Giving Thanks To God and Not Judging Others

Devotion and Reflections for Tuesday

Storytime>>>>>click here for the devotion
from RBC Ministries

I have a story to share....

This past Sunday while in church I noticed a brother who was truly praising the Lord. You could tell this brother in his former life may have been pretty hard but there he was in the front row, dancing, praising, standing up whenever I pastor was hitting on key points that made the brother stood to give praise to God. Looking at the brother I could do nothing but smile and give thanks that Satan has lost another soldier from his army and God has gained on more for his side.

I can smile now but I could remember back when I would have said "why is he jumping up and down like that? All that is not necessary. What a hypocrite". But in fact I would have been the biggest hypocrite. But I'm older now, more mature now and I know where God has brought me and where he delivered me. I may not have drank, smoked weed or smoked period but I was rotten to the core. I slept around, I stole, I manipulated my way through life, I have had bullets whiz by my head and I have been shot but through it all I would hear time and time again how God loved me just because. At the time I didn't want to hear that, didn't want to think of that "holy" stuff but from time to time I thought about where I would end up when I died. I would wander about some of the men and women of the Bible, the places they lived but I still wanted to do my thing but all the while knew the life I was living was not for me.

I remember going to night clubs and not really feeling like I should be there. I never drank at the night clubs and I hated how my clothing would smell afterward but to honest I really didn't love myself because now that I look back how in the world could I find true love in a club. I have tried to play the field and got played more times than playing the playa. God had been with me, all the foolish things I put myself through. I know he had His hand on me, even when I did not want His hand on me because he had bigger plans for me than I had for myself and I'm glad he never let go of me.

Fast forward now and I have met so many wonderful people, in person, on the web and now I think, what if God would have "turned me over to my ways". The way I wanted to live my life. I would be back home in Madison, Illinois, probably having 3 or 4 children out of wedlock, staying home with my mother (I was an only child so you know sometimes how some men end up being "mama's boys). But hearing of God's mercy, his grace, how we have to step out on faith...these things I've done and He has caught me every time I have put my trust in him and at the same time being obedient to His word.

Now I'm not going to say I have done everything right because I would be a liar. I have been a knuckle head from time to time and it has cost me but in the end I didn't have to learn the hard way each and ever time. In the end I have learned to ask for help when I need it, admit when I am ignorant of some things. I have learned that just because I didn't learn something on the first try I am not stupid. I have learned to let my guard down around people, open my heart at times when there is a risk of being hurt, to praise God and not be ashamed of it. To share his wonderful news and realize that if someone does not want to hear The Good News, they are not rejecting me, they are rejecting God and that God loves them so much that he has giving them free will not to follow his will.

But I have also learned that with most loving parents, they do not give us want we want but give us what we need. How a parent holds you accountable for your actions, how sometimes when you turn your back on the truth how they sometimes have to let you go know matter how much it pains them because in the end we all will have to give an account of our actions whether we want to are not.

Giving my life over to God has giving me so much joy, and peace. I know I was not missing anything when I ran the streets, slept around, stole just because, did not care about other people feelings because what you plant you will reap in harvest and I became tired of reaping misery. Now when I look at that young man who smile from ear to ear, stands up and gives honor to God with no shame I can look at him and say, "I truly understand and I'm there with you brother all the way."

Be Blessed, Be Safe and
Have a Wonderful Tuesday everyone.

Devotion and Reflections for Today

Some devotions I get right away, others it may take a little while to sink in my heart and soul, this one it started slow up the track and now it's gaining speed. To knowing that no matter where I am, what situation God is with me to help me through it. Yesterday was one of those days. Sitting behind a loud talker is not very cool. You know it's bad when my wife can hear every word that my co-worker is saying and repeat it back to me. It's bad that I have to wear noise canceling headphones just to get peace and this is everyday. I have learned now not ask God, "Why?" I have learned to ask Him, "Lord, I don't like this situation so what are your trying to teach me?"

Last week I was listening to one of my netcast, Back to the Bible and Woodrow Kroll said that when you read the book of Job (which is not an easy read mind you) God never gave Job the answer to his question but turned around and began asking Job questions. Once I heard that a light bulb went off and I had one of those, "I get it now" moments. No matter what I am going through, it's better to have God with you when going through the storm than to not have God when things are going well.

I am learning everyday that knowing having Christ Jesus with me always He is giving me peace, wisdom when things are going well and the same when I'm going through my "valleys". As I'm sitting here writing this He is drawing me near Him, having me to focus more on what He has for my life, to get to work on time. He is telling me that it could be much worse, I could not be able to have my iPod and even listen to His word. He is also teaching me that when things are peaceful that is when I need to draw closer to Him because we are going to have our valley moments whether we want it or not. As our pastor says time and time again, "when the pressure is on, this will show your TRUE character.

Okay God, I may not like this situation but you're going to help me through this and I am going to be a better person for this I know (I just wish this valley was not so loud. )

Be Blessed, Be Safe, Have a Wonderful Friday everyone.

"Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel."

~Proverbs 20:15

Satan Lies...God's Love

"If you're too proud to submit to God, you'll never get to heaven. You may be a kind, gentle person; you may even be naturally compassionate and charitable. But if your pride keeps you from admitting your need for Christ, then you'll never accept His gift of salvation. Many people are in hell because their heart was too hard and they believed their mind was too smart for God."

The above paragraph from today's "Early Light Devotion" from In Touch Ministries hits like a ton bricks to some people. This may be hard to grasp, it may sting, you may not want to hear it...but it is the truth. Many people think they can "work" their way into heaven but we can't. Many people think just because "I'm a nice person there is no way I can be turned away from entering into Heaven"...but you will. Many people think that once you give your life to God that is it, rules, rules and more rules, but for me it's the most liberating way to live. When I gave my life to Jesus Christ so many questions were answered for me and wondering "where will I go when I die" fell to the wayside and to me that is a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders. So many things that God want you and I to bring to Him because in the end He knows we can not do this alone. When allowing God into your heart and knowing His true love for you you feel such a peace that I cannot describe.

Why is it for somethings we can put complete faith into and when it comes to the things of God we can become so skeptical? When we go and get into our car many days we go and turn the ignition knowing it will start. We go and sit in a chair at work or at home knowing it will hold us but when turning our lives over to Christ many people can not do it. We use excuses like, "those preachers on want our money" or "How can you say, He (God) is the only way?" I myself asked those same questions growing up. I was raised in church but I walked away from God. I followed many other religions, practice them and in the end I still felt empty inside. For me one thing has always stood out to me...no other has died for my sins (past, present, future) but one...Jesus Christ. Sometimes I can't wrap my mind around this concept. Why would he do this? Why would a person who knows that I will screw up whether on purpose or by accident still wish to suffer for me?

He (God) sent His only son because He know we are a falling nature, that we cannot do this alone and the most important thing is because God love for you and I and the closeness He longs for you and I. No, God is not lonely but He knows how empty we are without Him. I heard a couple a days ago that Lindsey Lohen will spend over $36,000 dollars a month in rehab...$36,000 a month! Many people do not make that in a year and that is being spent on a person has that much money to spend in rehab? How can this person be unhappy knowing that you have that much money at your disposal?

I am not putting this young lady down at all and she is in my prayers but when you think about it don't you think she would be the most happiest person in the world? It breaks my heart to see so many young people get caught in the trappings of the world and later Satan will make her feel so guilty about how she has lived her life but that has always been Satan's gift, making you and I feel like we are worthless...but He is liar. God knows we have a fallen nature but He knew when He created you and I that we would make mistakes because He has given you a free will but He has given you and I a door to come back to Him. Satan shows people the pleasures in life but never the consequences but God will always show you and both sides of the coin. From Adam and Eve until now, God has and will always show you the blessings when living a Godly live and the curses when living outside His will.

The best thing about God is that He takes you and I when we are at our lowest...Satan tosses you and I away when we are at our lowest. When we are at our lowest, God shows us we are a diamond to Him, with Satan when we are at our lowest he tells you and I God has no use for people like you and I and that my friends is a lie straight from Hell.

God loves you...always has, always will. What God hates is sin in our lives because He knows the end result of sin. God knows we are going to make mistakes, we are going to come up short from time to time but like a loving parent, He will be there for you. Now God will discipline you and I when we are outside His will but that does not mean He has stopped loving us and at times obstacles He will allow in our lives to build character in our lives and this is what grows our faith more.

When we call upon the Lord this is not showing how weak we are...but how strong we are because we can not do it without Him.

Be Blessed, Be Safe and Have a Wonderful Day.

Devotion & Reflection for this Weekend.

Our Living Hope>>>read more
from rbc ministries|our daily bread
to hear the songs I have along with this post
go to my Vox blog

This devotion speaks to not only the believer but the non believer as well. When a love one dies and whether or not we are Followers of Christ or not we feel a sadness, an empty space in our heart, in our soul, we miss their presence. We understand when some one up in age has died but not someone prime in their life or someone born with a disability. We get angry with God, we feel he has done he are she was wronged in life. I have gotten older now to know that I do not have all the answers and God may reveal them to me once I am in His presence or He may not. This I do know, God is real, God has given us emotions and He know we will get upset with Him from time to time and He is okay with that.

I have come to an understanding in my life where if someone close to me dies I will mourn and I will grieve but I know that one day Jesus Christ will rise them again and if they were a believer in Christ Jesus I will be with them again because of His promise. Nothing we do surprises God so when tragic happens in our lives He knows we have questions, we will sometimes lash out at Him, we may even curse Him but He is a loving, wonderful, forgiving Father that after all the angry, sadness He is there for you and I. He may choose to answer you and in that time of hurting, the answer may come gradually, or He may answer at all. But know this, if we are truly love the Lord and we trust Him, He will give us the strength to go on and that hurt will heal and he will make you a vessel to heal someone else in that time of need.

I'm will not ever downplay someone tragedy because that pain is very real. I have learned not to say, "oh I know how you feel" or other things to that nature because as I said earlier I don't have all the answers nor will I pretend have all the answers. Many times the best thing to do in situations like these is to "just be there". When Job lost everything it says his friends came and sat with him for 7 days and just mourned and cried with him.

Sometimes they will lash out at you if they know you are a believer, it's not against you so do not take it personal because again, we as humans want to know "why?". I have come to this conclusion in my own life...I trust God, I know God has my best interest in heart. I know that since the fall of Adam and Eve, there is going to be death, tragedy, suffering. God did not attend for it to be this way but since our first, "Father and Mother" was rebellious, we are paying the price for their disobedience. But I also know that God gave them free will, to love Him or not to love and follow Him...he loved you and I that much. I also know that He sent His Son over 2000 years ago to take our place where our sins were placed upon Him...our past, present, and future sins so that we will rise again, be with our loves ones that believed in Him also and that is a awesome for me to know where I will be once I die.

Death will bring sadness, anger in our lives but knowing that they know God and believed in Jesus Christ also brings joy that we will be united with them and will be with God and them for ever and ever is great news as well.

Be Blessed, Be Safe, and Have Great Weekend.

Praying For Our Children
Christian Embassy Church

Love

"Father, grant that my children would learn to live a life of love., through the Spirit who lives in them."

Ephesians 5:2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Integrity

"Lord, may integrity and uprightness protect my children because their hopes are in you."

Psalm 25:21

image: allposters.com

Devotion & Reflections for Thursday

A Lifestyle of Waiting
on God>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

Developing "A Lifestyle of Waiting on God" really depends you and I. We can realize that His plans are better than anything we could ever come up with or we can keep manipulating our situations having a temporary satisfaction only to begin from start and in essence doing double work to achieve happiness once again. The above link shows four very important factors in developing a Christian lifestyle when it comes to the process of waiting on God to move in our lives. It's amazing how we constantly say how we want to know the will of God for our lives but if it doesn't happen in a week's time, we throw our hands up in the air in disappointment.

But we have to realize something, this was a process that we made a mess of our lives and it will take a process to get things back the way they should be in our lives...it's like gaining and losing weight....one day at a time. When we lose weight, it doesn't show on the outside at first, the action is happening inside and gradually we begin to see results. The same with waiting on God. Dr. Charles Stanley says something that I always remember

"While we are waiting....God is working "

The four areas in Dr. Stanley's devotion we need in order to have God work the fullest in our lives (Faith, Humility, Patience, & Courage) are principles that will make you not only stronger for yourself but for your spouse or spouse to be in the long run.

Praying for Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Hope

"God of hope, grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefullness by the power of the Holy Spirit "

Romans 15:13

To listen todays or previous devotions from Dr. Stanley...click here

Weekend Devotion...Good Morning

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take."
~proverbs 3:5-6~

A Surprise Answer>>>more
from rbc ministries

It's amazing how God answers my prayers sometimes. From big decisions(do I find a part time job) to the smallest(Lord, help me find my blue jeans). One thing I do know, the more I talk and listen to Him, live by His commandments, the more He shows me.

It's about 4:33am right and I was writing the list of things I wish to get myself in 2007 and I was getting a little discourage because of the prices of items I wish to buy. But then just like that, my Father told me to concentrate on one item at a time, from the lowest price to the highest price (to buy in that order). To be honest, I can be a little overwhelming sometimes thinking of the things I wish to accomplish but I know if I put Him first ALWAYS, live righteous in His eyesight there is nothing I cannot accomplish. Will I get everything I'm putting on my list in 2007...maybe, maybe not but I will not get anything accomplished if I keep worrying and wandering and not take any action toward my goal.

I think in many ways this is why non-Christians get more accomplished than Christians. They are taught to be doers and many of us in some twisted way are taught to be "sitters". That is not how our Lord operates. All through the Bible the men and women were doers. They knew when to move and when to wait...and they had patience. Noah...it took him and his sons about a hundred years to build the ark. They took action and he worked on faith(remember Noah and his family never seen rain before because the water would spring from the ground to water the crops). If Noah could have that much faith and take action I think I can have faith and work toward the items that I want. We as Christians must get out of this "waiting for the Lord" to bring our needs and wants to fruition.

I have found in my own life that when I am moving around that is when my Father gives me my answers and I try to keep a small recorder or a pen and small pad with me at all times. Isn't it amazing the best ideas comes when we're in the middle of doing something else? But that is how He operates and we must be prepared at all times. God helps us in His own way and it is up to us to bend to His will, not for Him to bend to ours...His way is always the best way.

Have a Great Sunday

Be Blessed and Be Safe.

Devotions for Sunday:

• Perfect Promises
• THINK IT OVER
• Call Upon the Lord

Tech News for Sunday:

• Galaxy ring suggests cosmic shock wave
• ***Another Nail in the IT Certification Coffin
• Sites Invite Online Mourning, but Don’t Speak Ill of the Dead

netcast for your spirit:

• Understanding Abortion: A Thoughtful Analysis, 1
• The Unburnable Men, part 1
• Walk Worthy of Your Calling in Midst of Diversity

netcast for your noggin':

• The VFX Show 12: Battlestar Galactica
• KFI Tech Guy #165
• Writing 'The Office'

Godly Wisdom For the Weekend(and Tech News)

"Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."
proverbs 14:11

Multitude Of Counselors>>>more
from rbc ministries

I remember as a child how older, Godly peers warned me about moving in with a woman living outside the will of God. Some were verses straight from the bible, some was from their experience, some was from phrases(my favorite..."you laugh now but it's gonna make you cry one day...I hate when those things come to pass). I didn't listen, I thought they were just "old fashion"; besides, this was a new generation and their time had past. Boy was I wrong.

Here I thought I was getting the best of both worlds but I was really getting the worse of both worlds. I am a sap for romances. I love happy endings, I believe hanging in there until the end. There are somethings I should have let go and this relationship was one of them. I was not ready mentally, financial and spiritually. When you bring another person into your life and especially when you live together everything changes. You do not live for yourself anymore, you live for two...and there is the trap.

You're not married and living together you're really not responsible but by you living together and by the type of upbringing I had, the man is the head of the household. You're responsible for taking care of the bills but really you are not because that is not your spouse. If her car breaks down, me being the man...I'm I responsible for getting the car fixed or by her and I living together should she be responsible. This is why I hate Satan so much(if I could I would snap his and Satan's demons necks) living together and not being married is a trap, it's not good at all.

In this day and age people will say, "you don't need a piece of paper to show you're together" or "it's better this way because once you're married everything changes".(I have learned that when you marry in the eyes of God, it's more than a contract...it's a covenant) Yes many things does change, it has to plain and simple. We today spend more time picking a new car, a pair of shoes, a home than taking our time to pick a person to spend the rest of our lives together. Marriage is work, it's hard work, but it does not have to be that hard.

Take your time and pick your spouse. Get Godly counsel, and be true to yourself. If you are saver, don't get together with a spender, why put yourself through that. If you are a freak in the bedroom(we're all grown here and this is for real...so many couple need to face this fact)and the other person is a wallflower, don't get upset if he or she doesn't want to be tied up or blindfolded or any other thing you're into(I'm not telling off on myself, I'm really not LOL)...you can't use that excuse to step out on your mate. Take your time and get to know one another.

Here is something I know people will agree and disagree on....don't have sex before you're married. God is not trying to keep anything from you and I. All in high school I never dated, didn't have sex and I thought I was missing out on so much. Once I made it out of high school and began dating and having sex I found out the truth...it brings more problems than solutions. Ever noticed when you're friends with the opposite sex and you called them to go to the movies, if they are busy, no problem, that's cool. But as soon as sex comes into play and he or she ask you to go do something and you tell them you're busy...a thousand and one questions comes from out of left field,

"how long will it take you to finish?"
"when will you be back"
"can you call me when you get back"
"why didn't you call me when you got back"

People will tell you sex does not meet anything. To some people it doesn't but if we were honest with one another we give up a little of ourselves whenever we sleep with someone. And we have been in that awkard moment when once we have climaxed we're saying to ourselves,
"what the heck I'm I doing here?"
"how long do I have to lay here before I can go?"
(men and women have thought about this and done this, don't lie)

We have to realize that what older Godly people are telling you and I is not trying to keep sex from us, they are trying to saved for you and I. I have learned from those experiences and have and I try not to dwell on the past but if I could get back all the time and money I wasted on dates, my SugarBaby and I would be set for life(well, not for life but we would have a nice nest egg). People are going to disagree, that's okay but what I am saying to you is out of love and not trying to be a killjoy. I wish some Christian would have been real with me and explained this subject to me this way instead of just saying, "God said not to do it". People want you to be real with them(especially young men and women) and this is what I'm trying to do.

We are all going to make mistakes in our lifetime...but it's best to learn more from others mistakes, saves you a lot of grief in the end.

Be Blessed, Be Safe, & Have a Great Weekend.

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Integrity

"Lord, may integrity and uprightness protect my children because their hope is in you".

Psalms 25: 21

Self-Control

"Father, help my children not be like many others, but to be alert and self-controlled in all they do".

1 Thessalonians 5:6

devotions for today:
Credits: Doors Close, Doors Open
FINDING A REFUGE
Beware of False Peace!

biblical messages for the Weekend:
Five Minutes After Death
Thru the Bible Questions & Answers
The Toxic Nature of Shame - Part 3 of 3

tech articles for Saturday:
Texas deploys virtual border patrol
Revver puts money where its talent is
AOL, Microsoft seek indie-rock cred
FBI Busts Credit Card Cybergang

netcast for Saturday:
Windows Weekly 4
NerdTV - Show 3 - Bill Joy
dl.tv 109

headline news>>>click here

Friday Devotions/Tech News...Happy Friday Everyone

**What Took Place at the Cross>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

One thing I really enjoy about reading or watching Dr. Charles Stanley is how God has used Him to teach the word of God and break it down to where even a child could understand the goodness of our Lord and Savior

This devotion I really encourage you to read: the devotion and the passage from Luke 23:32-43 because I believe many men and women in the body have this problem from time to time...really knowing if we are truly forgiving by God for our sins.

Let me say this once and for all...once you have giving your life over to Christ Jesus your sins...past, present, and future are forgiven. Once you have committed a sin and you truly repent of it God remembers it no more. Now does then mean that we can go out live the way we wish, get into all kind of mess and treat our forgiveness from God like a "Get Out Hell Free" card? No it doesn't and if we do live that way that means we were never saved because once you give your life over to Christ Jesus you go above and beyond pleasing our Father.

Now this does not mean that Satan will not tempt us in every way because you are now his enemy no doubt about my friends and we are not to give Satan no toehold in our lives what so ever; like our pastor always tell our congregation, "if let Satan ride, he's going to want to drive". We can't play around with Satan, we can not defeat Satan on our own, He's too powerful for you and I because anyone that has been practicing deceitfulness for over 6000 years has his craft down packed.

But the glorious thing about living for Jesus Christ is that no matter what Satan throws at you and I he can not take our lives, we are not condemned to Hell because we have been bought and paid for by the shedding of Christ blood at the Cross. Now can we speed up our death by living the way we wish to live, yes...just read about Samson(read the book of Judges). We can't treat our body any kind of way, we can't hang and shouldn't be around certain people that we once associated with because of the activity they still wish to pursue; we have to remember by Adam and Eve given in to Satan's temptation he is the "prince of the air" meaning that he is the ruler of this world.

How can that be if God is the creator of everything you may ask. God can not break His own laws, when Adam and Eve were created He gave them dominion over the Earth, it was meant for you and I to be rulers over this world but that was handed over to Satan once our Mother and Father gave in by eating of the fruit of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve not only cut their oneness, covenant with God off but this is why we have sickness because of the choices they made and if you noticed in the Old Testament they had to constantly sacrifice animals to atone for their sins but when Jesus said, "it was finished" He was the ultimate lamb to atone for our sins but by Satan, still the ruler of this world we will suffer and go through hardship from time to time.

This will not stop Satan from trying to put a guilt trip on you and I when we fall short of God's way word but that is all it is, a "guilt trip". We have the victory, we know who comes out the victors so the next time Satan reminds you of your past...point to the Cross and remind him of his future. Your in God's house now, your in God's loving arms and Jesus is your lawyer and He has never lost a case. Once you give your life over to Christ Satan can not touch your spirit, you are going to heaven but also remember you have switched teams so to speak and there will be trials in your lives (read the book of Matthew, this where Jesus goes into great detail once you become a child of God).

Be Blessed, Be Safe, & Have a Wonderful Day and Weekend. :-)

**a Must Read :-)

DarrenKeith~

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Passion For The Lord

"Lord, I pray my children's souls would pant for you as the deer pants for streams of water".

Psalm 42:1

other devotions for Friday: Just Do It, God Understands, What Now?

tech news: U.S. control of Internet remains touchy, Nabaztag: A conflicted Wi-Fi rabbit, Battery Recall Exacts Steep Toll on Sony

Christian netcast: The Joy of Salvation, Part 1, Who Cares? - Part 3, Behaviors That Bind Us - Part 2

Tech netcast: Security Now 63, Engadget Podcast 092, Robert Scoble and Eric Rice on Podcasting Future

for headline news>>>click here

image: google search

Handling Criticism Wisely>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

This past Wednesday I posted a link to Dr. Charles Stanley's devotion on "Handling Criticism Unwisely", this devotion he describes how to handle criticism. Everything Dr. Stanley describes has been a work in progress for me. I have always been very sensitive because of my upbringing, how I was treated when I was young, the things I had to encounter. When I was young I thought it was cruel what I had to encounter but in fact those hurdles I endured God has made me a instrument to help others the best way I know how today.

God has taught me and continues to teach me when a conflict comes up how to not be so defensive, listen, and ask Him for guidance while in the middle of the situation at hand. He are some things I like to share with you.

1. When someone is being critical...listen. This will give you time to collect your thoughts, ask the Lord for guidance because when they are trying to speak and you're trying to speak many times the situation gets escalated and both people end up saying things there will regret.
2. Keep your voice down, keep it low. I have learned over the years when you speak low and slow, your thoughts are clearer, your words, your speech will come out much better and believe it our not many times it catches the other person off guard because in their minds they know your coming back at them the same way as they came at you.
3. Always ask the Lord what to say. Going back to number one, I have learned that listening and allowing the other person to finish there gripe because this gives you the chance to receive guidance from our Father, it gives you and I time to chose our words very wisely because one word, the tone in our voice can make a world of difference.
4. Reflect on yourself. This is a process that takes a while to master because as Dr. Stanley says, we really have to ask ourselves is there truth to what this person is saying to me. I have come to realize that when I am truly honest with myself I am less defensive when I am being criticized.
   
5. Stick to the subject at hand. This is one of my biggest, BIGGEST pet peeves. I don't know how many times when in a debate, receiving criticism or being critical how people either try to blame someone else, give an excuse why they did it...if I am wrong I am wrong, period.
6. Give them your undivided attention no matter how big or small the problem may be. Sometimes it's hard to do because let's face it, sometimes someone critical on a constant basis is...well...petty. But it's big to them and it's important to them to voice their opinion.

Now going back to what I said Wednesday, this does not mean that the person is always right and it does not mean that we suppose to be doormats, let me make that clear. If they are talking to you in a very disrespectful way, wait until they have aired their gripe, pull them to the side and let them know you understand they're upset and you appreciate what they have said but that does NOT give them the right to speak down to you, talk to you like child, or use profanity toward you. One thing I have learned over the years about myself, by me being God's child, I am royalty and that means I will treat people with the utmost respect and I will receive respect as well.

By allowing myself to be used by God I have learned I can work with someone that I know I will never be friends with, get invited over to their home for a "get together" (I'm being real here because we work with some people we do not care for and we know they do not like us) and I have had to come out and say to someone, "I know we do not get along, we do not have talk with one another, but I can work with you because this is a business and I will only come to you when it's work related and I will respect you as a person and I expect the same courtesy". Because the bottom is we are human, we are going to make mistakes, we are never going to please everybody we come into contact with at work, on the street or even in our home. We have to learn how to receive criticism, give criticism in a constructive way because that is how we learn.

Be Blessed, Be Safe, & have great weekend.

DarrenKeith~

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Responsibility

"Lord grant my children would learn ot be responsible, for each other should carry is own load".

Galatians 6:5

other devotions: Champions: Dorcas, Adjust Your Conscience, Obeying God

tech articles: Making the web accessible for all, A Student’s Video Résumé Gets Attention (Some of It Unwanted), Intel shows off sweet 16 server

christian netcast: Antichrist, America and Armageddon, Conclusion of: Trust Him - Part 2, Thru the Bible Questions & Answers

tech netcast: TWiM 24: Technology vs. Hollywood, NerdTV - Show 13, dl.tv 103, BuzzCast

headline news>>>click here

image: google image

We Made Through Another Week...Happy Friday Everyone

Responding to God’s Holiness>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

I must be getting old. I remember being in church when I was a child how I used to see older Christians cry when certain hymns were sung or when hearing the pastor preach how they would just break down and cry for joy and I could not understand why. I used to think, "it doesn't take all that to worship and praise God". I used to hear people say, "I thank God for my health" and similar quotes to that effect. Why did Christians have to be so dramatic...my have times changed.

The older I become and the things I witness, I have become one of those, "Jesus Freaks" The best way to win people to Christ is not quoting scripture after scripture, it's being real with people, letting them know what He has done in your life, living your life before Him. I try everyday to respond to God's holiness by not only living the way He wants me to but by just knowing what He has brought me through, where He is taking me, how He has carried me through life even by me not acknowledging Him, ignoring what He had for my life, how he has loved me still, just because.

It's so weird for me now because everything I see, everything I do...I see Him. Being able to do the smallest task in life I give Him honor and praise because I can truly say without Him...I am nothing, truly nothing. I was listening to one of my netcast yesterday and hearing this biologist, Richard Dawkins that is an atheist go on and on about how about how teaching children about Christianity, any religion, is some how a form of "child abuse" in a way, this just made me shake my head. The same way he feels about my Lord and Savior is the same way I feel on how people cannot see the wonders of God. but hey, this is why I love the Lord so much because He has giving us free will to believe in Him or not.

I can understand how people become angry with God sometimes and I can see how many people think many of us Christians are hypocrites because believe it or not, I think we are the most divided group in the nation. The Adrian Rogers summed it best to me, "we're the only army that shoot our wounded." But over all there is no place I would rather be than in God's loving arms. Whenever I get discouraged about how things are going or when I come across other Christians that say one thing and do another I always think of what an older Christian gentleman (Mr. Cleo Horton) taught me when I first gave my life over to the Lord, "you got to get in that book (the Holy Bible) and get to know that Man (the Lord) for yourself"; and that is what I have been doing since. There a great local pastors in your area and great pastors nationwide that teach the truth but what is important is to get to know Him for yourself.

Now I know why the older Christians shout for joy now. To know that He loves me just the way I am makes me smile and tear up with joy.

Thank you Father for loving me just because, thank you.

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

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Compassion

"Holy Father, I pray that You would clothe my children with the virtue of compassion".

Colossians 3:12

other devotions for today: A Better Idea, Peace In The Storm, Our Will or God's Will?

tech news: Wal-Mart Limits Prepaid Cell Phones to 2, Microsoft Set to Tap Non-Pro Tools Market,The best reason yet to use Ubuntu

netcast for your spirit and mind: Mark 4, MacBreak Weekly 11, The Alternative, KFI Tech Guy 290

headline news>>>click here

image: allposters.com

Weekend Devotions & Tech News

Why Does God Allow Trials?>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

This devotion digs deeper into why our Lord and Savior have you and I, Christians and non-Christians to suffer hardship and go through trials in our lives. He (God) does not get a kick out of seeing people suffer but to draw us closer to Him.

I remember when I wasn't saved and when I used to go through situations in my life and how Iwould try and bargain with God, plead to Him, cry out to Him, get angry with Him because He would allow so many things to happen to me because He did not come when I wanted Him to come. Now that I'm a Follow of Jesus Christ I know why I went through those hardships.

When growing up I stuttered really terrible...I mean terrible. I would dread when the teacher would call on me to read out loud knowing how I would do and how the children would taunt me. I was not a handsome little guy, I really never had a girlfriend while in school (I think I had a crush on some girl every other month) and this went on all the way through high school. I thought God was punishing me, I had a really low image of myself thinking how I would never find anyone. When as a child I was molested and I thought I was damaged goods. Even though I would get angry with God I know deep down that He had his hand on me, that I was someone "special".

I am a only child so many times I would be to myself and work on my humor because at the time my looks was shot to hell (or so I thought) and that would get me through. I would read many Sci-Fi books, The Hardy Boys books, Peanuts comic strips, watch old movies (Charlie Chan...I like the Sydney Toler character better than the other guy), Sherlock Holmes, The Three Stooges...those were my escape from reality at that time. Some of the programs I would watch (Monty Python, The Goodies) and the music I would listen to I would have to conceal because growing up in a small community, all African-American, you did not tell people you listened to Frank Zappa, Rush, Aerosmith, Queen, Boston, and so many other Rock groups and if you mentioned Classical or Easy Listening you were dead in the water. I use to read the album credits, what musician played on what track, who produced what song, where they recorded the album; that was important to me. I did this because it kept me going, made me feel important because when you grow up in a small community you did not talk about molestation. I never told anyone because of course as a child you think it was "your" fault.

One of the most devastating blows to me was when I used to hang out with a childhood friend. He and I was cool, his mother and family was really nice to me and I used to go to his house all the time and sometimes my mother would get upset. Now I love my mother, we have never been the closest because she has never been a person that showed affection to me, she loved me the only way she knew how because she was a single mother so this is not a knock against her.

I was headed to over to my friend's house and she just exploded. I know now what she was trying to do because sometimes you can wear out your welcome when go over to the same house every single day, and maybe if she would have broke it down to me that way I may have understood but she said is how it came out;

Mother: Why do you always go over to Doug (not his real name) house?

Me: Because that's my friend, his my best friend

Mother: People don't want you coming over to there house all the time. I know his family is
sick of you

Me: No they don't Mama

Mother: Why do you hang around Doug so much

Me: I told you Mama, he's my best friend

Mother: You two must be screwing(but she used the 'F' word) one another

I just stood there...I could not believe that they came out of her mouth. I was 12 years old at the time. Now saying this to me, knowing how I stuttered so bad I could barely get words out, how my hormones would go off the scale whenever I saw a girl, wanting a girlfriend so bad and being shot down all the time, being violated as a child would have sent some children down another path. But deep down once again I knew God had something in plan for me.

When I was in high school things did not get better. I was never in the 'in' crowd. I thought maybe if I played sports that would make me a 'babe magnet' but nope..never did. Didn't go to my Junior or Senior prom because number one...no girlfriend and number two...no car. But again I knew He had something better for me, even though I wasn't a Christian and I didn't understand His ways.

Fast forward to today. Happily married, don't stutter anymore, I have peace of mind. I know why I went through what I did now. I call it "my thorn in my side". When I see someone stutter...I have empathy, when I know someone has been molested...I have empathy (now don't get me wrong, no one and I do mean NO ONE has the right to violate a child and to use the excuse I was a victim so that's why I made someone a victim, to me that's a cop out). When someone doesn't understand computers I do not get upset because coming up I was called stupid, dumb, retarded and I wish someone would have told me when I was young that 'just because I don't get the first time that does not mean I'm stupid, the things that interest you that's what you gravitate to in your life.'

My love for music...now I get to share with the world and not feel ashamed of the artists I listened to growing up as a child. I can say this now, Thank you Jesus for what you put me through because in my trials and troubles you have made me a caring husband, a person who knows how to listen when people are hurting, loving myself, loving others, sharing with others, having empathy with others. Thank you Lord for keeping me from relationships that would have had dire consequences (having a child out of wedlock, not knowing how to treat a woman because of my hardships coming up). Thank you for not answering all my prayers God. Thank you. :-)

I am not boasting that I'm better than anyone, this is just a part of me sharing my story with people who do not understand why our Lord and Savior has us go through months or even years of torment, abuse, neglect. I love the Lord with all my heart and soul and that will never change. What He put me through has made me the man/husband/person that I am today.

Hang in there people, God REALLY and TRULY loves you.

Have a Blessed, Fun and Joyful weekend.

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Kindness

"Father, I pray that my children would be kind to each other and to everyone else."

1 Thessalonians 5:15

other devotions for today: Champions: Peter, Careless Preachers, Insight for Living

tech news for you today: Why Internet Explorer 7 Will Break the Web, cool tech coming this fall, Is Windows Near End of Its Run?

netcast for wisdom & knowledge: Thru the Bible Questions & Answers, Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott, The Alternative, NPR: Books

Headline News:

BUFFALO — Tree limbs filled with autumn colors lay broken on a carpet of white. Kids got to throw snowballs nearly three weeks before they go trick-or-treating. Boats on Lake Erie were encrusted in ice a day before many people in the area had planned to go picking pumpkins and apples.>>>more

WASHINGTON – Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R) of Pennsylvania once looked like a top-tier target for Democrats in their drive to take over the House. He's a freshman, which in a typical election year would make him more vulnerable to defeat than longer-serving members. And his district, north of Philadelphia, has an increasingly Democratic tilt to it.>>>more

other headlines news>>>click here

photo: all posters.com

Devotion for Friday...Happy Friday Everyone :-)

Wisdom for the
Trials of Life>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

This is a 'right on' word because many times we do not know where or who to turn to when storms arise. I mentioned in a earlier entry how difficult times will come and in the end it will make us stronger and wiser. Sometimes the shortest verses or passages in the bible give us more insight on certain situations.

One thing many people fell to realize and hate to talk about is the grief we bring in our own lives. True, they are many times that situations, hardship comes up in our lives that we have no control over but if we are honest with ourselves there are times that we allow unnecessary troubles in our "circle" of life. Whether we participate in gossip that we know we should just turn the other way, getting into relationships with someone that we know deep down that he or she are not what we're looking for or signing a contract because we have to have it "right now".

We have all been there and sometimes the outcomes are devastating. I always tell people that, "there are problems in life and then there are unnecessary problems in life". We must learn how to be strong in the Lord and no when not to go down those roads because of peer pressure, keeping up with the Jones' because believe me that impulse of "must have it right now" will pass.

Troubles and trials will come in our lives, can't get around it but what we can get around is how we will respond to them and having the wisdom not to put ourselves in certain situations to begin with so we won't suffer that, "shoulda, coulda, woulda" sydrome (yes I know those are not real words but we say those three words from time to time..admit it).

I love God because he is not trying to keep anything from me...He's trying to keep me safe from unnecessary heartache down the road.

Have a Blessed, Safe, and Fun Weekend everyone. :-)

DarrenKeith~

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Purity

"Create in my children pure hearts, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their lives".

Psalm 51:10

other devotions for today: Good Friday, Looking Forward, The Universe Is God's

tech news: Will YouTube Lose It's Edge?, Enterprise-class desktop computing, HP hires new ethics officer

podcast for knowledge & wisdom: Thru the Bible, The Chris Pirillo Show, In Touch, Buzz Out Loud from CNET

photo: google image

Devotions for Tuesday

Dreams Come True>>>more
from Turning Point

I wish to do this devotion/tech web blog full time from home, I really do. To interview the movers and shakers in the tech world, to interview men and women of the Lord, to interview musicians(Jazz, Gospel, World Fusion..the whole gambit). It's amazing how I can get up at 5am and by the grace of God He gives me the strength to do this day and and day out...this is my dream. It has taking me years to finally find something that truly brings me joy. I have started my projects...first excited about it them and then it dwindled away. But with this, I have pressed on even when I felt no one was reading my blog. This started as a dream as well.

I have always had a love for music. I have always enjoy tech gadgets. I enjoy spreading the Good News. Now I have all three in one. A couple of months back I saw how Kevin Rose was worth $60 million by him starting Digg.com (later to find out from listening to Kevin on TWiT that the number was greatly exaggerated...he said he can't even afford a that time for his apartment.) But the idea stuck with me to try and do something different, something that matter and this is the results. God is working with me to bring my dream to light. Their are some days I don't feel like I have something to say but day after day I'm in front of this computer typing away. God is so good.

I may have said this in an earlier blog entry but I will say it again...don't give up on the plan that God has put in your heart. Do you know that 80% (I'm included) are working at jobs we do not like? that's truly sad. Some of have had detours, some of us were afraid of what people may think, some of never had someone in our corner encouraging us to move forward. But let me tell you something...when it's from God, He will find the funds, line up the people in our lives to push that dream forward. We may come across some bumps in the road but keep pressing on people.

Now we can't just sit back on our behind and expect for us to fall into our laps...this is a covenant we have with our Heavenly Father, we must obey and do our part as well. Too many times we pray and pray and do not put forth the effort to pursue. We already know, by giving our lives over to God by believing in His Son who died for our sins has giving us eternal life in heaven is wonderful. But He also died for us to spread His word and to have happiness here on earth as well.

Go for it!!!

Be blessed, Be Safe and Have a Wonderful Day

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Self-Esteem

"God, help my children develop a strong self-esteem rooted in the realization that they are Your workmanship".

Ephesians 2:10

other devotions for today: Moving Targets, The Privilege of Knowing God, Suffering: How Do We Respond?

other tech news: Carly Fiorina Tells Her Story, Retailers pressure studios on Web deals, Chief Resigns at Monster.com

netcast for your mind & your soul: What’s Your Story?, Conc. of: A Word To Those Who've Had Enough - Pt 1, Podtech.network, KFI Tech Guy 290

photo: google image

Devotions for Monday

Keep Running!>>>more
from Harvest Online

Here it is another Monday morning, going into a job that is something I really don't care for, speaking with people that I not really grateful, working with some people that I don't get along with from time to time. I want to call in, I want to take this day and rest from the long weekend dealing with 4 beautiful grandchildren and our wonderful niece. I could take off, I have some PTO available but I have to keep pressing on because I have an obligation to my God, myself, to my wife, to my job.

It's the same for our Lord and Savior, He did not have to go to calvary for us but He did so we can have a covenant with God again. There are going to be times when we get tired of the persucutions of others, dealing with the rejection from co-workers, family members, friends who don't understand your way of living for the Lord...you have to keep pressing on not only for ourselves but for Jesus Christ. We have to reach as many people as possible not only by our words but by our actions, the way we live our lives.

Everyday before I sit in front of the computer I get nervous on what to type, what to say, I go blank. And every time my Heavenly Father gives me the words and wisdom to say what needs to be shared with you, the readers. Satan attacks me every morning, "why are doing this? This is a waste of time. You're not reaching anyone. You're never going to be able to do this full-time." But he's a liar because whenever you're close to your mark that is when it becomes the roughest to keep going. It's worth the pain to keep pushing forward.

Whatever God has put in your heart to pursue, being a doctor, being a writer, being a stay home mother (which is a full time job in itself...what would we do without you), your children will try you, test and exams may get tough, not getting the reconition you deserve...keep pushing on because your hard work is not in vain. Your Father is putting people in your path that one day when you least expect it your hard work will all pay off. I remember what Dr. Charles Stanley once said and I hold on to it..." when we are waiting, God is working."

Hold on to the faith.

Have a Blessed and Productive Monday.

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Respect

"Lord, help my children to show proper respect to everyone, as your Word commands".

1Peter 2:17

other devotion readings: The Greatness of God, Choosing and Using Time, The Scrabble Syndrome

tech articles: Is Google buying YouTube?, MySpace Attracting An Older Internet Crowd, Dunn, Fiorina lash out at HP board

netcast for today: Thru the Bible Questions & Answers, A Word To Those Who've Had Enough - Part 1, TWiT 72: Ready Clench

photo: google image

Weekend Devotion and Reflection

God Is in Control
of Our Salvation>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

One of the reasons why I really respect our pastor is that his teaching of the Word of God simple and straight to the point. He let us know that our Heavenly Father find no pleasure with any of us going to Hell, but as there were rules and principles in our home growing up there are principles and rules with our Lord and Savior.

God gave us all free will, so that means we can chose to obey or disobey Him. Now I am not going to sit and right this saying that I ALWAYS obey Him....I don't. Whether it's small as not getting up at a certain time in the morning when the alarm goes off to major as tithes and offerings, the one thing I love about the Lord is that He gives me principles to apply and if the are followed I see the results. If I don't apply them, the results. He has mercy on us but sometimes we have to pay the consequences for our disobedience.

Every time I read the book of Genesis I love God more and more. From Adam and Eve to Joseph, God's explained to Adam and Eve what they could and could not do...the good and the bad. Think about it, He tells them both they could have 'every tree in the garden' except for one. Many people don't think about that section alone...to have EVERYTHING except for one thing...and we still want that one thing, something is wrong with that picture. When they ate of fruit that God told them not to eat, the Oneness that they had with Him was cut off because of their disobedience. And I love how they came up with excuse after excuse but in the end, God stuck to His word because, 'His word does not come back to Him void'.

To me God's principles and truths are not a burden to me...it's a freedom. He is not trying to keep me from life, His Word and teachings are having me enjoy life to the fullest.

Let God in your heart and soul today.

Have a Blessed, Safe, and Fun weekend everyone.


DarrenKeith~

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Gratitude

"Lord, help my children to live lives that overflow with thankfulness, always giving thanks to You".

Ephesians 5:20

Christian readings for today: From Here To Eternity, Victory Lane: David's Son, Sin in the Camp

tech news: You don't need an iPod to enjoy podcasts, HP buys Voodoo PC, new Nintendo console

Christian & Tech podcast: thru the bible Q&A, engadget podcast

We Have Made It Through Another Work Week Again People....Rejoice

Jesus Christ: The Son of God>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

I can understand sometime when people say, "there is no God", or "you people(Christians) just believe in a make believe superior image". I know people get discouraged and I know how some people have had traumatic situations happen in their life to believe there is no God. People witness horrific things and wonder, "where is this God of yours?" and the famous line, "why do God let bad things happen to good people?"

Sometime I have the answers sometimes I don't...one thing I do know, God has given all of us free will to believe and trust in Him or not believe and trust in Him. Some situations we bring upon ourselves, other situations God is 'pruning' us for something better and sometime believe it or not their is another adversary....Satan. It boggles me when I hear people say, "where was God when this situation or that accident happen?" It's like people forget all about Satan who is the 'prince of the air', of this earth and that is because the First Adam gave dominion over to Satan. Thank God for the Second Adam...Jesus Christ.

He did not have to go through what he went through for us but Christ did. At any time he could have called on a legion of angels to come and deliver him but he did not because he knew that once Adam and Eve sinned the only way we could be redeemed was through his suffering for us.

Have a Blessed, Fun, and Safe weekend everyone. :-)

D.Keith~

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Generosity

Lord, I pray my children would be rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share.

1 Timothy 6:18

other devotions: greg laurie, dr david jeremiah, our daily bread

podcast to help you know: kfi tech guy, security now

podcast to help you grow: adrian rogers, chip ingram

photo: google image