Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
What is Religion...what's the point?
re·li·gion
noun \ri-ˈli-jən\
1) the belief in a god or in a group of gods
2) an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
3) an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group
4) the service and worship of God or the supernatural
5) commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
6) a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.
A young lady once told me that the reason she doesn't practice any religion is because she believes that "religion" is a deceitfulness of Man using God as a way to control the actions & lives of the believers. She believes that the God we're supposed to serve is inside of all of us. This is her statement:
I don't think that I can only find balance in Christ. I don't believe that Christ is the Savior or the only Savior. I believe that all human beings can be saviors Jesus is just an example. I believe that Malcolm X is a Savior Martin Luther King a Savior Queen Tiye Queen Cleopatra I believe Gods and Goddesses walk the earth often not just once 1000s of years ago. In my studies there is no evidence that Jesus exists but if he did he isn't the only manifestation of God on earth. The watermelon that I've eaten last nite was God manifested on earth. And yes I will look into myself for balance because that is exactly where God/Goddess lives.
In my thoughts, she is partly right...we are supposed to seek God in everything, because He has made everything. But, in her statement, she fails to recognize that there is only One True God that rules over all.
Just for the sake of pondering, what if she is right..? What if the God that we've been singing to, praying to, crying to, seeking Him for help & healing, is non-existent? What if it was all some big manipulation from a secret society that knows the truth and took the manipulative & political ideas from the Bible to "teach & control" a person or group that believes to be saved from their sins. Especially when all they have to do is say God or Jesus & they have claimed their next believer.
What if the writings & the wisdom & the explanation of life that is written in all of the Books and the predicted future written in Revelation, is all nothing more than a series of poetry, writings, and letters that has no significance to the present nor the future of what we know of now.
That these things are very far from the truth. Everything that we are & everything that we know, comes from God. Jesus is the Utmost Manifestation & Living Word of God.
God has sent His only Son into this world not to shut it down but to reconnect Man to the Master. The Truth is that Jesus allowed Himself to be sacrificed to bring Man back to God. And then Jesus defeated death by rising up again from the dead & claim the power of heaven & earth to Himself for all to live in Eternal Life.
~Galatians 6:7 (KJV)
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap...
~2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..
~2 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV)
20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost...
~Acts 1:16 (KJV)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus...
~Acts 1:20 (KJV)
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take...
~John 14:25-26 (KJV)
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you...
But I beg you differ, the truth is that God really does exist. His manifestation of His existence is all around us. Not in the way that this young lady has described but in such a way the there's no other specific description of God other than what he told Moses..I AM!
So, religion is the very entity that God allows us to practice to remind ourselves of who God is & what God did. When we practice these routines & rituals, it allows us to #1) have hope that Jesus is coming back for His church and also reminds us #2) of the promises & commands of God so that we can look forward to Eternal Life with God.
May God shed light on those who reads this...even me.
Terrance
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Well Said...
"I think that sometimes we expect to get from our partner what we lack within ourselves. Don’t expect for me to be organized if you’re not or whatever else it is. Sometimes we put pressure on our partners to be what we’re not, and I think sometimes that’s a real disadvantage to the other person." -- Singer Anthony Hamilton Official
What About The Relationship..?
What About The Relationship..?
October 4, 2011 at 9:01pm
What About The Relationship..?
Many times I read/hear different things from different people that pertains to being in & out of relationships. Often times, the situation is always about “what he/she did/didn’t do/say” or whatever. We need to understand that relationships is a situation that requires WORK!! Physically, mentally, psychologically, & spiritually. It takes work to successfully continue in a relationship. But be informed that if the person that you’re supposed to be in a relationship with , is not putting forth as much effort into the union as much as you are, then more than likely he/she does not want a relationship with you.
“Is it possible to love & care for & about someone without contributing into the relationship?” The answer to that question is “YES!”. You or your mate may love you/your mate but do not choose to be in a relationship with you/your mate. It’s a sad but true case to realize that this situation is a common tale among us within our society. Inter-family, marriages, boyfriend/girlfriend, child/parent, BFF’s, are just a few examples of the different kinds of relationships that exists in our society.
RELATIONSHIP: A particular state of affairs among people related to or dealing with one another. (Webster‘s N.C. Dictionary)
“How do we most times end up with the very people that don’t want to participate in the relationship with us..?” The answer to that question varies among people. Perhaps, most times, we take a chance with someone, give all that we can give, to a disappointing reality that he/she really do not want a relationship, but he/she loves/cares for you very much. For your sake, believe that part of the reality, if you really know in your heart that it’s true about what he/she is telling you…just accept the fact that he/she are not “relationship material”. So, what do you do, where do you go from there..? A decision has to be made from the individual that is a constant participant in the “so called” relationship. .
Stay in the relationship with the hope that things will change, eventually..
Allow the relationship to take it’s course until disbandment..
Or, end the relationship, with the hope that the mutual respect still remains.
Let’s look at it from a different perspective. We say that we love God & we thank Him everyday for His grace and mercy. When trouble comes, a heartbreak, or financial difficulties knock on our doors, we tend to “cry out” to God hoping that He hears our cries..& He does. But How much do we put into the relationship with God? God has been contributing into the relationship with us ever since we all were born. And when we were taught about Him & what He did. It was supposed to be up to us to build a relationship with God on our own so that He can be pleased with us more.
What if God suddenly gave up, like most of us do when the person we are with is not putting in as much as we are? What if He said, “I‘m Done..!!” & cut off all of the blessings that we exists off of right now. Now that’s a pretty frightening thought!! Just ask yourself..”How am I to know how to be in a relationship if I‘m only part-time connecting with God..?” If you know Him like you say that you know Him, then you should have a “tight’ relationship with God, allowing Him to speak to you & guide you in every aspect in your life.
So, before we start getting on Facebook and telling how wrong he/she is because he/she messed around with other people or whatever the situation is, really think & understand that maybe:
he/she didn’t want to be in a relationship in the first place
maybe he/she may not be ready for a relationship yet but agreed to it
or they are just being deviously uncooperative.
For the record, I’m not giving anyone no excuses. What’s wrong is wrong & right is right.. We all just have to know the difference when it comes to dealing with one another, and the difference is Jesus Christ.
May God bless those who read this..
Terrance
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
WHO IS THE VICTIM..?
WHO IS THE VICTIM..?
October 1, 2011 at 1:03am
WHO IS THE VICTIM..?
The other day, my wife told me about myself.. She said that I was always playing the “victim”, as if I don’t have issues of my own. She explained some of the things that I do & I didn't really realize how often that I do play the role of the victim. So there I was, at work thinking about the conversation we’ve had & how it made me look at myself on how I look like when certain things happen.
I thought about how often we, as children of God, often place ourselves in this particular role. One of the reasons is, I believe, that it’s safe & easy to be the victim. It seems to me, even in my own life, that when we play the victim role, we don’t have to deal with the thought & responsibility of correcting the situation. Also, we don’t feel the need to apologize or do whatever it is required to make the situation right & moral.
The symptoms of becoming “Victimized” are usually acts of Self-pity, Attention, & Manipulation.
SELF-PITY: Feeling sorry for yourself while you suffer the situation.
ATTENTION: Making someone observe your situation.
MANIPULATION: Influencing others to resolve your situation.
When we “victimize” ourselves, we tend to rob ourselves of the very blessings of God. We seem to always want to stay within our “comfort zones”.
Comfort Zones are places within our subconscious minds where we tend to place ourselves, everyone, & everything that affect our personal lives. We put people & things in certain places in our minds where we feel are “safe” or “unsafe” to deal with. We don’t want or like any surprises that will change the immediate or long term course of our lives that we feel comfortable & stable.
To sum up what being “victimized” is when someone or something has taken us out of our comfort zones & has cause us to re-evaluate ourselves about our strengths & weakness. Someone or something has caused us to take a good look at ourselves as far as what we are & what we think we are. As well as, what we have & what we think we have. So as a result, we go into our Victims’ Role & hope that someone or something will “fix” what we think is broken & put everything back into the places that we have previously labeled as “safe” & “unsafe”.
We need to understand that our Comfort Zones are our Prisons & Convenience is our Prison Guard! As long as we subconsciously dwell in our Comfort Zones, we will never fully receive the complete blessings of God & continue to silence the Spirit of God that lives inside of us.
In conclusion, when we victimize ourselves by playing the Victims’ Role, we have shown that we are comfortable in our Comfort Zones/Prison & we will continue to enjoy the company of Convenience/Prison Guard while he serves us Self-pity; Attention; & Manipulation/Prison Food.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
(Proverbs 4: 7)
May God shed His light upon all who reads this..
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Don't Let Your Preference Overshadow Your Purpose
(Mark 10:17-22)
"...And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions..."
This particular story is telling about a very rich man who has learned & practice many of the Mosaic laws ever since he was a young boy. When Jesus was nearby, he ran to Jesus & asked Him about getting into heaven & how much more do he have to do to make that happen. Jesus finally told him to literally give up everything that he possess & give to the poor & less fortunate & then be one of His followers. Apparently, the rich man was saddened because he had too much to give up. The rich man thought that he had this "going to heaven" thing down pat, but Jesus made him realize there's no "short cuts" & no ways of comfort to achieve inheriting eternal life.
Before we were brought into this world, God had ordained us to serve a certain purpose to His will. When we are first born, our purpose is to learn how to use our external & internal organs in order to be able to live. As we live & go through growth episodes that are sometimes embarrassing, painful, or inadequate but we also develop our own thoughts & opinions about ourselves & what is around us. The good thing about God is that He always seem to get us prepared for the next stage of growth. When we have reached a certain stage of growth, we are summoned to certain responsibilities to yet prepare us for future growth stages as in adolescent(learning how to survive & take care of ourselves) to adulthood.
When it comes to the purpose towards God's perfect will, we are still learning & being prepared for the next stage of Spiritual growth...yes, I'm going there now!! Just like it was mentioned earlier in this posting about growth stages, we also go through Spiritual growth stages as well. We can be very proficient in the material responsibilities, but yet not as proficient on our Spiritual responsibilities. And because we all are all born to develop our own ideas & comforts, we allow these ideas to separate us from our purpose towards the will of God.
What is our purpose in God's will? The Bible gives many examples of what our purpose is, but I believe the Proverbs 3:1-35 says it all in a nutshell. Proverbs 3:5-12 gives an absolute direct answer to our purpose:
"...Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth..."
One thing to understand is that we cannot allow our ideas, opinions, & comforts manipulate or bend our purpose towards God's will for our own vanity. We must open ourselves up to Him so that He can guide us into our divine destiny within His will. It doesn't matter if it's traditional or contemporary, God's will be done & it's the only "idea" that will stand solid through the test of time. Selah.
May God shed light upon those who reads this...even me!
Know God, know yourself.
Terrance
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
"I've Made Some Bad Choices In My Life..."
"I've Made Some Bad Choices In My Life..."
When we say "I'VE MADE SOME BAD CHOICES IN MY LIFE..", it doesn't always completely mean that "..you've allowed people to use me..", that's only half of the confession. The other half of the confession is to admit that we MUST take responsibility of the things that we've done to other people..whether they were intentional or unintentional. The Word of God explains in many ways that it's not what others have done or are doing to us, it's what we have done or is doing to others. We cannot control what others do, but we can control & take responsibility for the things that we do or say to the 1's around us. So we need to stop whining about how someone have done to you that affects us in a negative way. The pain can be severe but we have the control on how long it lingers in our spirits. The more we dwell on it, the more it will hurt over & over & over again. It's not easy, I will be the first to admit it, but God has given all of us the Spirit of Forgiveness. When we exercise the SOF daily, the pain will become a li'l easier to deal with. Also, we will better to understand how we treat others by understanding how the other person/people sees us when we are "in our moment".
May God shed a light on all who reads this..even me
Terrance
May God shed a light on all who reads this..even me
Terrance
Moving within the Mourning
Moving within the Mourning
Moving within the Mourning
I know you’re wondering what sense am I making in the title…well, let me start off with a story. Recently, I’ve just got laid off from my job that I was sure that I felt that this company was the place that I felt that I could be working for in years to come. It was a different kind of company that I’ve ever worked for considering the product, the operation, as well as, the procedures that were required to each employee to follow. In my mind, I was willing to do whatever I need to do to make sure that I stay in good standing with the company. Oh yeah, did I tell you that I was working as a temporary contractor & I wasn‘t even full-time yet..? One of the reasons why is because it offered such a great package as far as benefit, wages, & most of all, the hours. I even quit my last job that was paying a lot less than this company & the benefit package wasn’t all that much to talk about.
So, there I was, working the hours, doing the work, maintaining my attendance, so that I would be one of the 1’s that will stand out to be a potential hire within this company & receive all of the benefits & perks that the full-time employees were very much enjoying & talking about. Then, the bottom fell out. By the beginning of the third month of my start date of working for this company, the representative from the Temp Agency had a meeting with everyone that was working for the Company through the Temp Agency, & told us that “..The Company has overly predicted their hiring needs, so you all are now laid off. Turn in all of your badges...!”. To make a long story shorter than it already is..I am now back to looking for a job.
My wife, one day, came to me & says..”One thing that I cannot say about you is that you are not lazy. You don‘t sit around & blame everybody else for your situation like most men do when they lose a job!” I took that as a compliment(..I take it when I can get it..!).
Now, back to my title & why I choose this title. We all seem to lose something in our life time, in fact we tend to lose a lot of things. It could be a family treasure, a job, money, loved ones(..even though they are not lost..). Whatever it is & if it has a major influence in our lives, the Spirit of Grief or Mourning will come upon us. Grief is a gift from God that allows us to feel the void of that missing item or person that was once there. We MUST allow grief or mourning to take it’s course, it gives us insight of the reality of things not permanent in our lifetime.
Grief: Deep mental anguish, as over a loss. Sorrow. Mourn. <webster ii="" new="" college="" dictionary=""></webster>
Grief is a place that none of us what to go. If we could turn it on and then turn it off, I think that we all would be satisfied with that option. Opposed to not knowing when it’s going to happen when something or somebody is no longer assessable to us at any giving time. It’s a very emotional moment when the Spirit of Mourning comes into your heart.
Job, was a man who the Scriptures called him “..A perfect and upright man. One that feared God and eschewed evil.”. God Himself, claimed that “..There is none like him in the earth..!”. Job had it all. A good wife, plenty of children, lots of servants, money, & livestock. Then one day God allowed Satan to take it all away from Job, even made him sick with sores all over his body(Job 1:1-19). To make matters worst, his friends accused Job of self-affliction on the basis of Job must’ve did or said something that would cause such occurrences to happen to him(Job 2:11-13). But Job moved in his mourning..
“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped. And said, Naked came I out of my mother‘s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”(Job 1:20-22)
One thing I’ve learned from Job is that even though I’m going through something, whatever it is, I’ve got to keep moving. God is still in control & if I allow the Spirit of Grief overtake my very mental, spiritual, psychological, and physical being. I could not be an effective vessel to Him, myself, or to my family.
So, in closing, I will quote the words of Job..
“Naked I came & naked I shall go, the Lord giveth & the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord”
May God bless those who reads this..even me.
Terrance
I know you’re wondering what sense am I making in the title…well, let me start off with a story. Recently, I’ve just got laid off from my job that I was sure that I felt that this company was the place that I felt that I could be working for in years to come. It was a different kind of company that I’ve ever worked for considering the product, the operation, as well as, the procedures that were required to each employee to follow. In my mind, I was willing to do whatever I need to do to make sure that I stay in good standing with the company. Oh yeah, did I tell you that I was working as a temporary contractor & I wasn‘t even full-time yet..? One of the reasons why is because it offered such a great package as far as benefit, wages, & most of all, the hours. I even quit my last job that was paying a lot less than this company & the benefit package wasn’t all that much to talk about.
So, there I was, working the hours, doing the work, maintaining my attendance, so that I would be one of the 1’s that will stand out to be a potential hire within this company & receive all of the benefits & perks that the full-time employees were very much enjoying & talking about. Then, the bottom fell out. By the beginning of the third month of my start date of working for this company, the representative from the Temp Agency had a meeting with everyone that was working for the Company through the Temp Agency, & told us that “..The Company has overly predicted their hiring needs, so you all are now laid off. Turn in all of your badges...!”. To make a long story shorter than it already is..I am now back to looking for a job.
My wife, one day, came to me & says..”One thing that I cannot say about you is that you are not lazy. You don‘t sit around & blame everybody else for your situation like most men do when they lose a job!” I took that as a compliment(..I take it when I can get it..!).
Now, back to my title & why I choose this title. We all seem to lose something in our life time, in fact we tend to lose a lot of things. It could be a family treasure, a job, money, loved ones(..even though they are not lost..). Whatever it is & if it has a major influence in our lives, the Spirit of Grief or Mourning will come upon us. Grief is a gift from God that allows us to feel the void of that missing item or person that was once there. We MUST allow grief or mourning to take it’s course, it gives us insight of the reality of things not permanent in our lifetime.
Grief: Deep mental anguish, as over a loss. Sorrow. Mourn. <webster ii="" new="" college="" dictionary=""></webster>
Grief is a place that none of us what to go. If we could turn it on and then turn it off, I think that we all would be satisfied with that option. Opposed to not knowing when it’s going to happen when something or somebody is no longer assessable to us at any giving time. It’s a very emotional moment when the Spirit of Mourning comes into your heart.
Job, was a man who the Scriptures called him “..A perfect and upright man. One that feared God and eschewed evil.”. God Himself, claimed that “..There is none like him in the earth..!”. Job had it all. A good wife, plenty of children, lots of servants, money, & livestock. Then one day God allowed Satan to take it all away from Job, even made him sick with sores all over his body(Job 1:1-19). To make matters worst, his friends accused Job of self-affliction on the basis of Job must’ve did or said something that would cause such occurrences to happen to him(Job 2:11-13). But Job moved in his mourning..
“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped. And said, Naked came I out of my mother‘s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”(Job 1:20-22)
One thing I’ve learned from Job is that even though I’m going through something, whatever it is, I’ve got to keep moving. God is still in control & if I allow the Spirit of Grief overtake my very mental, spiritual, psychological, and physical being. I could not be an effective vessel to Him, myself, or to my family.
So, in closing, I will quote the words of Job..
“Naked I came & naked I shall go, the Lord giveth & the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord”
May God bless those who reads this..even me.
Terrance
STOP WORRYING...RELAX!!!
STOP WORRYING...RELAX!!!
Whatever is going on in your life...you can think about it, deal with it, work on it, BUT DON'T WORRY about it."WORRY" is the kind of emotion that puts not only FEAR in us but leads to a lot of other crazy emotions. Such as:
Inadequacy
Loneliness
Irrational Thoughts
Revenge
Jealousy
Paranoia
Lust
Greed
Demonic
Lazy
...and a whole lot more...
And with those "OTHER" emotions come irrational deeds that will work against you instead of for you. Just Relax & know that God is in control. We are just God's Instruments to be controlled by Him & Him only...
Inadequacy
Loneliness
Irrational Thoughts
Revenge
Jealousy
Paranoia
Lust
Greed
Demonic
Lazy
...and a whole lot more...
And with those "OTHER" emotions come irrational deeds that will work against you instead of for you. Just Relax & know that God is in control. We are just God's Instruments to be controlled by Him & Him only...
Its Your Day
Its Your Day
Did You Know?
Why does the Bride stand on the Groom's Left? The early Anglo Saxon groom
had to defend his bride from would-be kidnappers, she stood to his left, leaving his
sword-arm free. The "best" warrior in the tribe stood by the groom and was
responsible for helping defend the bride, thus the placement for the modern day
best man.
Why do we have a ‘best man’? The original duty of a "Best Man" was to serve as
armed backup for the groom in case he had to resort to kidnapping his intended bride
away from disapproving parents. The "best" part of that title refers to his skill with a
sword, should the need arise.
Why wear a veil? Originally worn to prevent a young man from seeing his bride
until after the ceremony – most useful in times of arranged marriages so that the groom
could not flee at the altar!
{...don't know who wrote this, but this is great stuff...!}
Why does the Bride stand on the Groom's Left? The early Anglo Saxon groom
had to defend his bride from would-be kidnappers, she stood to his left, leaving his
sword-arm free. The "best" warrior in the tribe stood by the groom and was
responsible for helping defend the bride, thus the placement for the modern day
best man.
Why do we have a ‘best man’? The original duty of a "Best Man" was to serve as
armed backup for the groom in case he had to resort to kidnapping his intended bride
away from disapproving parents. The "best" part of that title refers to his skill with a
sword, should the need arise.
Why wear a veil? Originally worn to prevent a young man from seeing his bride
until after the ceremony – most useful in times of arranged marriages so that the groom
could not flee at the altar!
{...don't know who wrote this, but this is great stuff...!}
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