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!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
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!:)
- Andy Mineo aka "C Lite"
- Benjah
- Cam
- Da' T.R.U.T.H.
- Deitrick Haddon
- D-Maub
- Flame
- Fred Hammond
- GI (God's Image)
- Israel Houghton
- Izzy
- Jac Rip
- Jai
- Leah Smith
- Lecrae
- Pastor AD3
- Sho Baraka
- Stephen the Levite
- Swoope
- Tedashii
- Trip Lee
- Tye Tribbett
- V. Rose
- Yaves Ellis aka "Street Pastor"
- Young Joshua
Monday, September 12, 2011
Many Motives of Music: Part 2
God created music for a higher purpose. The various sounds of instruments and voices tickle our eardrums, and we enjoy it, but we do not always realize the significant influence it has in our lives. All things must be done unto the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31), which includes the tunes that we put in our heads. If you are letting it impact your mind, then it should be edifying!
Our full-time job and purpose as humans is to worship Christ. Of course, not all humans are subject to Christ's teachings, but they are still under His authority. Many artists have no idea why they have such skills and use them for the wrong reasons, such as glorifying self and a worldly view. This activity is not pleasing to God, whether you are an artist or listener of secular music. Do you really believe that God is happy when we glamourize fornication, drugs, violence, and thievery? Of course not! Those things are against His word. As a Christian, you should know that sex outside of marriage is wrong, so why listen to songs about it? That should be cause for a conviction check. A good rhythm does not equal a good message.
Seeking to honor God, songwriters may convey messages about God's goodness and the Christian lifestyle, while singers and musicians show the natural talent God gifted them. Give credit to whom it is due- the One who made you! Believers and unbelievers alike may witness this and praise Father God for His goodness. Music is more than a catchy tune, a beat, or just words; music is a ministry. Just as you seek a church that teaches sound doctrine, so seek music that does the same.
Psalm 66:1-4 (NASB)
"Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious.
Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You.
'All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.' Selah."
Our full-time job and purpose as humans is to worship Christ. Of course, not all humans are subject to Christ's teachings, but they are still under His authority. Many artists have no idea why they have such skills and use them for the wrong reasons, such as glorifying self and a worldly view. This activity is not pleasing to God, whether you are an artist or listener of secular music. Do you really believe that God is happy when we glamourize fornication, drugs, violence, and thievery? Of course not! Those things are against His word. As a Christian, you should know that sex outside of marriage is wrong, so why listen to songs about it? That should be cause for a conviction check. A good rhythm does not equal a good message.
Seeking to honor God, songwriters may convey messages about God's goodness and the Christian lifestyle, while singers and musicians show the natural talent God gifted them. Give credit to whom it is due- the One who made you! Believers and unbelievers alike may witness this and praise Father God for His goodness. Music is more than a catchy tune, a beat, or just words; music is a ministry. Just as you seek a church that teaches sound doctrine, so seek music that does the same.
Psalm 66:1-4 (NASB)
"Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious.
Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You.
'All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.' Selah."
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Many Motives of Music: Part 1
"Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul." - Plato
This quote by Greek philosopher Plato is one of my favorite expressions of musical appreciation. For every mood you are in, you probably have a song or type of song that you like to hear. Some times you feel down and do not want to listen to music at all. You might not have given it a second thought, but why and how do we associate feelings with music? I am seeking to find out.
Relax your mind and think of your favorite party tune, the one that you just have to move to. It lifts your spirits so high that you feel the need to dance, but your reaction to a sad love song is probably less festive. Music certainly has an inexplicable power to boost our emotions. Movies and television shows use this principle to increase the viewers' interactive interest by creating sound effects. Have you ever seen a movie that did not have fast, shrill music playing when there is tension, or upbeat scores when there is a victory? The background music helps you to identify with the characters; it is a connector.
Whether you like country rock or neo-soul, your musical preference is connected with your soul and character. A wildly animated person is likely to often listen to hip hop or pop, and a reserved person is probably inclined towards jazz and R&B. When a songwriter is writing lyrics, he or she focuses on how to express the right emotions so that the listener may understand and empathize. An interesting fact here is that although people may not like certain music genres, no one hates music as a whole. I am still searching for the answer to the "why" but I see that the reason for music points to divinity. Only God can do and say things that the human mind cannot understand. In my next post, I will address the biblical aspect of music.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Infamous Love
Too often, I have interacted with people who tell me they are "falling in love." At one point, I was a clumsy fool for love myself, yearning for affection and holding on to false hopes of commitment. However, the wiser I become, I realize that the feeling of "falling in love" is a vicious myth. I use the term "vicious" because the myth has led and continues to lead so many beings to destruction. Yes, they have fallen, but it is into a trap rather than a joyous feeling.
Since early human civilization, people have been most vulnerable to eros, or "intimate love" (aka lust). With raging hormones, youth worldwide have fallen prey to lust and in result- fornication. Even middle-aged people continue to take part in promiscuity and other sexual sins because they have a warped vision of love. Pagan views have unfortunately shaped minds of non-Christians and Christians to believe that fornication is hardly unavoidable. The world declares that love is an accident, but how can it be? If one loves another who does not reciprocate the feeling, then that theory falls apart. It takes two to 'fall in love", right? There has to be a deeper component than simple happenstance or burning desire.
Love, as described in the Bible, is never founded upon a physical feeling or freak accident. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 is a well-known passage in the Bible and paints a vivid portrait of what love truly looks like. To sum it up: love is patient, kind, truthful, does not envy, suffers all, gives all, and forgives all. Apparently, in order to love, we must choose to do so. None of the aforementioned characteristics can be stumbled upon; one must put forth persistent effort. (God never said love was easy!) If these things do not describe your relationship with that hot girl/guy you met months ago, then you do NOT have love- you have a problem. Do not be fooled by your deceitful heart (Jer 17:9), but let God give you direction. There is no need to fall and get hurt when you want to walk upright. God knows your needs and will certainly supply all the love you need, spiritually and physically. He is your first REAL love and is enraptured by you, so let Him be there for you!
Since early human civilization, people have been most vulnerable to eros, or "intimate love" (aka lust). With raging hormones, youth worldwide have fallen prey to lust and in result- fornication. Even middle-aged people continue to take part in promiscuity and other sexual sins because they have a warped vision of love. Pagan views have unfortunately shaped minds of non-Christians and Christians to believe that fornication is hardly unavoidable. The world declares that love is an accident, but how can it be? If one loves another who does not reciprocate the feeling, then that theory falls apart. It takes two to 'fall in love", right? There has to be a deeper component than simple happenstance or burning desire.
Love, as described in the Bible, is never founded upon a physical feeling or freak accident. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 is a well-known passage in the Bible and paints a vivid portrait of what love truly looks like. To sum it up: love is patient, kind, truthful, does not envy, suffers all, gives all, and forgives all. Apparently, in order to love, we must choose to do so. None of the aforementioned characteristics can be stumbled upon; one must put forth persistent effort. (God never said love was easy!) If these things do not describe your relationship with that hot girl/guy you met months ago, then you do NOT have love- you have a problem. Do not be fooled by your deceitful heart (Jer 17:9), but let God give you direction. There is no need to fall and get hurt when you want to walk upright. God knows your needs and will certainly supply all the love you need, spiritually and physically. He is your first REAL love and is enraptured by you, so let Him be there for you!
Friday, June 17, 2011
"Brand New Eyes" by Russell Robinson
My friend wrote a poem and shared it with me. I was impressed, so here I share it with you.
"After moments of reflection, I often ratify or even contradict my own statement or belief.
It often confuses the mind of my overseers and spectators because of the radical change in thought.
But man if they were to pry a little deeper, into themselves and attempt to view it from a change authorized by Jesus, maybe just maybe then their minds could comprehend to that type of offset encryption.
In the past I could look at situations and see them as wrong or inhumanely justified due to uncertainty and disbelief, but now that I stand on turf mended by God’s hands themselves, I can see the fruit bore from it. The view has a major difference in appearance when it is gazed upon at through the lenses of Jesus Christ. Those specs multiply your vision in millions of different view points that not only justify reasoning but also lead to a common destination.
That destination is known to be a better relationship with Jesus and our Heavenly Father and then ultimately in Heaven.
Here I now tend to stand proudly and preach what I practice which is 'Open your eyes not to see through them with your own perspective, but from that of Jesus.'"
"After moments of reflection, I often ratify or even contradict my own statement or belief.
It often confuses the mind of my overseers and spectators because of the radical change in thought.
But man if they were to pry a little deeper, into themselves and attempt to view it from a change authorized by Jesus, maybe just maybe then their minds could comprehend to that type of offset encryption.
In the past I could look at situations and see them as wrong or inhumanely justified due to uncertainty and disbelief, but now that I stand on turf mended by God’s hands themselves, I can see the fruit bore from it. The view has a major difference in appearance when it is gazed upon at through the lenses of Jesus Christ. Those specs multiply your vision in millions of different view points that not only justify reasoning but also lead to a common destination.
That destination is known to be a better relationship with Jesus and our Heavenly Father and then ultimately in Heaven.
Here I now tend to stand proudly and preach what I practice which is 'Open your eyes not to see through them with your own perspective, but from that of Jesus.'"
Monday, June 6, 2011
How to Brag
In everything you do, there is hope for accomplishment. Ofttimes you want others to notice (family, friends, strangers, God), not necessarily in that order. However, it seems that most people see it in that procession. You always want your parents, present or not, to be proud of you and your achievements. Then, because your family is happy, your friends should be too, right? Next, a crowd of strangers may be at your college graduation or job promotion party cheering for your reception of an accolade. That is the point where your confidence rises to its peak and you know (or feel) that God is pleased. When asked to give a speech, who do you thank first?
If your gratitude only extends to yourself because you see yourself doing great things, then you are greatly mistaken. Your creator has foreordained your earthly doings (Num 24:23) and He deserves the full glory (Psa 57:11). Of course you have dreams, but of yourself you have no solid affirmation that your dreams will be fulfilled. It is obvious when we make plans every day that do not go as we intended. The common phrase "give credit where credit is due" is hypocritical if we only look at ourselves. We should look at who really drives our actions and gets us to our points of happiness.
Conclusively, never forget where you came from (cliche!). I am not speaking of a place but of the creator God! Your mother birthed you, and it was God who formed you in her womb (Jer 1:5). He is as proud of His creation as any designer is proud of his clothing line, given that his label is represented proudly. This means that we must accredit our designer "look" to the one who made us look fabulous. Be a model for Jesus Christ and God- wear the Christian label well!
If your gratitude only extends to yourself because you see yourself doing great things, then you are greatly mistaken. Your creator has foreordained your earthly doings (Num 24:23) and He deserves the full glory (Psa 57:11). Of course you have dreams, but of yourself you have no solid affirmation that your dreams will be fulfilled. It is obvious when we make plans every day that do not go as we intended. The common phrase "give credit where credit is due" is hypocritical if we only look at ourselves. We should look at who really drives our actions and gets us to our points of happiness.
Conclusively, never forget where you came from (cliche!). I am not speaking of a place but of the creator God! Your mother birthed you, and it was God who formed you in her womb (Jer 1:5). He is as proud of His creation as any designer is proud of his clothing line, given that his label is represented proudly. This means that we must accredit our designer "look" to the one who made us look fabulous. Be a model for Jesus Christ and God- wear the Christian label well!
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