high touch is very essential and needed in an hour such as this!  Truth is, it is becoming more and more convenient to compare so many great online and streaming church services and overlook and undervalue your very own local church and pastoral leadership.  I want to encourage you to stay faithful and focused on your local church fellowship and pastoral leaders. 

On this 2020 Father’s Day weekend… Dad is Destiny!  If there has ever been a time and need for fathering, now is that time.  If there has ever been a time for men to rise up and take their rightful place in the home, now is that time!  It is said that “Fatherlessness is the most destructive trend of our generation.”  With this Father’s Day weekend podcast, I want to both charge and challenge all fathers to be the man—the husband, the father and friend you were called to be!  During this global pandemic, combined with the injustices, civil unrest and race tensions, every fathers of a child needs to both possess and pass on to their children—a voice that gives identity and security, a vision that won’t leave you and values that instruct, admonish and affirms!   “It’s never too late to be the father who you might have been… because, Dad is Destiny!”

I’ve often said, when White America catches a cold, Black America gets pneumonia!  These are absolutely unprecedented and unparalled times for our nation—the COVID-19 global pandemic has certainly had its destruction and devastation on many!  Unfortunately for Black America, the pain is undoubtably doubled!  There are two deadly and diseased viruses Black America simultaneously fights—the COVID-19 virus which has exposed the disparity of healthcare access and resources in the Black community, and the ungodly, sinful virus of racism.  This   deadly virus of racism, whether systematic, institutional or overt and obvious—places unbearable burdens of pain and pressure in the African American community.  To make things more interesting, there is yet, this looming and alarming silence among many—in various white communities, including the church.  Is this, perhaps why the peaceful protestors across America cries, --white silence is violence?  As for immediate, real time solutions?  The church must seek the Living God, speak truth to power and stand in this, such a hard and hurtful day—a day burdened in Black America!  Let’s talk about it!!

We as African-American conservative Christians are becoming more and more stuck between a rock and a hard place!  What the President did recently was wrong—both uncouth and unnecessary!  To hold the Bible up as a prop in front of a neighboring church outside of the White House for a photo opportunity was straight unethical and uncalled for.  As a Christian believer and leader, I am concerned that many African-American voters and supporters will soon, no longer give their conservative 'benefit of the doubt' because of his pro-church, pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-Israel, prison reform, HBCU support and what was then a robust economy at the expense of seemingly provoking of a potential all-out war against American citizens--of which, of course, the black community will suffer most. I have prayed for the President... and will continue. As a citizen of the USA, I respectfully honor and follow leadership… but, some of our white Evangelical brothers or sisters in his inner circle MUST speak truth to power and give Godly, prophetic wisdom that will influence a man in which will, in turn, impact a generation!  Let’s talk about it!!

Another unarmed and hand-cuffed Black man is dead tonight in America—all at the hands (…and a knee) of a white cop!  Where’s the voice of the Evangelical church?  Evangelical leaders?  Where are the voices of the Black church?  Black leaders?  The only voice we’re hearing, actions we’re seeing are the looters and rioters—Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington D.C., …all the while America is on fire and burning.  Who should we hold accountable?  Who needs to be called out?  What are our country’s next steps for healing and restoration? This podcast conversation is about a simple and solid solution about ending unnecessary police brutality and the injustice of murder by police!!!  Not about President Trump, but about ending local police department injustices across America!  The church should be praying and seeking God for practical solutions and answers to our world's greatest need!   

Straight Talk with Dr. Mike is an upbeat and energetic podcast show from an African-American urban perspective that entertains, yet explores and engages various current events, hot topics, and news worthy issues in church and community