I heard a sermon on Church Pond today and it touched me. www.churchpond.com. Pastor Bryd reminded me that God ALWAYS has my back. That what EVER my situation is, I can be confident that GOD KNOWS all and that he is GOD of ALL. He loves me. And friend, he loves you too! So, listen, your dream... your passion... your innermost desire, in the Hands of the Master will come to fruition. If your desire falls in harmony with the Lord, the devil cannot hinder your progress. If you're not Sure what your purpose should be, or if your not sure your desire is the same thing God wants, simply ask.
Say, "Father, I used to have an agenda, to plan things and purpose things for my benefit only. But Lord, you have promised me in Proverbs 16:3 that if I "Commit to the Lord my dreams, plans, or desires, YOU will bring them into fruition". Lord, today, I pray that you Touch my life, and you work things out for me. To show me where you want me to go. To do what you would have me to do. Take me and allow me to touch the people you need me to. To bring back to you the praise and the Glory for you have made me see that You are IN CONTROL and your BLESSINGS are overflowing. Amen."
This is the prayer that I prayed today. And as you are reading this, I am praying with you. Be Blessed today. Know that God has purposed things for your benefit today. :)
-jw-
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Feeling kinda down ?
I've been feeling kinda down for a couple of days. I desperately miss my girlfriend and I miss my friends in general. I'm down in the dumps. Its cool. I'm comforted by the fact that it is the sabbath. And Today is the day that the Lord has set aside to fellowship with him.
So i put on my sabbath music. Some John P. Kee, or some good ol Fred Hammond, and I read my devotion. Even though i wish things were better for me, I begin to praise God for all that He has done for me. For placing me here for this reason to strengthen my character. To learn how to trust him more and more each day.
I'm thankful. I'm thankful for life. I'm thankful for health. I'm thankful for family. I'm thankful for friends. I realize i have no reason to be depressed. God is SOOO Good.
-Praise Confuses the Enemy-
:)
So i put on my sabbath music. Some John P. Kee, or some good ol Fred Hammond, and I read my devotion. Even though i wish things were better for me, I begin to praise God for all that He has done for me. For placing me here for this reason to strengthen my character. To learn how to trust him more and more each day.
I'm thankful. I'm thankful for life. I'm thankful for health. I'm thankful for family. I'm thankful for friends. I realize i have no reason to be depressed. God is SOOO Good.
-Praise Confuses the Enemy-
:)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
OBAMA's Victory SPEECH!!!
The president-elect delivers his victory speech from Chicago.
BARACK OBAMA: Hello, Chicago.
(APPLAUSE)
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
(APPLAUSE)
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.
We are, and always will be, the United States of America.
(APPLAUSE)
It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.
(APPLAUSE)
A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain.
(APPLAUSE)
Senator McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.
I congratulate him; I congratulate Governor Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
(APPLAUSE)
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton...
(APPLAUSE)
... and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
(APPLAUSE)
And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years...
(APPLAUSE)
... the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady...
(APPLAUSE)
... Michelle Obama.
(APPLAUSE)
Sasha and Malia...
(APPLAUSE)
... I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us...
(LAUGHTER)
... to the new White House.
(APPLAUSE)
And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.
(APPLAUSE)
And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe...
(APPLAUSE)
... the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.
(APPLAUSE)
To my chief strategist David Axelrod...
(APPLAUSE)
... who's been a partner with me every step of the way. To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics...
(APPLAUSE)
... you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done. But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.
It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy...
(APPLAUSE)
... who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.
This is your victory.
(APPLAUSE)
And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.
There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.
There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
I promise you, we as a people will get there.
(APPLAUSE)
AUDIENCE: Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!
OBAMA: There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.
This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.
It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.
Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.
In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.
Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
(APPLAUSE)
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.
(APPLAUSE)
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.
(APPLAUSE)
To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
(APPLAUSE)
That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
(APPLAUSE)
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
AUDIENCE: Yes we can.
OBAMA: When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
AUDIENCE: Yes we can.
OBAMA: She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.
AUDIENCE: Yes we can.
OBAMA: A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.
AUDIENCE: Yes we can.
OBAMA: America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see?
What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.
This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
(APPLAUSE)
Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
OBAMA IS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!! 11:00pm
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/election.president/index.html#cnnSTCText
-There's Nothing else to say-
-jw-
-There's Nothing else to say-
-jw-
PROVERBS SERIES: Proverbs 3
Hello everyone,
Today, I am not going to put all of Proverbs 3 up, but I wanted to look a little bit more closely at a couple of texts. The main focus of Chapter 3, is the promise that following God's wisdom brings blessings into your life. It admonishes the Christian to put FULL confidence in the Lord. No matter what the world is tell us, what may happen today, or the memories of our past, Solomon reminds us VICTORY and BLESSINGS come by following God's Counsel completely. Does this mean I have to be a Legalist or follow God on demanding rules that MUST be obeyed to be successful? To follow orders blindly with no deviation? Does this mean that I won't get blessed if I don't serve Him?
Solomon answers all of these questions and many more. Let's take a deeper look into what Solomon means:
Proverbs 3:5,6 - " Trust in the Lord with ALL thy heart, and lean not to thy own understanding. In ALL your ways... Acknowledge HIM and HE will make your path straight.
This verse is a cornerstone for Christians and has been expounded on and studied for centuries. This is because this verse highlights probably one of the best virtues of trusting God and being a Christian. It reminds us that, before we even start a task, assignment, job, or any any type of plan, God promises us a successful outcome. It doesn't matter what your career is, what your personal goals are, or plans you may have for your family. If your plans are noble and true, trusting in the Lord with ALL your heart, will allow God to bless your endeavors.
But what if I am a CHRISTIAN, and I seem to fudge everything that i put my hands to do? My plans never work out right.... what does that mean?
Well, my friend, lets look at Proverbs 3:11,12- " My son do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Have you ever written a paper, or been given an assignment and your parents or teachers have edited it? This is the same exapmle Solomon highlights in verse 11 and 12. Sometimes, we do the best we can, but it may not be the BEST WE CAN DO. God has a way of LOVINGLY (it may not feel like it), putting us in positions that test our character. It is when your are backed up against the wall sometimes that we are the MOST HONEST with ourselves. We become disillusioned to all the Foolishness that is in our lives and we understand that if it wasn't for the GRACE of God we wouldn't even made it this far.
That is God's way of disciplining us, this is because he loves us that he wants us to recognize how much HE NEEDS us and HE WANTS us to trust him. And if you look at God's track record, that's not a bad option. Time after time, the bible tells us how God has miracoulsly showed up and showed out for those who cried out to him. Its like He can't resist it.. It's like HE NEEDS it, its like HE YEARNS for it. It's like HE DELIGHTS in bringing hope to the hopeless and care for the abused. God Loves giving us safety and peace. From all the examples in the Bible, and in your life as a christian, you can conclude that is his NATURE.
So, why DONT we trust him. Why don't we acknowledge him before every decision? Cause we're stupid. And that's ok. lol. Honestly, its because we are so accustomed to being selfish and trying to think for ourselves. But the more we push God out, the more He will remind us, that His plans are the Best option. It may take a while, but more often than Not, we come back to God when it all begins to work out and say,
"Lord, You are awesome and Amazing! Thank you For protecting me when I didn't know the difference. For giving me Grace when I didn't deserve it."
We are amazed at how much the Lord provided for us, especially when we didn't even know our own need.
So, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived says this.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Lean not on your Own understanding, but in ALL your ways, Acknowledge Him, and HE will set your paths straight".
Since God has promised you an abundance of Grace and Blessings, why not invest in him on the front end. Why wait till AFTER you go through the STORM or TRIBULATION?
That's some pretty good logic and wisdom.
Do it now. Stand Firm in Faith. God's returns are 100% Guaranteed. Its the best INVESTMENT AROUND.
I promise you, your day will not be the same. :)
-jw-
Today, I am not going to put all of Proverbs 3 up, but I wanted to look a little bit more closely at a couple of texts. The main focus of Chapter 3, is the promise that following God's wisdom brings blessings into your life. It admonishes the Christian to put FULL confidence in the Lord. No matter what the world is tell us, what may happen today, or the memories of our past, Solomon reminds us VICTORY and BLESSINGS come by following God's Counsel completely. Does this mean I have to be a Legalist or follow God on demanding rules that MUST be obeyed to be successful? To follow orders blindly with no deviation? Does this mean that I won't get blessed if I don't serve Him?
Solomon answers all of these questions and many more. Let's take a deeper look into what Solomon means:
Proverbs 3:5,6 - " Trust in the Lord with ALL thy heart, and lean not to thy own understanding. In ALL your ways... Acknowledge HIM and HE will make your path straight.
This verse is a cornerstone for Christians and has been expounded on and studied for centuries. This is because this verse highlights probably one of the best virtues of trusting God and being a Christian. It reminds us that, before we even start a task, assignment, job, or any any type of plan, God promises us a successful outcome. It doesn't matter what your career is, what your personal goals are, or plans you may have for your family. If your plans are noble and true, trusting in the Lord with ALL your heart, will allow God to bless your endeavors.
But what if I am a CHRISTIAN, and I seem to fudge everything that i put my hands to do? My plans never work out right.... what does that mean?
Well, my friend, lets look at Proverbs 3:11,12- " My son do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Have you ever written a paper, or been given an assignment and your parents or teachers have edited it? This is the same exapmle Solomon highlights in verse 11 and 12. Sometimes, we do the best we can, but it may not be the BEST WE CAN DO. God has a way of LOVINGLY (it may not feel like it), putting us in positions that test our character. It is when your are backed up against the wall sometimes that we are the MOST HONEST with ourselves. We become disillusioned to all the Foolishness that is in our lives and we understand that if it wasn't for the GRACE of God we wouldn't even made it this far.
That is God's way of disciplining us, this is because he loves us that he wants us to recognize how much HE NEEDS us and HE WANTS us to trust him. And if you look at God's track record, that's not a bad option. Time after time, the bible tells us how God has miracoulsly showed up and showed out for those who cried out to him. Its like He can't resist it.. It's like HE NEEDS it, its like HE YEARNS for it. It's like HE DELIGHTS in bringing hope to the hopeless and care for the abused. God Loves giving us safety and peace. From all the examples in the Bible, and in your life as a christian, you can conclude that is his NATURE.
So, why DONT we trust him. Why don't we acknowledge him before every decision? Cause we're stupid. And that's ok. lol. Honestly, its because we are so accustomed to being selfish and trying to think for ourselves. But the more we push God out, the more He will remind us, that His plans are the Best option. It may take a while, but more often than Not, we come back to God when it all begins to work out and say,
"Lord, You are awesome and Amazing! Thank you For protecting me when I didn't know the difference. For giving me Grace when I didn't deserve it."
We are amazed at how much the Lord provided for us, especially when we didn't even know our own need.
So, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived says this.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Lean not on your Own understanding, but in ALL your ways, Acknowledge Him, and HE will set your paths straight".
Since God has promised you an abundance of Grace and Blessings, why not invest in him on the front end. Why wait till AFTER you go through the STORM or TRIBULATION?
That's some pretty good logic and wisdom.
Do it now. Stand Firm in Faith. God's returns are 100% Guaranteed. Its the best INVESTMENT AROUND.
I promise you, your day will not be the same. :)
-jw-
Monday, October 27, 2008
You are GOD alone
Sometimes i Can't stop Praising The Lord! Nothing tugs at my heart more than being in God's Presence and i today while i was studying I was praying for Guidance and this came song came to mind...
MARVIN SAPP is one of my Favorite Inspiration Artists! I can't get enough of this dude. I really can't. I started listening to him during my First Year in Medical School and his lyrics are Definitely inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT. I pray that you will enjoy this song. I pray that it touches you and that you invite the Holy Spirit to come into your life so that he can bless you Tremendously.
MARVIN SAPP is one of my Favorite Inspiration Artists! I can't get enough of this dude. I really can't. I started listening to him during my First Year in Medical School and his lyrics are Definitely inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT. I pray that you will enjoy this song. I pray that it touches you and that you invite the Holy Spirit to come into your life so that he can bless you Tremendously.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Proverbs SERIES: Proverbs 2
So.. I wasn't going to put the whole chapter up here, but as i read it i couldn't help it...
Have you ever been in a place in your life where you didn't know WHAT to do? I mean you have choices on both sides of you, yet it feels like prison because you are torn? Well, that has happened to me a couple of times in my life. In fact, I know it happens to all of us. What are we to do? How do we make the BEST decision?
Well, Chapter 2 of Proverbs talks about making decisions WISELY instead of them just being Knowleged-based. What's the difference btw Knowledge and Wisdom? Arent they the same? Well.. the answer is No. Knowledge can be TAUGHT. As in a class room or at home with your parents. Wisdom is ENDOWED upon somebody. It gives the person an uncanny ability to "see" how things will turn out if they make certain choices.
The Wisest people i have ever met were older individuals who lived a long productive life. But that is not the Wisdom Solomon is talking about. Solomon in this chapter focuses on Wisdom that will ensure your place and entry into the KINGDOM. He is talking about wisdom that will help you AVOID the Adversary. The Devil. That is True Wisdom.
Many times in our life, we are bombarded with questions. With options... "what to buy?" "what to wear" "should i be honest" "How much can i get away with without being caught". Solomon reminds us that our MINDS can play tricks on us, yet the WISDOM and STATUES of the Lord are FIRM and STEADY.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. I this, in know you will find Wisdom for Today. :)
Proverbs 2
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Have you ever been in a place in your life where you didn't know WHAT to do? I mean you have choices on both sides of you, yet it feels like prison because you are torn? Well, that has happened to me a couple of times in my life. In fact, I know it happens to all of us. What are we to do? How do we make the BEST decision?
Well, Chapter 2 of Proverbs talks about making decisions WISELY instead of them just being Knowleged-based. What's the difference btw Knowledge and Wisdom? Arent they the same? Well.. the answer is No. Knowledge can be TAUGHT. As in a class room or at home with your parents. Wisdom is ENDOWED upon somebody. It gives the person an uncanny ability to "see" how things will turn out if they make certain choices.
The Wisest people i have ever met were older individuals who lived a long productive life. But that is not the Wisdom Solomon is talking about. Solomon in this chapter focuses on Wisdom that will ensure your place and entry into the KINGDOM. He is talking about wisdom that will help you AVOID the Adversary. The Devil. That is True Wisdom.
Many times in our life, we are bombarded with questions. With options... "what to buy?" "what to wear" "should i be honest" "How much can i get away with without being caught". Solomon reminds us that our MINDS can play tricks on us, yet the WISDOM and STATUES of the Lord are FIRM and STEADY.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. I this, in know you will find Wisdom for Today. :)
Proverbs 2
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
So Costly—and Yet Free
So Costly—and Yet Free
By the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Rom. 5:18.
Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot grasp it, power cannot command it; but to all who will accept it, God’s glorious grace is freely given. But men may feel their need, and, renouncing all self-dependence, accept salvation as a gift. Those who enter heaven will not scale its walls by their own righteousness, nor will its gates be opened to them for costly offerings of gold or silver, but they will gain an entrance to the many mansions of the Father’s house through the merits of the cross of Christ.
For sinful men, the highest consolation, the greatest cause of rejoicing, is that Heaven has given Jesus to be the sinner’s Saviour. . . . He offered to go over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell; to meet the tempter on the field of battle, and conquer him in man’s behalf. Behold Him in the wilderness of temptation. Forty days and forty nights He fasted, enduring the fiercest assaults of the powers of darkness. He trod the “winepress alone; and of the people there was none with” Him (Isa. 63:3). It was not for Himself, but that He might break the chain that held the human race in slavery to Satan.
As Christ in His humanity sought strength from His Father, that He might be enabled to endure trial and temptation, so are we to do. We are to follow the example of the sinless Son of God. Daily we need help and grace and power from the Source of all power. We are to cast our helpless souls upon the One who is ready to help us in every time of need. Too often we forget the Lord. Self gives way to impulse, and we lose the victories that we should gain.
If we are overcome let us not delay to repent, and to accept the pardon that will place us on vantage ground. If we repent and believe, the cleansing power from God will be ours. His saving grace is freely offered. His pardon is given to all who will receive it. . . . Over every sinner that repents the angels of God rejoice with songs of joy. Not one sinner need be lost. Full and free is the gift of saving grace.
From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 209, 210.
By the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Rom. 5:18.
Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot grasp it, power cannot command it; but to all who will accept it, God’s glorious grace is freely given. But men may feel their need, and, renouncing all self-dependence, accept salvation as a gift. Those who enter heaven will not scale its walls by their own righteousness, nor will its gates be opened to them for costly offerings of gold or silver, but they will gain an entrance to the many mansions of the Father’s house through the merits of the cross of Christ.
For sinful men, the highest consolation, the greatest cause of rejoicing, is that Heaven has given Jesus to be the sinner’s Saviour. . . . He offered to go over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell; to meet the tempter on the field of battle, and conquer him in man’s behalf. Behold Him in the wilderness of temptation. Forty days and forty nights He fasted, enduring the fiercest assaults of the powers of darkness. He trod the “winepress alone; and of the people there was none with” Him (Isa. 63:3). It was not for Himself, but that He might break the chain that held the human race in slavery to Satan.
As Christ in His humanity sought strength from His Father, that He might be enabled to endure trial and temptation, so are we to do. We are to follow the example of the sinless Son of God. Daily we need help and grace and power from the Source of all power. We are to cast our helpless souls upon the One who is ready to help us in every time of need. Too often we forget the Lord. Self gives way to impulse, and we lose the victories that we should gain.
If we are overcome let us not delay to repent, and to accept the pardon that will place us on vantage ground. If we repent and believe, the cleansing power from God will be ours. His saving grace is freely offered. His pardon is given to all who will receive it. . . . Over every sinner that repents the angels of God rejoice with songs of joy. Not one sinner need be lost. Full and free is the gift of saving grace.
From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 209, 210.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
PROVERBS SERIES: Proverbs 1
I was in church today, (10/18/08), and i decided to start a Blogg Series on one of my Favorite books in the bible. PROVERBS. i'll try to write at least one a day, but i may forget so since i'm sure only a few people read my blogg, i won't be disappointing people. Because today is the 18th, i wanted to write something from Proverbs 18, but then i decided that since i'm not the best at writing on my blogg everyday i should just start from the Beginning:
Before i choose a text and expound on it, lets look at a Brieg history of this book.
Proverbs was written btw 1000 and 700 BC by the Israelite King Solomon (majority) and some other Kings in the Region. This book focuses on the beauty and the value that is found in gaining wisdom with an emphasis on God's virtues and commands that were given to us as christians to follow. Solomon is recorded as being the Richest, and the Wisest Person that ever lived. During his Reign in Israel, Solomon build the Temple which King David (his father) so wanted so longingly to build. Solomon's reign was a period of Peace and Harmony and of progress of the Israelite Nation.
*Note, I'm no teacher or theologian, I just love reading the word, and i hope that you will comment and let me know what you think. I'm open to thoughts and would love to hear what you have to say.*
Proverbs 1:
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Warning Against Enticement
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
9 They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
11 If they say, Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul;
12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse—
15 my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on theirpaths;
16 for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shedblood.
17 How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves!
19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:
22 How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate
knowledge?
23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.
24 But since you rejected me when I called and no-one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,
25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble
overwhelm you.
28 Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.
29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD,
30 since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.
As soon as i read these texts, I am in awe of the sound advice that Solomon is saying. However, the text that stands out to me is verse 7. This i because sooo Many people think that good Grades, a great job, or position is what's really important. People steal, lie, cheat, kill,... do all crazy stuff to be more Knowledgeable or Seem like they have it ALL IN-THE-BAG. *shrugg* maybe its just me, but i swear people love tooting thier own horns and try to throw thier Degree's in people's faces. Or if not education, then Money!
Why is that? What is the real importance of Money or education or Position?
Here, Solomon, the wealthiest person that ever lived, reminds us that, Position, Money, Fame, what-eva it may be is not as important as Gaining WISDOM from the Lord. This is the KEY to finding fulfillment on Earth. Following God's Principles and walking day by day is the way to live a harmonious and sound life.
The other day, i saw one of Oprah's Book Club selections, "A New Earth". The book tries to be prophetic and full of wisdom. Yet, it lacks in one major thing. IT FOCUSED ON SELF ACTUALIZATION. The main purpose, and the trend for the NEW AGE ERA in general, is to prove that SELF has all the answers and we are naturally good people. We must listen to our INNER-BEING for guidance.
How wrong! The Bible tells us the TRUE wisdom and TRUE understanding comes from the Lord. Period. It's important to understand this point. As we dive deeper into Proverbs, i hope you will understand that God holds the beginning and end of all knowledge. This is an awesome trait for a Supernatural Being to have. Especially since God invites us to Tabernacle with him. He wants to give this to us in abundance. All we have to do is ask. Matthew 7:7
Before i choose a text and expound on it, lets look at a Brieg history of this book.
Proverbs was written btw 1000 and 700 BC by the Israelite King Solomon (majority) and some other Kings in the Region. This book focuses on the beauty and the value that is found in gaining wisdom with an emphasis on God's virtues and commands that were given to us as christians to follow. Solomon is recorded as being the Richest, and the Wisest Person that ever lived. During his Reign in Israel, Solomon build the Temple which King David (his father) so wanted so longingly to build. Solomon's reign was a period of Peace and Harmony and of progress of the Israelite Nation.
*Note, I'm no teacher or theologian, I just love reading the word, and i hope that you will comment and let me know what you think. I'm open to thoughts and would love to hear what you have to say.*
Proverbs 1:
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Warning Against Enticement
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
9 They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
11 If they say, Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul;
12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse—
15 my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on theirpaths;
16 for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shedblood.
17 How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves!
19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:
22 How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate
knowledge?
23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.
24 But since you rejected me when I called and no-one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,
25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble
overwhelm you.
28 Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.
29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD,
30 since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.
As soon as i read these texts, I am in awe of the sound advice that Solomon is saying. However, the text that stands out to me is verse 7. This i because sooo Many people think that good Grades, a great job, or position is what's really important. People steal, lie, cheat, kill,... do all crazy stuff to be more Knowledgeable or Seem like they have it ALL IN-THE-BAG. *shrugg* maybe its just me, but i swear people love tooting thier own horns and try to throw thier Degree's in people's faces. Or if not education, then Money!
Why is that? What is the real importance of Money or education or Position?
Here, Solomon, the wealthiest person that ever lived, reminds us that, Position, Money, Fame, what-eva it may be is not as important as Gaining WISDOM from the Lord. This is the KEY to finding fulfillment on Earth. Following God's Principles and walking day by day is the way to live a harmonious and sound life.
The other day, i saw one of Oprah's Book Club selections, "A New Earth". The book tries to be prophetic and full of wisdom. Yet, it lacks in one major thing. IT FOCUSED ON SELF ACTUALIZATION. The main purpose, and the trend for the NEW AGE ERA in general, is to prove that SELF has all the answers and we are naturally good people. We must listen to our INNER-BEING for guidance.
How wrong! The Bible tells us the TRUE wisdom and TRUE understanding comes from the Lord. Period. It's important to understand this point. As we dive deeper into Proverbs, i hope you will understand that God holds the beginning and end of all knowledge. This is an awesome trait for a Supernatural Being to have. Especially since God invites us to Tabernacle with him. He wants to give this to us in abundance. All we have to do is ask. Matthew 7:7
Friday, August 22, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Cold Stone
Its saturday night.. I wanted to go Putt Putt, but there wasn't a close one nearby. Somebody called to go see the Dark Knight, but it was too far away. So we decided to just stay in and eat some sabbath dinner. Now we are going to Cold Stone!!! hip hip horray.
See, the truth about friendship is that the random moments, sharing ice cream with one another and talking and falling asleep because of the tryptophan, commonly known as the "itis" is probably the best thing that we could do together right now..
:)
See, the truth about friendship is that the random moments, sharing ice cream with one another and talking and falling asleep because of the tryptophan, commonly known as the "itis" is probably the best thing that we could do together right now..
:)
Friday, July 18, 2008
When The Lord Favors You.
Here in my study, I am currently reflecting on how God has been good to me. I am so very grateful for the opportunities he has given me in my life. Especially those that pertain to my career. I am aspiring to become a Medical Doctor, and let me tell you the truth. God has opened EVERY SINGLE DOOR. He always has. When i was called to be a physician, I first refused. I wanted to go to Film school and produce movies. That was my dream, and in fact, I actually applied. I got rejected from Film School and Medical school in the same year. I was upset to say the least, but God had other plans for me. lol.
After spending a year in medical school at Howard University in Washington, DC. I finally understand what type of doctor the Lord wants me to be. He wants me to be excellent. He wants me to be uncompromising. He wants me to achieve new heights and breakthroughs.
How do i know this?
Well, the Lord favors me. He disciplines those he loves and let me tell you the past two years i've definitely had my share. But, the course of discipline almost inevitably ends in growth and success. I never would have thought this was God's plan for me. It's been tough. But I've grown Stronger. It's been hard. But I've persevered. I never knew i had it in me. God had to bring it out. And that is what He's done.
When the Lord favors you, he sends you through the fire, so like gold, you may become refined.
After spending a year in medical school at Howard University in Washington, DC. I finally understand what type of doctor the Lord wants me to be. He wants me to be excellent. He wants me to be uncompromising. He wants me to achieve new heights and breakthroughs.
How do i know this?
Well, the Lord favors me. He disciplines those he loves and let me tell you the past two years i've definitely had my share. But, the course of discipline almost inevitably ends in growth and success. I never would have thought this was God's plan for me. It's been tough. But I've grown Stronger. It's been hard. But I've persevered. I never knew i had it in me. God had to bring it out. And that is what He's done.
When the Lord favors you, he sends you through the fire, so like gold, you may become refined.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Love..
um.. there must be a lot on my mind today..
so if you are a female reading this, you may be looking for something profound or heart stimulating.. but um... i really don't have much to say but this...
Love is more than a desire. It is a disposition.
Love is more than passion. It is self-control
Love is not blind. It is wisdom
Love is not designed. It creates.
Love is not by chance. It is by choice.
Love is not bondage. It is freedom.
Love is not dormant. It changes you.
Love is not proud. It makes you meek.
Love is not void. It reciprocates, transforms, continues and flows back into you.
ok.. enough of this sappy stuff....
lol.. I've talked about Heaven, Hell, and Love today... i must be missing somebody....
so if you are a female reading this, you may be looking for something profound or heart stimulating.. but um... i really don't have much to say but this...
Love is more than a desire. It is a disposition.
Love is more than passion. It is self-control
Love is not blind. It is wisdom
Love is not designed. It creates.
Love is not by chance. It is by choice.
Love is not bondage. It is freedom.
Love is not dormant. It changes you.
Love is not proud. It makes you meek.
Love is not void. It reciprocates, transforms, continues and flows back into you.
ok.. enough of this sappy stuff....
lol.. I've talked about Heaven, Hell, and Love today... i must be missing somebody....
How to get to Heaven
I decided to split the to posts up after writing so much on the topic of Hell. I feel like it is wasted energy because even though people need to know the truth, Heaven is so MUCH more of an interesting topic.. Plus its easier to get to heaven than it is to Hell..I'll prove it to you.
How do i Get to Heaven?
Simple. Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and everything shall be added unto you"
How do i seek Him?
Also simple. Jeremiah 29:12 says, "You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart"
This is a call that says, if you make God your 1st priority and throw all of worldly things that the devil wants you to hold on too, you will make room for God to prepare you for Heaven.
I'm going to end with a passage found in Matthew 24:43
THE TWO SERVANTS
vs. 45 " The way to be ready is to keep putting God first in your life, like the faithful and wise servant who keeps feeding the master's family at the proper times. When his master returns, that servant will be blessed because he was found doing his master's work. He will promote his loyal servant and entrust him with everything he owns. People who did not put God first will be like the unfaithful servant whose behavior demonstrated his belief that this master would not return for a long time. He took advantage of his position, abusing his fellow servants and spending most of this time living it up. but his master came back unexpectantly and surprised him. he relieved him of all his responsibilities and publicly stated why his servant had been dismissed. The servant's remorse was beyond words."
The truth is this.. those who believe that God is coming back: continue to prepare your hearts, body and mind for him. They error and the path to Hell does not lay in God's delay. It lays in His people forgetting that He is coming back.
Seek, yearn, and prepare for the Kingdom, and you will be ready.
Each day is anew. As early as possible, everyday, turn to the word, remind your self of the promise, repent, ask for forgiveness, and this day, if it shall be your last, you will be in paradise.
How do i Get to Heaven?
Simple. Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and everything shall be added unto you"
How do i seek Him?
Also simple. Jeremiah 29:12 says, "You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart"
This is a call that says, if you make God your 1st priority and throw all of worldly things that the devil wants you to hold on too, you will make room for God to prepare you for Heaven.
I'm going to end with a passage found in Matthew 24:43
THE TWO SERVANTS
vs. 45 " The way to be ready is to keep putting God first in your life, like the faithful and wise servant who keeps feeding the master's family at the proper times. When his master returns, that servant will be blessed because he was found doing his master's work. He will promote his loyal servant and entrust him with everything he owns. People who did not put God first will be like the unfaithful servant whose behavior demonstrated his belief that this master would not return for a long time. He took advantage of his position, abusing his fellow servants and spending most of this time living it up. but his master came back unexpectantly and surprised him. he relieved him of all his responsibilities and publicly stated why his servant had been dismissed. The servant's remorse was beyond words."
The truth is this.. those who believe that God is coming back: continue to prepare your hearts, body and mind for him. They error and the path to Hell does not lay in God's delay. It lays in His people forgetting that He is coming back.
Seek, yearn, and prepare for the Kingdom, and you will be ready.
Each day is anew. As early as possible, everyday, turn to the word, remind your self of the promise, repent, ask for forgiveness, and this day, if it shall be your last, you will be in paradise.
The truth about Hell.
I've come to realize that Heaven is an actual place. I know it is because Earth is an actual place. On this planet we see good and evil. Yet both co-exist and neither is to its full extreme. We see glimpses the two poles everyday. Ponder, for example, the beauty of a new born child. Innocent, feeble, delightful. Life. The experience brings an exhilarating joy to the parents and the whole family alike. This is Good. Pure Joy and Happiness. Then, the day will come when that same child will face death. Not to be morbid, but even the word brings pain, grief, and discomfort. This is bad. So i do believe that if we can see a taste of Heaven or Hell on earth, the two places must exist.
Here's the catch though... as Humans made in the Image of God, we only have one Home. Hell is not a place for eternal suffering, it is merely a place that is eternally separated from God. Those that go to Hell, will die because the presence of God has departed from them. Its hard to fathom, but understand this, the devil is only alive because God is merciful.. there will be a time when He says "enough is enough" and the devil will go into the place called Hell that was designed only for him.
And that's what the devil has been trying to trick us with this whole time. That WE are destined to be in either one of the two places. Heaven or Hell. But it is not so.. We were created to go only to ONE place. That is HEAVEN. That's the only place we can live. We can't live in Hell. Nothing can. That is where the devil and his alliances are to be obliterated. That place is not meant for us. Never was, and never shall be. It is only for those who choose not to follow God...
Here's the catch though... as Humans made in the Image of God, we only have one Home. Hell is not a place for eternal suffering, it is merely a place that is eternally separated from God. Those that go to Hell, will die because the presence of God has departed from them. Its hard to fathom, but understand this, the devil is only alive because God is merciful.. there will be a time when He says "enough is enough" and the devil will go into the place called Hell that was designed only for him.
And that's what the devil has been trying to trick us with this whole time. That WE are destined to be in either one of the two places. Heaven or Hell. But it is not so.. We were created to go only to ONE place. That is HEAVEN. That's the only place we can live. We can't live in Hell. Nothing can. That is where the devil and his alliances are to be obliterated. That place is not meant for us. Never was, and never shall be. It is only for those who choose not to follow God...
Saturday, July 12, 2008
dad..again
so.. tonight.. my dad did his thing AGAIN! hilarious.
So, when i was growing up, my curfew was 11pm. Even on the Weekend. Now i must remind you that there is NOTHING to do past 10pm in Berrien Springs, Michigan. But my dad still locked down the house at 11. and if i was late, i definitely got in trouble. The last time i lived at home was 6 years ago. man.
So tonight, my friend comes over at 10:40 pm and what happens? At exactly 11 pm, he tells her to leave! lol. Amazing. WHO DOES THAT! We were in mid conversation!!!!!! i mean he tried to sound nice, ha ha bust still. Yo, on some real stuff, he is a trip.. I'm glad i'm moving out soon, cause this dude is crazy. ha ha ha.
man...... i'm not even mad anymore.. Its like Joseph Warren, Sr will NEVER change... i just accept that joint as it is... lol.
So, when i was growing up, my curfew was 11pm. Even on the Weekend. Now i must remind you that there is NOTHING to do past 10pm in Berrien Springs, Michigan. But my dad still locked down the house at 11. and if i was late, i definitely got in trouble. The last time i lived at home was 6 years ago. man.
So tonight, my friend comes over at 10:40 pm and what happens? At exactly 11 pm, he tells her to leave! lol. Amazing. WHO DOES THAT! We were in mid conversation!!!!!! i mean he tried to sound nice, ha ha bust still. Yo, on some real stuff, he is a trip.. I'm glad i'm moving out soon, cause this dude is crazy. ha ha ha.
man...... i'm not even mad anymore.. Its like Joseph Warren, Sr will NEVER change... i just accept that joint as it is... lol.
My Dad is the MAN!!
So its late Friday Night, and i should really be asleep and preparing to go to church tomorrow. But i can't and i decided to Blog till my eyes get tired.
Folks, my dad is the Dude. This dude right here is true blue. I really want to be as purposeful as he is. This dude doesn't budge at all! When i was younger i hated it. Now I'm older, and i SOOO ADMIRE it. Man.. consistency is like his middle name! But folks, its HARD. I mean SOO hard. My dad isn't popular. My dad is chauvinistic. My dad isn't the Cool guy. He's a God fearing Man. And my Lord that is a BURDEN. I'm trying to be a Godly young Man.. and I can't even get it straight.
Well, i sense that you are wondering why i'm talking about my Dad. Well, over the past few weeks.. we have been able to talk MAN to MAN. And for the first time in my life, it feel GOOD. I understand where he is coming from. No more Blind obedience.. I understand now. I understand now because i am ALSO a Man. I've grown up.. I've learned it the hard way. Now it's time to Do it God's way.
I wanna be strong for the Lord like my dad is strong for the Lord. One day i'm going to have a family. And when that Day comes i want my son to say that I'm a Man of God. That will pay omage to my father, who pays omage to his father, who pays omage to THE FATHER.
Folks, my dad is the Dude. This dude right here is true blue. I really want to be as purposeful as he is. This dude doesn't budge at all! When i was younger i hated it. Now I'm older, and i SOOO ADMIRE it. Man.. consistency is like his middle name! But folks, its HARD. I mean SOO hard. My dad isn't popular. My dad is chauvinistic. My dad isn't the Cool guy. He's a God fearing Man. And my Lord that is a BURDEN. I'm trying to be a Godly young Man.. and I can't even get it straight.
Well, i sense that you are wondering why i'm talking about my Dad. Well, over the past few weeks.. we have been able to talk MAN to MAN. And for the first time in my life, it feel GOOD. I understand where he is coming from. No more Blind obedience.. I understand now. I understand now because i am ALSO a Man. I've grown up.. I've learned it the hard way. Now it's time to Do it God's way.
I wanna be strong for the Lord like my dad is strong for the Lord. One day i'm going to have a family. And when that Day comes i want my son to say that I'm a Man of God. That will pay omage to my father, who pays omage to his father, who pays omage to THE FATHER.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Transformers
Ok.. my favorite movie is Transformers. I love that JOINT. but that is not what this blog is about. This blog is about me. Transforming. Yep.
So, for those of you who know me really well, you know my current situation. I'm not going to go in-depth with it, but lemme tell you that right now, as we speak, I'm going through one of the HARDEST, if not THE HARDEST part of my life. And right now.. I'm also going through the HAPPIEST part of my life. The two are not related. I'm happy because i have this friend that I'm so grateful to know and she has totally made me smile these past couple of weeks. In fact when i think about her, i just smile. And boy lemme tell you.. shes a blessing from God.
Anyway. So today, June 3, my parents and i had a final conversation on how to fix what's going wrong in my world. and I am sooo grateful for their advice. But i still felt kinda down. The night grew on and I just needed to get my head straight and figure out what a brotha needs to do. I decided to go see a movie.
I was hungry. So before i decided to go, i stopped at Taco Bell. Since I live in a small town of at most 1500 people, i knew that i was going to see somebody i knew and i didn't want that. I just wanted to be alone and think. So i ordered my favorite bean burrito at the drive through and who do i see out my window? Kurtley Knight and David Franklin!!!
Yo.. These two cats were my BOYS at Oakwood man. I looked up to both of them. lol. My days on the USM were hilarious! Kurtley Knight was the USM Pastor and David Franklin was doing NAPS. Two very good dudes.. Sorry ladies.. David is getting married and Kurtley i think has a girlfriend. Anywho, they are both up here at Andrews in the Seminary.
Nonetheless, we just started chattin it up real hard. About Oakwood, Andrews, Fusion, AY... etc. It was crazy man.. it was really cool too. They asked me what i was doing home, and I said I need to figure things out. Then they said do i feel called into the ministry. I was like WHAT!!!? OH hecks NO.. they both tried to corner me....... I desperately tried to get back in my car. Two seminary students praying, you never know what can happen. I wasn't tryin to see either. Jokes man.. Jokes..
We joked around some more about some other nonsense, then this fool Kurtley spoke to my situation. He told me that he really enjoyed being at Andrews. He said It was really peaceful here. And he said that this is where God placed him to be in order for God to mold and train him to be a man totally used by God. That right now there took me for a surpise. And at the same time almost made a brotha break down. See folks. I don't know why things like this keep happening to me. I'm not a complainer and one would think to just keep it moving and go to the next step, but if yall really knew.. this is tough. I don't know really what to do. So.. i just listened.
Kurtley and David started talking about Elijah being in the wilderness, and Joseph being in the pit, and Moses becoming an exiled prince. I'm like, "do all these seminarians have like sermons in their back pocket?" But at the same time they were being completely honest with me and letting me know that while i'm going through my JOB experience, God is doing some amazing things in my life. He is preparing me for big and better things. He was Transforming me. And then right there in the middle of the parking lot between Phillips 66, DQ, and Taco Bell, those dudes prayed their heart out for me.
I needed that. Folks i really needed that. I felt my faith wavering and God has this thing were he doesn't respond right away. In fact.. this dude sometimes doesn't respond at all.. for a long time. But Last Night, he responded to my prayers by my two random friends i haven't seen in years..
Awesome. actually.. freakin' Amazing.. lol.
So, for those of you who know me really well, you know my current situation. I'm not going to go in-depth with it, but lemme tell you that right now, as we speak, I'm going through one of the HARDEST, if not THE HARDEST part of my life. And right now.. I'm also going through the HAPPIEST part of my life. The two are not related. I'm happy because i have this friend that I'm so grateful to know and she has totally made me smile these past couple of weeks. In fact when i think about her, i just smile. And boy lemme tell you.. shes a blessing from God.
Anyway. So today, June 3, my parents and i had a final conversation on how to fix what's going wrong in my world. and I am sooo grateful for their advice. But i still felt kinda down. The night grew on and I just needed to get my head straight and figure out what a brotha needs to do. I decided to go see a movie.
I was hungry. So before i decided to go, i stopped at Taco Bell. Since I live in a small town of at most 1500 people, i knew that i was going to see somebody i knew and i didn't want that. I just wanted to be alone and think. So i ordered my favorite bean burrito at the drive through and who do i see out my window? Kurtley Knight and David Franklin!!!
Yo.. These two cats were my BOYS at Oakwood man. I looked up to both of them. lol. My days on the USM were hilarious! Kurtley Knight was the USM Pastor and David Franklin was doing NAPS. Two very good dudes.. Sorry ladies.. David is getting married and Kurtley i think has a girlfriend. Anywho, they are both up here at Andrews in the Seminary.
Nonetheless, we just started chattin it up real hard. About Oakwood, Andrews, Fusion, AY... etc. It was crazy man.. it was really cool too. They asked me what i was doing home, and I said I need to figure things out. Then they said do i feel called into the ministry. I was like WHAT!!!? OH hecks NO.. they both tried to corner me....... I desperately tried to get back in my car. Two seminary students praying, you never know what can happen. I wasn't tryin to see either. Jokes man.. Jokes..
We joked around some more about some other nonsense, then this fool Kurtley spoke to my situation. He told me that he really enjoyed being at Andrews. He said It was really peaceful here. And he said that this is where God placed him to be in order for God to mold and train him to be a man totally used by God. That right now there took me for a surpise. And at the same time almost made a brotha break down. See folks. I don't know why things like this keep happening to me. I'm not a complainer and one would think to just keep it moving and go to the next step, but if yall really knew.. this is tough. I don't know really what to do. So.. i just listened.
Kurtley and David started talking about Elijah being in the wilderness, and Joseph being in the pit, and Moses becoming an exiled prince. I'm like, "do all these seminarians have like sermons in their back pocket?" But at the same time they were being completely honest with me and letting me know that while i'm going through my JOB experience, God is doing some amazing things in my life. He is preparing me for big and better things. He was Transforming me. And then right there in the middle of the parking lot between Phillips 66, DQ, and Taco Bell, those dudes prayed their heart out for me.
I needed that. Folks i really needed that. I felt my faith wavering and God has this thing were he doesn't respond right away. In fact.. this dude sometimes doesn't respond at all.. for a long time. But Last Night, he responded to my prayers by my two random friends i haven't seen in years..
Awesome. actually.. freakin' Amazing.. lol.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Transformers
Ok.. my favorite movie is Transformers. I love that JOINT. but that is not what this blog is about. This blog is about me. Transforming. Yep.
So, for those of you who know me really well, you know my current situation. I'm not going to go in-depth with it, but lemme tell you that right now, as we speak, I'm going through one of the HARDEST, if not THE HARDEST part of my life. And right now.. I'm also going through the HAPPIEST part of my life. The two are not related. I'm happy because i have this friend that I'm so grateful to know and she has totally made me smile these past couple of weeks. In fact when i think about her, i just smile. And boy lemme tell you.. shes a blessing from God.
Anyway. So today, June 3, my parents and i had a final conversation on how to fix what's going wrong in my world. and I am sooo grateful for their advice.
So, for those of you who know me really well, you know my current situation. I'm not going to go in-depth with it, but lemme tell you that right now, as we speak, I'm going through one of the HARDEST, if not THE HARDEST part of my life. And right now.. I'm also going through the HAPPIEST part of my life. The two are not related. I'm happy because i have this friend that I'm so grateful to know and she has totally made me smile these past couple of weeks. In fact when i think about her, i just smile. And boy lemme tell you.. shes a blessing from God.
Anyway. So today, June 3, my parents and i had a final conversation on how to fix what's going wrong in my world. and I am sooo grateful for their advice.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Be careful
lol.. So I check my blogg every once and a while. And when I feel i need to write something i do. Simple. I also check to see if anybody leaves a comment.
