Well, my exams are done which means this semester has come to an end. I have been missing in action and have not been able to update the site because of my class schedule but WE ARE BACK. I pray that each of you have been blessed by the previous posts. Here is a new one. Thanks to all of you who comment on each post that is created. Be blessed!
Jude 1:24 Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling...
Here is the thought: Don’t Sweat, You’re Still Standing!
Do you know that GOD is the only ONE who can keep us from falling? I hope you are shouting right now because that's good news. Why? If you are not falling then that means you are STILL STANDING!!
God has a way of keeping us from falling so that we can STILL STAND in His presence without fault!! That’s really good news. Why? There are going to be times that we just don’t quite measure up to God’s standard, but HE keeps us from falling!! For example, we have a tendency to mess up the blessing that He gives us, but HE still presents us faultless before His presences.
What have you been hit with that has tried to knock you down!!??
.....Its the 15th and the rent is late but I'm STILL STANDING
.....I don't have a dollar in my pocket but I'm STILL STANDING
.....No gas in my car but I'm STILL STANDING
.....Got haters at the job tripin on me but I'M STILL STANDING
.....Single and all alone with nobody by my side but I'm STILL STANDING
.....Spouse is tripin like the marriage don't mean nothin but I'm STILL
STANDING
.....Family is sick and I don't know what to do but I'm STILL STANDING
.......AND I FEEL LIKE I AM GOING OUT OF MY MIND AND I WANT TO CHECK OUT OF THE WORLD BUT I AM STILL STANDING
WHY.........BECAUSE GOD IS KEEPING ME FROM FALLING...SO I'M STILL STANDING....Don’t sweat it, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. GOD is helping you to STAND!!!! HOLLA~
Monday, May 15, 2006
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Spoken Word: Simply Put!
It’s the simple things that we miss, trying so hard to be so deep, He said it’s by GRACE alone but why is that so hard to keep. We can’t compete, no work will earn a chance to boast, There was only ONE on the cross that day, He said it was finished and gave up the ghost. For some odd reason we think we can do better than what’s already been done, how? Through philosophy or psychology instead of the resurrected Son? He’s the One who knows and searches the heart of man, So from the start because of sin death do us part but thank God for His plan. Yeah! The Messiah, the promise, the Sacrifice who dwelt among us, Held His tongue and hung for us. HE is the one who gives life, Takes away the darkness of death and brings forth Light. Can you see, from this plea the plan from God through Christ that gives liberty, HE alone is ALL MIGHTY; listen close to what’s been said, The ax is at the “rut” (root), repent and believe the gospel about Jesus Christ and that’s simply put!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Is Your Reflection Attracting Other Women?
Titus 2
2:3 Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. 2:4 In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, 2:5 to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands,....
Today we will further the thought from the last post with the following:
"Is your REFLECTION attracting other women?"
Our verse from last the last post ended with "teaching what is good" which means that a woman's REFLECTION should be an example of what is fitting. The next word I would like to pull out is located in verse four and it is TRAIN, which means "to make prepared or form by instruction". This is kinda heavy but here it goes. A woman's REFLECTION presents information that prepares other women to responded in obedience to GOD. In other words, how she acts can make the difference between someone else GROWING or NOT GROWING in Christ.
Matt. 28:19, 20 states that we are to be making disciples or helping others to become more like Christ. How many young women do you know that need to become more like Christ? Well, your REFLECTION is all the training they need. Exhibiting fitting behavior leads to developing a teacher/student relationship with younger women. The verse says "train" and its impossible to do so without the RIGHT REFLECTION AND RELATIONSHIP.
There are two types of people that young women today will not respond to.
1) Women they don't know and 2) Women who do not reflect what they are trying to teach. Music videos and fictional novels have become replacements for teaching younger women how to date, dress and develop but the scriptures state that it's the duty of every Christian woman to develop a RELATIONSHIP that is a good example to those around her.
Your REFLECTION should attract people naturally. Let me make a quick point about ATTRACTION to put this together. Paul teaches in Ephesisans 5 that Christ sanctified the church for the purpose of presenting her to HIMSELF as glorious. In other words HE didn't do it for the church to be glorious to others. Its kinda like when I purchase my wife a new fragrance to wear when we go out on a date. I do it because I love the scent she gives off and not to attract other men. But because she gives off a nice fragrance when she walks by, naturally she has the attention of other men. The reflection of a fitting behavior should come naturally because its who you are and in the process it attracts others who love being around you.
IS YOUR REFLECTION ATTRACTING OTHERS IN A WAY THAT IS HELPING THEM GROW IN CHRIST?
2:3 Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. 2:4 In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, 2:5 to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands,....
Today we will further the thought from the last post with the following:
"Is your REFLECTION attracting other women?"
Our verse from last the last post ended with "teaching what is good" which means that a woman's REFLECTION should be an example of what is fitting. The next word I would like to pull out is located in verse four and it is TRAIN, which means "to make prepared or form by instruction". This is kinda heavy but here it goes. A woman's REFLECTION presents information that prepares other women to responded in obedience to GOD. In other words, how she acts can make the difference between someone else GROWING or NOT GROWING in Christ.
Matt. 28:19, 20 states that we are to be making disciples or helping others to become more like Christ. How many young women do you know that need to become more like Christ? Well, your REFLECTION is all the training they need. Exhibiting fitting behavior leads to developing a teacher/student relationship with younger women. The verse says "train" and its impossible to do so without the RIGHT REFLECTION AND RELATIONSHIP.
There are two types of people that young women today will not respond to.
1) Women they don't know and 2) Women who do not reflect what they are trying to teach. Music videos and fictional novels have become replacements for teaching younger women how to date, dress and develop but the scriptures state that it's the duty of every Christian woman to develop a RELATIONSHIP that is a good example to those around her.
Your REFLECTION should attract people naturally. Let me make a quick point about ATTRACTION to put this together. Paul teaches in Ephesisans 5 that Christ sanctified the church for the purpose of presenting her to HIMSELF as glorious. In other words HE didn't do it for the church to be glorious to others. Its kinda like when I purchase my wife a new fragrance to wear when we go out on a date. I do it because I love the scent she gives off and not to attract other men. But because she gives off a nice fragrance when she walks by, naturally she has the attention of other men. The reflection of a fitting behavior should come naturally because its who you are and in the process it attracts others who love being around you.
IS YOUR REFLECTION ATTRACTING OTHERS IN A WAY THAT IS HELPING THEM GROW IN CHRIST?
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Can you see your Reflection?
Titus 2
2:3 Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good.
For the next few messages we will discuss issues dealing with women. Next we will deal with the bruh's. So today lets look at the following thought: Can you see your Reflection?
Do you remember the following nursery rhyme? "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" The Queen, Snow White's stepmother, would always ask that question and the mirror would always say that she was the fairest of them all. But when the mirror found out about Snow White, it had to tell the truth.
Today we can stand before the mirror of Titus 2:3 and see our real REFLECTION! There is an important word in the verse that I would like to pull out, EXHIBIT! This word means to show or display outwardly as a visible sign or action. In other words, beauty is more than a woman's "good looks" but it’s about how she lives her life. Her behavior is her REFLECTION.
The New American Standard says that she should be reverent in her behavior. Everything she does should be honorable. We can find an example of exhibiting an honorable life from Proverbs 31. A few characteristics are: 1) A woman should be priceless, 2) Trustworthy, 3) Wise, 4) A giver or someone who is hospitable, 5) Dresses well, 6) One who is looked up to by those who know her and 7) One who fears the LORD. A real woman exhibits a holy lifestyle not the opposite.
In the verse above we find an example of the wrong behavior. Women are not to be slanders! The New American Standard version says they are not to be malicious gossips. Its interesting because the Greek word for malicious gossips is diabolos which means to falsely accuse. This is the same character trait that the devil exhibits. Remember in the book of Job when he went before GOD as Job's accuser?
Of course, this is just one example of the wrong character trait for a woman but there is a reason for its use and we will wait for the next message to put it all together. But for now, what does your REFLECTION look like in the mirror of scripture? Holla~
2:3 Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good.
For the next few messages we will discuss issues dealing with women. Next we will deal with the bruh's. So today lets look at the following thought: Can you see your Reflection?
Do you remember the following nursery rhyme? "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" The Queen, Snow White's stepmother, would always ask that question and the mirror would always say that she was the fairest of them all. But when the mirror found out about Snow White, it had to tell the truth.
Today we can stand before the mirror of Titus 2:3 and see our real REFLECTION! There is an important word in the verse that I would like to pull out, EXHIBIT! This word means to show or display outwardly as a visible sign or action. In other words, beauty is more than a woman's "good looks" but it’s about how she lives her life. Her behavior is her REFLECTION.
The New American Standard says that she should be reverent in her behavior. Everything she does should be honorable. We can find an example of exhibiting an honorable life from Proverbs 31. A few characteristics are: 1) A woman should be priceless, 2) Trustworthy, 3) Wise, 4) A giver or someone who is hospitable, 5) Dresses well, 6) One who is looked up to by those who know her and 7) One who fears the LORD. A real woman exhibits a holy lifestyle not the opposite.
In the verse above we find an example of the wrong behavior. Women are not to be slanders! The New American Standard version says they are not to be malicious gossips. Its interesting because the Greek word for malicious gossips is diabolos which means to falsely accuse. This is the same character trait that the devil exhibits. Remember in the book of Job when he went before GOD as Job's accuser?
Of course, this is just one example of the wrong character trait for a woman but there is a reason for its use and we will wait for the next message to put it all together. But for now, what does your REFLECTION look like in the mirror of scripture? Holla~
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Spoken Word: WHAT A GOD
A deep breath I take, inhaling the air of a new day, as my eyes open I stretch my legs and feet as the thought hits my heart to pray, “Get up”, “Get up”, I hear the tender sound, of a voice so sweet, but yet so profound, that said to me, I AM THE ALPHA and OMEGA, He who set you free, gave you liberty, yes you indeed, who was once bound, lost but now found, there is none like Me, huh, no not one, who loves you so much that He gave up His only begotten Son, tell me, this, can anyone else proclaim?, let him come and straighten things out, that we may all know just who ordained, heaven and earth, took dust that was plain, shaped it, blew into it, and gave life to a man that He named, can anyone, can anyone proclaim?, No, I AM THE LIVING GOD, and there is none like Me, then, without hesitation or reservation on my knees I fell, bowed head and closed eyes, with my heart I began to meditate, thinking about what just happened how GOD HIMSELF set the record straight, by you I have a new day and that I appreciate.
Friday, April 07, 2006
MENTAL INSIGHT
Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
What in the world are you thinking about today? What has you so distured that you can't stop thinkin about it?
....The bill collectors are going to call today so I am going to let the phone go to voice mail?
...My car aint working right but I gotta get to work cause if not they gonna trip?
...Nobody seems to appreciate the work a bruh/or sista do around here and I am sick and tired of it?
...I need another job cause I aint makin enough money to make it?
...Wish I had somebody to be with then I wouldn't feel all alone?
...I can't have another year like last year cause its gonna drive me insane?
STOP ! Because the passage says to "...think about these things" that are true, worthy of respect, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy. Now each of these can be sumed up in one word. GOD!! Yeah, Yeah think about HIM.
...Bills due and car aint workin...GOD will supply all your needs according to HIS riches in glory!
...People may not appreciate you but GOD is love and HE gave HIS SON for you!!!!
...Single or married and feel all alone but GOD will never leave you or forsake you!!!
....Feel like you gonna loose your mind just tell it to the LORD and then the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!!!!
Today lets not be MENTALLY INSANE but lets have MENTAL INSIGHT!! THINK ABOUT GOD!!
What in the world are you thinking about today? What has you so distured that you can't stop thinkin about it?
....The bill collectors are going to call today so I am going to let the phone go to voice mail?
...My car aint working right but I gotta get to work cause if not they gonna trip?
...Nobody seems to appreciate the work a bruh/or sista do around here and I am sick and tired of it?
...I need another job cause I aint makin enough money to make it?
...Wish I had somebody to be with then I wouldn't feel all alone?
...I can't have another year like last year cause its gonna drive me insane?
STOP ! Because the passage says to "...think about these things" that are true, worthy of respect, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy. Now each of these can be sumed up in one word. GOD!! Yeah, Yeah think about HIM.
...Bills due and car aint workin...GOD will supply all your needs according to HIS riches in glory!
...People may not appreciate you but GOD is love and HE gave HIS SON for you!!!!
...Single or married and feel all alone but GOD will never leave you or forsake you!!!
....Feel like you gonna loose your mind just tell it to the LORD and then the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!!!!
Today lets not be MENTALLY INSANE but lets have MENTAL INSIGHT!! THINK ABOUT GOD!!
Monday, April 03, 2006
WE Can't Wash It Off
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:30-32 NIV)
This verse is one of my favorites. Lets look at this thought: I CAN'T WASH IT OFF!
I had plenty of fun back in the day when I use to hit the clubs (RJ's By The Lake). You know, try to get there when it was free, buy your drinks early and dance until they told you "you ain’t got to go home but you got to get out of here". When I look back I remember paying at the door and getting a big stamp put on my hand. The stamp is what the club used to show you paid just in case you wanted to step outside for a sec.
After hours of dancing (which made most folk sweat like a field hand) I would make my way to a semi lit area only to find that the stamp was still there. After the club shutdown, I would make a stop at IHOP for a little food and after washing my hands I looked down only to find the stamp still there. I would go home and take a shower, sleep and wake up the next morning and guess what was still on my hand? That’s right, the stamp. It seemed like nothing I would do could remove that stamp from my hand. The verse above says that we have been "sealed" with the STAMP (so to speak) of the HOLY SPIRIT!
Because GOD has chosen us for salvation, nothing we do could ever wash away the SEAL. That's good news! Paul tells us in Romans 8 that nothing can separate us for the love of GOD. I don't care what sin we have committed believers are still SEALED until the day of redemption!
Now before somebody gets it twisted, let me make something real clear. Being SEALED doesn't mean we should live any kind of life!!! Its like this, if the city was about to be hit by a nuclear bomb but someone told you they had a place that would keep you safe would you go? And if you go, would you be grateful enough to do what they asked? Look, because we have been SEALED (put in a safe place) we should be grateful to GOD and live the way HE wants us to because HE saved us from the HELL BOMB. Lets live life obediently for THE LORD because we have something that always shows we belong to HIM, which WE CAN'T WASH OFF!
This verse is one of my favorites. Lets look at this thought: I CAN'T WASH IT OFF!
I had plenty of fun back in the day when I use to hit the clubs (RJ's By The Lake). You know, try to get there when it was free, buy your drinks early and dance until they told you "you ain’t got to go home but you got to get out of here". When I look back I remember paying at the door and getting a big stamp put on my hand. The stamp is what the club used to show you paid just in case you wanted to step outside for a sec.
After hours of dancing (which made most folk sweat like a field hand) I would make my way to a semi lit area only to find that the stamp was still there. After the club shutdown, I would make a stop at IHOP for a little food and after washing my hands I looked down only to find the stamp still there. I would go home and take a shower, sleep and wake up the next morning and guess what was still on my hand? That’s right, the stamp. It seemed like nothing I would do could remove that stamp from my hand. The verse above says that we have been "sealed" with the STAMP (so to speak) of the HOLY SPIRIT!
Because GOD has chosen us for salvation, nothing we do could ever wash away the SEAL. That's good news! Paul tells us in Romans 8 that nothing can separate us for the love of GOD. I don't care what sin we have committed believers are still SEALED until the day of redemption!
Now before somebody gets it twisted, let me make something real clear. Being SEALED doesn't mean we should live any kind of life!!! Its like this, if the city was about to be hit by a nuclear bomb but someone told you they had a place that would keep you safe would you go? And if you go, would you be grateful enough to do what they asked? Look, because we have been SEALED (put in a safe place) we should be grateful to GOD and live the way HE wants us to because HE saved us from the HELL BOMB. Lets live life obediently for THE LORD because we have something that always shows we belong to HIM, which WE CAN'T WASH OFF!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Spoken Word: Divine Direction
These are new times and with them come new ways, new philosophies, concepts and ideas invading our mainstream life trying to get a say; while the values that we once knew as people of God has drifted away to the sea of forgetfulness, like reading the bible because it lifts us, bringing joy to the heart making us witnesses, of the LIVING GOD, has been replaced by choosing the morning paper or perusing this month’s subscription of your favorite magazine; you know with a feature story on “Sister’s learn how to keep your man happy” or “Brothers here is how you make money snappy” now before you get mad at me, here me out because I am not condemning your selection, but trimming your excuses for not finding direction, because if the truth be told you have many questions, about how to deal with life, you know, paying bills or finding that husband or wife, or what do I do when my heart is broken, or how do I keep from flipping out on “des” haters who keep on poking, into my personal biz, like do I have a job, can I afford that or who my baby’s daddy is, Now that doesn’t matter but here is what does, the new way never was and what the mainstreams say can never beat a WORD from ABOVE; No philosophy, concept or idea that comes from man, no matter how good, deep or hard to understand, could ever do for the soul what the WORD of GOD can, you know what I am saying, so pick up THE BOOK and take a look into something that will feed your soul, let go of the horoscope that has you hooked and search the scriptures for value that’s much better than gold!
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Up to late
I am setting up this blog to give people a chance to read the fresh thoughts that enter my mind while studying the bible. At the same time this blog should help me formulate creative sentences which should lead to a better style of communication. I chose the name Fresh Off The Press about a year ago. This idea started off as a weekly devotional that was sent out via email. I hope you find this blog a great resource for inspiration and transformation! Let me know what you think by posting responses. I will try to update this site as often as I can so please check back soon. HoLLa~
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