What Today's Devotions Help Me See

Today's Devotion: Now Is Not Forever
Today's Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-5

"The confidence we have as Christians is that God has something good planned for us. Suffering was not part of His original act of creation, but it serves as a temporary reminder of what happens in a world where God’s order has been broken."

~ from Now Is Not Forever {Our Daily Bread 10August2010}

To be honest I can't add anything to that but I will try. Many times we think God is trying to keep us from having fun. In today's world many people want God out of their lives because they feel it's an intrusion and Satan blinds people time and time again that most pleasures of this world is the best way to live but in the end that happiness is only temporary. This is what happened to Eve in the garden.

The serpent made Eve focus on a tiny part of the Garden of Eden instead of her keeping her eye on the Creator and if she would have done this she would have see all that God had blessed her and her mate with. Eve and her husband Adam would have to work but it wouldn't be as hard as today. She would have had pain in regards to child bearing but not that much pain.

Instead she allowed herself to take her eyes off of her blessings and focus on a moment of happiness which in the end cost her dearly in the end in regards to true happiness and joy. Lately many people around me is reminding me little by little how important life is when less and less unnecessary drama is allowed in my life.

There will be heartache from time to time in my life but many times small things like turning off the news, not watching the latest gossip show and opening an informative book or relaxing to some good music or just sometimes just being still for 15-30 minutes and listening to God and focusing on Him my day will go much better.

This past weekend my best friend said something to me which helped me greatly in dealing with my job,

"Focus on each day and what that work day is paying and allowing you to enjoy."

That's pretty cool advise and reading this devotion ties into that...

"Think about how good it will feel when it stops hurting."

In today's world where people think they are entitled to talk to people harshly not think about the other person's feelings. but we (especially myself) have to keep in mind this is not something we have to endure 24/7 and when we begin focusing on the wonders that God has blessed you and with it makes the day more bearable.

Great devotional for today for my spirit.

Reflection's on Today's Devotion

Today's Devotion: A Mutual Friend
Today's Passage: John 15:9-17

My wife sometime feels social networks like Facebook, Craig's List, Twitter are bad things but I say to her time and time again, "The social networks on the web are just like anything else, it's who hands it's in and how they are using them, that's the problem. Although a couple of years ago with the misuse of MySpace by a mother who pretended to make friends with a young girl and then tear her down resulted in the suicide of the young lady was a terrible thing again falls into the category of "the user" and not the site.

How did this tie in to my reflection for this devotion? Easy...connections

Many people feel that with today's technology with the World Wide Web (I know, I'm ol' school) people feel we are more in front of the computer than connecting with "real" people. Sometimes that can happen but what I have grown to learn is that by connecting with people from different places in the US and around the world via Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks I have now made connection with people that I would have never met and that is a very cool thing. Once I begin traveling I have connection from New York to California. These people can not only tell me and my wife where to go but also places to avoid.

True, you have to careful of who you meet on the web because there are scammers but for me what makes it so different is this, putting Christ Jesus first.

When you put Christ first in your life, study his Word, follow the Holy Spirit, He places people in your life with your same love of Him and love of life and the most important characteristic, people who loves themselves. When you connect with a person who loves themselves they treat you the way they wish to be treated. They are patient with you, they do not pass judgement. Is this person perfect? Of course not because we all have shortcomings but you look pass that because that is how friendships grow.

And look around now, many Christian organization are using these wonderful social networks because they are now realizing that you have to connect with young people a whole new way because this is where they are, on the web. We have to go where they are and when they see the older generation is trying to reach out to them and not writing them off and being negative of this new way of communication they will not only connect with their my generation but will connect with their peers showing them that people that are Followers of Christ are truly genuine people because trust me, the youth want to connect with people that are real, not perfect.

What Christ Jesus also tells you is who not to encounter because again Christ will never put His children in harms way as long as you obey the Holy Spirit and know Christ because one thing I have learned now that I'm older is that many times you lead not by your heart because feelings can sometime get you into trouble but I do know that when you turn your heart over to God's Son he gives you a heart of gold but wisdom for the streets so you will not fall into the pitfalls of life. You may pass through tough times because we live in a fallen world but Christ gives you the strength, the knowledge to get through tough times and tough situations.

When you connect with Christ Jesus with all your heart He connects you with people that are good to you and good for you.

photo: J.schobre
InterfaceLIFT.com

Reflection of Today's Devotion

Today's Devotion: "Never Satisfied But Always Content"
Today's Passage: "Philippians 3:7-14"

"Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,  I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
~Philippians 3:13(b)-14

The entire passage is on point for me today but the part of the passage above really jumped out at me because I have a hard time doing this in my life. When I stumble in life sometimes I have to realize this is going to happen as long as I keep living and just learn from my mistakes and move on and when I have great accomplishments I tend at times to rest on them instead of being grateful and happy in the moment and learn from that moment and continue on because sometimes what worked today may not have the same results tomorrow.

It's funny how we want a balance life but two things we do not practice on a daily basis being a Follower of Christ Jesus: first, read, study the word of God. (This part I'm really speaking to myself the loudest); second, we must learn to put our priorities in perspective. There is nothing wrong with doing your best, but when hang everything on that, trust me it's never enough...you will always want more. We should be happy when we accomplish a goal or overcome an obstacle but we can't rest on that moment and think, "I've done it all".

Why do I slip back in that frame of mind time and time again. I know from the past that when I do all that I can and let God do all that I can't that I have best day physically, mental, spiritually because I know I put the most important thing first: knowing Christ. When doing that you learn how to love yourself and the people in your life, to have patience, you learn to avoid the pitfalls of life, to receive love, constructive criticism, what to tolerate and what not to tolerate. It's really true, the Bible is the greatest instruction book for your life.

We have to balance in our lives. I've said this so many times, God is not our "Genie in the bottle", in order for God to give us the best we must trust Him with everything and that means being obedient, doing what we need to do ourselves while at the same time knowing where our strength comes from and where our wisdom lies because when we try and do everything on our own it will not work and at the same time when we just set back and do nothing our lives will be filled with regret.

With a balance life comes a fulfilled life.

photo: The Real7
InterfaceLIFT.com

Reflections From Today's Devotion

Today's Devotion: It Is My Business
Today's Passage: Leviticus 19:11-18

Sometimes devotions and passages when reading them do not register with me until later in a "ah-ha" moment; and then there are others that hit me right square in the face...this devotion is the latter. I'm not going to lie, what's going on in Haiti is terrible, the injured, the death, the loss of homes but it's one of these moments where I'm asking God, "why do I feel really bad about this tragedy?" and then it hits me and I know why.

Living in Florida was an eye-opening experience for me because of the many cultures and what I found out is that when living in the Midwest we as African-Americans encounter hatred toward Blacks every day one way or another and according where you live it's subtle or just blatant from White America but to live in a place where not only Whites but other races try to look down upon you kinda through me for a loop. I found out that many Haitians and Africans look down upon African-Americans and that's truly blows my mind at times. When living in Florida many times Haitians would bypass me to give wonderful customer service to a White person and give mediocre service to me. At first I thought this was just someone having a "bad day" but this would happen time and time again. It's sad in a way because in a way this has left a really bad taste with me because on one hand Haitians look down upon African-Americans but when disasters hit come their way we are all "one" and the older I become the more this bothers me.

In a way I can understand sometimes why they would feel this way toward African-Americans. If I lived in another country and when seeing the news and all the images I saw of African-Americans were negative I guess I would feel that way too, I guess their mindset is, "They are so lazy. They (Blacks) do not appreciate what they have in the states." But most Blacks do appreciate what we have every day. I guess the difference between African-Americans and other races is the when we see someone act un-neighborly we just chalk it up say, "That person" and we do not group a race in one barrel where with other races they lump us all together. It's been this way for years and I guess it will continue to be this way until the day I die but still it's hurtful because we as African-Americans are the first to lend a hand to others and many times we still get shunned but we keep going on with our lives, instilling in our children that you work hard for what you want, never give up, and just take one day at a time.

In Florida I met some wonderful people and I can't wait to get back there and touch base with friends I met there but at the same time now I know that in a melting pot you're going to encounter hurt and sometimes it will come at the hands of a culture or race you least expect. So my prayer to God is for my heart not to become harden as I get older but at the same time not to be surprised when dealing with people that look like me try and treat me like dirt. I will ask God to help me work through my feelings and not feel the way that I do because in the end it only hurts my walk with God and reflects on me as a Follower of Christ Jesus.

photo by paul.charles.k
interfaceLIFT.com

08Dec2009 My Reflections from Todays Devotion

Today's Devotion: A Legacy Of Repentance
Today's Passage: Psalm 51
 The cool thing about Psalm 51 is that in the end King David put the blame on one person and one person alone...himself. I think this is solely needed in this day and age. When watching the news, talk shows, interviews I see time and time again how it's the "other" person's fault for their actions or it's the government fault or a business fault for their short comings. We have lost the sense of the term, "you made your bed now you have to lie in it. I love the terms now of calling drug addiction an "disease" or adultry "addicted to sex". We all fall short of the glory but to constantly place the blame, the actions of ourselves on others is kinda lame.

It doesn't feel good to face the situations we put ourselves in but we have to face them. The wonderful thing about being a Follower of Christ is that even though God will not remove the consequences for our actions but His love never ceased toward us and when we have true repentance we learn from our actions and believe it or not if you were not under the arm of God it could be a much worse. I know from time to time I have made some knuckle-headed decisions that has cost me time, money, friendships but knowing that my Lord and Savior has my back is the most important thing in my life because earthly friends are so important but my relationship with God is the MOST important because he looks after me on this earth and when I die He will look after me from this earth.

It's not easy to live God's way and this is why he sent Christ Jesus to die for us because in our own strength we cannot live the Christian way but with prayer and obedience and just taken it one day at a time we can. We will make mistakes because we are not perfect but by living His way we truly learn the being responsible for our actions and when we do make a misstep we can look in the mirror and say, "Okay Lord, what do I need to learn from this" instead of passing the buck like our first Mother and Father did (Adam and Eve)

Have a Blessed, Wonderful day.

~DarrenKeith

Photo: Violent Crashing Waves
By michaelmjc
InterfaceLIFT

Reflections From Today's Devotion & Passage

Reflections from today's Our Daily Bread devotion
& Biblegateway.com passage
photo from Luis

I really like this devotion because it truly speaks the truth when it comes to Followers of Christ, we are "deep thinkers". It's funny how the secular world thinks that Christians are some "mindless zombies" that fall for anything where it's really the opposite. When you study God's word, pray to God, listen to God(yes, I said listen because sometimes we talk and talk and not take time to hear God's response, His guidance for our lives) listen to great teachings of God's word we realize what the world is truly made of and we can move with ease of mind.

Reflections from Monday's Devotional

Reflections for Monday

RBC Monday Devotion: God’s Catalog
Bible Gateway Passage: John 17:20-26

I love this devotion for Monday. It sums up how we are to represent Jesus Christ. It makes me wonder what do we as Followers of Christ have to do to make non-believers see that being a Christian is a wonderful life.

One thing we should do as Followers of Christ is that to get across that we do not try and keep up with the "Jones" when it comes to material things. I am not saying we cannot have nice things but I think many times as Christians how we go about obtaining them is another matter. We now have this "have to have it NOW" attitude and not saving little by little is now a thing of the past. Have you noticed how many get into debt? Little by little. We have to get the attitude and discipline back that our parents and grandparents had. When you true want something, you have to sacrifice to achieve it. Still enjoy and appreciate what you have at the moment while at the same time striving for your goal.

Another thing we as Followers of Christ feel we have to do is blend in with the world. Christ Jesus wants us to be a shining light for Him. We are in this world but we are not to become of this world. We have to know when to act and when to just pray. Many times we as Christians allow ourselves to be sucked into the way the world lives and once that happens our creditability is gone. We have to know when to jump in, when to let go, when not to get involved altogether because it's easier to be pulled down than to pull someone out of the abyss. Our job is to plant the seed, another will come along and "water" the seed and God will take care of the rest.

Reading the devotion for this morning makes me realize I need to do more in regards to my prayer life, how I carry myself and cutting away from things on the web that has slowly taken me away from being a better disciple for my Lord and Savior.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Monday.

Christian podcast to check out for Monday: Thru the Bible Questions & Answers
tech podcast to check out for Monday: TWiT 167: More TWiT Than You Require

RBC Devotional & Bible Passage Reading for Today

RBC reading: End Of Construction
Passage reading: Jude 1:20-25 (New Living Translation)

No matter when I read God's word it brings me warmth and hope. This passage this morning let's me know how far I need to go but how far I have come in reference to God's word. Goodness knows I am not perfect but knowing that when I gave my life to God I have piece of mind most days.

I say most days because living this life is not easy but many times when I am stressed it's because of my own doing and not following His word. I am trying to get back on track when it comes to reading God's word, tithing like I should...just allowing God to "be the architect" of my life. Whenever I have turned it ALL over to Him things go smoothly and if the road is bumpy my Lord lets me know it will pass. Deep down I know this but I have been slipping and now it's time for me to get back on track and I will...day by day.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Day.

Christian podcast to check out: Thru the Bible Questions & Answers-Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Wisdom reading for today: Proverbs Chapter 14

reflections for Friday 18 April 2oo8

Forgiven!>>>more
devotion from rbc ministries

This one word is so hard to do at time and so hard to believe at times and I guess it's according which side of the word you are on. Sometimes we hold people hostage with this word, sometimes we have so much guilt that we can't believe we are set free when someone says, "I forgive you." I have been on both sides of that word and to be honest neither side feels good. I have hurt, I have been hurt, I have carried the guilt of the hurt I have afflicted on someone and sometimes it's hard to let go of it.

But then I always remember what Dr. David Jeremiah says whenever I know I have went to God and asked for forgiveness but I still carry the "weight" of it. Whenever I get into one of those, "I know God is forgiven me but I just can't forgive myself" David Jeremiah's comment, "If your Heavenly Father has forgiven you and forgot it what gives you the right not to let it go...are you God?" and that shuts me down and makes me let it go. One thing my queen always says, "It's okay to be convicted but not condemned" because Christ Jesus has already paid that huge price for me. Knowing this in my heart I have no right and no reason to carry that burden with me because His blood has insured me that I can never be taken out of the loving arms of God.

Now, as I have always made it clear...does this mean I do not pay a consequence for my decision? Yes I have to because God is not a genie in a bottle, whenever I get myself in a mess I can just "wish" myself out of that situation. Adam and Eve paid for their decision, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, King David, King Solomon, Peter, Paul...I can go on and on because in the end God forgave them for their sins but God could not violate his own laws and principles. For me, the more I realize this the more I try and not make decisions that I know will hurt not only myself but my family in the end.

The wonderful love of God lets me know that when I come to him with a open heart, pride set aside, and ask for true forgiveness, He gives it to me and will forget it. I may have to still deal with the consequences but I would rather receive his chastisement than His wrath. In the end I try and be a wise man instead of a clever man because the older I become, I don't have time to keep coming up with ways to get out of situations and you realize day in and day out, time is too precious to waste.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Friday/Weekend

"For every thing that lives is holy, life delights in life."
~William Blake(1757-1827), America: A Prophecy

great audio message for Friday...
The Struggle With Unforgiveness
Dr. Charles Stanley-In Touch Ministries

reflections for Monday o4.14.o8

When In Doubt--->more
devotion from rbc ministries

One of the most cool things about being a follower of Christ is that my Heavenly Father covers all questions of life for me...even when I doubt. Yes, I said the "D" word.

This devotion is a great one and I will keep a couple of this in my wallet along side the bible passage as well. We as Christians have doubts from time to time and again God knows because he created us. No, not to doubt Him and to be honest we would not have doubt but we live in a fallen world so we at one time was separated from God but through the blood of his Son we have that connection again, but again we still have human emotions, love, hate, sorrow, sadness, anger, doubt.

What this devotion is saying to me is that when we are by ourselves sometimes, when we are going through something that is so heavy on our heart we tend to ask God, "Where are you? Is this pain worth me going through? What's the deal?" and it's okay to have questions like that for our Heavenly Father because one of the most import things is that He wants that closeness with His children. He wants us to know that He is there for us every step of the way and that He ALWAYS sees the end results of what we are encountering certain situations.

Now this is not to say that God puts us in harms way for His amusement because He is not like that at all. There are things we go through to make us stronger and if we were truly honest with ourselves most times we go through certain "valleys" in our lives because of the choices we have made and not being obedient to God's word. I said "most" not all. What about those who have been raped, molested? I would never say God planned something like that because again God does not plan evil for our lives and He does not tempt us "just because." I can say this for myself...

Being a child of molestation and ridicule growing up because of my stuttering it has made me the man that I am. I try to be a man that is more compassionate when it comes to children that are talked to harshly. There is a difference between "disciplined" and just plain meanness toward a child. When our grandchildren are over I make sure they are a gift from God, they are blessed with certain talents, gifts to make this world a better place. I make sure that they check out their surroundings, be very observant, and try to instill in them that "words" do matter and that life is precious because if you teach them to love and respect themselves they will see others in the same light.

My pain has also taught me that when I come across someone that has difficult with their speech to have patience, compassion for them because I know how hard it is when you want to say something and the words cannot come out fast enough or you stumble and stuttered. It's makes life unbearable at times and you dread to have someone call on you to speak or to read out loud. I am so thankful that God has taught me how to deal with stuttering and how to put myself in their shoes when it comes to speech because some people will stutter and stammer over their words for the rest of their lives. Coming up with those two blows against me you know I cried out to God "why me?" How could he allow someone to violate me that way and how could he allow me not be able to speak like other children? You talk about doubt, it was there in Spades.

But I am older, and I am wiser and I realize God did not allow me to get molested because that was his plan...that evil act was done by that person because of their own free will and I know in the end God will deal with that person in His own way , His own time. God did not want me to be laughed at when it came to my speech because like I said earlier, when Adam and Eve allowed Satan to become the ruler of this world imperfect crept into this world: disease, evil thoughts, evil acts, jealousy, murder, greed and so forth. My stuttering allowed me to fight for me find a way to overcome it and to be able share with the world that it can be teach you that words are truly important and that in a weird way to let you know, "yes, words do matter.

When doubting God it does not make you less of a follower of Christ, but a better Christian because it will draw you closer to Him and you will want a closer relationship with your Heavenly Father and in return you will become a brighter light for Him in the end. So ask away..He's always willing to listen and help you through your rough patches in life.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Monday

great messages for today:
Never Try to Catch a Falling Knife{Part I}{Part II}
A New Beginning-Greg Laurie

Thru the Bible Questions & Answers-o4.12.o8
Thru the Bible-Dr. J.Vernon McGee

"the fountain of content must spring up in the mind, and he who hath so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in the fruitless efforts and multiply the grief he proposes to remove."

~Samuel Johnson(1709-1784)
The Rambler

image:allposters.com

reflections for Wednesday o4.o9.o8

The Oyster Man>>>more
devotion from rbc ministries

Today's devotion and Bible passage speaks volume to my heart and spirit. It allows me to know that I do not need to be perfect in order to have Christ in my life or to share his Good News. Sometimes we a Followers of Christ get to a point where we begin to nit-pick others who has just giving their lives to Christ and forget sometimes where we were when we realized that we truly need God to help us in this fallen world.

It's so cool to know that of myself I may not be a scholar when it comes to words but God has given me other gifts when it comes to sharing His goodness, His love, His commandments for one's life. This does not mean I do not study His word, pray and have a close relationship with Him but this also means I do not look down upon others who's speak is not adequate or smooth flowing. Knowing God and sharing His word for me is to spread it the best I know how while continuing studying, meditating on His wonderful instructions for my life. Isn't it funny how Jesus Christ chose his disciples who not well known, well educated when it came to studying the scroll but had common sense work wise, street wise and did not go around saying that they were Christ but won people over by telling others how Christ Jesus changed their lives. I am learning every day that I am not perfect, never will be perfect. I can not speak for others when it comes to Jesus Christ but I can speak for myself when it comes to letting people where I was and where I am now because of knowing the Christ loved me when I was at my lowest.

This does not mean that all came to Christ when they were down and out. To many, I looked liked I had it "going on" so to speak, I did not smoke or drink, I gave up the night life long ago but in the inside I was and empty shell. Had mood swings because I truly did not love myself. I was lonely, I felt that I needed someone in my life to make me feel whole. I may not have ran the streets but I was still living outside the will of God by having sex outside of marriage, living with a woman. I thought I had the best of both worlds but every day more and more I was realizing it was a lie. Once I broke off that relationship, alone in my apartment, I cried out to Christ saying, "If I never find someone I am okay with that as well, I'm just tired of living this way." Those days were not easy but allowing God into my life each day made me realize that no person can make me feel whole the way his Son can.

Being a follower of Christ is not smooth living all the time because as passage says, "Satan is the God of this world[this is the cause by Adam & Eve...God gave us dominion over this earth and my forefather and mother gave it over to Satan in the garden and God can not violate His law once He has put it into place.] Being a Christians does not mean you have to be perfect in order to serve him. It takes work on our part every day and we will make mistakes and that's okay because when you are sincere about God, He knows at times we will "zig" when we are supposed to "zag". God's love us where we are but will not leave us where we are.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
and have a Wonderful Wednesday.

Beginning today I will be linking this site and podcast whenever I post here...

MoneyLife article...
Impulsive and compulsive spending
MoneyLife podcast from today and yesterday

great message for today from In Touch Ministries
Things That Cannot Be Shaken

reflections for o4.o7.o8 Monday

Why? Why? Oh, Why?>>>more
devotion from rbc ministries

This question has been ask by Christians and non-Christians, "Why does God allow suffering in our lives?" I'm not going to sit hear and say I have all the answers but I can tell you how I take disappointments in my life now. Even though times I may not like it, I may not agree with God's way of maturing me but I can say in the end it has made me a better person.

First and foremost I now step back and ask MYSELF, "Could I have had a different outcome if I would have chose a different path?" I say this because many times I could have had a better outcome if I would have listened and obeyed the Holy Spirit. I'm getting to the point now that I have to be honest with myself because most of the times I have brought this on myself and I have to take responsibility for my actions. Noticed I said most times because lets be honest, many times we do not want to do it God's way because (1) we do not like to admit we are not always in control (2) pride...plain and simple.

Sometimes God allows things to happen in my life because as the devotion says, sometimes we have to be matured in certain situations, certain trials because in the end it will make us a stronger Christian for His kingdom and we can also be there for someone who later down the road might be going through something similar. I am learning that when God is allowing something to happen in my life that may bring me pain I am learning when God allows this heartache it's only chastisement and not His wrath because if it was the latter I would have no where to turn because in the end I do not want him to turn me over to my own ways of living.

I remember being in the world and when this situation or that situation did not go my way I would cry out to Him and back then I thought I was being punished by God. But in essence God was trying to get me to come back into his loving arms because now that I look back they was nothing for me out in the clubs, trying to sleep with every woman I encounter; as the ol' folks would say to me, "there's nothin' out there those streets for you boy!" Having to go through trials and pain even as a Christian is not a fun thing to feel but saying to myself, "I don't understand why this is happening in my life at this moment God, but I know in the end it is for my own good." I have also learned that God will sometimes but rarely give me the answer to my "Why's" but he gives me the answer to my "What" questions. Many times God will flip the script and begin to ask me "Why" questions which I do not have the answers. I have stop asking why when my eyes were open in reference to reading the book of Job. If you noticed God never really answered Job questions but in the end Job understood what God was trying to bring out of him character wise and he[Job] also realized that God was with him throughout his ordeal. Painful for Job yes...did it make him a better person in the end...yes.

As a follower of Christ, next time instead of asking "why?" ask God, "What are you trying to have me do or learn from this situation?" The answer may just surprise you.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Monday.


audio message for today...
Separating from Unbelievers -- Part 2
John MacArthur{Grace To You}

Reflections for Saturday o4.o5.2oo8

Words Of Life>>>more
devotion from rbc ministries

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
~John 6:68

For me that passage sums it all up for me every time I get discourage. After truly getting to know Christ Jesus on a daily basis, "where should I go?"I know life is not perfect, I know life is not fair, I know things will not always go my way but at the end of the day and at the end of my life, who else will be there for me?

The words of Jesus Christ is truly like a sword. He tells me about myself, what I need to improve myself, what I do and do not need in my life, what I need to hear, what I need to say because in the end, God may not leave me but he has given me the choice to life or death(spiritually wise). It's amazing how sometimes devotions just flow from one day to the next for me and then other times devotions and Bible passages and verses seem to have no mean for me at the time and then out of the blue when I think it doesn't apply to me it's there when I need it. As I read this devotion it reminded me what I have been going through all this week: allowing "too much of nothing" information wise filter my thoughts and how I have decided now to truly watch what I allow into my thought process.

Getting back to the point in my life where first thing in the morning I want to gravitate to God's word instead of hopping on the computer and see who has read my post or downloaded my podcast is a good thing for me. I know that without Him, I will worry of non-sense and in the end it will rob me of precious time with him, with my queen. Praying, getting on my knees when the Holy Spirit tells me to in the end only helps my walk with Christ Jesus because in the end having a peace of mind is ultimate gift. One thing I can say time and time again, Jesus holds no punches when it comes to telling you the cost when it came to giving my life over to him but that is a true friend...he tells me what I need to hear instead of what I want to hear. I can walk away from him if I wish in the end...

"Lord, to whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life."

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Saturday/Sunday

Wisdom for this morning...
Thru the Bible Questions & Answers - Dr. J. Vernon McGee

Reflections for Friday o4.o4.2oo8

What Should I Do?>>>more
devotion from rbc ministries

Experiencing Inner Peace>>>more
devotion from In Touch Ministries

Both titles of the each devotion I experience every day and I believe many other do as well. I have to admit, I have let my walk with God slip and now I am getting it back because I have found that when walking with God I am able to experience inner peace and I go from "What Should I Do?" to "I Know What I Must Do". When following God's plan it is sometimes necessary to not allow so much of the world to influence your decisions. Just this morning while watching MSNBC I noticed how the reporter when speaking the Rev. Al Sharpton how she kept gravitating to the negative and how he[Sharpton] and to keep pushing it back the positive. Isn't it amazing how the world is drawn to the negative like a moth to the flame but then turn around and ask, "How come it's so much bad in the world?"

This I know why it's evil in the world because of my fore-father and mother: Adam & Eve. Once they tasted the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil sin came into our world and the trick Satan tries to do day in and day out is for everyone to concentrate on the negative in the world. I am not saying to look at the world through rose colored glasses but to realize that many times the decisions we make for our lives plays a huge part of what we will experience much in life. We need to be caution but not fearful, we need to know when to speak and when to listen, we need to learn how to say no, and most important, we need to know that we cannot please everyone or live by people's standards. It's hard to do sometimes because of what we have been through in life but the more we look to our Heavenly Father the more we realized how to handle certain situations, what we can change in our lives and what we cannot change.

I am learning this day by day because I struggle with this but as I write this I am realizing that when I struggle with what God's want with my life it is me that is wasting valuable, precious time because deep down I know he wants the best for me and I have to constantly seek Him and obey Him because I know in the end He knows what I need and how I will handle success and failure. The more I force myself to seek His goodness the more breakthrough I will have when it comes to decisions and having that peace within. I say force because when you let your walk slip from God, Satan will fight you tooth and nail to stop you from seeking God's goodness for your life and that is what I am struggling with now but I see good news ahead because God has allowed me to see what he[Satan] is doing and as long as I wake up each day that is another day I have the chance to draw closer to my heavenly Father.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Friday/Weekend

I do not follow Dr. James Dobson that much but sometimes he has pretty good segments from time to time that need to be shared with the world and these are to programs that everyone should take heed to in reference to finances

from Focus on the Family

• Let the Buyer Beware 1
• Let the Buyer Beware 2

Reflections for Thursday o4.o3.o8

Right Place>>>more
devotion from rbc ministries

Have you ever read a Biblical passage and every verse that you are acquired to read speaks to you? I mean ever verse is like it REALLy spoke to you? Reading the acquired reading for this morning (Proverbs 16:1 thru 9) did that for me. We are supposed to make plans, we are suppose to prepare for our future but sometimes things do not map out the way they that they should and we sometimes get bent out of shape...okay I get bent out of shape at times but in the end isn't it funny how they work themselves out many times. Now I not talking about just going through life and having a "what will be, will be" attitude, that's not good. I'm talking about sometimes how we may have planned something one day and got their a day early but you end up meeting someone you haven't seen in years and have a chance to catch up on old times. Or you may have left out of the house 5 minutes late thinking you are going to be miss out on the best opportunity of a lifetime only to find out if you may have left out on time you could have been in accident once you past a section of a road you normally travel.

For me today is a time to begin getting out of my own way. It's really cool how you can come across so many messages that tell you that it's time to take a different approach to situations. Last night before going to bed I finally had a chance to listen to brother in podcasting show (Clarence of "DoYouKnowClarence?") and he hit the nail on the head or as my queen says it, "You hit the nail on the head with the hammer."(I love it how she says the whole thing out like that, it's so cute). From what I took from Clarence's show is that we have to real with ourselves, we have to see ourselves for what we truly are and where we are at that moment so we can finally realize how our Heavenly Father sees us and for me when you do that you can begin focusing on how to improve yourself. I too have had those conversations with myself that I'm being interviewed by Tavis Smiley or Terry Gross, having my face on CNN chatting it up with Anderson Cooper or talking to Keith Olbermann but sometimes we live in that world and not take care of what we need to do in the present.

These 9 verses from Proverbs speaks volumes to my heart today. It tells me yes map out what you need to do for that day but don't get upset if it doesn't work out the way that you planned. We may say with our mouths and may be sincere when it comes to doing some things but God knows what in our heart what we are really seeking. The verses says to me, before my feet hit the floor thank God that he has given me another day to see to bring glory to him. Don't envy boastful people because in the end God knows what is best for them so keep living the way you need to live.

I have to really begin reading a chapter a day from Proverbs because just think if I truly read a chapter a day and followed out what the almighty says how far ahead I would be in this game called life? If just 9 verses from just one chapter woke me up spiritually like this just think what the rest of the book can do for me?

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Thursday

two great messages to get you started today...

"DYKC?™ #19 — No Other Gods, Before ME"
from DYKC

The Struggle With Temptation-Pt. o1
from Dr. Charles Stanley

Reflections for Monday Morning o3.31.o8

Finding Jesus>>>more
devotion from rbc ministries

It's amazing when I finally settled down and allow Jesus into my life. I know what the title of the devotion means but to honest Christ Jesus was never lost from me. It was one of those things where I finally stopped being a knucklehead and began allow true joy in my life. Once I stopped doing what DarrenKeith wanted to do and realized God has always wanted the best for me the for living became smoother. Noticed I did not say "easier" because it doesn't and there non believers ask, "why follow him[Jesus Christ]

I follow him because when I did not, I worried about what would happen to me when I died, worried about what people thought about me, wondered if I was good enough, did not love myself so my mood would swing from one end of the spectrum to the other. When I tried to go life alone I did not know if I was coming or going many days. Again some people will say, "there are other religions that can make you feel whole." For me I beg to differ...I tried other ways and in the end I realized that for me that of all of the religions Jesus Christ told me the truth about myself, what he gave up for me, how the road would be tough at times but in the end he would be with me no matter what I encounter.

One thing I truly love about God is that he tells you why we are fallen and how to reconnect with him. There is no mystery on why his Son is the only way. I am learning that when I get out of bed first thing in the morning that by giving thanks to Him and asking Him to direct my footsteps, to give me wisdom, discernment, and insight on his word it's a step in the right direction for me. For myself knowing that I am sinner and that nothing I do: my good deeds, how I treat people will not get me into heaven and to be honest by doing it God's way is the best way.

When allowing Christ into your life your restriction on some things in life is not to keep you from the good life, it enhanced it 100 fold because when you really think about it, life is more full when you have a road map to tackle your journey than going along blindly in life.

a wonderful message I heard from Dr. Charles Stanley yesterday was right on point for me and I have to share it with you in reference to getting back on track when it comes to Christ.

Intouch Ministries w/Dr. Charles Stanley
When Your Fire Goes Out
When Your Fire Goes Out(Pt. o1) Audio
{right click to download audio}

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
and have a Wonderful Day.

reflections for Sunday o3.30.2oo8

The Richness Of Humility>>>click here
devotion from rbc ministries

I love how God's word can put me back in my place, get me back on track when it comes to projects I have begun, especially when it has come to my blogs and podcast. This devotion kicks me in the butt to let me know that I started my music podcast to showcase 1) quality music 2) to be able to share music from different genres 3) that I have a way of now sharing my taste in music and not get ridicule for it.

Sometimes I can find myself feeling sorry for myself and then I have to realize when it comes to my podcast that is a hobby for me and not a paying job and God lets me know that to keep my priorities in perspective. God has to remind that when I keep my thoughts, my mind, my focus on Him, that is when opportunities will open up for me. Granted he is not going to do it for because this is a covenant, he[God] is not my "genie in the bottle" but at the same time I must remain humble in the process.

This devotion has reminded me that when I listen to music, when I share music with the masses that is really my outlet, the way I relax. He lets me know instead of griping about rather or not anyone appreciate what you do be thankful that you have know how to bring it to the masses, that you have the tools and equipment to bring to the masses, that you have the voice to say how you feel when it comes to music, that you have a spouse that does not look down upon you when it comes to putting your podcast together, that you have a spouse that doesn't make fun of you when it comes to your taste of music, that if only one person checks out your podcast that's okay. The main thing is that when you do what you do that it does not bring shame to His name...that is the main thing. When I look at it in the frame of mind, I am truly blessed.

I have to keep this concept when writing my blogs or recording my podcast...

“It is amazing what can be accomplished when we don’t care who gets the credit.”

I'm not going to lie, time to time we all wish to be acknowledge for what we do but as Christ Jesus has taught that when you receive human notice that is your reward and I am learning that it only last for just a moment. I have to always put God first, my queen second, me third. Whenever I have followed this order things have always come out good and whenever I begin thinking, "do people really appreciate what I do?" or begin to over analyze things it blows up in my face.

When I think of doing right by others God rewards me...when I think that what I am doing I should receive credit for it brings me to sorrow because pride is creeping in and as the author of today's devotion states..

Pride and grace cannot dwell in the same place.

Two great messages that also help me put things into perspective by the wonderful Dr. David Jeremiah from Turning Point

• Courage When Friends Disappoint You(Pt. o1)
• Courage When Friends Disappoint You(Pt. o2)

translation=get over yourself DarrenKeith.

Devotion, Laundry, Scripture, and Dr. Charles Stanley

This morning I did something that I have to admit I have not done in 2 months...get into God's word the way I should. This morning after Z went to work I made our bed, washed our dishes, grabbed the bag of dirty laundry Z separated last night, headed downstairs to our laundry facility and washed. Afterwards I came upstairs and opened the Our Daily Bread devotional book and read something that spoke to my heart, Honest Doubts. We all have them from time to time when it comes to Christ Jesus. As I was reading this it struck me that how come at times people can believe in life in another galaxy but can't believe Jesus Christ did not rise from his grave in 3 days? How come when it comes to worldly things we can believe whole heartily but when it comes to Christ "that's impossible" many will say?

Even before I truly gave my life to Christ, just looking out at nature, seeing images and pictures of our solar system for me it had to be a creator the did this? How our body is created, from the tiniest of insects to different birds, animals, reptiles, how can't believe this all just happened just by chance. For me it's amazing how we think we are so in control of our own lives and in an instant it can change. I mean at this moment while writing this I can just "drop dead". But one thing I am sure of is that if I do just "drop dead" I know where I will be...with my heavenly father.

Honest Doubts from rbc ministries

It amazing how many people believe that once you die that it. Many people may not admit it but I know it creeps in their mind at times what really happens to you when you die. And once you are gone just think, you're going for eternity and for me that is something I am not willing to take a chance but that my friends is for a very, very, very long time. And I will say this to my atheist and agnostic friends...what if there is a God and once you are gone and you have not giving your life to Christ, what then? Do you honest think there are "do overs"? He gives us that chance every day while we are six feet above ground.

We all have doubts from time to time, God knows this...he created us. We have doubts, fears, we feel anger, sadness but what I have grown to love about him that I can come to Him with anything and I do mean ANYTHING. People may crack jokes about most Christians but for me that's okay be being a follower of Christ gives me so much freedom to know that by honoring him, loving him, coming to him in time of sorrow and happiness he guides my footsteps on what to watch out for, who to let into my life, who to deal with a "long handle spoon" so to speak and who not to allow in my life period.

Maybe people think that when you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior that all fun is zapped out of your life? I beg to differ. My queen and I recognized that one of the first thing you received is "unnecessary drama" in our life. Now noticed what I said, I say "unnecessary drama", I did not say that our lives are drama or pain free. My way of thinking is that we all are going to have troubles in our lives from time to time but what is better. Having troubles that you did not cause on yourself and having a wonderful God to help you through those times are having those troubles plus situations that we put ourselves in...for me that's double the work and I hate to work for no reason at all.

Another cool thing today was reading Proverbs Chapter 26. I have to admit, I need to really begin reading a chapter a day. There is no excuse for me not to because the book of Proverbs alone is a wonderful guide for one's life. Chapter 26 is a really good read because it teaches you how to deal with foolish people. While reading that chapter I realized that racism has been the world problem since the beginning of time. It has been here and it will continue to be here. That does not mean I roll over and just accept it but at the same time I will not allow to be a victim of this act of hatred. We live in a fallen world. When Eve and Adam took of the forbidden fruit every known sin crept into our world. Proverbs 26 teaches you to pick and choose your debates, your battles.

One other thing I have not done in a while was to sit still and allow God to speak to me, rather just in silence, or through the wonderful podcasts I download from Dr. Charles Stanley. I would get on my beautiful wife's case about turning on the television and began watching the news and for the past two months that is what I have down when it has come to the primaries. Today was the first time I can honestly say in a while that I started my day on a positive note. No news from the television...just listening to God speak to me, washing the dishes, emptying the trash, washing, drying our clothes, listening to 2 wonderful podcast from Dr. Charles Stanley, "A Fresh Encounter With God". It's amazing how one can let God's goodness slip from you little by little and before you know you begin to think that you have drifted from him so far that you can not come back to him. That my friend is a lie straight from hell. This 2 podcasts has let me know that when I slip from Christ I should be convicted and not condemned. While the clothes were washing I went outside and just sat on a bench by the pond and just let Dr. Stanley's words refresh my spirit to get me back on the right track to what is really important...listening and obeying God. I have to be truly honest, when I have completely turned everything over to him I have allows come out on top. Listening to his sermon let me know I have allowed the wrong thing to run my life.

We all get into a funk every now and then but one thing I can say, it's wonderful to be able to come back into God's fold so he can let you see that when He runs your life he's not keeping fun from me but allowing me to have the best fun ever without having regrets down the road.

Be Blessed, Be Safe
and Have a Wonderful Day.

Messages from Dr. Charles Stanley

• A Fresh Encounter With God(pt. o1)
• A Fresh Encounter With God(pt. o2)

Reflections for Sunday, Feb 17th 2oo8

Join The Choir>>>more
devotion from rbc ministries

This is a very "on point" devotion because it makes you realize that if you came to the Lord at a very young age you are truly blessed. Now allowing Jesus Christ into your heart at any age is a wonderful thing because you realize that what you thought you were missing out in the world you were not, who you thought were your friends really was not.

Sometimes coming to the Lord at a later age has benefits because sometime when you look "seasoned" people tend to respect what you say quicker than someone that is young; but let me tell you the reason for coming to the Lord at a young age.

First, you realize that what you to yourself and to others have consequences...you learn to respect authority at a very young age. It's amazing what I see when it comes to some young people. Last month I was taking pictures outside our apartment when three young children spotted me. They ran me down and ask me if took a picture of their sign they made on the frozen pond behind our apartment. When I went back and saw what it said, {F*** U}, I turned to them and said, "I can't take a picture of that". Young boy just shrugged his shoulders and went back to what he was doing like "oh well, your loss." As I told my beautiful wife about this she said some key points,

1. He should have be ashamed to do participated in that activity in the first place.
2. He should have been ashamed to even approach a grown person to begin with
3. You should have said to him, "where do you live?"

Everything she said was on the money. I wasn't a saint growing up but there was some things you just did not do in front of adults whether if you were saved or not. You did not use profanity in front of grown-ups, you addressed them by "Mister, Misses, Ms." and "Ma'am" and "Sir"

Another plus of coming to the Lord at a very young age is you love yourself, you see that life is not fair, you develop patience, you always strive to do your best in everything you do and most important when you get older you will not have many, "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda" moments. What are those?

Those are past regrets. This is something that Satan uses on people, Christians and non-Christians alike. God has forgiving us of our sins when you accept Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior...no doubt about it. But every so often we allow our past to hold us prisoner every now and then in some area in our lives. I am guilty of this as well. I think about if I had listened about not having sex before marriage because I have had to many "close calls" worrying if I was going to become a parent (especially since I never wanted children, is that dumb or what...that is how children come about...through sex); if I had listened about not "shackin' up"...for me, I wasted so much time, money because living together is not the best of both worlds, it's the worst of both worlds. On one hand you are not married to that person but on the other hand you do not want to walk away and to be honest what's the ol' saying..."Why buy milk when you got the cow at home."

When coming to God early in life many times you save yourself a lot of headaches and most important you learn that God is not trying you stop from "having fun" he's trying to save you from "unnecessary heartache". We already live in a fallen world so why add unnecessary hurt to it in the process?

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Sunday

Spiritual Message for today
What Does It Look Like?[part 2]
{click to listen...right click to download}
In Touch Ministries

My Tech Picks for Sunday:
audio pick:
MacBreak Weekly 77: Fries Done
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Scott Bourne, Alex Lindsay, and Merlin Mann.

tech story:
Yahoo's Jerry Yang is no Bill Gates
Want iPhone Apps? Get Ready to Shop in iTunes
MacBook Pros running dry in the channel ahead of refreshes

My download pick:
Firefox 3 beta 3

Reflections & a "little" Tech News

Designed By God>>>more
devotion from rbc ministries

When reading this devotion and the bible verses this truly spoke to my heart because sometimes I lose focus of my gift that God wants me to utilize. Sometimes I take my eyes off of what God wants me to do and I need to be guided by the "Shepard's staff" so to speak. I loved the part where the author writes,

"...As we observe the animals and people around us, we’re reminded that God made each of us unique for a purpose. One person’s natural tendency is to look up and see the “big picture,” while another looks down and focuses on details. Both are important. One is not better than the other."

That truly spoke to me because some followers of Christ Jesus are here to uplift people, some are here to teach, others are here to share the word of God. So many talents and yet we are supposed to use them as one. I love to learn new things but I know I will not become an expert at a certain vocation/task unless I truly have a passion for it and I am realizing that about myself more each day and that's okay with me. I realize that some things I pick up on quick and other things it will take time for me and by realizing this I am less critical of myself. God love me for me, no more...no less. Now this does not mean I just sit back and not try but to give it my all when it come to the gifts he has blessed me with because it is just not for me but for me to share with others and in doing so I learn along the way to make myself better.

Sometimes I am my own enemy and it is so cool that Christ Jesus reminds what is really important in my life, His love for me. If I keep my eyes on Him at all times, it does not matter what others think of me because by me living by God's principles whether if someone likes me, dislikes me, or hates me, God will in the end make them respect me because of how I carry myself.

Be Blessed, Be Safe,
& Have a Wonderful Thursday

Uplifting Songs for Thursday

It's Right and Good Religious..........Tramaine Hawkins/Walter Hawkins
All About Love Religious.....Steven Curtis Chapman

My Tech Story Picks for Thursday

• Should AT&T police the Internet?
• Poll: Businesses in U.S. warm to Vista
• Ex-Brocade CEO Sentenced to 21 Months

My audio picks for Thursday
netcast to help you grow
Conclusion of: Kingdom First Living Vol. 1 -- P6
{Enduring Truth}

Antichrist, America and Armageddon
{Harvest Online}

netcast to help you know
MacBreak Weekly 72: Keynote Analysis
{TWiT}

*photographer...Jonathan Andrew