Hip Hop Devotions

Can You Hear Me Now?

2010-01-11T05:01:00.001-08:00

In this age modern technology, more and more gadgets are being created to occupy our time. Need to waste time...there's an app for that.

Seriously, we are constantly being bombarded by attacks from WMD's Weapons of Mass Distraction. Now more than ever it is of most importance to have some time set aside where you turn off all the noise and listen to what God has to say.

Today's Challenge: Spend some quiet time with the Father. Tune everything else out, and listen for that soft still voice of the Holy Spirit.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Why You Runnin?

2010-01-08T08:47:00.001-08:00

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon. -Isaiah 55:6-7

There is an old saying, "You can run but you can't hide!"

I am often amused when I look at how most of us respond to God's call... we run! We either pull the I'm not worthy bit or we start stu-ttt-tt-ttteeerrring like Moses did or then there is the I'm too young excuse also.

Honor and enjoy your Creator while you're still young,
   Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes,
   Before your vision dims and the world blurs
   And the winter years keep you close to the fire. -Ecc 12:1-2

Many of us prolong answering the call opting instead to squander our youth on our own pursuits and then when we think we have had enough we will decide to give God a chance.

My question for you today is "Why You Runnin?" Are you scared? Or are you just selfish. The psalmist reminded us that we should acknowledge God while we are still young and in our prime and I want to encourage you to do just that!

Today's Challenge: Stop Running! Whatever it is you think you are looking for is nothing compared to what He has in store for you...so stop runnin from Him and start runnin FOR Him!

Peace

Da Scribe

This is the Official Video for the Song "Y U Runnin" By Grammy Nominated, Holy Hip Hop Artist Xross, off of his new album Tell Em' Tha Truth available on Itunes, and in stores now.

Directed, Edited, VFX: Adam J Dunn

Get Ya Hustle On!

2010-01-07T00:38:00.000-08:00

Work hard at whatever you do. You will soon go to the world of the dead, where no one works or thinks or reasons or knows anything. Ecc 9:10

I kinda like the King James version of that verse best, it reads whatever thy hands find to do, do it it with all thy might! Sounds like a Noble declaration doesn't it? Well it is. In modern day language it would read "Get ya hustle on and stay on the grind cause it will be over before ya know it and then it will be too late!

This phase of our lives here on the earth is a one shot deal...there will be no do overs. So the message is to make the most of this short amount of time we have been given and do our very best. Sometimes when I read the Gospels and look at the life of Jesus Christ it puts me to shame, He turned the World upside down in 3 short years...how's that for a "purpose driven life!" Jesus Himself told us to redeem or make good use of our time because the days are short...it's time out for playing, and remember there is no such thing as "Honorable Mention" in Heaven. So stop playing and Get On Yo Kingdom Grind!

Today's Challenge: If today was your last day on earth, would you be confident that you have done all that you have been placed here to do? Treat today and everyday hereafter as if there are only a limited amount of them available, and don't put off for tomorrow the things that you could do today. It's time to live with both Passion & Purpose...Let's Go!

Urban D. "Hustle" feat . Spec & Jabo - Album "Un.orthodox" - Zondervan/EMI - www.urband.org

Are U Ready To Go?

2010-01-06T03:36:00.000-08:00

"God's kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn't show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.
"In the middle of the night someone yelled out, 'He's here! The bridegroom's here! Go out and greet him!'
"The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, 'Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.'
"They answered, 'There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.'
"They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.
"Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, 'Master, we're here. Let us in.'
"He answered, 'Do I know you? I don't think I know you.'
"So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.

Matthew 25:1-13

There is a message in there fam, I pray that you caught it. Scripture tells us that Jesus return is going to be equal to that like a thief in the night...unexpected and quick. We have a lot of things going on these days...and there are plenty of things to keep us busy and distracted from being ready when Jesus returns. Make no mistake fam, there is no amount of religious duty that substitutes "Knowing Him"

I know we spend a lot of time debating over non-essentials, but the truth is that it all boils down to each of us individual establishing a "personal" relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ and being led and taught by The Holy Spirit. Our function is to be discipled and then disciple others...to Know Him and to make Him known to the rest of the World. Don't get caught unprepared. I'm sure some of you have seen the bumper sticker before it says; "Jesus is coming...Look Busy!" Well He is Coming, so don't just look busy, be busy about the business of cultivating your relationship with Jesus Christ, and helping lead others toward doing the same.

Today's Challenge: It's simple, BLINK! Really I want you to blink your eyes. How fast was that? Now BLINK again, only this time I want you to try and say Lord Forgive me before the BLINK is over. Can't do it can ya! That's how fast His return is gonna be, don't make the dummy move thinking that you are gonna wait until the last minute to get things right...Now is the appointed time. Make things right today and then get busy working on that relationship today.

If you need help with that Holla @me! Let's Get Ready To Go Fam!

J.A.Z. feat J. Johnson - Ready 2 Go

Go Hard...Or Go Home!!

2010-01-05T04:03:00.000-08:00

Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!

-Deuteronomy 6:5

Love The Lord with everything you have in you! Modern Day Translation GO HARD!!!!!

Today's Challenge: It's All Out or Fall Out Time Homies and Homettes! No more trying to "love" God and still be cool with the things He hates! Either Love Him...or Leave Him Alone! Can You Dig It?!!

LECRAE:: GO HARD from Adamson.TV on Vimeo.
Music Video for Lecrae's track "Go Hard" with Tedashii. We shot this in Queens, NY during their show at Christ Tabernacle.
RANSOM.tv

Credits:
Produced by: RANSOM.tv
Director: Kevin Adamson
Director of Photography: Steve Saxon
Camera: Steve Saxon, Kevin Adamson
Editor(s): John Schroter, Joey Walston
Color Treatment: John Schroter, Joey Walston

Lord Make Me Over!

2010-01-04T01:04:00.000-08:00

Generous in love—God,

give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record.
   Scrub away my guilt,
      soak out my sins in your laundry.
   I know how bad I've been;
      my sins are staring me down.

You're the One I've violated, and you've seen
      it all, seen the full extent of my evil.
   You have all the facts before you;
      whatever you decide about me is fair.
   I've been out of step with you for a long time,
      in the wrong since before I was born.
   What you're after is truth from the inside out.
      Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.

Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean,
      scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life.
   Tune me in to foot-tapping songs,
      set these once-broken bones to dancing.
   Don't look too close for blemishes,
      give me a clean bill of health.
   God, make a fresh start in me,
      shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.
   Don't throw me out with the trash,
      or fail to breathe holiness in me.
   Bring me back from gray exile,
      put a fresh wind in my sails!
   Give me a job teaching rebels your ways
      so the lost can find their way home.
   Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God,
      and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.
   Unbutton my lips, dear God;
      I'll let loose with your praise.

Going through the motions doesn't please you,
      a flawless performance is nothing to you.
   I learned God-worship
      when my pride was shattered.
   Heart-shattered lives ready for love
      don't for a moment escape God's notice.

Make Zion the place you delight in,
      repair Jerusalem's broken-down walls.
   Then you'll get real worship from us,
      acts of worship small and large,
   Including all the bulls
      they can heave onto your altar!

-Psalm 51

At one point or another we find ourselves at a point where we need a serious make-over! I'm not talking about a cosmetic fix up. Nope, I'm talkin something more serious. There are some things that are so wrong with us that lipstick, fancy clothes or expensive Nip Tuck's won't even come close to fixing. We need a Spiritual makeover. We need to come to apoint where we do just like David did, admit that we are jacked up and then appeal to the God of Mercies to renew, deliver and restore us.

When He shows up to do so, we need to stay still and let Him do what He does best. I won't lie to ya...it's probably gonna be very uncomfortable. In fact I will go as far as to say it just might hurt...but don't be discouraged and don't give up, because after the makeover is done...even you won't recognize yourself!

Today's Challenge: It's time to check in for your makeover. Stop tryin to fix things yourself, all you do is make a bigger mess of things! Turn it over to the surgeon and let Him chisel all that old junk away. Ya Heard!

I Aint Skeered!!!

2009-11-17T13:38:00.001-08:00

Hey Family,

How's life treatin ya? I hope that each and every one of you is walking on God's Grace and Favor.

I'm not in the office today, but I still wanted to post a few lines to encourage you today.

I was just thinking about the homie Lazarus, you know that cat that Jesus called back to life. I was just wondering what his life was like after being revived...I mean, he had seen it all...he had even experienced death...but more importantly he had experienced the Greatness of God through His Son Jesus Christ.

So tell me, how do you scare a man like that? I mean he has seen it all and as far as death was concerned he knew firsthand that it had no power over him.

So what does that have to do with you and I? EVERYTHING! Through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit we can experience that same life giving power. We have absolutely nothing to fear, when we place our complete trust in God.

We have nothin to be skeered of at all...not even death.

Today's Challenge: Trust God completely! If you are experiencing fear, then you need to build up your faith! Think of all the things that God has brought you through, celebrate them and trust that He is able to bring you through anything you have to face. Remember, if God I'd for you...who can be against ya!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

GO OFF!!

2009-11-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Up with God! Down with his enemies!
Adversaries, run for the hills!
Gone like a puff of smoke,
like a blob of wax in the fire—
one look at God and the wicked vanish.
When the righteous see God in action
they'll laugh, they'll sing,
they'll laugh and sing for joy.
Sing hymns to God;
all heaven, sing out;
clear the way for the coming of Cloud-Rider.
Enjoy God,
cheer when you see him!

Psalm 68:3

All long as we are alive and on this Earth, one thing is for sure...there are always going to be things, circumstances and situations that will push, tempt, test and stretch us. It's true, there may even be days and times when we feel like crying...and worse yet, we may feel like giving up!

During those times we must be careful not to let our feelings get the best of us. as Mynista says in his song, Put Ya Fist Up, "...forget how ya feel...we walk by faith!" Challenges are still gonna come, but there are some things we can do to meet them head-on. First of all we can remain Scripture Compliant, meaning don't just read/hear The Word, apply it daily. Secondly, we can stay prayerful, as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs us. Remaining prayerful keeps us in tune with God, and helps us focus on Him and not just our circumstances and the challenges we face.

Another key thing that we can do to help innoculate us from being overwhelmed by Life's test & trials is to make the choice to rejoice! (1 Thess 5:16) Remember, it is the Joy of the Lord that is our strength! The enemy is well aware of this, and he is also aware that he has no defense against such a weapon, this is why he tries so hard to distract us...but don't be fooled or tricked. Make the decision to rejoice...regardless of what it looks like. Your rejoicing, moves you outta the way and allows God to do His thing...think of it as you releasing all authority to God, and then being a cheerleader on the sidelines cheering Him on as He goes to work on your behalf!

Today's Challenge: regardless of what you are facing, or how you are feeling...make the choice to rejoice...and don't just sing a song or clap your hands...GO OFF! Nothing confuses the enemy more than seeing God's people celebrating...especially when things look bad! So go ahead confuse your enemies and GO OFF!!

Don't Trip!!

2009-11-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

   These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. -1 Corinthians 10: 11-13

   ****************************

History can be a great teacher. The Bible holds in it the history of our patriarchs and others who have come before us. Their stories are included as a means of seeing what to do as well as what not to do...but it is our responsibility to take heed and learn the lessons they provide.

Temptation is something we will all face, but as the above passage suggest, God always provides a way of escape. I think that we have learned how to ask forgiveness...and Thank God for His Grace...but it is also part of our legacy to learn how to resist temptation. It's time for us to start putting up a fight...we fall too easy sometimes!!!

Today's Challenge: Temptation is sure to come your way, but be ready for it! Get in your Word and look for that way out!

Think on it...

Joy Comes In The Morning!

2009-08-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. -Psalm 30:5

We all cry sometimes (if we are honest) We all have moments in our lives that seem dark and stormy, but like the faithful sunrise, morning comes and the Joy of The Lord strengthens and picks us up, sometimes to the point that we even forget what we were weeping about. God is always faithful and His Joy is our strength. When the storms come, don't fret just hold on and look to the horizon cause joy is coming in the morning!

Today's Challenge: Don't be tricked into looking at the stormy circumstances, don't dwell on the things that cause you to weep. Put your trust in God and Hang in there! Joy isn't a feeling it's a choice! Choose The Joy of the Lord wherever you are today! Ya Heard!

*****************************
Shacah - Arise

Shachah :: "Arise (Stand Up)" :: Music Video (Cross Movement Records) from Cross Movement Records on Vimeo.
Shachah presents their Music Video for "Arise (Stand Up)" from the album ON THE MOVE (Cross Movement Records). In Stores Now. www.shachah.com | www.crossmovementrecords.com

Upside Down!

2009-08-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

I read the testimony of a scientist once, he was at the top of his field and had made many discoveries. He admitted that he was on a quest to use science as a means to prove that God didn't exist, but a funny thing happened along the way. The more and more evidence he gathered the more and more proof he had that this world was far to complex to not have a creator...and it was a wrap when he discovered that the Bible's account of Creation was scientifically sound. These days he is a passionate Christian, sharing the gospel and using science as a means to prove that God not only exists, but that His accounts of how things came to be are not just true but that they can be proven scientifically.

You gotta love it! The same information, skills and ability that was once used incorrectly, has been flipped upside down and is now used correctly and the truth is clearly seen.

Upside Down from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.

Today's Challenge: A two part challenge for you today; First, I want you to let today's devo serve as a reminder that there is hope for even thee most hardcore atheist, so I challenge you to not write people off even when they seem to be resistant to your words...pray for them and keep letting them see your Godly Lifestyle because you never know when things will flip upside down for them. Secondly I realize that most of the followers of this blog are "believers", but have you come to the point where you believe and trust God completely? If not what information is it that you are viewing incorrectly? What is in your life that needs to be flipped upside down so that you can see the Truth and begin Living the Life He has called you to live?

-Peace

Don't Waste Ya Life!!!!!

2009-08-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
-Ephesians 5:15-16

There are a lot of things going on these days, most of them designed to distract us and to put it bluntly, if allowed many of these things will allow us to entertain ourselves to death! It's time we wake up and smell the "spiritual coffee" that's brewing. God has given us much...and to whom much is given, much is required. Don't be mindless and most of all don't let your life be a waste.

Today's Challenge: Don't Waste Your Life! Make the decision to not take your life for granted. When it's your time to leave this earth make sure that you have been poured completely out...hold nothing back...use every gift talent and ability that God has blessed you with to bring Him Glory and Be a Blessing to as many people as you can. Life is precious fam...Don't waste It!!!!

Lecrae - Don't Waste Your Life

Fly Away!

2009-08-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea;
hear me and answer me.My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
at the voice of the enemy at the stares of the wicked;
for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger.
My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me.
Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.
I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest-

-Psalm 55:1-6

Ever felt like that? We all have. Sometimes the things we face in life overwhelm us. It gets hard to see the light because of all of the storm clouds. I like reading the Psalms because, the writer, David kept it real! He did what we are supposed to do, he spoke His heart to God, he admitted when he had messed up and was honest about the times he just felt like flying away from it all. Then after he had spoke his peace he would make an appeal to God and trust Him to handle the situation for Him.

The storms and people who rub you the wrong way are sure to show up in our lives, and yes they just might press us to the point that we just want to fly away from it all, but be encouraged because God is always there to help us, take a cue from Jesus' playbook, who in His darkest hour made the same type of appeal that David did, He admitted He wanted to fly away but placed his trust in God completely, placing God's will above His desire to flee.

Today's Challenge: I encourage you to follow David & Jesus' example. Be honest with God. Admit when you feel like running but then resolve to place God's Will for your Life above your own. Trust Him for He will never leave nor forsake you.

G.R.I.T.S. - Fly Away

Fast Food Mentality

2009-08-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.

-A.W. Tozer

As the quote above suggest, it is through reading understanding and obeying The Word of God that we grow and develop as followers of Christ. This is not something we should occasionally do, it should be the foundation and fabric of our lives. Unfortunately that is something that we most often fail to do as a Body of Believers. For the most part we settle for one or two spirituals feedings (if that many) a week, while primarily remaining consumed with all of the cares and distractions of our daily lives, we live the fast food kind of lives and our spiritual lives often follow a similar path...we want it all and we want it now!

This mentality has an effect on our spiritual development. We don't have time to read, study and pray so we settle instead for the spiritual version of "The Cliff Notes." Just gives us the highlights. For the most part we leave the reading, praying and studying to our Pastors, Leaders & Teachers and we settle for dining off the fruits of their labors. It's funny how we have it backward, we invest most of our time and energy on things that drain us, while neglecting the very thing that will sustain, protect and guide us. That should not be so.

Today's Challenge: Check yourself before you wreck yourself! If you aren't spending time reading The Word, developing an understanding and obeying it...then you really are a wreck waiting to happen. Make the time to get in The Word, grow in your understanding of it, then obey it, and if you are feeling like you can't afford to add something else to your already busy schedule...my friend you can't afford not to!!!!

You Can Do Dat!

2009-08-14T01:16:00.001-07:00

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. -Romans 8: 31-39

N-O-T-H-I-N-G, absolutely nothing has the power to keep us away from the Love of The Father! The sooner we grasp that the better off we will all be! Too many times the enemy uses people, things and situations in an attempt to get us to shift our focus of God's Love for us. He tries to convince us to clean ourselves up before we come to God, or better yet He tries to use the hurtful words and behavior of others to wound and discourage us into quitting. I want to remind you today that GOD LOVES YOU! He went all out and paid a great ransom to redeem & restore you! Don't let anyone or anything try to convince you otherwise.

Real Talk, there will probably be people who will talk about you for choosing to follow God...Let em talk! There will be people who will try to discourage you from going forward with God...let them do them and you keep moving! Keep your focus on Jesus Christ and The Love of God! Remember that God is faithful and just and He will never leave or forsake you. So wherever you are right now make the decision to get up and stand up. Be all that God has called you to be...and do it without apology! When you see people trying to stop ya...don't trip, just tell them "You can Do Dat...but Imma Do It Christlike! Ya heard!

Today's Challenge: Focus on The Love of God today! Look around and begin to appreciate all that he has done for you, and keep doing it until that Love overwhelms you and begins to influence every word thought and deed! Let that Love fill you up until you begin to see people the same way God sees them as valuable, worth dying for and worth redeeming!

-One

Kre8tor - You Can Do Dat!

What U Packin?!

2009-08-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it—no matter what.

-Hebrews 4:12

The Word of God packs more heat than any automatic weapon ever could. As a Christian The Word of God aka The Bible is your First Last and Greatest Line of Defense! Through the reading of God's Word you learn how God operates...you learn how to recognize His voice and you learn how to live life the way He truly intended us to live it! Fill yourself up on the Word! When you fill up on the Word it is like Nitro for your Spirit & Soul, so Stop sleepin on The Word ya Heard!

Today's Challenge: Get in The Word! With today's technology you ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER to let a day go by without getting in your Word! It's on cd, audio cassete, widgets for your blogs, you name it is out there...in fact I'm pretty sure that...There's an App for that! :)

***

Dwayne Tryumf - I Don't Pack A Matic!

Less Talk...More Worship!!

2009-08-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
   to receive glory and honor and power,
   for you created all things,
      and by your will they were created
      and have their being."

-Rev 4:8-11

Can you picture that? Being in the presence of one so pure, awesome and majestic that all you can do is bow down and cry "Holy Holy Holy!" In my minds eye I can see the elders as they bow down to give reverence and everytime they stand up and look upon Him they are overcome by the sight of His Glory and are forced to bow down yet again and again!

Nothing takes the place of Worship, and worship is more than a type of song you sing or an ugly face you make at church! It is a condition & position of the heart. When you take the time to see God for who and what He truly is...worship will be the natural response!

Today's Challenge! Take every opportunity you can to silence all other voices and spend some time in Worship! Show your God some Love, He deserves it!

Rawsrvnt - Holiness

Get Yo Hands Up!

2009-08-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Amalek came and fought Israel at Rephidim. Moses ordered Joshua: "Select some men for us and go out and fight Amalek. Tomorrow I will take my stand on top of the hill holding God's staff."
Joshua did what Moses ordered in order to fight Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. It turned out that whenever Moses raised his hands, Israel was winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek was winning. But Moses' hands got tired. So they got a stone and set it under him. He sat on it and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on each side. So his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Joshua defeated Amalek and its army in battle. -Exodus 17:8-13

I'm wondering if you caught that. Whenever Moses had his hands raised the people of God were winning, when he lowered his hands the people would begin losing. We tend to underestimate the power that comes from Holy hands raised in submission to an All Powerful God. Raising your hands is like saying "I trust you Lord!" The raised hands can be a sign of submission like "Lord I give up have your way!" Raising your hands can even be comparable to an infant who can't speak, but seems to know that his outstretched hands will soon find Him safe in the arms of his loving parent!

Today's Challenge: Make raising your hands toward God a regular practice! Even when things look bad, learn to trust Him and raise those hands in Praise & Submission! Pretty soon you will begin to see that just like Moses & the Israelites, when your hands are raised...You Win!

So if you are a Servant of The Most High...Get Yo Hands Up!! (now push the play button!)

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Tell Em "I Am Sent Ya!"

2009-07-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

God said, "I've taken a good, long look at the affliction of my people in Egypt. I've heard their cries for deliverance from their slave masters; I know all about their pain. And now I have come down to help them, pry them loose from the grip of Egypt, get them out of that country and bring them to a good land with wide-open spaces, a land lush with milk and honey, the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
   "The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I've seen for myself how cruelly they're being treated by the Egyptians. It's time for you to go back: I'm sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt."
   Moses answered God, "But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?"
   "I'll be with you," God said. "And this will be the proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain."
   Then Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the People of Israel and I tell them, 'The God of your fathers sent me to you'; and they ask me, 'What is his name?' What do I tell them?"
God said to Moses, "I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, 'I-AM sent me to you.'"

     It's funny how Moses began making excuses when God instructed him to go do something, it's a good thing none of us are like that huh?  We will talk about Moses and his excuses another day.  Today I want to focus on a key ingredient...thee main ingredient when it comes to being deployed, and that is knowing who sent you!   As Christians we are "commissioned" to go out into ALL the World and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We have been sent out by Thee Highest Authority there is! Sometimes we lose sight of this very important truth. When you know who sent you it makes all the difference in the World, even when things look bad you stay the course because you know who has your back! When I Am sends ya, there is NOTHING or NO ONE who can stop you... PERIOD!

  Today's Challenge: Conduct a Self Examination, are you progressing and moving forward, or have you let worries, concerns and other things stop you or slow you down? Remember who sent ya! Get up and Get Movin and when people or things try to oppose you...just run right over em all while yellin "I AM Sent Me!!! Ya Heard!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Walk It... Like Ya Changed!

2009-07-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” -Luke 19:1-9

There is something about having an encounter with the Christ! I'm not talking about just seeing Him in action, I'm talking about a real personal encounter... an interaction with Him! When you have one of these types of encounters your life is never the same. That was the case with Zaccheus, the Tax Collector. This interaction/encounter with the Christ caused dude to openly repent... but he didn't stop there, no he vowed to give half of his possessions to the poor and to give back any money he had wrongfully taken with interest...that my friend is "walkin it like ya changed!" He wasn't the only one, remember ya boy Paul, the dude who wrote a large portion of the New Testament? Well before he was Paul he was known as Saul, a hardcore OG bent on terrorizing the saints and the funny thing was that he thought he was doing God's work. One day on his way to terrorize some folks He had a face to face encounter with The Christ and from that point on he wasn't the same cat! He began also began "walkin like he changed!"

How about you? Have you had an encounter with The Christ? If so are you "Walkin It Like Ya Changed or are you trying to walk with one foot stuck in the grave? Your challenge: Let Christ complete His work in you...scriptures says that those of us who are in Christ are NEW creations...stop trying to hold on to that old guy and start "Walkin Like Ya Changed!" Ya Heard!

Fedel - Walk It Like I'm Changed Official Video

Official "Walk it like I'm Changed" music video from Anthony Flagg on Vimeo.

I Don't Know What Ya Heard!

2009-07-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Forget what ya heard...

Too many times we sit and let people spoon feed us ideas about everything, and without ever checking it or finding out for ourselves whether it is true or even good for us we just eat it up. When it comes to our Christian Walk, we need to be active participants in it, meaning we should be spending time with God through prayer, reading His word and fellowship/worship. Neglecting to do so makes for one weak Christian, suspect to being misled and misdirected by all of the many voices out there sharing their two cents. Today's devo comes from the 3rd Chapter of 2 Timothy, read it and then check out the video. As you go about your day today, be more observant and notice that just about everywhere you go someone is saying something to you, some of it true some not, the only defense is to fill yourself with The Word...What's your Word Tank looking like these days... Is it Full or are you running on fumes?

Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people. These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves into the homes of unstable and needy women and take advantage of them; women who, depressed by their sinfulness, take up with every new religious fad that calls itself "truth." They get exploited every time and never really learn. These men are like those old Egyptian frauds Jannes and Jambres, who challenged Moses. They were rejects from the faith, twisted in their thinking, defying truth itself. But nothing will come of these latest impostors. Everyone will see through them, just as people saw through that Egyptian hoax.

You've been a good apprentice to me, a part of my teaching, my manner of life, direction, faith, steadiness, love, patience, troubles, sufferings—suffering along with me in all the grief I had to put up with in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. And you also well know that God rescued me! Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there's no getting around it. Unscrupulous con men will continue to exploit the faith. They're as deceived as the people they lead astray. As long as they are out there, things can only get worse. But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

Real Vision - Trip Lee Feat Tedashi

Are You Game Ready? Ephesians 6

2008-08-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

...and that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6: 10-18

In other words fam...Be Game Ready! Many athletic competitions are lost because the athletes involved simply were not ready. The same is true for us as Christian we miss a lot of opportunities to reach people or advance the Kingdom of God because we are not ready. As the Apostle Paul describes it this is a game with high stakes...it's a matter of life and death. God has given us the tools and equipment and He has made the proper training available as well...it's up to us to properly apply them. It's time to suit up and get up off of the bench...no more time for bench warming. It's time to get into the game and play to win.

Today's Challenge: Suit up! Put on the whole Armour of God (see Ephesians 6). In other words put on the protective gear that God has provided us, that way you need not be in fear of injury, but you can concentrate on playing this game to win. In addition to gearing up...put ya game face on! No half stepping here...go all out like you are a world class Olympian out to smash some world records and to get the gold. Ya Heard!

Excelsius - Game Ready

You Never Have Enough of it...Love, Romans 12 cont

2008-08-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it." Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Romans 12: 9- 21 (The Message)

Woah! Did you get all of that? Love from the center of who you are, being kind to your enemies, being humble and making friends with the nobodies! Who do does the writer think we are Jesus? Exactly...now you are starting to get it. As followers of Christ we are supposed to take our cues on how to interact and even react to people. After all we are Christians...and by definition we should be Christ-Like in all that we do. The reality is that you can't accomplish what this passage of scripture suggest without first being a Disciple of Christ yourself. When you submit yourself to become a Disciple of His...you will begin to adapt to His way of thinking and begin living life the way the He intended it.

Today's Challenge: Become a disciple! Begin to follow the example set by Christ. Be a true follower and not just one in title alone. Let Christ and His example permeate everything you are and get right into the very heart of you so that you truly can Love from the center of your being. Do it and then watch what happens to your life and in the lives of the people you have been trying to reach...ya heard!

Excelsius - Discipleship 101

Many Parts...But ...One Body Romans 12 cont

2008-08-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.

If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

Romans 12:4-8

I won't add to much to this today...for today's challenge I simply want you to reflect on this passage. We are One Body. Each of us plays a different role...but none of us is more important than the other and outside of the body we have no purpose. We really need to avoid this trap of thinking that we are somehow better or more important than others because of our particular gifts or talents. The sooner we begin to grasp this concept the sooner we will put an end to fighting among ourselves and the sooner we will see the fulfillment of the Commission we have been given...ya heard!

Change - One Love

Place You Life Before God...Romans 12

2008-08-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

Place Your Life Before God

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Romans 12: 1-2 (The Message)

Religion is a bad thing. Really it is, you see religion tricks people into thinking and feeling that they are okay with God...without ever consulting God. Religion also gives people list of rules and doctrines that convinces you if you follow those rules and doctrines you will be okay, even if those very rules and doctrines contradict what God has spoken to us in His Word. Religion gives you work to do on the outside to appear righteous...but that was never God's plan for us. Instead God desires that we come to Him in relationship, through His Son Jesus Christ. Through this relationship with our attention and focus on God He changes us from the inside out, removing the stony parts of our heart.

Today's Challenge: Resist the urge to take the religious route! It may make you feel righteous and Holy...but it doesn't bring you any closer to God and it doesn't make you any better. Draw near to God...Focus your attention and Him and by doing so, you will find the freedom to be who he has called you to be and you will discover the new life that springs from a new Heart. It's All About Knowin Him...and then Makin Him Known to others...Ya Heard!

Cross Movement - Huh What!

Goodness to Repentance...

2008-08-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom 6:23

Another word for wages is cost or price. The price of sin is death. Many people have heard this statement before, but like Eve in the Garden of Eden, many of them fall for that old "You're not really going to die" trick. We mistake God's Grace period and actually think that we will never have to actually pay the price for sin. Don't get it twisted fam, payday always comes...and those times when you know it should have come but didn't...it wasn't because you are cool like that...it wasn't your skill or your street cred that got you through it was the Grace and the Goodness of God.

The Bible makes is clear that God's true desire is that no one should have to pay the cost of sin and He has offered His Son as a stand in to pay that price on our behalf. Let's stop tricking ourselves and each other cause in the end the only trick is gonna be you!

Today's Challenge: Whether anyone else knows or not you know about the sin in your life. Beginning today stop making excuses and take advantage of God's Grace, recognize that you have been sinning, Repent (which simply means turn away from) and receive God's Grace and allow Him to help you live life the way He truly intended for you to...Ya Heard!

Flame - Goodness To Repentance

Who Are You?

2008-08-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

A bystander said, "Master, will only a few be saved?"

He said, "Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on your life with God. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires your total attention. A lot of you are going to assume that you'll sit down to God's salvation banquet just because you've been hanging around the neighborhood all your lives. Well, one day you're going to be banging on the door, wanting to get in, but you'll find the door locked and the Master saying, 'Sorry, you're not on my guest list.'

"You'll protest, 'But we've known you all our lives!' only to be interrupted with his abrupt, 'Your kind of knowing can hardly be called knowing. You don't know the first thing about me.'

"That's when you'll find yourselves out in the cold, strangers to grace...

Luke 13:23-28

I like how he says that..."you think you know me because you been hangin around the neighborhood." Knowing someone and knowing something about them are two totally different things. When it's all said and done it's whether you knew Him...or were you just hangin around. He also points out that it takes work to know Him...every relationship does. Focus less energy and attention on being critical of others and work on Knowing Him

Today's Challenge: It's report card time...grade yourself. How well do you know Him. Make a conscious effort today to include Him in everything you do today. You might be surprised at the effect it will have on your day. Ya Heard!

Da Truth feat Tye Tribbett - Who Am I

Perfected religion...

2008-08-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

So you say that you have good religion...really...prove it. Why is it so easy for us to believe and trust God for the things that "we" need and lose sight that we are supposed to be equally or more concerned about our brothers and sisters. How is it that we are able to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the cries of those in need. Don't get it twisted you can go to church and even manage to do all of the good stuff that fills up your check lists...but don't forget the bottom line. Just remember the parable Jesus told, where the people were cast of of His presence...They pleaded for understanding...Lord...whats the deal why are you bouncing us outta here...and His reply was simple...He said "I don't know who you are, when I was hungry...you didn't feed me...when I had no clothes to wear you didn't come to my aid and when I was in prison you never visited me. Their response..."when did we see you in any of those conditions...and Jesus comes back with, when you see the least of my brothers and sisters in those positions it was the same as if you were seeing me.

Today's Challenge: Put some hands and feet to your faith. Don't just talk a good game strive to make a difference. You might not be able to save the entire world by yourself but start where you are..open your eyes so that you can clearly see the people who are around you who could really use your help...ya heard!

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made...like a Beautiful Tapestry

2008-08-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
   I'm an open book to you;
      even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
   You know when I leave and when I get back;
      I'm never out of your sight.
   You know everything I'm going to say
      before I start the first sentence.
   I look behind me and you're there,
      then up ahead and you're there, too—
      your reassuring presence, coming and going.
   This is too much, too wonderful—
      I can't take it all in!
   Psalm 139: 1-6

Boy it takes a whole lot of faith to stare into the beauty of creation and then think that it just accidently or randomly happened. To see the delicate balance there is in life and then think that Chaos and Big explosions made it happen. Whatever dude. It's comforting to know that a loving creator took the time to not only fashion us, but to create a world for us to inhabit, but the beauty is in knowing that as awesome and glorious as he is...that he still takes the time to fellowship with us..and that in spite of our selves He continually provides a way of access to Him through His Son Jesus.

Today's Challenge: Take a look in the Mirror and then Smile...because you are God's handiwork. Then stop trying to do things to fix and make yourself better, rely on Him to clean and fix you from the inside out...ya heard!

Tapestry - Tony Stone

Colorblind...but not Colorless

2008-08-04T23:06:00.001-07:00

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Rep The King -

2008-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do...in both your words and your actions do them in the Name of Christ and do it in such a way that brings both Glory and Honor to God! Forget your empty rituals and traditions...let go of your relics and outward religious displays.

Today's Challenge: Pretend that you can't use words to share the Gospel...how would you spell out or display the Love of God to people. If you can't get someone to actually open the pages of a Bible you can force them to read it by becoming Living Breathing Epistles that can't be denied...becoming the living proof that God and His Love are real. Ya Heard!

Peep The Syllabus...

2008-07-24T02:03:00.000-07:00

In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." - Joshua 1:2-9

This one is short and sweet. The Secret is not found in some pricey CD or DVD package. Anything you will ever need to know about living a full successful life can be found in the Word of God, The Bible aka The Syllabus. It is your outline for Daily Living. If you want to ace the finals and the tests that are coming your way, the best advice is to get into the syllabus...start studying and applying the principals and the lessons today. Failure to do so will only have you being held back until you pass!

Today's Challenge: Don't be Held Back! Study the Syllabus, Learn and Apply it your success as a Follower of Christ depends on it! Ya Heard!

Knowdaverbs - The Syllabus

Representation!

2008-07-23T00:02:00.000-07:00

Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.
1 Timothy 4:11-14 (The Message)

It's all about Representation. Jesus came to Represent the father and restore us back, and as His followers we are called or rather commissioned to Represent Him to the World. It's no longer about getting caught up in what you can or can't do (rules) but it's about being willing to do (or not do) whatever it takes to properly Represent the King! We are living breathing Representatives! Not just mere servants or those obligated or forced to follow...we are the beloved called to reflect and show the Love and the Goodness of God.

Today's Challenge: Do a self examination. Are there things you have been unwilling to part with that don't properly Represent...does your attitude, work ethic your relationships properly Represent? Have you accepted your role as one of His Representatives? Once you have the answer to those questions...act accordingly! It's time to Represent! Ya Heard!

The Choice 2 Rejoice

2008-07-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! Psalm 32:11

Rejoicing! Did you know that rejoicing begins as a choice and not as a response to circumstances? It's why we can celebrate who and what God is and what He has done for us even in unpleasant circumstances. What's more is that when we choose to rejoice it really confuses the enemy and it makes people want to know what it is that we have that they don't. Making the choice to rejoice also helps you stay focused on where you are headed and not dwell on where you are at.

Today's Challenge: Make the choice to rejoice. Focus on the things you have and not the thing you don't. Develop a sense of gratitude and thanksgiving. Sing a happy song do a little dance rejoice in the Lord and be glad! Ya heard!

Mr Del - Step to the Left

Guard Ya Heart!

2008-07-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

"You know the next commandment pretty well, too: 'Don't go to bed with another's spouse.' But don't think you've preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices—they also corrupt." Matthew 5:28 (The Message)

Don't get it twisted fam! A lot of the time we like to play with fire hoping that we don't get burned. You know what I mean...those long stares, those up and down looks. Jesus said that if you look at someone and begin lusting after them...it's as if you have already committed the physical act with them. You see this in action all the time...celebrities and sports figure get caught in adultery and the first thing they say it was an accident...but it was no accident at some point they looked too long, stared too hard and began contemplating what it would be like...and like the scripture says they had already committed the deed in their heart...it was just a matter of time before the physical act happened.

Don't get caught in any accidents. Guard your heart and your thoughts. Pay attention to what's running around in that head of yours. Don't leave things like lust unchecked, a daily dose of the Word can help with that.

Today's Challenge: Lust and Sex are everywhere. It's used to sell just about anything. Make a conscious effort to be aware of what is being put in front of you, ask God through the Holy Spirit to help guard your eyes and your heart. Resist the temptation to lust...and if you have to be willing to turn off or avoid anything that makes it hard for you to do so. Ya Heard!

Mark J - Espananza

Shine Baby!!!

2008-07-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Do you really want to bring Glory and Honor to the Father? There is no better way to do it than to Shine for Him! Live your life in such a way that it catches people's attention and when it does be prepared to explain your reasoning and motivation. Let the world see you as you walk in your new character...don't hide it or turn it down...this light was meant for the world to see...so start shinin baby!

Today's Challenge: Recognize your inability to do anything and draw upon His Strength, Personality and Character...let His Love and His Light Shine through You today...Ya Heard!!!

Shine - Willie Will

Thinking Bout His Goodness!!!

2008-07-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

O my soul, bless God.

From head to toe,

I'll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
don't forget a single blessing!

He forgives your sins—every one.
      He heals your diseases—every one.
      He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
      He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
      He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
      He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.

God makes everything come out right;
      he puts victims back on their feet.
   He showed Moses how he went about his work,
      opened up his plans to all Israel.
   God is sheer mercy and grace;
      not easily angered, he's rich in love.
   He doesn't endlessly nag and scold,
      nor hold grudges forever.
   He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,
      nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
   As high as heaven is over the earth,
      so strong is his love to those who fear him.
   And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
      he has separated us from our sins.
   As parents feel for their children,
      God feels for those who fear him.
   He knows us inside and out,
      keeps in mind that we're made of mud.
   Men and women don't live very long;
      like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
   But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
      leaving nothing to show they were here.
   God's love, though, is ever and always,
      eternally present to all who fear him,
   Making everything right for them and their children
      as they follow his Covenant ways
      and remember to do whatever he said.

God has set his throne in heaven;
      he rules over us all. He's the King!
   So bless God, you angels,
      ready and able to fly at his bidding,
      quick to hear and do what he says.
   Bless God, all you armies of angels,
      alert to respond to whatever he wills.
   Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—
      everything and everyone made by God.

And you, O my soul, bless God!

psalm 103

For some of us it seems like a hard concept to grasp...that there are benefits when it comes to serving and Trusting God. Like it or not there are. The scriptures declare that whoever desires to approach God must first believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of good to those that diligently seek Him.
As parents ourselves we strive to be the best and provide the best for our children...how much more does our Heavenly Father long to do the same for us. Like the psalmist we must remeber to think on the blessings of God and all of the wonderful things He has done for us...and like the psalmist said don't forget a single one.

Today's Challenge: Forget what it looks like and focus on the Goodness of God. Determine that no matter what you will remain in a state of Thankfulness and Gratitude...and if you manage to do this you will find it is easier to give God the Worship and Praise He deserves. Focus on the Goodness Fam and you will be amazed at what it does and the effect it will have on you and the people around you. Ya Heard!

Soul P - The Goodness

Speechless...

2008-07-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

literally....

   "I'm speechless, in awe—words fail me.
   I should never have opened my mouth!
I've talked too much, way too much.
   I'm ready to shut up and listen."
                                                                              Job 40:3

In the above passage, prior to Job being rendered speechless...he had approached and questioned God. When God begins to respond Job snaps back to reality and realizes who he is talking to. When confronted with God's awe, power and majesty it's typical to be rendered speechless. We don't have enough words in our language to describe His Power and His Beauty! Today's challenge: Learn how to recognize His presence and then like Job be ready to Shut Up and Listen! Ya Heard!

Brown King feat MOI - Speechless

Bonus: Hip Hop Worship Session - Honor & Glory

2008-07-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

All praise, honor and glory be-long

To the God who's strong with authority

He's matchless, this rap is lyrically graphic

Cause it's a tactic to speak truth so you can grasp it

(The Tonic)

If you can grasp this

You can live in fullness in between your birth date and your death date

Where the dash is

And your casket or your fancy grave brick

Can be the hot spot where the cherubim sit

'Til the Father says, "Roll back the stone bring him to the thrown,

Yea, cause where He laid his heart is his home"

check the milli-ons, higher than "killi-ons"

What a love-jones it took to breath on these dry bones

Could you imagine what's gonna happen in His splendor?

The never ender, when we return to Sender

Surrender be the prerequisite, no visit, familia! And that's iz-it

Iz all you need is to accept the Savior,

The Christ, Emmanuel, Messiah, the Flavor

How much Glory Flossin' can you get

You talk about a "Baller" on the set! What?

[Repeat chorus]

(The Ambassador)

With everlasting passion brothers are askin',

How're you gettin' to heaven, and we ask without bashin'

There's a price, but you can't use credit or cash man

Sin is ice, and your "works" shoes ain't got no traction

God's not a white or black man, Asian or Latin

He's the invisible captain, check the Word, save the yappin'

Historically when sharing the gospel story we

Assuredly would hear them say "scram kid you're boring me"

But since then, something's convinced them

Because of sin they're fenced in

Their sins are crimson and only Christ can cleanse them

This can only be the Spirit aka the Paraclete

Who you only meet in Christ aka the narrow street

Someone I desperately want to meet

Cause I'm a feen for the Rock and I don't mean Sean Connery

The truth's diesel so all the earthly minded people

Look up so you can see the point like a steeple

[Repeat Chorus]

Is that you, are you convinced black?

Tell me if you can sense that

There's a gap and only Christ can mend that-tell you friends that

It's sad when you think God's only opposed to bad sin

When all sin is bad so next to Him we're all bad men

Word up, it doesn't have to be rape or murder

God's got beef with all sin like steaks and burgers

This should explain human suffering and pain

Almost check mate but wait we know a Name

Christ emerged out of the mist knowing that all men

Were born just like Oliver Twist-a bunch of orphans

And the cross can pay the wage to save the lost man

Awesome, now you can stop fearing the coffin

If this rocks ya let nothing stopy ya the Poppa's got ya

Drop to your knees and then ask Him to adopt ya

He'll take you out the muck and mire,

tell you that you're going higher

Then he'll light up your life just like bonfire

[Repeat Chorus]

Flashback: Honor & Glory- Ambassador feat Tonic (from Crossmovement)

This Is His Show?

2008-07-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. -James 4:4-8

Christianity 101, if there was such a class one of the subjects would definitely be about the lure or the seductive call of the world. Some think "The World" is a certain style of clothing or music way of talking...it can manifest itself through those things but "The World" is actually a way of thinking it's a mindset. It's why the Scriptures tell us to adapt a new way of thinking (renew your mind) "The World" or being worldy is pursuing or doing things to serve purposes other than God's. You could dress right talk right and still be quite worldy in your thinking and approach toward life.

The key to avoiding living in or like "The World" is submitting your life to God completely. When you do this the enemy has no avenue to lure you away. We must follow the example of Christ...recognize that the lure...the pull or the temptation and choose to submit to God's way of doing things (not my will but your will be done)

The Challenge: Ask yourself what your motives are for your actions, why are you doing it...even if it is something good. Are you doing it because there is something in it for you? Are you choosing to do things that satisfy your desires but ignore God's? Submission is the key fam...get out of the spotlight there is only one star in this show....ya heard!!

Michelle Bonnilla - This Is Your Show

Show Him Off!!

2008-07-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. -Matthew 5 14:16

Are you aware that when it comes to communication our words only account for 15% of our language, the remaining 85% is comprised of what we do...our actions. I'll bet you have even heard the old cliche "actions speak louder than words!" Jesus instructed us to live our lives in such a way that it actually causes people to take notice and then give God the Glory. Most times we think our role as a witness is merely to mouth the words or verbally speak the truth...but the truth is a Life dedicated to living out or demonstrating the Gospel will have far greater impact than any sermon ever will. Today's challenge...be a living epistle for everyone to read. Force them to read the Bible by being a living breathing walking example of the scripture...it's time for us to be the salt and the light that Jesus has called us to be. Ya Heard!

Slave No More!!!!!

2008-07-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

Jesus said, "I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can't come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. -John 8:34-36

As un-believers we were all the slaves of sin...but Thank God there is Freedom through Jesus Christ! Jesus said who ever He sets Free is Free Indeed. That word indeed...most of us miss the meaning of it in - deed. When Christ sets us free we are free in what we do free in our actions...the old way of thinking and the enemy try to convince us that we are still the same messed up people but we aren't! Religion will even have you singing spiritual sounding songs that declare how wretched you are...but that is not the way Christ sees it if He sets you free then you are free buddy!!!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. -2 Corinthians 5:17

You are no Longer a slAve to sin and death...declare it and then act like ya know it! Ya Heard!

JR - Not A Slave No More!

A Higher Love

2008-07-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,

they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer,

asked Him a question, testing Him,

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?"

And He said to him, "

'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART,

AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'

"This is the great and foremost commandment.

"The second is like it,

'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'

^"On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."

- Matthew 22:34-40

Most of us miss the significance of what Jesus said. When cornered about which commands from God were the most important, Jesus responds that the most important thing to God is that we Love Him with all of our Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength and to Love other's the same way we love ourselves. Jesus goes on further to say that every other law or command is basically wrapped up in those two simple commands. Think about it...if you love people like you love yourself then you wont do anything that will cause them pain (i.e steal from them, want their stuff, lie on them ect.)

This kind of Love that Jesus is referring to is the kind of Love that makes a difference between a legalistic view of Christ and true relationship with Christ. When we Love God with everything in us,,,then we will no longer seek our will above His...we will begin to develop a heart that is sensitive to God's Heart. Even obeying God becomes less of a chore when we develop this Higher Love, after all Jesus said that those who Love Him will keep His commands and that in fact those commands wont seem burdensome or hard to the one that Loves Him.

It's all about Love fam...and there is no Love Higher than His Love for us...here's a challenge for ya today...He has already proven and demonstrated His Love for us...isn't it time for us to show Him some Love?

Sho Baraka - Higher Love

For You....

2008-07-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ,
if his love has made any difference in your life,
if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you,
if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor:
Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.
Don't push your way to the front;
don't sweet-talk your way to the top.
Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.
Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage.
Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
He had equal status with God but didn't think so much
of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status
no matter what. Not at all.
When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity
and took on the status of a slave, became human!
Having become human, he stayed human.
It was an incredibly humbling process.
He didn't claim special privileges.
Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life
and then died a selfless, obedient death—
and the worst kind of death at that—
a crucifixion.

Continue reading Philippians Chapter 2 at BibleGateway.com

Scripture encourages us to adopt the same kind of thinking and the same kind of behavior modeled by Christ. It was clear that Jesus was always thinking of someone else and never seeking His own agenda. In case you didn't know He was thinking about you. There are a lot of people and a lot of things fighting for your attention...your adoration and even your worship and the truth is none of them deserve it...none of them have done anything for you especially when compared to the selfless sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour.

I challenge you today to begin to follow the example...begin to think of others. Look for those opportunities where you can help someone else get ahead. Think of those things that might be just a little bit uncomfortable for you but will have greater reward in the long run...better yet think of Christ and what you can do to continue His work to better Represent Him while you are still here on the Earth after all He did what He did for you. Ya Heard!

For You - Knine

Got Word?

2008-07-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

“Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

If ya wanna be healthy and grow in your relationship with God...it's gonna be kind of hard if you don't spend some time reading and digesting His Word. We all seem to be busy most of the time and often it is our reading and study time that gets cut. Take the time and make the time to read and study...this is the technological age get your word on cd or in mp3 format and take it with you...there is no excuse! Get in ya Word...ya heard!

To help you get a jump start listen to the Book of John like you have never heard it before...it's from The Bible On Beat Section courtesy of the good people of Revelant Revolution...enjoy!

Listen to The Book of John from Bible On Beat

Time To Go Home.....

2008-07-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

"There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me. So the father divided the property between them.

It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.

"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father.

"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'

"But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.

"All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.' -Luke 15 11-27

The young man in the story had lost his way. We all have at one time or another. Just like the young man in the story we think we can do it better than the way Our Father is showing us...but eventually just like the young man in the story we all find ourselves up to our necks in mess and slop...and it's at those moments that we get the same revelation the he did...that we are much better off going back home! Where ever you are today...no matter what you have done it's never too late and never too far to come back home...stop running...pick yourself up and...

Go Back Home...He's Waitin For Ya with Open Arms!!!!!!

Urban D feat Bobby Tinsley, Home

Love -vs- Sex

2008-07-10T07:33:00.001-07:00

Love Love Love Love So Lovely...

There's more to sex than mere skin on skin.

Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact.

As written in Scripture, "The two become one."

Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master,

we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment

and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—

the kind of sex that can never "become one."

There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others.

In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies,

these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love,

for "becoming one" with another. Or didn't you realize that your body

is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?

Don't you see that you can't live however you please,

squandering what God paid such a high price for?

The physical part of you is not some piece of property

belonging to the spiritual part of you.

God owns the whole works.

So let people see God in

and through your body.

1 Cor 6:16

It's not about sex...it's about Love Fam! Yeah...a lot of people are runnin around exploring and expressing themselves sexually...but that is not what we were designed for. Real Talk...as much pleasure as they think they are having it is nothing in comparison to the intimacy that comes with becoming one. Physical intimacy God's way doesn't just pleasure the body...but it forms a Spiritual connection...one that is not so easily broken. God's not tryin to deny you any fun...He just wants ya to have it the way it He designed it...ya dig!

It' all about the Love Fam!!

Poems - Love

Prayin 4 Ya...

2008-07-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, "There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: 'My rights are being violated. Protect me!'

"He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, 'I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.'"

Then the Master said, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?"

Many of us have a hard time being successful when it comes to our Christian Walk. Most times that is due to a lack of prayer. Prayer is the key to sustaining a healthy relationship and walk with God. Remember Prayer is not just you showin up and cryin and complainin to God...prayer is a two way communication...don't leave before you have heard what God has to say...(in fact you should practice being quick to hear and slow to speak...)

Continued prayer is like good workout sessions...it builds up spiritual muscles and endurance...so no more excuses...spend less time on ya backsides and more time on your knees...you need to be battle ready and a healthy prayer life is one of the key ingredients...ya heard!!

************

It's a Cold Cold World....

2008-07-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.

We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Romans 8:25-39

It's a cold world out there people! But no matter how cold it may get, the Light and Warmth of God's Love is there comforting...consoling and warming our hearts. You just might be facing some challenges or even some really tough situations...but don't get lost in the coldness of this world...stay strong and hang in there...cause just like the passage declares this momentary suffering or light affliction is nothing when compared to the Eternal Glory that awaits us.... ya feel me!

Hint: To minimize time spent in the cold or the dark...Stay In The Light!!!!!

Cold World (Live) - B Rieth

Praise Him!

2008-07-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Get Ya Hands Up!!

Good people, cheer God!

Right-living people sound best when praising.

Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs!

Play his praise on a grand piano!

Invent your own new song to him;

give him a trumpet fanfare.

For God's Word is solid to the core;

everything he makes is sound inside and out.

He loves it when everything fits,

when his world is in plumb-line true.

Earth is drenched

in God's affectionate satisfaction.

The skies were made by God's command;

he breathed the word and the stars popped out.

He scooped Sea into his jug,

put Ocean in his keg.

Earth-creatures, bow before God;

world-dwellers—down on your knees!

Here's why: he spoke and there it was,

in place the moment he said so.

God takes the wind out of Babel pretense,

he shoots down the world's power-schemes.

God's plan for the world stands up,

all his designs are made to last.

Blessed is the country with God for God;

blessed are the people he's put in his will.

From high in the skies God looks around,

he sees all Adam's brood.

From where he sits

he overlooks all us earth-dwellers.

He has shaped each person in turn;

now he watches everything we do.

No king succeeds with a big army alone,

no warrior wins by brute strength.

Horsepower is not the answer;

no one gets by on muscle alone.

Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect him,

the ones who are looking for his love.

He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times;

in lean times he keeps body and soul together.

We're depending on God;

he's everything we need.

What's more, our hearts brim with joy

since we've taken for our own his holy name.

Love us, God, with all you've got—

that's what we're depending on.

-psalm 33