Wednesday, January 30

"Can I See YOU In The Bible?"



W.O.E Member,
 
Avoiding the truth has become the easiest thing to do amongst people today. Remember how back in the day, someone would correct you and you would accept it because you see it in yourself? Well now, all people have to do is say, "that isn't me" or "you just a hater". After these statements, the obligation of correction is no longer a problem of theirs...or so it seems. You see, the enemy's job is to deceive you. Any way that he can accomplish this, he will most definitely do so. If the enemy can get you to defeat yourself though, you have done his job for him. In avoiding the correction and not doing a self check, you have told yourself that you don't have this issue. The easiest thing to do is to make someone else feel like they have the problem when they brought up the issue. The clubs, streets and bars are all filled with people who don't think they have problems but now it has even spilled over into the church. Perfect people serving a perfect God....how is this even possible? If you are perfect, you would have no need of God! Also for the ones that just say, "I know I'm not perfect", if you were to ask them what their issues are, they really couldn't tell you. We don't do enough self checks as people, then we wonder why things continue to happen in that same area. James 1:23-25 (ESV) says, "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." We look in the mirror and we see the makeup, the nicely shaved face or the attractiveness but never the flaws. The bible is the mirror we need to look into. We should be a reflection of its teachings.
 
I know correction doesn't feel good but its necessary for growth. When someone is correcting you, before you label them as a hater...search yourself and you may see that they are in fact, a lover. Always strive to be a better person with the bible as your standard. Don't let the enemy break you down while God is trying to build you up. Don't get caught up in the REsource, just stick to THE SOURCE.


Be blessed!

 
"Reaching The World One Message At A Time"

 
 
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Thursday, October 4

I Prayed But God Didn't Say Anything Back

Tidbit #13

"I prayed but God didn't say anything back" 
 
 
W.O.E Member,
Many of us have been in a situation where we have felt like there is no way out of it. But then we read or hear about Luke 1:37 (ESV) "For nothing will be impossible with God.” This portion of scripture becomes the most inspirational and encouraging thing we hear or read. So we get on our knees, pray and there is no answer. We pray some more and still there is no answer. Then that encouragement that once played a huge role on our emotion, has now discouraged us. We began to start thinking, "Did God even hear me, what am I not doing for him to answer me". We then get confused about what we should be doing in life itself...the enemy's working. Often times you are not waiting...being patient. Where we see time running out, God sees opportunity to build faith. One of the most important parts of having your prayers answered is FAITHFULNESS. You have to be faithful and remain faithful throughout the entire process. Paul urge in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (ESV) "pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Paul tells us to pray continually...not just once while in the car on the way to work. Take that personal time out of your day and dedicate it to the lord. Pray until what you are praying for, comes to past. Also Paul says in Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests..." Paul is now explaining how to do it and not only that but what we can ask for as well. The principle behind "asking God" is the continuation of the request. God says ask and it shall be given but there is a continual asking that we must take into consideration. James says in James 4:2 (ESV) "...You do not have, because you do not ask." In just the asking alone, God is building patience. He is also building a faith in you that you may not have been aware of. When God builds you, its in multiple areas at once. So even in the obedience of your continual praying, God is helping you communicate with him better. That's the God we serve.
 
While in this "process", the fight is not always one sided. The enemy is going to be right there telling you that God don't hear you and that what you are asking for is impossible. This is to diminish your faith and if he can accomplish that, he can diminish your prayers. Don't let the enemy break you down while God is trying to build you up. Don't get caught up in the REsource, just stick to THE SOURCE. Be blessed!

 



"Reaching The World One Message At A Time"

 
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Wednesday, July 18

Quotes That Can Hurt Your Love Life

Often times we hear these "confidence quotes" that encourages us and there is nothing wrong with that but sometimes we have to see the side that no one wants to explain. For example the quote "When someone walks out of your life, see it as God making room for the right person to walk in". This quote is really targeting the single male or female who desires companionship, patient or impatient. Or a person who is going through a rough time with their mate and desire something other than what they were given. It plays on the vulnerability of their emotion or state of mind at that point and time. Its the verbal robin hood if I may so say. Also because most people consider themselves to be spiritual, they really attach to it because God was mentioned in it. Somehow, quotes that are both positive and negative have seemed to touch people more when God is included. Is it the quote or the person? I don't disagree that this quote could be true BUT there is however, the opposing side to this quote.

What about the person who walked out of your life because YOU had a problem? What about the person who walked away because there was no willingness to grow or change. What we do as people is say that someone left because "They weren't the one" or "God was making room for me to meet who he has"...what about you? Have you taken out to time to search you? In order for a person to walk away, THEY HAD TO HAVE WALKED AWAY FROM SOMETHING(S). Maybe the problem wasn't them, maybe the problem was you. Maybe the areas where you needed to change or grow up in were not as important to you. People use the terms, "I gave all I could"...some cases this is true but in most cases this is not. After a relationship is over and you have that moment to look back at all that was done wrong, most of us realize THEN what more we could have done. Then after we ask God to bring someone into our lives that loves us and have all these great attribute BUT WE DON'T ASK GOD TO BE ALL THAT THAT PERSON IS SEARCHING FOR AS WELL. There is no place in the bible where someone received the reward without the effort. The moment where you feel you have everything together, is the moment where God reminds you that you don't. Even seniors on a high school campus will be freshman in college. Don't build yourself so high until you no longer see and can acknowledge your own faults.

Lets go to statistics now, in America 50% of Christian marriages end up in divorce. Also something that I found out that was interesting is that 50% of non-Christian marriages end up in divorce. Also studies show that couples that live together prior to getting married are more likely to divorce. Those who are children of divorce, has a higher rate of divorce when they marry. Now these are statistics, numbers based on what has happened thus far...this is not to say that this is your fate. I am painting a picture of the original quote. Lets say you have 10 relationships and this quote is used in all of them, when does this quote become factual? Also understand that throughout all of these relationships you are beginning to become more relaxed with letting people go and new people into your life.

When you are in relationships constantly that end up in breakups, there is a mental and emotional threshold that you haven't surpassed yet. So in marriage, you treat it as a regular relationship because it feels the same. The point I'm making is, God don't make mistakes. A person HE put in your life is for a reason, and I can assure that everyone he puts in your life is not for romantic purposes. The bibles says, "Acknowledge God in ALL thy ways and HE will direct your path". If we never lose focus of God, HIS statistics have proven to be HEAVENLY. Be Blessed.

Tuesday, July 17

Raz B Says He "Serves Christ", Then Makes Threats and Also Calls Himself A Prophet

Ok so here we go once again. I was up, about to go to sleep and couldn't sleep then i decided to get online for a while. While on YouTube i see a video that had as the title "Imma Send Somebody To Handle That" and i noticed it was Raz B in the still pic on the vid. I thought to myself, hummmm Raz B is not "built like that" so my interest peaked and i checked it out. Normally i don't even bother with such nonsense but for some reason there was an exception this time.

The video describes how he was in China and had some sort of injury and how no one has reached out to him from his old group and how he didn't get much love from people. This wasn't necessarily the part of the video that concerned me. The part that concerned me was when at 0:20 he says "Are you really mad that i really serve Christ, despite my stumbles...where i may fall". A couple seconds before this statement he was throwing around the MF word as if it was a football. First off as "servants of Christ" we have an obligation to display Christ the way that the bible illustrates him. This is not something that we can put on and take off when we feel comfortable or when the situation calls for us to "keep it real". When Raz B said that he (and i quote) "serve Christ", i became more interested in the video because i was thinking we had another soldier on the front line for Christ. But then as the video continued, i noticed that his doctrine is a little skewed.

He goes on to say to the camera "For all of you people out there that know the truth, for the people in my past camp that know the truth. How does it feel to know that you DENIED CHRIST. How does it feel to know when you die you have to face judgement and you say, you know what...i lied on your PROPHET". John 10:14 tells us that Christ knows his own and his own know him. In order to truly know Christ there must first be a relationship. I'm not sure if Raz B knows all the duties that a Prophet has but i can assure that getting on camera and responding to brethren publicly is not one. In order to call yourself something, you must have the characteristics of that or have been proven to be that. Jeremy Lin wasn't a "star" until he began to play like one...THEN they called him a star. We give ourselves titles that we haven't RIGHTEOUSLY earned and use God as a defense when you don't have a relationship with him...just a rely. You rely on Christ for "things" but the "things" you desire are not consistent with what God's character is described as.

Then he says that God is love and that "they" wont survive because they don't have him (Raz B) there because he has God in him. Hummmm, what tangled webs we weave. Just because a person says something doesn't mean that it is the truth. If God is "in you", there HAS to be characteristics of Christ present. John 13:35 tells us that we shall know God's disciples by their love for one another. Then is 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 it breaks down love as love is kind, patient, long suffering, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not self-seeking. Too often do we allow people to speak on a God that we serve and quote him or display him negatively in public and far too many times we let it slide. Jude 1:3 tells us to contend for the faith.

At this point in the video i was done, i clearly noticed that he was a bit confused with what the character of a person who "serve Christ" looks like. He goes on to say that they are making a mockery of God as if he displays him in the best light possible. One thing i will agree with Raz B in this video though, its when he says "I'm not perfect, i curse, i do this and that, i drank, whatever IT DOESN'T MATTER, God knows my heart". Admittedly he confessed to a couple of things in just that one statement and i will agree that God does know your heart and it says in Jeremiah 17:9 that "the heart is DECEITFUL above all things and beyond cure". God does know you heart bro and until you give your heart to God COMPLETELY, it will continue to get the best of you.

Quoting scriptures in a video, blog or song don't make us holy or righteous or any of that but what does is the personal relationship we have with Christ. Personal don't mean, "well God understands me" and you continue to do what you want, but its a lifestyle that is pattern off the things you believe. A pastor once told me, what you believe in, you will promote. Often times our mouth and actions don't add up when it comes to Christ. We need to be aware of the things people are saying in the public about our God. They have platforms that can really damage people who think God is a feeling and not love. To completely understand even that statement, that requires a relationship.

I pray Raz B come to know Christ on a more personal level and that his love for Christ is displayed through his lifestyle and actions. Because saying that you have problems (that you don't plan to give up) AND Christ is NOWHERE in the bible i read. Cant "serve" two masters bro. Pray for tha homie.

Thursday, July 12

Meek Mill Thanks GOD For Pretty Women & "BALLIN On NIGGAS"

Meek Mill...mayne where do i start, Meek has a song out called "Amen" Ft. Drake & Jeremiah. Meek Mill is a Philly rapper who is signed to the gentleman that says he talks to the HolySpirit in his car...yes you guessed it...Rick Ross. This song was brought to my attention by a Pastor in Philadelphia who called Meek out on some of his claims in the song that refers to God being the reason he has the things he has. Now i can see where this can become a bit disturbing, especially in a time where our youth is really suffering from an identity crisis and we attach false principle to it.

Led to listen to this song...i searched for it on YouTube and as soon as the song comes on i hear Meek say, "I just wanna thank God for all the pretty women he led into my life." Im not sure is Meek thinks God is over EHarmony, but this is not a reflection of the God that i serve. The way that you can tell that something is from God, there will not only be scripture to back it up but also the "character" of God would be consistent. Then he goes on to say, "For all the benjamins he let me count"...ok lets break this down even. What we do sometimes is look at the outcome and not how it was derived. Money gained from careless speech or living is NOT from God (Habakkuk 2). We (people) gain things from selfishness, greed, pride, hurt and we thank God. Just because we thank God doesn't mean that he was the source. I could have gotten some money from a female friend that i wanted no one to know about and in the public i thank my brother...does that make my statement factual?

Then (yeah I'm worn out as well smh) he says, "wealth and health, for my family and letting me BALL on these niggas". I mean even a blind man can SEE the ignorance in this. I will admit that God does provide you with health (that's grace but not wealth in his case) and of course, family. This is also what we do as people...we include God's good in with Satan's bad. I remember one person told me, "Mayne i thank God for my wife and not being caught when i go out and cheat. I mean i know its wrong and all but that's a blessing because i have a good wife." Clearly he is not seeing what his "music" (cause that's what they call it now a day, just music) is doing to people. Then the hook says things that i don't want to type to expose to the people who reads my blog. But i will say it says, "She wanna %^$# and i say CHURCHHHH (Preach)" and this is only 40 seconds into a 4:49 minute song. I cared less about listening to the rest. I have somehow become allergic to ignorance and from the intro of that song i started itching, so that was the end of that.

Lets take a moment and break down a few issues in a multiple issue song. Because Meek has such a huge following, his voice is heard in many places. In a heated interview with that pastor i spoke about earlier, the pastor says to him on a radio station call  "my plea to you is to turn from sin and to Jesus"...later Meek responds and says, "I believe in God, all that OTHER STUFF I AINT TRYN TO HEAR" then says, "I DONT BELIEVE IN NONE OF THAT STUFF YOU TALKING ABOUT SO DONT EVEN SAY IT TO ME. I ONLY BELIEVE IN GOD I DONT WANNA HEAR NONE OF WHATEVA ELSE YOU TALKIN BOUT" SMH, in a world that God is becoming increasingly "popular" Jesus is becoming the opposite. The bible tells us in John 14:6 it CLEARLY states, "NO ONE makes it to father except through me". Even if people didn't believe Jesus, how can you believe God but not what God brought forth. Meek goes on to ask the pastor, "Who is you and where was you at (this is his language) when i was giving out shoes to kids." Although those are great deeds, does giving things away insure that you are a good person when the bible says you shall judge a tree by its fruit. Which leads me to my next point. This "tree" is speaks about is the person itself, not just in deeds and handing out things but also their lifestyle.

He then goes on to say "It seems like you just want some money for your church, you could have got at me if that was the case, i woulda gave you that." Meek was implying that this was a ploy to gain finance. The pastor was reaching out to Meek because he stepped into an area of blasphemy. If you know anything about Meek, he has been rapping for a while but have just made it mainstream not too long ago. This pastor was familiar with Meek but not his music and when Meek insulted a God that he serves, he spoke up. The pastor wasn't mad or disrespectful, but Meek clearly was. Meek says, "Dont the bible say ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE ME?" Ummmm, NO i believe that was 2Pac...and people still judge him today. This kid is in a place where money and status set the tone for life...you are either a tool for the Lord or a toy for the devil.

Become aware of the things going on around you and the people that you are allowing you and your kids to listen to. You may be unknowingly supporting someone who teaches against God but in a way that's not obvious. I pray that Meek come into the knowledge of Christ and stop poisoning our youth before that choice is not his anymore but God's. (Deut. 28:15-68)

-GS

Sunday, June 10

Jesus, One Solitary Life

"He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman, He worked in a carpentry shop until he was 30, and then for 3 years he was an itinerant preacher.When the tide of popular opinion turned against him, his friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies. He was tried and convicted. He was nailed upon a cross between 2 thieves. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave.

He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never went to college. He never traveled more than 200 miles from the place where he was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompanies greatness.

Yet, all the armies that marched, all the governments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, have not affected life upon this earth as powerfully as has that One Solitary Life." -Unknown #ImDoinJesus

Monday, May 21