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Thursday, December 18, 2008

MARRIAGE: the EXCEPTION, not the EXPECTATION?


Blog entry 12/14

1 Corinthians 7 – marriage was the EXCEPTION, not the rule. Staying single was the STANDARD expectation and exhortation spoken. Marriage was only suggested by Paul if there were “EXTREME CASES” where a man could not control his lusts. So if everyone is getting married (or desiring marriage) today, what does that say about our lusts (passions)… ? Mind you, like Paul cautions, if someone marries, it is NOT a sin. However, like he admonishes, “those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that”-1 Cor 7:28.

Paul is aware of the urgency of the times and just wants us running as hard as possible, as light as possible, to save as many as we can. God has offered the Kingdom to this world, but then states that the Kingdom is within us; thus, he has offered us to the world. Our life is no longer our own, so we cannot waste it on civilian affairs. LIVES ARE WAITING TO BE REDEEMED by the fragrance of Christ that God has placed in our earthen vessels. So my encouragement today is just the same as Paul’s, check to see where the urgency of your heart really is. Even though it is God’s pleasure to give us marriage if it is our heart’s desire, it says something about our spiritual character if we’re panting after “the troubles of marriage more than the suffering of missions.” Of course, I am preaching this to myself also. If you find yourself frequently consumed with the thoughts and desires of marriage, ask God to give you an increasing passion and burden for the least, lost, and lowly. You cannot change your heart, BUT YOU CAN PRAY to God who changes hearts :-)

I pray our hearts will be so ablaze for the Kingdom so that whether or not we marry, our lives, relationships, and children will be poured out for the sake of the cross alone… to the very last drop.



MERRY CHRISTMAS!


p.s.*******THIS IS NOT AN ANTI-MARRIAGE NOTE (I MAY get married one day :-)

Monday, November 24, 2008

YES.. Jesus is my crutch.

If you pass someone stumbling, weak-bodied, and limping along on a crutch, would you taunt him, call him a pitiful handicapped, and proceed to yank the crutch from under his arm.? Most would answer no to this question.. but then do this very same act daily towards their Christian associates.

Many atheists, agnostics, pagans, neutrals and the like love to "enlighten" Christians by letting us know that our "Christianity is only a crutch for the weak".. needy.. foolish.... and to that I confidently respond, YES IT IS... and YES I AM.

Because, yes, I am that man. I am the weak, limping, stumbling leper in this walk of life. I am the retard who is a licensed professional at driving my life into obvious walls, off steep cliffs, and into dark waters with visible "do not feed the alligators" signs.. only to come out mauled EVERY SINGLE TIME; and with not just external losses mind you, but fatal internal injuries and shattered bones. Yes, I am that prideful handicap that cannot even stand, yet stubbornly pushes away all familial/loving support in an attempt to sprint off to my dream INDEPENDENTLY, believing "I can do anything I want if I just push myself hard enough".. and of course, FALLS FLAT on my back, PARALYSED no matter how many steps I managed to make forward. Yes, I am the terminally ill, who is foolish enough to think I will live a long life, and may even find immortality through my hard work and charity. *sighs*

It's really sad, I know.. but hey, the first step is realising I have a problem, and by golly I did, after discovering that my worsening shortness of breath was being caused by a hole in my heart (or spiritual PFO - it is congenital, meaning it’s a defect that exists from birth) [stroke.org].

I must say, it took a while to find help, since most kept offering me their blind, limited advice, or similarly broken bodies. Others were even confident enough to believe I could heal like they did by developing "self-improvement" habits. But it seems, I must have been a unique case, because I was broken beyond "self-repair". Others even assured me that "nothing is wrong with you, this is the norm for everyone". Thought all was lost, and even got depressed but got a wacko thought that saved my life-- "even a hi-tech robot is repaired by its creator", because only the developer would know the all the complex inherent factors that were hidden away behind the scenes. And thus the search began... and my physican was found... "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." --MArk 2:17

It seems being messed up wasn't "normal" after all.. just the norm around here :-) So yes, Jesus is my crutch, my meds, and my chemotherapy... my warm blanket, my bandaid, and my vitamins... my Healer, my Physician and my preventative treatment. YES, Jesus is my all. So now that I'm taking my meds (which is the only reason I look barely stable) I can keep up with you guys, who ARE NOT sick, and thus don't need a physician.. BUT, by golly, I still need my crutch.. take it away, and I am as dead as a doorpost... so please stop trying to yank it from under me. Thanks, I appreciate it :-)


REFERENCES

"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means,'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." --Matt 9:12-13

Song of Solomon 8:5
Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?

Luke 11:34
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?


Blind, hard-headed, cold-hearted, HANDICAP

Friday, November 21, 2008

LOVE vs. GOD

LOVE is not god, GOD IS love.

Many will tell me that I just contradicted myself, but I did not.

Yesterday, after watching this video, and reading this blog, and countless others with the same theme, I was deeply moved. All being powerfully presented for the case of Love (vs. God -- or at least, the Judeo-Christian God which many are raising as their banner while fighting against homosexual marriages, truthfully or not).

And many all around the world are joining in with these defenders of Love & Charity, asking "Amidst all the evil being committed in the world, how can any human with a heart deny lovers their desire to be together forever? With heterosexual marriages having a less than 50% chance of survival, why deny homosexuals the flicker of a chance that they are asking for? How does granting them "holy matrimony" affect your flame, or your statistics (which are only getting worse and "less holy" with swingers and the like..)? How? Why? and Why do it in the name of your God who calls himself love? Do your God a favor and allow these people their chance at love, their piece of God." (phrases pulled from many blogs).

And man, was my heart moved by their plea. I broke into tears at my desk at work, my heart burdened with their thirst for love, for God - and saddened that we believe the path to God is love, not realising that the path to love is God. Society and the Devil have succeeded in intoxicating generations with this myth, and homosexuals are just one room in this gigantic house. The 18-yr old PK that becomes madly in love with her boyfriend, and is PERSUADED that since 'god is Love', she does not need to wait til marriage to "make love" to him. The 55-yr old church bishop who is not "in love" with his wife anymore, and is thus CONVINCED that the 'god of Love' wants him to divorce her and marry the church secretary whose spirit he has loved and admired for years now. The 39-yr old Bible-thumper who has been fighting to be redeemed from her homosexual past, but now, with her highschool sweetheart resurfacing and re-igniting 'a love that was undeniable', and being confident that "nothing can separate her from the Love of god, since we are all sinners saved by grace"... she is SURE of 3 things: She is a woman, a lesbian, and a Christian - and only the latter was her choice.

Yes, all 3 examples were "church people", because quite frankly, this commentary is not about homosexuals (whether homosexual marriages should be legalised will be another commentary) but about we, the Christians. We, the Christians, who deem these 'truths' to be "self-evident" and not "God-evident". We, the ones who not only run wild with our own "interpretations", but also quote 50 Scripture references to back up our beliefs, because we have taken God off the throne and instead put love in His place... and we did it all in the name of the Bible. Because, of course, the Bible says, "god is Love"; BUT I assure you the correct phrase is "God is love". Yes, love is the lowercase, because it is the lower in this court case.

And so the verdict is in, the FINAL RULING in the case of Love vs. God is that GOD IS love. God is my love. God is my only gate and source to love. All other persuasions, convictions, and confidants MUST BOW... only His rulings will stand in my life. I love PEOPLE, but I don't love LOVE, I love GOD. God loves people but HATES FORNICATION, DIVORCE, and HOMOSEXUALITY the same way he hates LIES, LUST, AND MURDER because He knows the ultimate result of these carcinogens: HIDDEN SICKNESS, CANCER, DEATH. And I will leave myself at His mercy, because He is the Judge, and He has already ruled! It.is.written.



References:

The Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth, so help me God.
1 John 4:8
1 Corinthians 6:8-10
1 Timothy 1:9-11

Lead me to the Rock

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The Witness Protection Program (Col 3:3)

Wrote another rap... inspired by this P4Cm video

Chorus
Hidden with Christ
Beaten with Christ
He took my blame, it's a life for a life

Risen with Christ
Now seated with Christ
Took on His name, now I'm living as His bride

Verse 1
Washed me, cleaned me, gave me a new nature
Only answer to what He calls me, I mean, He is my Maker (duh)

Devil plotting for my life, demons steady tryna find me
So when i go before the Judge, won't have a worthy testimony

But see, I got the BEST lawyer in the business
Got an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous

It's all layed out in 1 John 2:1-3
I do what He commands now, I listen to authorities

Cuz I know He's got my best in mind, tryna keep me from the mob guys
Devil's foaming at the mouth man, I was his second hand church spy!

Doing all his inside bidding, had the mind of a terrorist
In church persecuting Christians if they had "too much holiness"

Chorus

Verse 2
Saw Satan's leeching ways, and ran to Christ to escape
So Jesus stripped me down to nothing and took my name & place

Took all the charges brought against me by the world and the enemy
Took the Judge's full sentence, and even served my death penalty

To make sure I was covered for eternity, He told me never to wear my name again
But to CLING to my new identity, RUN from this world, and FLEE from sin

So whenever I put down the name of Christ for selfishness, or disbelief (or greed)
I set myself up to be charged again, and reject all that He's done for me.

So I when I start acting like the old man that was crucified, I repent quickly
Would hate the Father to check back, 'n see me acting ungratefully

Cuz if He died in my place just for me to keep sinning
Then He could've never came, ... BUT HE DID, so stop tripping!

Chorus

Bridge Out
It's the Witness protection program
Hidden in Christ, no longer the old man
It's the Witness Protection Program
God at Work: Heart under construction

It's the Witness protection program
Hidden in Christ, no longer the old man
It's the Witness Protection Program
Robyn's no longer here, died and rose with the new man.


New Identity

Monday, October 20, 2008

HOUESECLEANING: Beyonce's "Single Ladies" lyrics...

...not for the Virtuous Woman (that everybody seems to call themselves these days).

Alot of hype is reaching my ears about Beyonce being back and her new songs, and this chatter IS NOT from people outside the 'Family'. There is alot of controversy that I can stir up, so I won't be saying much, because I want no one missing the point/ debating loopholes. In one song, she talks about how good it feels being single, and in the NEXT LINE: "Don't be afraid to explore my body, Take off your clothes, get naughty."


LADIES in CHRIST: What are we listening to?!?!?!?!


If you don't understand the contradiction... go talk to your Daddy.. the One in Heaven (you know, the one to who you usually pray "hallowed by thy name"). I don't even feel like saying anything else on this, because in my anger I may sin.


I love y'all too much...







~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
References:

Single Ladies - Beyonce Lyrics:
"You got me feeling nasty baby
It's kinda hot but it's so damn crazy
It feels so good to be a single lady, baby
Don't be afraid to explore my body
Take off your clothes, get naughty

Let's funk away this party "

1 Corinthians 7:34
There is a difference between a wife and a [single woman]. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee sexual immorality.
(Don't crawl, walk, or even jog... FLEE LIKE A MADMAN!!!)


pH7 Logo

If you consider yourself a "Christian voter"...

... STOP SMEARING OPPOSING POLITICAL CANDIDATES WITH NAME CALLING!!! You're really smearing your Father's name, and yourself in turn... Is this election that worth it??

If you've "heard from God" (because of course, we all have) and believe a certain political candidate will better usher in "important changes for such a time as this" or "non-negotiables in the Kingdom" then decide, share your reason when inspired, and VOTE.

HOWEVER, there is no reason to call the candidate, or supporter of the candidate, stupid, dumb, crazy, etc...






We do this "unconsciously" because we are so wrapped up in what we think a candidate will do for this country. Many Chrisitians are selling their souls and losing their salvation like Judas, because they are more concerned with setting political affairs straight on earth and getting power into the hands of the "the right people", the "moral political candidate", so that they can change things.. instead of humbly serving the least of these to bring about the change that the government can follow.

Even though abortion is important to Jesus, "you would do more change" mentoring a couple pregnant teenagers, than electing a candidate who is "just as passionate" about it.

Jesus never came to setup an institution. In fact, the Jews were so tired of the Romans oppressing them, and so consumed with taking back political authority that they thought Jesus would surely help them in this mission. Anxious that Jesus had not yet done anything to change the political atmosphere when He announced His departure they asked, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). But Jesus quickly corrected them that their power does not come from earthly governments, but instead "you will receive power from on high.. and be witnesses to Me."

And Hallelujah for that! I'll choose the Holy Spirit power vs. the republican/democratic power anyday! More of us Christians should become more amazed and consumed with what has already been given to us freely.. if we seek after Him with all our heart. Let's not follow Judas' footsteps.. it only leads to a fatal end.

--the disciple whom Jesus loved.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Giving Sexy Back

God makes things beautiful, but God never brought sexy into the Kingdom. He never looked at sexy and thought "it is good" and decided to give it to His people. So the fact that we came into the Kingdom and did not see it there, does NOT mean that it left. Sexy was never here! God never intended it for "His called out ones". So why are Christians BRINGING SEXY BACK?! Why do we feel the need to usher in something that was never promised to us. Why are we carrying a banner that goes against the very definition of holiness... which He called us out to be (James 4:4). Yes, Christian, you got called out.. stop comparing yourself to other people, even others in the church.. God called YOU out by name (John 21:22).

Quite frankly, I think the confusion between the Kingdom and the Church has fed, and even created, this misconception. The Kingdom and the Church ARE NOT SYNONYMS. "The Kingdom is not a religious system, an institution or something that can be organized into committees or study groups. If we are to capture this culture with true Kingdom values ...we [may have to] start using terms that are unique and don’t carry the baggage that the word “church” does".. if that is what it will take to shake us out of our worldy mold. The Ekklesia/ Bride of Christ/ Disciples are not called to be sexy!

The Church is being transformed to look more like the Kingdom, NOT the other way around. God is not lowering His Holy standards to comply with changing church culture, He is calling us up to meet His, and to STAND on it. So yes, I am sure you have seen sexy in the church. I am even sure you have seen sexy in me! But please!.. bretheren, do not use me or the church as your measuring stick, or else you may miss "His kingdom come". I am not writing this blog based on my own standards, because I am not calling people to myself! “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true" (John 5:31). I AM CALLING PEOPLE TO CHRIST. Of course, I am striving to be more like Him, but I AM NOT HIM.

And YES!.. I am judging, so that I can be judged (Matt 7:2). I am throwing the boomerang out there to stir up disciples, just so it can come back and hit me hard, and provoke me to righteousness. And yes, this is for those who profess the love of Christ.. not outsiders. "For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges." (1 Cor 5:12-13). We are supposed to sharpen each other, but usually we refrain from speaking, fearing what others will say about our eye planks. But bring it on! PLEASE show me the planks in my eyes, because we are running to Christ together, and my plank will only end up tripping up your race too.

Men, women, brothers and sisters, let us give the world back it's "delicacies" and refuse to eat of the king's table (Daniel 1:8). Rather, let us feast on the true King's Word which will transform us, from the inside out; Let us set ourself apart, "exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25). Those who are called by His name, I am calling you out, let us give sexy back... it's starting to stink up the place.

References

BEAUTIFUL - Having qualities that delight the eye.
Synonyms:
admirable, angelic, appealing, beauteous, charming, classy, comely, cute, dazzling, delicate, delightful, divine, elegant, excellent, exquisite, fair, fascinating, good-looking, gorgeous, graceful, handsome, lovely, magnificent, marvelous, nice, pleasing, pretty, radiant, ravishing, refined, resplendent, splendid, statuesque, stunning, symmetrical, wonderful

SEXY - being erotically attractive to another
Synonyms:
arousing, flirtatious, erotic, hot*, inviting, provocative, provoking, racy, risqué, seductive, sensual, sensuous, slinky*, spicy*, steamy, suggestive, titillating, voluptuous

John 5:30
I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;


Giving_Sexy_Back

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Modern Parable: 2 Kids - 1 Spoilt Brat - 0 Growth.

During a lengthened fast recently I got a revelation bigger than $10 million.

I didn't see it's value then, but more and more I'm realising God has given me a renewed set of lens with which to see my true spiritual conditions even clearer, and to thus improve my resulting actions.

Imagine you have 2 kids. One of them pretty much ignored, given a few morsels once a week, usually on a Sunday, maybe a few "treats" on other days, when you find "enough time" ..just enough to barely survive. The other, very spoilt, overfed, wasteful, comforted at the first sign of discomfort, bribed with gifts whenever a tantrum is thown, ego well-stroked, pride seldom-rebuked ... a rotten brat!

Now ladies and gentlemen, I am sure you're probably thinking along the lines "Not my kids! I would never raise kids like that... over my dead body!" And folks, that is exactly right! OVER.YOUR.DEAD.BODY these are kids you now have.. and nurture.. no need to imagine. Or more like, WITHIN your dead body maybe. But definitely portions of yourself, made in your image, given to you to steward. Drum roll please, as I present to you, your spirit, and your flesh.. in that exact order.

YES, the 2 children I described above are your very own spirit, and flesh, respectively. A scraggly emaciated spirit man, and a selfish, greedy, plump kid aka, your flesh. But it gets even better, the first child, your spirit nature, is only an infant... a malnutritioned one at that... yet a newly created being that was birthed with hope and destiny in it's eyes. The latter, is a professional and haughty mischief-maker, that began enslaving the newborn from day one to do it's bidding, and to exist only for it's benefit.... all this happening with your help and approval as the parent of the house. And even worse, you daily swear up and down to your friends that the first, the newly created toddler, is your favorite child, because of this child's lovely, quiet and gentle demeanor... while you daily watch it get oppressed by it's older sibling, and only turned your head.

Believers, I am not talking about the unsaved either. I am describing the 'church', the very disciples of God. I am describing myself.

Disciples, their is work to be done! Alot of disciplining/persecuting/crucifying of the flesh, that Christians seem to run from is allowing the flesh to run rampart with his luxurious lifestyle, high-maintenance desires, need for worldly entertainement and being fed constantly... and it has tied the hands of our very spirit man, because we have unconscioulsy sold our spirit man into slavery to it's sibling, by starving it's growth and living on milk alone.. but empowering the hand of the greedy, needy flesh which has forced our spirit man to bow in fear and subjection.

And then we wonder why no signs and wonders are being performed. Frankly, it's a joke, watching us pray and ask to perform MIGHTY WORKS in Jesus' name.... because our spirit man can barely stand up and fend for itself in it's own house.. our bodies, much less in the spiritual neighborhood outside.

Bretheren, disciples, let's get to work!


"No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (NIV)
--1 Cor 9:27


References (NKJV)

Galatians 4:29
But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.

Romans 8:5
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

1 Corinthians 5:5
deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Romans 8:12
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.


Monday, September 22, 2008

NO.SHALLOW.LOVE

God has bound himself to me
Despite my prostitution and harlotry
Like an anchor He has attached Himself to my heart


He plans to pull me in.
Deep.


I relent.. because He is relentless
I give in.. because He gives all
I collapse.. because His love is too colossal to withstand


He plans to pull me in.
Deep.


He will not settle for less of me
Nothing but the best He demands for me
And He KNOWS He is the best thing on the market


He plans to pull me in.
Deep.


This love is fatal. This love is grave.
Pun intended. He was buried for my sake.
This love has overrun anything put in it’s way


He plans to pull me in.
Deep.


He will have no shallow love.


------------------
References

Song of Solomon 8:6
[ THE Shulamite to Her Beloved ] Set me as a seal upon your heart, As a seal upon your arm; For love is as strong as death, Jealousy as cruel as the grave; Its flames are flames of fire, A most vehement flame.

Redemption: A dim reality

Thursday, May 22, 2008

The Tide Is Coming!

Journal Entry 5/22/08
.. some of it at least, wanted to put a pic to it
(Influenced by CD of the week: Misty Edwards)

Don't want to build castles in the sand
When I've seen the work of others get swept up in the tide
Why make carvings in the sand
When obviously I see them disappear with each demanding wave
Why spend a lifetime on something the tide will wash away?
Why live for something that death will take away

Wake up O Sleepers
Open your eyes and look around!
See the traces of men gone... now nothing but withering sand mounts

Wade Out!
Go into the deep!
See how it comes for you anyway
Picks up men willingly or unwillingly
YES, the truth comes in to stir all things, & see what remains...

Wade Out!
Let's go into the Deep, the Truth
And search out it's depths
To find the treasures..
Buried.. waiting to be discovered
Sunken... waiting to be sought out..
Truth

Why live on the edge, in fragile sand
Excited that you are leaving a "mark" ...temporary footprint
I assure you, many have walked this very path you're on
Leaving 'deep' footprints, but alas, they disappeared along with their souls

The tide is coming
Yes, we've seen the waves, just HINTS of the tide's existence
But NO, I didn't say waves...
I said THE TIDE is coming

Coming to stir anything that can be stirred
Coming to erase anything foolishly stored in the sand of time's hourglass
Coming to sweep away anything not anchored on the Rock
Coming to destroy anything built with man's hands

The tide is coming
Bringing with it a monsoon
To end all foolish empires and "wisdom of man"
Yes, He will confound all intelligence
And nothing else will matter.. EXCEPT what is left standing
Only what was built on rock will remain

Why carve a masterpiece that the tide will only wash away?
Why spend a life for something that death can take away?

The Tide is Coming...

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Mixtape Release!!!!: CROSS+EYED

(lol, just kidding... Just posting one of my raps for my girl Gayon who hasn't heard me perform it yet.. but keeps hearing ppl talk about it..... sowwy :-)


"You got me cross-eyed
Living with my eyes WIDE open

No more 'American Dream'
& tryna live life by the way things 'seem'
From the way things seem
I'm straight up being deceived
The god of this age tryna puppeteer me

Nope!
Time to wake up!
Got my radars going up!
Got the scales coming down...

We wrestle not against flesh and blood
But with forces in high places up above

Got my armor on
Strapped up, girded loins
Ready to take on the fight
Gasping hard towards the prize

And it's best you get outta my way
Cuz I'm kinda far-sighted so my eyes don't stray
Yeah they may look strange
Yeah they may look glazed
I got a tunnel-vision focused on that glorious Day

I'm throwing off every weight
that tries to hinder my gaze
Dying to this world cuz the cross is my gain
The cross is my truth & the cross is my way
The cross is my boast & the cross is my shame
The cross is my burden & the cross is my blaze!

I STAND AMAZED!
YO! You got me cross-eyed!
(Heb 12:2)

crosseyed