Our generation is the most unchurched generation ever! You can blame the advent of cell phones and the internet, media, absentee fathers and the system! All of these are relevant and do play a role! But the thing that this generation is missing is Christ! Our generation has very few leaders! The previous generation had Martin Luther King and Mother Theresa, and the one before that had Ghandi (who used the teachings of Christ)! These leaders mobilized the masses, challenged the norm, and fought for the rights of the broken, underserved and downtrodden! Above all these leaders gave a vision to the generation, inspired a message of hope, and gave them a true purpose through the gospel of Christ! They gave them new rules to live by! In a day where immorality is so pervasive in our culture it has become moral behavior! No disrespect to anybody with tattoes but many people I believe did not think about getting a tattoo before they saw others getting inked up! I dont judge because it says it in the word, but we have reached an era of copycatism! The majority of people follow what others around them say and do without questioning the act or giving it critical thought! Friends with the negative influences are generally more popular than the ones with the positive influences! The children of this generation are lost and are looking for a cause to live. What does this indicate about the society: a lack of GOD!
The enemy has taken over our children's minds, schools, gangs, patience and sanity! Kids in urban neighorhoods are throwing their lives away for the sake of PRIDE. A typical snenario is in where guy-1 and guy-2 get into an altercation which escalates into a fist fight! Guy 1 ends up beating up Guy 2! Guy 2 then goes home to get a gun and kills guy 1! The action was carried out to show that he is not to be messed with and that was it! This happens at least multiple times in the summer in Harlem and the Bronx (two of the poorest areas in New York City)! Most youth who have no direction, will end up in jail, murdered or a murderer, hurting someone or badly being hurt! Many of these youngsters would disagree! When you have no idea that you were created for a purpose and you live like its your last day (in a bad way) you will inevitably hurt (emotionally, physically, and psychologically) others around you, and possibly injure them! When a young person has Christ in their life, not only will he/she have less time to be idle but they will separate themselves from the world and serve as an example to those around them.
People desire love, affirmation, acceptance, and to be cared for: it is what most people long for! Our current teenagers have very few positive role models, and are trying to find out what their purpose is in life! Therefore since they lack direct guidance and do not have somebody to lead they will follow anything. Everybody is searching for a purpose and the truth. They need Christ to transform them and purify them of all unrighteousness! The many stabbings, shootings, molestations and kidnapping of the youth is much more a spiritual emptiness rather than a societal ill! The youth and adolescents need something to believe in! In addition some of them lack fathers so God can be there heavenly Dad! If more youth get saved (give their lives to Christ) then their peers too will give their hearts to Christ! The ones who are saved will lead their friends to Christ! Trusting confiding, and hoping for something that promises eternal life is awesome! Young people who are followers of Christ Jesus now have God in their lives and know God has a purpose for there life, and an eternal peace! A teenager who lacks direction is easily subject to any demonic spirits (depression, lust, anger) and falls prey to false ideologies and teachings! In addition anybody who does not believe that God has a plan for their life will probably view themselves as insignificant which will lead them not value their lives and culminates in driving them to commit many risky acts such as shooting stabbing, or fighting!
Lord I pray that the young people who are saved and will be saved are covered by your blood, protected and kept in the name of Jesus. Lord, Prosper them, keep their paths straight, and build fellowship as well as praying, fasting and reading the bible! In Jesus name we pray AMEN! I hope that this generation is the answer to grandma's prayers [SEEK GOD FIRST! ABOVE ALL ELSE]!
Matthew 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
New World Part II
Prior to getting saved I was depressed (right after college)! The person who I thought to be me wasnt! In college I was suave, papi chulo, the dancer, popular, and quite the socialite! My image became my idol, I cared about what I wore, what cologne I put on, the next hottest dance move, and the girls I associated and fornicated with! I was slave to sin! Unforgiveness ruled my heart! Well fastforward to graduation. I left Syracuse and went to back to the Bronx! All the false identities that I thought were true began crashing down every fast, which I had not time to prepare for! I though I was socially significant(all of a sudden I was in environment where nobody knew me except my parents and family)! I thought I was dancer (but now I didn't get to dance as much because there were no groups such as the ones on campus)! I realized that my ego was superficially inflated and that it consisted of external praise and affirmation! I began to seek out poetry as a way to deal with these internal conflicts and different ways to cope with this identity crises! I sought out self help books, friendly advice, and even saw a psychologist! Then thoughts of paranoia would devour my mind: (Im not good enough, why is that person laughing are they laughing at me, what will people think of me if I do so and so, does she find me attractive, can I beat that guy up, why did she only say this negative thing to me?) The thoughts would go on and on! I struggled with low self esteem and suicidal thoughts! Then I was recommended to read A Purpose Driven Life! I began reading it and was instantly magnetized to the book! After reading the book, I began reading the Bible everyday and at the time I was working in a hospital which was a very stressful environment where I was surrounded by darkness! I was amazed at how much the Word of God gave me peace and the rest. God is truly a source of power! So April 2010 is when the fight happened and when God opened my eyes!
Then in July 2010 I was invited to this event by the organizer of the dance group I was part of in college and went to the event (which was in Brooklyn)! I went to the event and saw teens falling out, a heavy set man on stage screaming surrender to God! The scene was just dramatic and a bit frightening to be honest! I attended a workshop and heard a message where the pastor said that if you claim to be a Christian but everybody around you does not know you are a Christian then there is a problem! The words pierced through my heart and I was never the same again! I accepted my Lord and savior Jesus Chris that night with no altar call! As I was walking to the train station I felt a certain warmth that I had never felt before and I felt different! So I told God that Im never looking back! So that I did, I backslid twice (went to two clubs: in Mexico and in New York). Both times I felt convicted by the Holy Spirit and felt empty inside! So I made a promise to God to devote my life to Him before I went back to school for my Masters. Through reading the Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me, attending the campus Christian fellowship filled with the Holy Ghost, and attending Christian conferences I was able to grow!
All of these things helped me grow in the Lord at an astonishing rate! I went to two conferences in the Spring which were my turning point! One of the conferences showed how this generation is the one to lead the world and affect change! There were massive amount of youth younger than me: 14-22! It was amazing to see so many young people on FIRE FOR GOD! Then in April 2011 I went to another conference where I witnessed somebody giving their life to Christ as well as the manifestation of the Holy Spirit and opportunities to witness: Word of knowledge where God tells you something about somebody! God told the pastor about three people: One person had a heart problem that did not allow him to participate in Sports and he prophesied over him that He will speak in large capacities about the Lord! I was amazed at how powerful God is! Then I finished up my school year and decided I was going on a mission trip! So now its approximately 4 weeks until I depart for my mission trip and I am syked like I cannot contain the excitement! However I am aware of the peril and severity that lies ahead! As I have heard of kidnappings and killings in the area, but it did say in the Bible that Jesus’ followers will be persecuted! However, in Josh 1:9 it says Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." God will deliver me from my enemies and I believe that with all my heart! Bless God is He is so faithful, just, righteous and good to me! Gloria al Senor! I will have testimonies of the amazing things God did over there when I come back! In Jesus Name!
Man God is amazing! He has been so faithful! When you accept Jesus as your Lord and savior and lay your life down for God he will turn your life around and either give you a purpose or redefine it! It is a never ending adventure with God! I am closing in on a year in Christ! This year is very symbolic for me as it marks 1 full year being a slave to righteousness and liberated in Christ! One year of being tempted, confused, prospered, strengthened, lifted up, enlightened, and blessed! The Lord has delivered me from the pit! The life in the world does not compare to the life in the Lord! Before I skepticized that the Lord had a plan for my life! Now I know He does! Praise be to God and glory to Him in the Highest! I know there are greater things to come, we will just have to wait and see! God is awesome! I pray that everybody reading this will open their heart and hear my story as well as open their eyes to see the TRUTH! I pray that people will trust in the Lord and nothing else! Thank you brothers and sisters for allowing me to share my thoughts! Thank you Jesus for this time of communion! Protect and keep your children wherever they are remind them that you are King and we are your heirs: princes and princesses! In Jesus name we pray!
LIFE VERSE:
Phil 3:8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Then in July 2010 I was invited to this event by the organizer of the dance group I was part of in college and went to the event (which was in Brooklyn)! I went to the event and saw teens falling out, a heavy set man on stage screaming surrender to God! The scene was just dramatic and a bit frightening to be honest! I attended a workshop and heard a message where the pastor said that if you claim to be a Christian but everybody around you does not know you are a Christian then there is a problem! The words pierced through my heart and I was never the same again! I accepted my Lord and savior Jesus Chris that night with no altar call! As I was walking to the train station I felt a certain warmth that I had never felt before and I felt different! So I told God that Im never looking back! So that I did, I backslid twice (went to two clubs: in Mexico and in New York). Both times I felt convicted by the Holy Spirit and felt empty inside! So I made a promise to God to devote my life to Him before I went back to school for my Masters. Through reading the Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me, attending the campus Christian fellowship filled with the Holy Ghost, and attending Christian conferences I was able to grow!
All of these things helped me grow in the Lord at an astonishing rate! I went to two conferences in the Spring which were my turning point! One of the conferences showed how this generation is the one to lead the world and affect change! There were massive amount of youth younger than me: 14-22! It was amazing to see so many young people on FIRE FOR GOD! Then in April 2011 I went to another conference where I witnessed somebody giving their life to Christ as well as the manifestation of the Holy Spirit and opportunities to witness: Word of knowledge where God tells you something about somebody! God told the pastor about three people: One person had a heart problem that did not allow him to participate in Sports and he prophesied over him that He will speak in large capacities about the Lord! I was amazed at how powerful God is! Then I finished up my school year and decided I was going on a mission trip! So now its approximately 4 weeks until I depart for my mission trip and I am syked like I cannot contain the excitement! However I am aware of the peril and severity that lies ahead! As I have heard of kidnappings and killings in the area, but it did say in the Bible that Jesus’ followers will be persecuted! However, in Josh 1:9 it says Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." God will deliver me from my enemies and I believe that with all my heart! Bless God is He is so faithful, just, righteous and good to me! Gloria al Senor! I will have testimonies of the amazing things God did over there when I come back! In Jesus Name!
Man God is amazing! He has been so faithful! When you accept Jesus as your Lord and savior and lay your life down for God he will turn your life around and either give you a purpose or redefine it! It is a never ending adventure with God! I am closing in on a year in Christ! This year is very symbolic for me as it marks 1 full year being a slave to righteousness and liberated in Christ! One year of being tempted, confused, prospered, strengthened, lifted up, enlightened, and blessed! The Lord has delivered me from the pit! The life in the world does not compare to the life in the Lord! Before I skepticized that the Lord had a plan for my life! Now I know He does! Praise be to God and glory to Him in the Highest! I know there are greater things to come, we will just have to wait and see! God is awesome! I pray that everybody reading this will open their heart and hear my story as well as open their eyes to see the TRUTH! I pray that people will trust in the Lord and nothing else! Thank you brothers and sisters for allowing me to share my thoughts! Thank you Jesus for this time of communion! Protect and keep your children wherever they are remind them that you are King and we are your heirs: princes and princesses! In Jesus name we pray!
LIFE VERSE:
Phil 3:8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Born Again- Relationships
I dont know what to say! I feel like its the beginning and end of a very important stage in my life! Its amazing man! God has revealed to me during the very short time I have been walking with Him that he will surely give you a treasure but you must devote yourself to Him, trust in Him, clinch dearly to FAITH, love, respect, and glorify HIM, endure the persecutions and the trials to gain the eternal prize! He is everything people have looked for: Consideration, acceptance, kindness, Peace, Comfort, Trust, Energy, Passion, Light, Healing, a Father, a brother, stability, food, a refuge, satisfaction, and MOST OF ALL LOVE!
Some people spend their whole lives searching for the truth and never find it, but some do! Those that do will rest with Jesus (who is seated at the right hand of the throne) for eternity! Every problem in the world is either rooted in SIN or in seeking refuge in worldly things! One great example is relationships! Young girls crave attention and validation from the opposite sex! At age 13 females are already engaging in sex! Yes part of it is lack of maturity about how to handle the emergence of their newly acquired bodily features from precocious puberty! Some of them flock towards guys who promise them the world or just frankly give them attention and give their bodies in return for attention or "love"! Prebuscent maturation is a problem within itself and absentee fathers just exacerbate the situation. Certain young females begin to be dependent on their partners or boyfriends for the love and affirmation their biological (absentee) fathers were not able to provide ; ultimately turning their beloved other into an idol! These females unfortunately are very vulnerable. In many situations the couples are engaging in promiscuous behaviors and unprotected sex which can lead to an STD or unexpected pregnancies leading to teenage mothers! One of the STDS is HIV (which has killed plenty of people young and old) and is something not to play around with! Although I believe babies to be blessings from the Lord, I also understand that you want to give your baby all it deserves. One should strive to raise it in the most emotionally, mentally, socially, physically, spiritually and psychologically stable environment! This is very important for the rearing of children and raising the most healthy baby!
All people want to do is be loved, accepted, heard, understood and cared for! Many people claim to find themselves in other individuals or say that their partner is their other half! this can be very dangerous!!!!! In finding yourself you lose who are because you gave so much to that person! If you guys do break up, the break up will destroy the person that totally immersed themselves in the relationship since your ex is now part of you:(soul tie)! One may wonder why females or male may stalk their exes? Its because that person invested all of their emotions into a person and that person became their everything, but let them down! This is normal if you dont worship a higher power. These females were unable to control their emotions as well. Not only that but that person becomes your god since you see them so much and invest so much energy into the relationship! Guys do what they think ascertains or defines their manhood! For most men they think having multiple sexual partners is being a man machismo)! Others hide behind their sexual endeavors and escapades to mask their insecurities and superficially elevate their self esteem! Some males have some trouble controlling their emotions and hormones while others don't want to have sex but do it to be part of the in crowd! There is also a population of males that are missing love and look to girls and sexual relationships for comfort, acceptance and love! Another population of males never had a mother so become bitter, abuse girls, and under-validate them! I personally fit into two categories; I was looking for acceptance and was following the societal norm! However, I did feel disgusted afterwards! If we replaced our boyfriends with Jesus there would be less tragic break-ups, heartbreaks, stds, murders rooted in jealousy, unexpected pregnancies, and abortions! Jesus is the answer to whatever we seek in the world!
The Lord tears down idols because He wants us to put Him First: which makes sense since He sent his Son to the earth to show us how to live, to be crucified on the cross, and be resurrected! We may feel rejected, deserted, and alone but the Lord will comfort us and love us unconditionally! God deserves all the praise and all the Glory and all The honor for what He has done in my life and in the life of others! PRAISE GOD and Glory to the highest, Ruler of heaven and earth, my ROCK, my DELIVERER King over every dominion!
Some people spend their whole lives searching for the truth and never find it, but some do! Those that do will rest with Jesus (who is seated at the right hand of the throne) for eternity! Every problem in the world is either rooted in SIN or in seeking refuge in worldly things! One great example is relationships! Young girls crave attention and validation from the opposite sex! At age 13 females are already engaging in sex! Yes part of it is lack of maturity about how to handle the emergence of their newly acquired bodily features from precocious puberty! Some of them flock towards guys who promise them the world or just frankly give them attention and give their bodies in return for attention or "love"! Prebuscent maturation is a problem within itself and absentee fathers just exacerbate the situation. Certain young females begin to be dependent on their partners or boyfriends for the love and affirmation their biological (absentee) fathers were not able to provide ; ultimately turning their beloved other into an idol! These females unfortunately are very vulnerable. In many situations the couples are engaging in promiscuous behaviors and unprotected sex which can lead to an STD or unexpected pregnancies leading to teenage mothers! One of the STDS is HIV (which has killed plenty of people young and old) and is something not to play around with! Although I believe babies to be blessings from the Lord, I also understand that you want to give your baby all it deserves. One should strive to raise it in the most emotionally, mentally, socially, physically, spiritually and psychologically stable environment! This is very important for the rearing of children and raising the most healthy baby!
All people want to do is be loved, accepted, heard, understood and cared for! Many people claim to find themselves in other individuals or say that their partner is their other half! this can be very dangerous!!!!! In finding yourself you lose who are because you gave so much to that person! If you guys do break up, the break up will destroy the person that totally immersed themselves in the relationship since your ex is now part of you:(soul tie)! One may wonder why females or male may stalk their exes? Its because that person invested all of their emotions into a person and that person became their everything, but let them down! This is normal if you dont worship a higher power. These females were unable to control their emotions as well. Not only that but that person becomes your god since you see them so much and invest so much energy into the relationship! Guys do what they think ascertains or defines their manhood! For most men they think having multiple sexual partners is being a man machismo)! Others hide behind their sexual endeavors and escapades to mask their insecurities and superficially elevate their self esteem! Some males have some trouble controlling their emotions and hormones while others don't want to have sex but do it to be part of the in crowd! There is also a population of males that are missing love and look to girls and sexual relationships for comfort, acceptance and love! Another population of males never had a mother so become bitter, abuse girls, and under-validate them! I personally fit into two categories; I was looking for acceptance and was following the societal norm! However, I did feel disgusted afterwards! If we replaced our boyfriends with Jesus there would be less tragic break-ups, heartbreaks, stds, murders rooted in jealousy, unexpected pregnancies, and abortions! Jesus is the answer to whatever we seek in the world!
The Lord tears down idols because He wants us to put Him First: which makes sense since He sent his Son to the earth to show us how to live, to be crucified on the cross, and be resurrected! We may feel rejected, deserted, and alone but the Lord will comfort us and love us unconditionally! God deserves all the praise and all the Glory and all The honor for what He has done in my life and in the life of others! PRAISE GOD and Glory to the highest, Ruler of heaven and earth, my ROCK, my DELIVERER King over every dominion!
Monday, April 11, 2011
New World Part I
A bit disoriented to say the least, surprised to be honest, and joyful to be exact! I dont know how I got here, I'm in a New World like the western hemisphere! I have been transformed and I don't know how it happened but God does! See it was weird to be praising the Lord on a Saturday night when I used to hit da club and get drunk! Now I'm giving glory to Him on a Saturday! If you would have told me this a year ago (that I would have been in a Christian fellowship and worshiping God on a monday) not even in my wildest dreams I would have imagined this! The Lord takes you on adventures you don't expect and brings you to places you may not have thought of! See I wanted to become a physician and save the Lord without letting God do his work, I thought I was capable of salvaging the world form its misery without HIM! Boy was I wrong, God turned my life around, he taught me that He is in control! Only he can change me, deliver me and cleanse me! To God be the Glory
I really don't understand how I got here, God is amazing and He can change your will , emotions, and desires! An intimate relationship with Him cannot be compared to anything else in the world! I learn from the older folk I meet that come to Christ in there 40s and have found the Lord! They regret being in the world and seeking worldly things to comfort, satisfy, and to fill them up, to only end up empty! Yes empty: the girls the clothes, the cars, monetary success, educational degrees, athletic prizes, and money will leave you desiring for more ultimately falling short of the void that lays in your soul! It may look like people have fun but ultimately they depend on alcohol, relationships, relatives, philosophy, or ordinary poems to seal the gap that the Lord made us with to allow HIM to fill us up! And all else will only leave you thirsting for more of God!
People find God in many different ways; I have heard plenty of testimonies! One woman was a crack addict and was delivered from drug addiction! Another man I spoke to had demons chasing him and taking over his life! However when he gave his life to Christ the demons were rebuked and he found peace in God! This guy was adopted at a young age and committed many crimes, partook in gang violence, and dabbled with drug dealing which culminated in a short stint at the juvenile detention center! Other testimonies that will be heard is from women who were saved in Prison! One of the ministries from the church I attend (TimesSquareChurch) went to Rikers Island and spoke to inmates and also ministered poetry! Once the inmates heard the poetry they started balling and began to cry unwarrantedly and incessantly! They did an altar call and more than 50 percent of the women gave their lives to Christ! To God be the Glory! Other testimonies are not as dramatic but yet are still significant: people who grew up in the Church and then found the Lord after going through their own trials! As for me I was one who was deep in the world: drinking, partying, club scenes! I always wanted to be validated and people's external perceptions really mattered a lot to me! I was imprisoned by other's thoughts, attitudes, and emotions towards me! I also felt empty inside and sought to fill that void with worldly things such as girls, money, sports, personal accomplishments, drinking, dancing, money, clubbing, and self help books! I sought happiness and satisfaction in everything you can imagine! But then God revealed to me through a huge fight I instigated that I was headed down the broad path of destruction! He showed me that I had to follow him by giving my heart to Him or I would be ruined! Since this foreshadowing I began to regret what happened and guilt sunk in, I thought about it alot and it made me distraught( little did I know this was the enemy amplifying these negative thoughts)!
I really don't understand how I got here, God is amazing and He can change your will , emotions, and desires! An intimate relationship with Him cannot be compared to anything else in the world! I learn from the older folk I meet that come to Christ in there 40s and have found the Lord! They regret being in the world and seeking worldly things to comfort, satisfy, and to fill them up, to only end up empty! Yes empty: the girls the clothes, the cars, monetary success, educational degrees, athletic prizes, and money will leave you desiring for more ultimately falling short of the void that lays in your soul! It may look like people have fun but ultimately they depend on alcohol, relationships, relatives, philosophy, or ordinary poems to seal the gap that the Lord made us with to allow HIM to fill us up! And all else will only leave you thirsting for more of God!
People find God in many different ways; I have heard plenty of testimonies! One woman was a crack addict and was delivered from drug addiction! Another man I spoke to had demons chasing him and taking over his life! However when he gave his life to Christ the demons were rebuked and he found peace in God! This guy was adopted at a young age and committed many crimes, partook in gang violence, and dabbled with drug dealing which culminated in a short stint at the juvenile detention center! Other testimonies that will be heard is from women who were saved in Prison! One of the ministries from the church I attend (TimesSquareChurch) went to Rikers Island and spoke to inmates and also ministered poetry! Once the inmates heard the poetry they started balling and began to cry unwarrantedly and incessantly! They did an altar call and more than 50 percent of the women gave their lives to Christ! To God be the Glory! Other testimonies are not as dramatic but yet are still significant: people who grew up in the Church and then found the Lord after going through their own trials! As for me I was one who was deep in the world: drinking, partying, club scenes! I always wanted to be validated and people's external perceptions really mattered a lot to me! I was imprisoned by other's thoughts, attitudes, and emotions towards me! I also felt empty inside and sought to fill that void with worldly things such as girls, money, sports, personal accomplishments, drinking, dancing, money, clubbing, and self help books! I sought happiness and satisfaction in everything you can imagine! But then God revealed to me through a huge fight I instigated that I was headed down the broad path of destruction! He showed me that I had to follow him by giving my heart to Him or I would be ruined! Since this foreshadowing I began to regret what happened and guilt sunk in, I thought about it alot and it made me distraught( little did I know this was the enemy amplifying these negative thoughts)!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Confusion
Eight months in Christ, yeah just 8 months! Cant it be 8 years already. Alot of times I ask myself why I'm so impatient with time its like I desire to be older and then reminisce about your youth! I guess I'm impatient because I am eager to see what the Lord will do in my life in the next ten years: how much I would have grown, how many people I may have touched! Also I also want time to fly because everyday is a struggle! I find it more and more difficult everyday to run this race, to keep a steady pace, and to walk in Christ!
I feel like I am growing at an exponential rate (at like 500 mph) and I cant slow down! Its hard to put my thoughts together especially so late at night but I've had a busy day. First Stony Brook loses in a thriller (which was in Boston, yeah we drove out there), then I go to this step show and the dancers and steppers were amazing and blessed! Nevertheless it had so much secular music it made me sick! Everybody was singing most of the songs except me! This is where the confusion set in! I asked myself am I out of place or is it that everybody is doing the right thing and I'm the odd-ball out? Then I saw all these attractive girls in these provocative outfits and Lust started to invade my heart. During the show some girls began to give me seductive looks and started to revive worldly thoughts! To cap it off a couple of people asked me to attend the after party and I had to refuse as it is not "Godly"! Then I second guessed myself. Have I been taught to do certain things as a Christian and abstain from other activity because it is frowned upon in the Christian world or is it a voluntary decision that I made in m heart?
I think I'm gonna go ahead and answer my own question! It was the latter and nobody told me to stp clubbing I decided because I felt convicted then I met other people who were serious about their walk with Christ and stopped clubbing! The enemy loves to confuse us and deceive us into thinking that walking in the darkness is as normal as breathing(that it is something we must do), He is a liar! But it is incumbent upon us as Christians to pick up and carry our cross daily and to deny thyself not just say it! In Corinthians it says come out from amongst them, in John it says we are not of the world and in Matthew it says we must be salt and light! We must maintain separate from the world and demonstrate to others that we are different (not better). This indicates that what Im doing is the right thing and avoiding the devil's lair (which is where he wants me to be so I can recommit myself to the bondage of sin)! The Devil is more concerned about the people that are on fire for Christ than the people in the world because he sees us as a threat, and wants to exterminate the threat so that his kingdom of darkness can flourish! Well let him see me as a threat I am honored by the title, as a matter of fact I will go toe to toe with him, protected by the armor of God and the power of Christ! We bless the Lord and magnify your name we exalt You! There is nobody ELSE like you! I also know that people will start to change the way they look at Christians and their hearts will begin to melt, and they will begin to devote their lives to Christ! They will see the power of Christ as they will see individuals transformed once they accept their salvation! We MUST STEP INTO OUR TRUE CALLING (like one of my friends said)!
Well I look forward to my 1st birthday in Christ in 4 months right around when my god daughter will turn 1! I wouldn't miss neither of the two events for the WORLD!
God Bless and Praise God
I feel like I am growing at an exponential rate (at like 500 mph) and I cant slow down! Its hard to put my thoughts together especially so late at night but I've had a busy day. First Stony Brook loses in a thriller (which was in Boston, yeah we drove out there), then I go to this step show and the dancers and steppers were amazing and blessed! Nevertheless it had so much secular music it made me sick! Everybody was singing most of the songs except me! This is where the confusion set in! I asked myself am I out of place or is it that everybody is doing the right thing and I'm the odd-ball out? Then I saw all these attractive girls in these provocative outfits and Lust started to invade my heart. During the show some girls began to give me seductive looks and started to revive worldly thoughts! To cap it off a couple of people asked me to attend the after party and I had to refuse as it is not "Godly"! Then I second guessed myself. Have I been taught to do certain things as a Christian and abstain from other activity because it is frowned upon in the Christian world or is it a voluntary decision that I made in m heart?
I think I'm gonna go ahead and answer my own question! It was the latter and nobody told me to stp clubbing I decided because I felt convicted then I met other people who were serious about their walk with Christ and stopped clubbing! The enemy loves to confuse us and deceive us into thinking that walking in the darkness is as normal as breathing(that it is something we must do), He is a liar! But it is incumbent upon us as Christians to pick up and carry our cross daily and to deny thyself not just say it! In Corinthians it says come out from amongst them, in John it says we are not of the world and in Matthew it says we must be salt and light! We must maintain separate from the world and demonstrate to others that we are different (not better). This indicates that what Im doing is the right thing and avoiding the devil's lair (which is where he wants me to be so I can recommit myself to the bondage of sin)! The Devil is more concerned about the people that are on fire for Christ than the people in the world because he sees us as a threat, and wants to exterminate the threat so that his kingdom of darkness can flourish! Well let him see me as a threat I am honored by the title, as a matter of fact I will go toe to toe with him, protected by the armor of God and the power of Christ! We bless the Lord and magnify your name we exalt You! There is nobody ELSE like you! I also know that people will start to change the way they look at Christians and their hearts will begin to melt, and they will begin to devote their lives to Christ! They will see the power of Christ as they will see individuals transformed once they accept their salvation! We MUST STEP INTO OUR TRUE CALLING (like one of my friends said)!
Well I look forward to my 1st birthday in Christ in 4 months right around when my god daughter will turn 1! I wouldn't miss neither of the two events for the WORLD!
God Bless and Praise God
Monday, December 27, 2010
Faith without deeds
Ever since Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement, the Christian Church has had limited involvement in any social movement or the community for that matter. I personally find that disgraceful and appalling! The Christian Church is not just a religion or a political figurehead, it is the body of Christ. Meaning we all must work together to spread the good news AND reach out to help our fellow man. Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 25:31-36, and Proverbs 11:24 are just a few verses where this commandment can be found. This is a true testament to the greatest commandment that the Lord gave us which is to love your neighbor as yourself. If you were homeless wouldn't you want someone to offer temporary housing, if you were hungry wouldn't you want people to give you something to eat, if you had no clothes wouldn't you want someone someone to offer you garments, if you didn't have enough money to get on the train wouldn't you want someone to pay for your metro card, if you were struggling with a class wouldn't you want someone to use their God given knowledge to help you prepare for an exam? Brothers and Sisters let us put aside our selfish needs and put ourselves in our fellow kinsmen disposition.
If we all lived this way day by day this world would be a much better place. I am tired of people in Church praising God, singing worship songs, attending prayer meetings, and bible study but not reaching out to help the homeless or to mentor disadvantaged youth! The christian ideals are exemplified the best when you not only allow God to guide your ways but also make an effort to reach out to the community. Ask yourself a question. Are you really living a Christ centered life if you are happy and holy while watching the whole world suffer? What sense is it if everybody in the church is saved but youth in our community are dying of gun violence, parents are affected by the drug epidemic, education is failing, suicide is rampant, and children are starving?
If we live our lives to emulate Christ in his likeness we need to try harder and strive for excellence even if we fall short (which is what God's grace is there for). If we step over a homeless man to go inside church and do not ask if he is hungry or cold then we might as well not go inside the church or not call ourselves "Christians" because a true Christian thinks of others before themselves. If we scoff at drug dealers on the corner but choose to do nothing about it then we are in the same boat as them because we have chosen to accept the situation and remain silent. If we have faith in the Lord that HE will answer our prayers and grant our desires but do not help the next man when his car breaks down then we have have done that to the Lord.
As it says in Matthew 25:40: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. If we do not feed the hungry or give money to the poor we have done it to Jesus. Every time we pass by a homeless man and do not care to offer him gloves when it is cold or a drink when he is thirsty then we have failed as Christians. May we have the compassion to help our fellow man and go in peace. Our duty as Christians is to strive to emulate Christ in his likeness. When Jesus walked this earth he healed the sick, helped the less fortunate, fed the hungry and walked with pariahs. Jesus left the world better than he found it! So in order to be the best Christians we can be we must cultivate an environment where love is seen through our acts and not just our words! Let us take up our cross daily and show the world what a true Christian is about!
James 2:20: But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead
If we all lived this way day by day this world would be a much better place. I am tired of people in Church praising God, singing worship songs, attending prayer meetings, and bible study but not reaching out to help the homeless or to mentor disadvantaged youth! The christian ideals are exemplified the best when you not only allow God to guide your ways but also make an effort to reach out to the community. Ask yourself a question. Are you really living a Christ centered life if you are happy and holy while watching the whole world suffer? What sense is it if everybody in the church is saved but youth in our community are dying of gun violence, parents are affected by the drug epidemic, education is failing, suicide is rampant, and children are starving?
If we live our lives to emulate Christ in his likeness we need to try harder and strive for excellence even if we fall short (which is what God's grace is there for). If we step over a homeless man to go inside church and do not ask if he is hungry or cold then we might as well not go inside the church or not call ourselves "Christians" because a true Christian thinks of others before themselves. If we scoff at drug dealers on the corner but choose to do nothing about it then we are in the same boat as them because we have chosen to accept the situation and remain silent. If we have faith in the Lord that HE will answer our prayers and grant our desires but do not help the next man when his car breaks down then we have have done that to the Lord.
As it says in Matthew 25:40: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. If we do not feed the hungry or give money to the poor we have done it to Jesus. Every time we pass by a homeless man and do not care to offer him gloves when it is cold or a drink when he is thirsty then we have failed as Christians. May we have the compassion to help our fellow man and go in peace. Our duty as Christians is to strive to emulate Christ in his likeness. When Jesus walked this earth he healed the sick, helped the less fortunate, fed the hungry and walked with pariahs. Jesus left the world better than he found it! So in order to be the best Christians we can be we must cultivate an environment where love is seen through our acts and not just our words! Let us take up our cross daily and show the world what a true Christian is about!
James 2:20: But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead
Temporary solutions to permanent problems
Today I was thinking about some of the social problems that plague our society and how we attempt to solve them. One of them is drug addiction which we attempt to solve through medical treatment, counseling, and rehab centers. Crime we attempt to solve through law enforcement and the penal system. Teen pregnancy we attempt to solve through abortion clinics, contraceptives, or sex-education. Education disparities we attempt to solve through better schools and more money. The health care system we attempt to solve through granting everybody insurance. Domestic and international political conflicts we attempt to solve through electing better presidents, assuring better diplomacy, making more just legislation and mobilizing NGOS to work in certain countries. The issue of Disadvantaged youth we try to solve by encouragement through mentoring! We attempt to solve world hunger through foreign aid, food drives, and benefit dinners!
All these problems are relevant in today's world! Although we do not have a definite answer to these problems there are individuals who are contributing to the solution. I ask because I participated in programs that have served to help solve the problems. But what the Lord revealed to me today is that all these solutions will only provide a temporary solution or momentary fix! If you receive counseling there is a chance that your condition will improve but it will be nothing compared to the spiritual healing that Christ has to offer. Perhaps prisons will provide an all too familiar temporary fix to crime that just recycles prisoners that continue to get re-incarcerated. The Red cross will help with Health care and relief but mainly during natural disasters. Maybe a loved one you know has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy which will only provide a temporary solution to such a severe situation.
Amidst all of these social issues, there is one person that will provide an everlasting solution. This person is Jesus and he is the fountain of eternal Hope! As we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior and allow him to change our hearts we will overcome the struggles we experience and continue to grow closer to him! When you thirst for Jesus and seek GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART HE will bless you in inexplicable ways (part of pastors sermon today). One of the ways that HE will bless you is by eradicating sin and delivering you from that ungodly desire! Once you drink from the well of eternal life you will thirst no longer. You do not need counseling, psychics, nor money to solve the issue! Jesus Christ is here! GOT ISSUES JESUS CHRIST IS THE ANSWER! HAVE NO FEAR JESUS CHRIST IS HERE!
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
All these problems are relevant in today's world! Although we do not have a definite answer to these problems there are individuals who are contributing to the solution. I ask because I participated in programs that have served to help solve the problems. But what the Lord revealed to me today is that all these solutions will only provide a temporary solution or momentary fix! If you receive counseling there is a chance that your condition will improve but it will be nothing compared to the spiritual healing that Christ has to offer. Perhaps prisons will provide an all too familiar temporary fix to crime that just recycles prisoners that continue to get re-incarcerated. The Red cross will help with Health care and relief but mainly during natural disasters. Maybe a loved one you know has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy which will only provide a temporary solution to such a severe situation.
Amidst all of these social issues, there is one person that will provide an everlasting solution. This person is Jesus and he is the fountain of eternal Hope! As we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior and allow him to change our hearts we will overcome the struggles we experience and continue to grow closer to him! When you thirst for Jesus and seek GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART HE will bless you in inexplicable ways (part of pastors sermon today). One of the ways that HE will bless you is by eradicating sin and delivering you from that ungodly desire! Once you drink from the well of eternal life you will thirst no longer. You do not need counseling, psychics, nor money to solve the issue! Jesus Christ is here! GOT ISSUES JESUS CHRIST IS THE ANSWER! HAVE NO FEAR JESUS CHRIST IS HERE!
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
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