I Can See Clearly Now...

Good day!

As spring proceeds in full effect, I notice dormant tree branches sprouting healthy leaves, while grass and flowers bloom in places that were once barren. I love the springtime (despite disgusting allergies!) and the fresh beginnings. Rain is peaceful, often solemn, yet we need it to thrive. It grows our crops, provides fresh water for rivers to flow, and many other benefits. There has to be a downpour before there is an overflow of harvests, figuratively. (Of course if there's too much, the crops will be ruined, but you get my drift! (I'm no farmer.)

We are such a fast-paced society in America that we hardly take the time to enjoy nature's wonders and ponder God's goodness. When you think about it, most people don't like rain unless they can stay indoors and read a book, sleep, just relax- so do they really like the rain? No one wants to walk around in drenched clothes and muddy shoes, but as soon as the rain is over and the sun shines- we all dry our clothes, wipe off our shoes, and cherish the beautiful sky.

Life trials and triumphs are very similar to this phenomenon. Imagine your ideal life is a picnic to which you invited friends. You all have planned what you're going to bring, the menu and venue are perfect, and the weather report expects sunshine. However, when you and your friends finally get together, the weather is torrential rainfall. The continuous rain ruins your tablecloth, hair, and entire plan. Instead of canceling, you have to roll with the punches because you're already out with your friends having a good time, and the food is already prepared. You all decide to move under a covering. Once the rain finally lets up, you and your friends notice a rainbow over the pavilion you took shelter under, so you get a beautiful photo of the group to keep as a reminder of your pleasurable time.

Sometimes, God throws us many obstacles to see our reactions when things don't go our way. A negative person would easily give up on the picnic at the sight of rain, and therefore miss out on the memories with beloved people. On the contrary, a positive person takes what he has and edifies God by using it to his advantage (not letting it go to waste). Going under the pavilion was unplanned, yet God set it there because He knew it would rain and that you would not want to be caught in the rain. You also did not have to sit on the dirty, uncovered picnic tables- for the win! God provides us an escape for our troubles because He is still our comforter. So when plans go awry, don't blame God- ask Him what greater plan He has in store for you instead!

God doesn't enjoy seeing us struggle; He just wants us to understand that He's in charge and we need to subject our plans to His. We may plan for sunshine, but if we only have rain- we have to be content with that and continue living because really there's nothing we can do about it. God does as He pleases.

Proverbs 20:24 "A person's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?"

Enjoy the rain because you know that it is giving way to something you didn't even expect. Be encouraged in your struggles and be content with God's way. After all, He created us so He knows what He's doing!

Love ya and be blessed!

I'm Not Cool or Normal

Greetings, lovelies!

I'm very excited to write to you guys today!! This marks the anniversary of my birth. Yep- yours truly is 21 years young. Gosh, it's refreshing because I realize I am still young, hip, fresh, "in my prime" and all that (right?), but I'm also maturing mentally and spiritually.

I mean, yes, now I can legally purchase alcohol, get into lounges/clubs, and whatever else young adults do in freedom. That's not what I'm ecstatic about though. I'm looking forward to being able to show people that yes- I am a 21-year-old college student, and no I am not wild.

Becoming an adult is not just about freedom. It is a chance to be responsible when you have the freedom not to be...Just remember that the consequences you so willfully accept in order to "be free" will directly follow.

As I recall in 1 Cor 7:22, Christians are free to do as they will, while also being a slave to Christ. Basically, claiming to be a follower of Christ means that you deliberately uphold to certain moral codes, just as a licensed driver who passed the driving test will adhere to the rules of the road because he willingly signed up after seeing the benefits. He can travel, he will save time by not walking or riding a bike, and he can take loads with him in his car. We accept Christ when we see the benefits of living for Him and we generally agree with the terms aka the Bible. Christ is protection, everlasting love, and everlasting life- why wouldn't you want those things?!

My point is this: I'm one of a high population of young adults/college students; however, I am also one of a small population (see Matt 7:13) who are living for the King. I can't say I'll never drink alcohol or go to a party, but I am accountable to represent a positive light in any given situation (And I really do!). Therefore, please don't judge my character based off of what you think- get to know me! I definitely have turned away many bad fruits from my reckless past, and I do not appreciate my peers and myself being categorized with the world as being an "out of control generation." I pray for my generation often because I'm not oblivious to the reckless behavior that goes on, but I am hopeful that there are young Christians worldwide who are just as wise as "old heads"- some are even wiser.

As you read this, I pray that you've been informed, encouraged, and overwhelmed by the love that comes from my words and my God. Enjoy your week! :)

Trying To Get Right

Hello lovely readers!

   I hope that you are persevering in your righteous pursuits, as am I (trying my best...Lord knows!) Have you ever been cut off by another car while turning at a street light? Have you ever been deeply offended by someone's words? Have you ever withheld information from someone because you didn't want to hurt them? Then you can identify with the struggle of "which route should I take?" In any of those situations, you had to decide whether to make a positive gesture or make a fool of yourself- to be proactive or reactive.

   You're not alone! Every sane person on Earth has to make rational decisions and has some form of moral standards that they try to abide by, whether they worship God, inanimate objects, multiple beings, or etc. (I worship the ONE TRUE GOD.) We know the world without rules would be an absolute catastrophe, yet we continue to disobey them all the time; silly society!

   So what makes humans naturally disobey? Why don't we do good without having to think twice about it?

   Romans 3:10-12 states:

"as it is written, 'THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;

ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.'"

   I know, you're probably thinking that sucks and you'd rather go to some other religion that doesn't tell you how awful you are. Though deep down, you know it's true because even babies don't have to be taught to disobey. However, there's good news to follow:

Psalm 86:5 "For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy to all them that call on you."

   God wants to save us from the dirty pit of sin that we've been drowning in since birth and give us REDEMPTION. All we have to do is repent or "turn away" from our immoral ways. Trust GOD. Of course, you still have to work on that "living up to standards" thing, but having God the Creator with you is a lot more comforting than doing it on your own while not knowing that you're failing. Hey, no one said righteous life is easy!

   Next time you feel angry at someone for their lack of driving skills or common sense, instead of cursing them out (in your head or aloud), talk to God: thank Him that you are alive and well. This will relax your mind, allowing you to focus on more important things and save you from a nasty fight. Whew!

   Life is rewarding when you can shrug off your problems because you know God has a great purpose for every troubling situation in your life. His work in you continues, so be grateful you're becoming an awesome Christ-like person, one baby step at a time:)

Tick

A poem about healing...

written by myself

"LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them" Psalm 10:17

They say time heals

but my clock must be broken.

Because I feel the minutes pass,

Yet my heart's stuck in the moment.

A constant 'tick' without a 'tock' to follow

I stare at my watch and anticipatively swallow

But every uncounted minute

leaves my head spinning

Trying to calculate the seconds

Until I can rip off the bandage.

Politically Speaking...

Good day!

     The political buzz across social media and the internet has soared this week surrounding the Republican National Convention as people voice their opinions on candidates, speeches, and issues. However, I can't say that I've given much attention to the campaigns this year because 1) I get the jist of what each candidate is about and 2) it doesn't interest me.
    
     Many people do not pay attention to politics simply out of ignorance (I do not mean that condescendingly), and I get that. It's inevitable that people will always hate or fear what they do not understand. Contrarily, I understand what politics is all about based on the definition, the historical patterns, and observation of its participants, which is why I often avoid the dizzying semantics. Don't let society and politicians fool you- politics is simple. Knowing this will help you make wise decisions concerning who and what you support, and you can rest assured that the world is not being taken over by aliens.
    
     In short, politics is the science of using intrigue or strategy to obtain any position of power or control (dictionary.com). It has nothing to do with good leadership or morality; it is simply the cunning of candidates used to convince prospects that they deserve power. Now that you know, consider what the underlying message is there. Politicians practice the art of persuasion, so anything they say is going to appeal to a certain group of people whose support they are after- whether it is truth or not. There is no rule book that says politicians cannot make false promises. Even if there was, they would blame unforeseen circumstances for being obstacles; after all, "no one can predict the future."

     Because I value biblical virtues, I cannot whole-heartedly support men who don't follow biblical principle. One must be led by godly wisdom to obtain success in life. I don't doubt that good Christian government leaders do exist, and I'm sure they do well in their calling. But no matter who is Head of the State, my allegiance goes to what is edifying. So if God doesn't approve of it, I don't need to approve it either. We all know that everyone isn't perfect and no one will have all the right answers, so save me that argument. We also know that "everything that glitters isn't gold" and I cannot lie to you- many good things politicians promise are fool's gold.

     Concluding, I just want to say that if you don't feel comfortable supporting someone who has different beliefs, then don't do it! (Proverbs 4:14-16) "Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble." It's simple. No one has the power to ruin your life unless you give it to them. Satan has his workers here to help him steal, kill, and destroy, so beware because they're sneaky! As long as you put more stock in God than in men, you are WINNING!

If you would like to ask a question, add on to what I said, or civilly tell me why you disagree- comment below or email! Look forward to hearing from you;)

    


    
    

Only God Knows

Hello readers!

     I've missed writing. I realize that I could have made more time for it, but I also realize that I always think I "could have" done something to change the outcome of undesirable plans. My assumption couldn't be farther from the truth. If it was that easy, I could have been married, wealthy, and permanently vacationing by now if I had played my cards right. But things happen because God makes them happen; I'm just the vessel.
   
     The last week of July, I had been planning on discharging my dad from the hospice where he was staying. He had been receiving radiation treatment at a hospital about an hour from where I live with my mother and stepfather, so the hospital conveniently transported him from a nearby nursing home to the hospital daily. Every day I called and checked on him to make sure he was in high spirits and getting whatever he needed, but it had been on my heart to take care of him myself once his treatment period ended. (I'm his only child and nearby family member). Long story short, my family and I made preparations so that my dad would be able to leave the nursing home. Then on the day before he was scheduled to arrive, an unexpected call came.
    
     My dad passed away that morning.......my heart was shattered... A million thoughts raced through my mind, but I repeated in my head and aloud, he was supposed to come home. Key words: supposed to.
    
     I had made phone calls, I had gone to check on him, I had cleaned up the room he would stay in. I kept thinking there's no way he could just die like that. I had seen him days before. He was excited about his new home. Never had I seen this coming.
    
     It's funny how we, humans, think that when we arrange something it is supposed to happen. But in reality, there is no way everything can go according to plan. For that to happen, everyone on earth would have to have the same plans so that no one contradicts another- that's definitely impossible. Even beyond that, God tells and shows us that He is in control. A well known Proverb (16:9) says,

"The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps."

     Whether one believes in Christ or not, everyone knows that nothing always goes according to planned. However, it is important to believe in His truth. It's evident that God is ALWAYS in control. We cannot interrupt or alter His plan, even if our intentions are good and we may think it's what God wants. I certainly thought that God gave me the green light to take my dad in and care for him, and though there was nothing morally wrong about that- God had other intentions. Another significant verse on this topic is 1 Corinthians 2:11.

"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God."

Basically, no man is meant to fully comprehend the ways of God. Our little bit of insight can still be insignificant in the grand scheme of God's will. We are the created; He is the Creator, so we need to remember that everything is up to Him.
    
     My point is, we take our freedom to make plans for granted. Just because we think and then act on our thoughts does not mean we are independent of divine intervention. God will always have the final say, not that He wants to ruin our dreams, but God's infinite wisdom qualifies Him to make better things happen than we can even imagine. No one can ever go wrong trusting God with their life. That is a fact.
    
     As I come to a conclusion, I want you to remember that everything has a divine purpose- not just an earthly purpose. Both celebratory and unfortunate events happen for a purpose beyond what we see on earth. It has a spiritual impact on us, those who witnessed it, and even those who didn't, who may hear about it or experience the divine aftermath. How amazing is that?! God is good! He knows exactly what we need. Right now you may feel pain, but that pain may be molding you into a conqueror. (I tell myself this as well.) I fully entrust God with my life. Do you?

My Heart's On My Sleeve

Hello readers!

I am returning from a long hiatus to just talk and to give you what I hope is sound wisdom, advice, and encouragement. Lately I've been burdened emotionally and physically by life's turns. I won't go into unnecessarily great detail, but my father could use prayer for his recovery from cancer. For a while, I did not know that he was feeling sick (I don't live with him or see him daily), and I had been going through personal problems as well that he nor anyone else was aware of. As of late, God has been lifting us up with His word and His vessels. So I've been thinking, is it a common misconception that smiling and acting like everything is ok will make everything ok? Looking in retrospect, I'm convinced that it is.

"When life gives you lemons..." the saying starts. There are many ending variations, but when life throws you "lemons" (sour or undesirable situations)- what do you do? Most people try to encourage and say when you're going through hard times to just smile and tell yourself you'll be fine. The problem is, you can't receive encouragement when no one knows you need it! Don't be prideful and naive to think that you can make it on your own.

"Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory." Proverbs 11:14

There is no way that you can succeed in anything without some type of help- verbal, spiritual, or physical. Now I'm not saying that one should have a "woe is me!" attitude, for through it all you are still blessed; however, if you need a positive word or helping hand then do NOT be afraid to reach out to like-minded peers. You never know what good may come out of a simple conversation with someone who cares. Anyone who is a good counselor will not judge you for your situation- you may be your worst critic. They may have gone through your situation or something similar and have specific advice for you, which is convenient and perfect in God's eyes. He loves it when the body works together!

So I encourage you to "wear your heart on your sleeve" and say what's on your mind. It is human nature to worry, but it is unfaithful not to hope and pray for reassurance from God the father. He already knows your problem and He first wants you to call on Him. Then He uses those around you, close or not (you never know!), to be a blessing. And you should know that blessings in the form of people are contagious. Someone's kind words to you may be passed along from you to someone else, and so on. Remember that no one is perfect and that you must always look to the Creator before seeking godly advice from anyone else. Be of good courage and know that you can depend on God and His church body to be at your service. If you unfortunately do not have sound counsel around you, then you should 1) consider getting new friends, 2) email me or comment below and I will definitely speak with you, and 3) talk to GOD!

Love and blessings!

Swagg, YOLO, and Tattoo Monsters

   Some recent trends have been bothering me lately, and as you may have gathered from the title, those things are: swagg, YOLO, and tattoo monsters. "Swagg" is derived from the word "swagger" which means "arrogant or self-confident behavior" (bet you didn't know that!). Modern young people have been using "swagg" to define themselves in a likeable manner for the past decade it seems, but they have no idea what they're really portraying. In its correct form, "swagger" describes an ostentatious person who boasts about their greatness. I can see the correlation now, since most people who say they have "swagg" are intentionally bragging. However, is that how young people want to be known- as self-confident fools? Yes, I said fools. A braggart is an idiot in the Lord's eyes (James 4:16 "But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil"). Why is a person who does not conform to mainstream fashion trends or use of phrases considered to have "no swagg"? Is it lame to be an individual? I don't think so! God didn't make you to walk around Earth with a chip on your shoulder talking about how much "swagg" you have! 1 Corinthians 1:31 says "so that, just as it is written, 'LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.'" Give God the glory He deserves, and stay humble.
   As far as "The Motto" aka "YOLO" (You Only Live Once), a phrase coined by Canadian mainstream rapper Drake, that is utter ignorance. Had he said we only live on Earth once, he would be correct, but that goes without saying. The truth is that we all live and die in our earthly bodies, but we also live again in Heaven or Hell. Thinking that you only live once and can do whatever you want without suffering terrible consequences is the quickest way to Hell. If you believe God is real and His Word is true, then you know that God promises eternal life to those who love Him (and obey His commands!). Those who don't receive eternal punishment- either way you're not completely dead. Your spirit lives on, so I would suggest you get right with God and make sure you have a pass into the best place you could spend eternity in- Heaven!
   Lastly, there are tattoo monsters walking around, Christians and non-Christians alike, who believe that inking their whole body up will make them cool. The phenomena of tattoos is a blog post all on its own, but in essence, there is no reason to tattoo your body for others to like you. I have studied and read about tattoos, and from my understanding the only verse about tattoos in Leviticus speaks about not marking your body for the dead. Tattoos began with sorcery and witchcraft! If you are doing it for that reason, then you're obviously not a Christian and I can't hold you accountable for knowing better; however, Christians should know not to tattoo memorials of the dead on their bodies. As far as "fitting in with society" goes, you shouldn't have to ruin your skin and bloodstream due to someone else's opinion of you. If you want get tatted, then it should be based on your own choice/opinion. "All things are lawful, but not all are edifying"! Personally, I don't care if you do, but I do think getting a permanent mark of your favorite sports team or animal on your arm shouldn't be a concern of yours. Focus on things that have eternal meaning! Years from now, if the Lord wills you to be a grandparent, you don't want to have to explain why grandma has "Grown N' Sexy" written on her lower back.

Be wise, be edifying, and be blessed!

Critical Thinking

   Wherever you go, whatever you do, there will always be someone criticizing you. However, the problem is not how to stop it, but how can you deal with it? When there are people in your face speaking out about your flaws, you might say you feel "judged." Well, as with any term, you should know what judgment really means before using the term loosely. Then you may be able to understand the phenomena that is criticism.
   According to the Bible, in any matter judgment is the act of deciding a case (stating a situation, conjuring a solution). This is where courts get their foundation. Someone has a case against another, each tells his side of the story, and a judge decides what should be done about it. It seems simple enough, right? Then why are so many people, especially religious ones, creating a big deal about judgment? I have met unbelievers who feel as if "the church" is condemning them in some way by telling them about their sinful natures. Hence, they are turned off by Christians as a whole. From what I have read in 1 Corinthians chapter 5, we (Christians, the church) are supposed to judge each other righteously- in an edifying manner. That looks like us telling our fellow Christ-followers when they are doing wrong, not just to say it, but to correct it! Judgment does not work if there is no solution. I can tell my friend that she lies too much, but if I'm not telling her how she should rectify that, then I am doing her and myself unjustice. Love for others does not allow us to enforce self-condemnation. Contrarily, if someone is not a believer we are not called to condemn them! God knows their heart and will either harden or soften it; our job as Christians is to point to Christ so that unbelievers might draw near.
   Overall, we all know that every single human being is imperfect. This should humble us to accept others and encourage each other to progress, believers and unbeilevers alike. Telling an adulterer that he is evil does not solve his problem of lust and deceit. Either you may turn a cold shoulder, or he may; thus, continuing the cycle of condemnation. Denounce that critical mindset and tell him that he should stop and repent because it is a sin which you do not want him to pay for in Hell. Likewise, personal preferences for lifestyles such as not listening to secular music or not going to parties are just that- personal preferences. There are no specific Bible verses that say not to do those things, no matter how many times you check! What matters most is the Most High. Everything you do should be done unto the Lord, so that it may be good in His sight (Prov 16:3). If you do not approve of any type of secular music, fine; if you do, fine. Conviction depends on what you hear God telling you about a matter. In all things, God just wants the glory, which may or may not be evident in music (or any other matter) that does not mention His name or His principles. With that being said, you are not the enforcer of conviction. Do NOT label others because their Christian lifestyle does not reflect yours- everyone is different! You are not perfect, and your weakness may be in a different area than someone else's at church (10:1 chance it is), so why not hold each other accountable rather than bicker? I think God gets more glory there in a setting that looks to the truth rather than indivual feelings.
   Hopefully, you guys understood this brief summation of judging. There is so much more to think about, but I would rather you do it on your own. I am not an official judge and cannot force conviction upon you. All I ask is that you look to God's truth. Be progressive and loving; correcting in love will strengthen your relationship with Christ as you learn more about His word. Be blessed! As always, I'm open for discussion:)

Verse of the Day 5

Prov 4:13

"Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life."

Keywords:
instruction- discipline, chastening, correction
guard- preserve, keep, guard from dangers
life- being, sustenance

Summary:
Grasp discipline. Take heed to what is correct and do not stray from its path because it is your vitality. You have to keep discipline close to your heart so that you will live.

Afterthought:
I can give an analogy to explain this verse fully. Your heart is vital to your life (if it stops working, you will die), so imagine that your heart is instruction. Surrounding your heart is your rib cage, which protects your organs including the heart. It would be safe to say that you would not purposefully do any damage to your ribs because it could harm your heart and kill you. So, your rib cage is like your grasp on life. It holds together strongly so that you may live. This is exactly how you should be about [biblical] instruction. God wants you to guard the wisdom He's given you with all of your strength like that of bones to keep yourself from turmoil and spiritual death (eternal separation from God). When you let go even a little, it will slowly lead to failure- just as if you broke a rib it would lead to internal health problems. Therefore, always be on your toes. Don't slack off as a Christian; put your ALL into the lifestyle to follow discipline in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and you will never die spiritually!

I Don't Hate Religion

   Hello! Recently, I've noticed that there is a trend among Christians, especially youth, claiming that they "Hate religion, but love God." I found it peculiar, but did not want to speak on it until God had given me full understanding. As time went by, I left the matter alone. Then suddenly it reappeared in video form. A youtube video titled "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" featuring a young Christian expressing his thoughts on 'religion vs relationship' through spoken word has been getting much buzz. If you haven't seen it, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY . However, my premise is not to speak on the video. I have been praying for personal gaining of spiritual wisdom. Today I literally woke up thinking clearly about the religion debate. Isn't God great? We ask for wisdom, earnestly seek it, and He gives it to us!

   Now, let's get to the root of this post- the title! Why am I bluntly declaring that I don't hate religion? To put it simply- because I know what religion is about. I'll begin my rhetoric by exploring what religion is. I looked up the definition of "religion" using multiple resources. Here are a few that seemed most relevant:

Dictionary.com
religion: 1) a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

Merriam-webster.com
religion: 1b) the service and worship of God or the supernatural; commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
4) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

Google Search
religion: 1.The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods.
2.Details of belief as taught or discussed.

   The common ground that I see among these differing definitions is 1) service/worship of a superhuman being(s) and 2) a set of beliefs that affect one's lifestyle. I will sum religion up by saying that it is devotion to a supernatural being through life service (adhering to set principles) and praise. No where does it say in dictionaries or the Bible that religion was created by man. It is completely centered around a God or gods, so it must have come from the God or gods, right?

   Since this is a Christian blog, and I believe in the one true God, I will leave out "gods" and say that religion is focused on God and His teachings. Man-focused religions are nothing new. In the Bible, we see that the Pharisees obeyed God's law in order to receive salvation, but we know that salvation is a gift not acquired by deeds (Ephesians 2). Therefore, their religious acts were solely about rites and adherence to law, not necessarily service to God. How can it really be called "religion" when they are missing the core of religion: God? Matthew 5:20 says, "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Though they kept the Law, the Pharisees did not receive salvation because their hearts were still wicked. God wants you to obey His law AND have a relationship with Him.

   So my next question is: can modern society's ubiquitous statement "Christianity is a lifestyle, not a religion" be valid? Christians are really beginning to frown upon religion, which scares me greatly. Going back to the definitions of religion- worshiping your God and adhering to His commands that you confessed to be true, which consequently affects your lifestyle sounds pretty much like Christianity. Serving God religiously IS a lifestyle!

   As this blog post comes to an end, I want to say that Satan is constantly at work. He loves to corrupt believers. He has no reason to chase those who are already his, so of course he is looking to discredit your beliefs. Do not believe that you can live for God without living for God. Do you see how that makes no sense? That is what you are saying when you think that Christianity does not consist of religious rites and principles. Get out of the mindset of "How much can I do and still be called a Christian?" and live righteously according to what the Bible says, not mankind's twisted concepts. I pray that you will ponder this throughout life and come to biblical truth. As always, I'm open for discussion. Be blessed!

Let's Talk About R.A.G.E!

   When someone has wronged you, your flesh (carnal nature) may want to take over so that you become enraged. However, being mad at someone NEVER solves your problem. In fact, it weakens your ability to subject feelings to God's command, which is to be slow to anger. God assures us many times that He will take care of your enemies, so there is no need to worry about it yourself. Pray for meekness and temperance to withstand tough situations that really test your patience!
   That brings me to my friend Jason Roberts, aka "Conquest" (Jay Renegade), fellow Christian and ambitious independent-labeled rapper from New Jersey. He recently released an EP titled "R.A.G.E" an acronym meaning "revenge against God's enemies." The heavy metal, hip hop track expresses the tragedies of the Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings due to unlawful revenge, as well as Conquest's decision not to be vengeful of the near sexual assault/molestation he almost faced by a church pastor in 1998. This experience with corruptive church members and modern cases of sexual abuse in the church were catalysts for the creation of R.A.G.E, so it not only tells a story but raises awareness and gives warning: God will handle your situations! Have a look here:

If you like it, follow him on twitter @RadicalONFIRE, retweet, download from the links, and spread the word!

Remember this...Romans 12:19 "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,' says the Lord."

Insomnia

Ehh... It's late. I couldn't sleep, so I decided to do what I do best at times like these- let my ideas flow. My overflow of thoughts are usually what keep me awake in the first place. Sometimes I will not go to sleep until my creativity has burned out! I'm just wondering right now- what keeps you up? Stress, imagination, and paranoia are a few broad examples of factors that lead to insomnia. You may work overtime trying to finish a project of some sort, or you may have too many worries about bills and time. Whatever the case may be, your mind is not at rest. In order to be content, you must allow your brain and body to recover.
   When I feel like somewhat of an insomniac, I stop myself from thinking any further and pray to God. I remember the verse Psalms 4:8 that says, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety." (NASB) This is true in every situation. Despite your anxiety and endless tasks, always remember that with God you may rest peacefully. If you're lonely, call upon His name. If you're highly strung-out, call upon His name. If you don't know where you're going in life, call upon His name. Christ is the answer to all of your problems, both deep and miniscule. Never get the impression that you are all alone because God is watching, and He wants you to talk to Him. Your heavenly father will never abandon you.
   I know it gets tough being under a lot of pressure, but I also know it is a test that will only help me to mature. Nothing worth preserving is easy to attain. Therefore, greater knowledge sometimes comes with trials. We are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to be thankful for all things, and why not- we are blessed beyond measure! Whatever is bothering you, I pray that you call upon God to relieve your mind, to give you peace, and to reassure you that He's there always. Whatever is keeping you up, count it all joy! Send praises and prayers up- God will surely give you rest.:) 

Why do we like haters?

   When the word "haters" comes to mind, what do you think about? It is a common term in modern America, often referring to people who do not agree with you or your lifestyle. There's an odd saying "Make haters your motivaters," meaning "Let people's hatred drive you to keep doing what you're doing." (Hopefully, whatever you are doing to ignite hatred towards yourself is positive.) My favorite is "Haters make me famous," which speaks for itself, but I find it to be a ridiculously inaccurate statement. Ironically, the common theme within these statements is appreciation for haters. Why do we, instead of ignoring haters, choose to acknowledge their negativity to somehow better ourselves? There are two main reasons: people like attention and people like rebellion. One who is a part of the former, will not necessarily be a part of the latter, and vice versa.
   Everyone knows at least one person who loves attention, the person whose life revolves around others paying attention to them. These people I like to call "drama royalty" [drama kings and drama queens]. They conjure up drama just for the sake of onlookers- they might as well become playwrights! For example, when I was a preteen, a peer of mine announced that she would be appearing on a televised talent show. We all congratulated her; however I had my doubts about her validity. I had known this girl to be a consistent liar and attention- craver, so I questioned how she would get out of school for weeks to fly across the country for a TV show. Though my commonly sarcastic tone was traded for sincerity at that moment, she grouchily called me "jealous." Long story short, her dream was reality solely in her mind and never came to fruition. I realized that she only stated the possibility of fame to bring perceived positive attention to herself. My peer had used my perceived "hating" as a way to boost her ego by saying that I was "jealous" of her. Now, I say all this to show that hating isn't always authentic; it is sometimes falsely interpreted by people to get the attention that they desperately crave.
    The valid hatred that people may have towards you, comes from a biblical perspective. My favorite scripture about this is John 15:18-19 where Jesus says:

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

Mind you, Jesus is referring to His children (chosen ones). He says the world should hate you, the world being those who are children of the worldly things (Satan's seeds). If you humbly contemplate what your life speaks about the gospel to unbelievers, you will find that there may be fewer haters than you thought you had. The only haters that a godly person should have are undoubtedly those who are against God. Hate should not motivate you to be famous, it should motivate you to be like Jesus who was hated by thousands, yet He sought no attention to Himself but to the heavenly father God. People who disagree with your job are not "hating" on you, and neither are you a "hater" for not liking something that someone else does. We must separate opinions from truth. Disagreements about life's decisions are inevitable, but Christ is the central focal point. A Christian who emphatically represents Christ [a cultural rebel] will certainly be hated by many, for the worldly are numerous and the godly are few. Anyone else is only hating their self by focusing unnecessary attention on people who don't actually hate them. Let your actions be a testimony to those worldly "haters," and settle disagreements with those godly people who are actually on your side. When you focus on your purpose in life, "haters" will be the last thing on your mind, for there is no room for foolishness when Christ is the center of your life.

Verse of the Day 4

ROMANS 12:16

"Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation."

Keywords:
haughty- exalted on high
lowly- humble
wise- intelligent, prudent

Summary:
No matter what your social, economic, or intellectual status is- you are to treat others with equal respect. Do not see yourself as a dignitary in comparison to others, but associate with humble people. You cannot be wise based on your own determination. God tells us to have humble spirits and thoughts.

Afterthought:
Often, people let themselves be defined by titles and do not wish to associate with those of a "lower status." This is against God's word because He wants us to love each other equally. He loves each of us despite our various sins and shortcomings; though, we really deserve death. Knowing that God has given us grace and His son died for us, we should definitely spread that love with disregard to levels of income, ethnicity, character, and possessions. Be humble and let go of previous assumptions or disagreements with a person to love them just as Christ loves you. Real love is unconditional- it asks nothing from the other person. Give freely what has been freely bestowed upon you. Thank God His love is unconditional!

Secret Symbols

   Lately, I've been having strange suspicions about symbols. I'm not sure what particularly sparked my interest, but I believe God is giving me a lesson in this. Being "in the world but not of it" implies that one should know what one is not a part of (obviously!). Symbolism is everywhere and has been for centuries, so I think we should not be so oblivious to its meanings. After all, you wouldn't visually represent something unless you were an advocate of it, right? Needless to say, I dived into research and reviewed some articles to educate myself and you guys as well. One phrase can sum up my reaction: "Oh my gosh!!"
   There are three well-known symbols I would like to talk about: the peace sign, the skull and bones, and the "rock star" hand gesture.

This symbol has been used all over the nation to mean "peace" but what you don't know is that its origin is quite diabolical., despite the innocent story told. Gerald Holtom, a 1950's peace advocate, originally designed the symbol to promote peace throughout a British nuclear disarmament movement. Supposedly, the lines were flag symbols (semaphore) for CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament). A decade later, the peace sign was adapted by other peace-promoting youth; hence, the design grew to become ubiquitous. However, there is more to be discovered about the mysterious lines.

 

The above symbol, also known as the "broken cross," "crow's foot," or "symbol of the anti-Christ" is actually a cross with the arms broken, which symbolizes death and evil. During ceremonies and incantations, witches would drive an upside down cross into the ground and break the arms, signifying blasphemy and pure hate towards Christ. America and possibly many other nations have been fooled. In Germany, it is still used as a death rune. Read more from my source here: www.jesus-is-savior.com

 

Skull and bones have been a wild trend for radicals all over the world for many decades. To their oblivion, it was popular centuries ago around the circles of Satanist radicals. The meaning of this may be hard to follow because there is a whole back story on the religion of numbers, but I'll do my best to explain. An immediate observation is that the skull and bones relates to death (bones cannot be alive!) However, that is what most people think they understand it to be- again, there is always a deeper meaning. Beneath the mischievous smile of the skull is an "X" which holds great meaning in occult religion. It replaces the cross of Christ to become a symbol for the occult "christ" or Anti-Christ. "X" also has the Greek numerical value of "600" Why is this number important? Pay close attention...

Here is an original skull and bones (note the "322" below the image). The number "3" is highly revered as a sacred occult number. If you multiply the three numbers (3x2x2) the answer is "12." Now "12" is not a sacred number, but it is the addition of two sacred numbers (6+6). Thus, an occultist recognizes "322" as the numerical value of "66." Remember the "X" that equals "600" in value? Well, add that to the "66" and you get "666"- the mark of the beast, symbol of Anti-Christ! Weird, huh? Obviously this isn't innocent decoration. Read more from my source here: http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n1980.cfm

Lastly, there is the all-too-familiar rock star hand gesture, or  "I love you" sign. It was formed by Helen Keller, (an announced Satanist if you check her history). She was blind and deaf, but she led others to be blind and deaf to Satan's trickery! Simply put, the two fingers sticking up signify horns. If you know anything about Satanism or read your Bible, you would be aware that goats are a major symbol of Satan followers. Matthew 25:32 speaks of the coming of Christ's judgment; it reads "And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats" Sheep are God's children; goats are seeds of Lucifer. Therefore, anyone gesturing his sign is saying "I love you, Satan."

   If you were wise, you would pay more attention to these things before letting it become a part of your life. Do not let Satan fool you! He is a jerk, a liar, a pest, and wants nothing but to harm your walk with the loving Christ. I hope that this enlightened you as much as it did for me. If you have any concerns, comments, or questions- feel free to contact me here or through email. Be blessed!

 

Verse of the Day 3

JOB 36:13-15

"But the godless in heart lay up anger; they do not cry out for help when He binds them. They die in youth, and their life perishes among the cult prostitutes. He delivers the afflicted in their affliction, and opens their ear in time of oppression."

Keywords:
godless- hypocritical, profane, irreligious
lay up- dwell in/upon
affliction- misery

Summary:
People who do not have God are resentful and don't ask for God's help to deliver them from troubled times. Therefore, let those who abide in the Lord call on Him when they are experiencing hardships or need encouragement. There is no problem too large for God- He created oppression as a test of faith to see that we depend on Him in both good and bad times. God is always reliable and just, so He will see us through.

Afterthought:
(A prayer for you) I pray that God will answer my cries for help and give me peace in a weary, corrupt land. I am blessed to be saved and have a loving God who provides all my needs. Let me not forget who is the source of my affliction and remember that because He put it there, He can also take it away. Thank God for His sovereignty! Amen. 



 

Verse of the Day 2

DEUTERONOMY 6:5

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

Keywords:
heart- inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
soul- seat of emotions and passions
might- force

Summary:
Give God your everything by putting in effort (force)! He doesn't want the leftovers after you've loved the world and everyone else; God wants to be first in your life. Not only should your thoughts be about Him, but let your emotions feel for Him! Despite common misconception, you can love God with emotion and passion (beyond that of an earthly man or woman!). There are so many ways and reasons to love God that simply reading the bible or saying "thank you Jesus" don't seem enough. Below, I have outlined the ways to love God (my notes from a love sermon), from the foundational relationship to the deepest connection.

6 Love Relationships with God:

1. Potter/ Clay- submit to God and allow Him to shape your life into something that brings Him honor
2. Shepherd/ Sheep- follow and trust God as your caretaker
3. Master/ Servant- serve God wholeheartedly and do His will
4. Friend/ Friend- John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know His master's [personal] business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
5. Father/ Child- He loves you not for what you do but because you are His child
6. Groom/ Bride- most intimate connection; love God passionately, find it delightful to simply be in His presence, and know Him personally, both publicly and privately

May this rest on your heart as you consider where you are and where you would like to be with your spiritual love relationship. God bless and love you all!

Verse of the Day

Foreword: Hello readers! I know I've been inconsistent in my post timing, which I've definitely been praying about because there is so much I have to say and so little time to put it down in writing. SO, I have decided to let life take its course and continue to persevere to at least give you a "Verse of the Day" since I do read daily, I can give you that much:) These are just daily blurbs that I will be reflecting on that I hope you will, too. Send me feedback how you love my blog, hate it, think it needs improvement- whatever! Be blessed!:)

TITUS 3: 10-11

"Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned."

Keywords:
factious- dissentious; quarrelsome; causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy
perverted- turned from what is right; wicked
sinning- willful or deliberate violation of divine law

Summary:
You may warn a quarrelsome person twice, but after that have nothing to do with him because he is not given to Godly counsel, therefore, a fool. He will continue to sin and be self-condemned, for "the perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord" (Proverbs 11:20). Anyone who sins, especially after becoming aware of the sin, is doing a disservice to himself because he has not pleased God.

Afterthought:
So... warn a man about his unprofitable ways once so that it might be a new idea to him, and a second time so that he might understand it. That is all that is required of you because God has chosen the day that your admonition will either change the man or fail to warn him of God's forthcoming wrath. Therefore, do not consider yourself obligated to correct a perverse man- only God can soften a man's heart. God is still pleased with those who have made an effort to warn such a man by spreading the gospel. Even if it didn't sound good to the punishable man, it did to God!

My Top 25 Edifying Artists

Following up on the music posts, I thought I'd share a list of some of my favorite artists who are all about edifying music. I could go on for days about many more, but I'll save the time and share just my top 25. The names are in alphabetical order because I find them all uniquely, yet equally talented. Comment below any artists you like that I have not mentioned. I love to discover new music!:)

1. Andy Mineo aka "C Lite"
2. Benjah
3. Cam
4. Da' T.R.U.T.H.
5. Deitrick Haddon
6. D-Maub
7. Flame
8. Fred Hammond
9. GI (God's Image)
10. Israel Houghton
11. Izzy
12. Jac Rip
13. Jai
14. Leah Smith
15. Lecrae
16. Pastor AD3
17. Sho Baraka
18. Stephen the Levite
19. Swoope
20. Tedashii
21. Trip Lee
22. Tye Tribbett
23. V. Rose
24. Yaves Ellis aka "Street Pastor"
25. Young Joshua