6/16/09
God Is My Defender
"But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17 AMP)
What does the Bible say about karma?
From: www.gotquestions.org
Question: "What does the Bible say about karma?"
Answer: Karma is a theological concept found in the Buddhist and Hindu religions. It is the idea that how you live your life will determine the quality of life you will have after reincarnation. If you are unselfish, kind, and holy during this lifetime, you will be rewarded by being reincarnated (reborn into a new earthly body) into a pleasant life. However, if you live a life of selfishness and evil, you will be reincarnated into a less-than-pleasant lifestyle. In other words, you reap in the next life what you sow in this one. Karma is based on the theological belief in reincarnation. The Bible rejects the idea of reincarnation; therefore, it does not support the idea of karma.
Hebrews 9:27 states, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” This Bible verse makes clear two important points which, for Christians, negate the possibility of reincarnation and karma. First, it states that we are “destined to die once,” meaning that humans are only born once and only die once. There is no endless cycle of life and death and rebirth, an idea inherent in the reincarnation theory. Second, it states that after death we face judgment, meaning that there is no second chance, like there is in reincarnation and karma, to live a better life. You get one shot at life and living it according to God’s plan, and that is it.
The Bible talks a lot about reaping and sowing. Job 4:8 says, “As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.” Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Luke 12:24 says, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” In each of these instances, as well as all the other references to reaping and sowing, the act of receiving the rewards of your actions takes place in this life, not in some future life. It is a present-day activity, and the references make it clear that the fruit you reap will be commensurate with the actions you have performed. In addition, the sowing you perform in this life will affect your reward or punishment in the afterlife.
This afterlife is not a rebirth or a reincarnation into another body here on earth. It is either eternal suffering in hell (Matthew 25:46) or eternal life in heaven with Jesus, who died so that we might live eternally with Him. This should be the focus of our life on earth. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:8-9, “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Finally, we must always remember that it was Jesus whose death on the cross resulted in the reaping of eternal life for us, and that it is faith in Jesus that gives us this eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Therefore, we see that the concept of reincarnation and karma is incompatible with what the Bible teaches about life, death, and the sowing and reaping of eternal life.
Recommended Resource: Jesus Among Other gods by Ravi Zacharias.
http://www.gotquestions.org/karma.html
Question: "What does the Bible say about karma?"
Answer: Karma is a theological concept found in the Buddhist and Hindu religions. It is the idea that how you live your life will determine the quality of life you will have after reincarnation. If you are unselfish, kind, and holy during this lifetime, you will be rewarded by being reincarnated (reborn into a new earthly body) into a pleasant life. However, if you live a life of selfishness and evil, you will be reincarnated into a less-than-pleasant lifestyle. In other words, you reap in the next life what you sow in this one. Karma is based on the theological belief in reincarnation. The Bible rejects the idea of reincarnation; therefore, it does not support the idea of karma.
Hebrews 9:27 states, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” This Bible verse makes clear two important points which, for Christians, negate the possibility of reincarnation and karma. First, it states that we are “destined to die once,” meaning that humans are only born once and only die once. There is no endless cycle of life and death and rebirth, an idea inherent in the reincarnation theory. Second, it states that after death we face judgment, meaning that there is no second chance, like there is in reincarnation and karma, to live a better life. You get one shot at life and living it according to God’s plan, and that is it.
The Bible talks a lot about reaping and sowing. Job 4:8 says, “As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.” Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Luke 12:24 says, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” In each of these instances, as well as all the other references to reaping and sowing, the act of receiving the rewards of your actions takes place in this life, not in some future life. It is a present-day activity, and the references make it clear that the fruit you reap will be commensurate with the actions you have performed. In addition, the sowing you perform in this life will affect your reward or punishment in the afterlife.
This afterlife is not a rebirth or a reincarnation into another body here on earth. It is either eternal suffering in hell (Matthew 25:46) or eternal life in heaven with Jesus, who died so that we might live eternally with Him. This should be the focus of our life on earth. The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:8-9, “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Finally, we must always remember that it was Jesus whose death on the cross resulted in the reaping of eternal life for us, and that it is faith in Jesus that gives us this eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Therefore, we see that the concept of reincarnation and karma is incompatible with what the Bible teaches about life, death, and the sowing and reaping of eternal life.
Recommended Resource: Jesus Among Other gods by Ravi Zacharias.
http://www.gotquestions.org/karma.html
What is the definition of a cult?
From: www.gotquestions.org
Question: "What is the definition of a cult?"
Answer: When we hear the word cult we often think of a group that worships Satan, sacrifices animals, or takes part in evil, bizarre, and pagan rituals. However, in reality, most cults appear much more innocent. The specific Christian definition of a cult is a religious group that denies one or more of the fundamentals of biblical truth. In simpler terms, a cult is a group that teaches something that will cause a person to remain unsaved if he/she believes it. As distinct from a religion, a cult is a group that claims to be part of the religion, yet denies essential truth(s) of that religion. A Christian cult is a group that denies one or more of the fundamental truths of Christianity, while still claiming to be Christian.
The two most common teachings of cults are that Jesus was not God and that salvation is not by faith alone. A denial of the deity of Christ results in Jesus' death not being a sufficient payment for our sins. A denial of salvation by faith alone results in salvation being achieved by our own works, something the Bible vehemently and consistently denies. The two most well-known examples of cults are the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. Both groups claim to be Christian, yet both deny the deity of Christ and salvation by faith alone. Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons believe many things that are in agreement with or similar to what the Bible teaches. However, the fact that they deny the deity of Christ and preach a salvation by works qualifies them as a cult. Many Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and members of other cults are "good people" who genuinely believe they hold the truth. As Christians, our hope and prayer must be that many people involved in the cults will see through the lies and will be drawn to the truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Recommended Resource: The Kingdom of the Cults, revised and updated edition.
http://www.gotquestions.org/cult-definition.html
Question: "What is the definition of a cult?"
Answer: When we hear the word cult we often think of a group that worships Satan, sacrifices animals, or takes part in evil, bizarre, and pagan rituals. However, in reality, most cults appear much more innocent. The specific Christian definition of a cult is a religious group that denies one or more of the fundamentals of biblical truth. In simpler terms, a cult is a group that teaches something that will cause a person to remain unsaved if he/she believes it. As distinct from a religion, a cult is a group that claims to be part of the religion, yet denies essential truth(s) of that religion. A Christian cult is a group that denies one or more of the fundamental truths of Christianity, while still claiming to be Christian.
The two most common teachings of cults are that Jesus was not God and that salvation is not by faith alone. A denial of the deity of Christ results in Jesus' death not being a sufficient payment for our sins. A denial of salvation by faith alone results in salvation being achieved by our own works, something the Bible vehemently and consistently denies. The two most well-known examples of cults are the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. Both groups claim to be Christian, yet both deny the deity of Christ and salvation by faith alone. Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons believe many things that are in agreement with or similar to what the Bible teaches. However, the fact that they deny the deity of Christ and preach a salvation by works qualifies them as a cult. Many Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and members of other cults are "good people" who genuinely believe they hold the truth. As Christians, our hope and prayer must be that many people involved in the cults will see through the lies and will be drawn to the truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Recommended Resource: The Kingdom of the Cults, revised and updated edition.
http://www.gotquestions.org/cult-definition.html
6/12/09
Stevie Wonder - I Just Called To Say I Love You
No new years day
To celebrate
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
No first of spring
No song to sing
In fact heres just another ordinary day
No april rain
No flowers bloom
No wedding saturday within the month of june
But what it is
Is something true
Made up of these three words that I must say to you
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
No summers high
No warm july
No harvest moon to light one tender august night
No autumn breeze
No falling leaves
No even time for birds to fly to southern skies
No libra sun
No halloween
No giving thanks to all the christmas joy you bring
But what it is
Though old so new
To fill your heart like no three words could ever do.
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart.
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
Of my heart
Of my heart
6/9/09
Box Office Busters from 'Godlywood'
Box Office Busters from 'Godlywood'
Christian Film Industry Going Mainstream
From 'Godlywood,' Latest Weapon in Cultural War Coming Soon to a Theater Near You
By NEAL KARLINSKY and VICTORIA THOMPSON
ANAHEIM, Calif., June 6, 2009—
Hollywood can be hard to predict, but given the choice between last year's Woody Allen film, "Vicky Christina Barcelona," Sean Penn in "Milk" and a Christian film called "Fireproof," starring aging teen idol Kirk Cameron, not a single industry insider saw this dark horse coming.
"Fireproof," a Christian-themed film straight out of "Godlywood," buried them all as the top-grossing independent film of 2008.
What's the Christian film industry's next brainchild? A soon-to-be-released film called "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry," a film about a 75-year-old man who motivates three young boys to fend off a bully by following the Lord.
The film took center stage last week at an international Christian ministry festival in Anaheim, Calif., where the faithful gathered to pray and to learn about new ways to reach their flocks.
Rich Christiano, the film's director, screened "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" to a pastor-filled crowd, hoping to get them to preach the goodness of his movie and send the faithful to the ticket counter.
Christiano's message was clear: Hollywood is corrupting America.
"Why is it we watch movies with nudity and all this stuff we know we shouldn't? I'll tell you why, because Hollywood rules, not Jesus," Christiano said to the crowd. "Pastors, I'm telling you, this is the fight, this is what's going to steal your youth group; this is what's busting up your marriages. This is the fight. I need you to stand with us."
The movie is becoming the latest weapon in a cultural war coming soon to a theater near you. Christiano, 52, describes himself as a "filmmaker with a message for the Lord."
"George Lucas supposedly said the church, which used to be all powerful, has been usurped by film. And he's right," Christiano said. "The devil knows all this, and he has used films to break down this country; it's a very powerful tool."
With the release of "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry," Christiano is urging the church to start playing offense.
"The church normally plays defense," he said. "Hollywood does something we don't like and we react to it. I say forget about that. Quit complaining and let's go on the offense."
The film stars Gavin MacLeod, who is better known to most as Capt. Stubing from the "Love Boat." MacLeod, who turned to Christ in 1985 after a long career in Hollywood, said he "became essentially a different person."
Transitioning from Hollywood to the emerging Christian film industry, MacLeod said it's "humbling" to be "used by God" in the movie.
Christian Film Festival Rivals Cannes
While the Cannes Film Festival has celebrities, like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the Independent Christian Film Festival in San Antonio sports a large cash award for its top movie, which is $101,000. "The Widow's Might," a 101-minute film written and directed by 19-year-old John Moore of Kaufman, Texas, won the award in January. As for "Fireproof," it's the story of a fireman's battle to save his marriage, and was the shot heard across Hollywood. Opening in theaters in late September, the film earned $33 million at the box office in 2008 on an almost unheard of $500,000 budget.
The film's 2008 gross revenue even beat out the Academy Award-winning "Slumdog Millionaire," which opened in mid-November.
"We were all sort of pinching ourselves and laughing and watching it as it did so well," said Cameron, star of "Fireproof" and former star of TV's "Growing Pains."
While the box office profits speak for themselves, the making of "Fireproof" is a story in its own right.
The film was written and directed on a shoestring budget by the brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, who are pastors in Albany, Ga. Other than Cameron, the entire cast was made up of church members -- and everyone worked for free. The Kendrick brothers say God told them to make the movie.
"Basically, we'll take weeks at a time and say, 'God, what do you want us to do?'" Alex Kendrick said. "We've learned there's a difference between a good idea and a God idea. And we say, 'God, point us in the right direction.'"
Success took more than prayers. "Fireproof" turned to savvy grassroots marketing as a promotion tool; the brothers shared their vision with pastors across the country who, in turn, encouraged their followers to see the film.
"Fireproof's" impressive success has branded Cameron as the face of Christian films -- a title that was bittersweet, at first, for the former teen idol.
Cameron Comes to Embrace 'Fireproof' Role
"It used to bother me a lot more than it does now," he said. "I really don't care because I've come to a conviction in my own heart."
Cameron's conviction has grown stronger with the flood of e-mails from fans, who say "Fireproof" saved their marriages.
"I think that that's the most wonderful thing about doing the things that I like to do," he said. "Be a part of something God is doing to change the lives of other people."
Christian Flicks Get Grassroot Support
Whatever the content, Hollywood likes a winner. The Samuel Goldwyn film company, more accustomed to big stars like Russell Crowe and Julia Roberts, is the first major studio to embrace Christian films. "Fireproof," then a dark horse, was their release in collaboration with Christian film company Provident Films, and the genre of Christian film is on the horizon.
"It's an underserved audience," said Meyer Gottlieb of Samuel Goldwyn Films. "You know, you can say Christian or faith, that Hollywood is not serving that audience the level it should be serving it, and it's a huge audience. So, I think there are great opportunities, and I'd like to release one or two Christian films a year, or faith-based films a year."
While Christiano doesn't have the support of a studio behind "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry," he's counting on churches to back him.
"What we're trying to do is get churches to sponsor this movie in their local theater, kind of a unique marketing plan," he told ABC News. "We actually charge the church $2,000 and then they pick the theater, we book the theater, when the theater pays us, first $2,000 goes right back to church."
It's not the standing ovation in theaters that matters to Christiano, but pastors' agreement to sign on and sponsor the movie.
"We are definitely sponsoring this movie, we want to put it in theaters and make sure that people have an opportunity to see not only this movie but movies like it," said Pastor Jerry Dirmann of the Rock church in Anaheim, Calif.
Get your popcorn ready -- no swearing, no violence -- just forgiveness, redemption and a church-approved happy ending.
The filmmakers, like Christiano, say it's important to know their audiences, as grassroots support from true believers can't be replicated by a slick Hollywood marketing campaign.
"Thank you for coming; the Lord bless you all," he said to the pastors." ... You won't lose on this and you won't lose with the Lord."
Copyright © 2009 ABC News Internet Ventures
Christian Film Industry Going Mainstream
From 'Godlywood,' Latest Weapon in Cultural War Coming Soon to a Theater Near You
By NEAL KARLINSKY and VICTORIA THOMPSON
ANAHEIM, Calif., June 6, 2009—
Hollywood can be hard to predict, but given the choice between last year's Woody Allen film, "Vicky Christina Barcelona," Sean Penn in "Milk" and a Christian film called "Fireproof," starring aging teen idol Kirk Cameron, not a single industry insider saw this dark horse coming.
"Fireproof," a Christian-themed film straight out of "Godlywood," buried them all as the top-grossing independent film of 2008.
What's the Christian film industry's next brainchild? A soon-to-be-released film called "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry," a film about a 75-year-old man who motivates three young boys to fend off a bully by following the Lord.
The film took center stage last week at an international Christian ministry festival in Anaheim, Calif., where the faithful gathered to pray and to learn about new ways to reach their flocks.
Rich Christiano, the film's director, screened "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" to a pastor-filled crowd, hoping to get them to preach the goodness of his movie and send the faithful to the ticket counter.
Christiano's message was clear: Hollywood is corrupting America.
"Why is it we watch movies with nudity and all this stuff we know we shouldn't? I'll tell you why, because Hollywood rules, not Jesus," Christiano said to the crowd. "Pastors, I'm telling you, this is the fight, this is what's going to steal your youth group; this is what's busting up your marriages. This is the fight. I need you to stand with us."
The movie is becoming the latest weapon in a cultural war coming soon to a theater near you. Christiano, 52, describes himself as a "filmmaker with a message for the Lord."
"George Lucas supposedly said the church, which used to be all powerful, has been usurped by film. And he's right," Christiano said. "The devil knows all this, and he has used films to break down this country; it's a very powerful tool."
With the release of "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry," Christiano is urging the church to start playing offense.
"The church normally plays defense," he said. "Hollywood does something we don't like and we react to it. I say forget about that. Quit complaining and let's go on the offense."
The film stars Gavin MacLeod, who is better known to most as Capt. Stubing from the "Love Boat." MacLeod, who turned to Christ in 1985 after a long career in Hollywood, said he "became essentially a different person."
Transitioning from Hollywood to the emerging Christian film industry, MacLeod said it's "humbling" to be "used by God" in the movie.
Christian Film Festival Rivals Cannes
While the Cannes Film Festival has celebrities, like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the Independent Christian Film Festival in San Antonio sports a large cash award for its top movie, which is $101,000. "The Widow's Might," a 101-minute film written and directed by 19-year-old John Moore of Kaufman, Texas, won the award in January. As for "Fireproof," it's the story of a fireman's battle to save his marriage, and was the shot heard across Hollywood. Opening in theaters in late September, the film earned $33 million at the box office in 2008 on an almost unheard of $500,000 budget.
The film's 2008 gross revenue even beat out the Academy Award-winning "Slumdog Millionaire," which opened in mid-November.
"We were all sort of pinching ourselves and laughing and watching it as it did so well," said Cameron, star of "Fireproof" and former star of TV's "Growing Pains."
While the box office profits speak for themselves, the making of "Fireproof" is a story in its own right.
The film was written and directed on a shoestring budget by the brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, who are pastors in Albany, Ga. Other than Cameron, the entire cast was made up of church members -- and everyone worked for free. The Kendrick brothers say God told them to make the movie.
"Basically, we'll take weeks at a time and say, 'God, what do you want us to do?'" Alex Kendrick said. "We've learned there's a difference between a good idea and a God idea. And we say, 'God, point us in the right direction.'"
Success took more than prayers. "Fireproof" turned to savvy grassroots marketing as a promotion tool; the brothers shared their vision with pastors across the country who, in turn, encouraged their followers to see the film.
"Fireproof's" impressive success has branded Cameron as the face of Christian films -- a title that was bittersweet, at first, for the former teen idol.
Cameron Comes to Embrace 'Fireproof' Role
"It used to bother me a lot more than it does now," he said. "I really don't care because I've come to a conviction in my own heart."
Cameron's conviction has grown stronger with the flood of e-mails from fans, who say "Fireproof" saved their marriages.
"I think that that's the most wonderful thing about doing the things that I like to do," he said. "Be a part of something God is doing to change the lives of other people."
Christian Flicks Get Grassroot Support
Whatever the content, Hollywood likes a winner. The Samuel Goldwyn film company, more accustomed to big stars like Russell Crowe and Julia Roberts, is the first major studio to embrace Christian films. "Fireproof," then a dark horse, was their release in collaboration with Christian film company Provident Films, and the genre of Christian film is on the horizon.
"It's an underserved audience," said Meyer Gottlieb of Samuel Goldwyn Films. "You know, you can say Christian or faith, that Hollywood is not serving that audience the level it should be serving it, and it's a huge audience. So, I think there are great opportunities, and I'd like to release one or two Christian films a year, or faith-based films a year."
While Christiano doesn't have the support of a studio behind "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry," he's counting on churches to back him.
"What we're trying to do is get churches to sponsor this movie in their local theater, kind of a unique marketing plan," he told ABC News. "We actually charge the church $2,000 and then they pick the theater, we book the theater, when the theater pays us, first $2,000 goes right back to church."
It's not the standing ovation in theaters that matters to Christiano, but pastors' agreement to sign on and sponsor the movie.
"We are definitely sponsoring this movie, we want to put it in theaters and make sure that people have an opportunity to see not only this movie but movies like it," said Pastor Jerry Dirmann of the Rock church in Anaheim, Calif.
Get your popcorn ready -- no swearing, no violence -- just forgiveness, redemption and a church-approved happy ending.
The filmmakers, like Christiano, say it's important to know their audiences, as grassroots support from true believers can't be replicated by a slick Hollywood marketing campaign.
"Thank you for coming; the Lord bless you all," he said to the pastors." ... You won't lose on this and you won't lose with the Lord."
Copyright © 2009 ABC News Internet Ventures
The Grits - Ooh Aah (My Life Be Like)
My life be like
Ooh Aah (yeah), Ooh Ooh
My life be like (yeah)
Ooh Aah, Ooh Aah (yeah), Ooh Ooh
Ooh Aah (yeah), Ooh Ooh
My life be like (yeah)
Ooh Aah, Ooh Aah (yeah), Ooh Ooh
My life be like (yeah)
It's times like these that make me say
Lord if you see me please come my way
Leavin' bread crumbs for when I stray
Rely on sacrifice and the price you paid
Feel me like a fingertip (fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip)
Sometimes I fall I slip
My heartfelt desire be more like you
Tryin' not to quench your fire with the things I do
I'm on an island by my lonesome stranded
Low key and stayin' candid
Reflect on all the things I try my hand at
Church for the equations to persuasions I'm used to
Finding comfort in the zones of closet bones I get loose to
A mountainous fontaine
Spinnin' and monsoonin', grinnin' it's hign octane
Explosive how I came
Rollin' down hills cause lifes a hastle
Encircled by my folly like a moat surround a castle
Stay afloat, catch a second wind
Thin
Is the air I breathe
Teary eyed nose runnin' wipe the snot on my sleeve
I'm callin' on the Savior to be all that I need
Please forgive me my behavior had me lost at light speed
It's times like these that make me say
Lord if you see me please come my way
Leavin' bread crumbs for when I stray
Rely on sacrifice and the price you paid
Feel me like a fingertip (fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip)
Sometimes I fall I slip
My heartfelt desire be more like you
Tryin' not to quench your fire with the things I do
The fear of never fallin' in love
And the tears after losin' the feelings of what you thought love was
Like the dirt still up under the rug (My life be like)
Bad characteristics covered in Christs blood
The joy of new birth and the pain of growin' up
The bliss between givin' my all and givin' up
The highs and lows
Paths and roads I chose
In the cold I froze
Tryin' to ease my woes
In this world of sin
Clothes to thin to fend
So to God I send
Words of help to win
In grumblings so deep letters could never express
So the sound of Ooh Aah beneath my breath projects
It's times like these that make me say
Lord if you see me please come my way
Leavin' bread crumbs for when I stray
Rely on sacrifice and the price you paid
Feel me like a fingertip (fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip)
Sometimes I fall I slip
My heartfelt desire be more like you
Tryin' not to quench your fire with the things I do
My life be like
Ooh Aah Ooh
Dum dum ditty
Here come that boy from the Capital City
Last up on the Grits new ditty
But eight bars or the truth well do (uh)
I believe theres a private stunnin
And I believe in the Kindgom Comming
I believe if you seek the truth
You don't need to look far cause it's gonna find you
So why oh why do I trip and stumble?
And ooh aah as commitment crumbles?
I can't believe that I'm here again....
It's times like these that make me say
Lord if you see me please come my way
Leavin' bread crumbs for when I stray
Rely on sacrifice and the price you paid
Feel me like a fingertip (fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip)
Sometimes I fall I slip
My heartfelt desire be more like you
Tryin' not to quench your fire with the things I do
It's times like these that make me say
Lord if you see me please come my way
Leavin' bread crumbs for when I stray
Rely on sacrifice and the price you paid
Feel me like a fingertip (fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip)
Sometimes I fall I slip
My heartfelt desire be more like you
Tryin' not to quench your fire with the things I do
Fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip
Fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip
My life be like
Fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip
Fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip
Ma-ma-my life be like
Fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip
Fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip
My life be like
Fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip
Fa-finger tip, fa-finger tip
My life be like
Grits - Be Mine
hey baby hey baby hey baby
slow down hold up
i want you to be,want you to be mine
hey baby hey baby hey baby
slow down hold up
i want you to be,want you to be mine
hey baby hey baby hey baby
we can hook up
we can hook up
we can get married
this is my gift to you
my love is true
we can get married
(2x)
who'd have thought my babe was on an island of her own
had me smiling on the phone same page different time zones
god's a real character painting caricatures of christ
and his love for the church enduring the pain cuz it hurts
when i saw you i went bezerk insane goin looney and cartooney
so sue me you was a vision of beauty truly
thinking of all the charm to inflect upon my behalf
forgive me don't mean to stare but your hair is down to your calf
tell me about yourself your culture is polynesian
i love when the breeds be mixin our blueprint is in ephesians
instantaneously cultures collided decided we'd ride it
spent time in prayer separately so we wouldn't have to hide it
fictitious image brought to life reflection of love
carefully inspected with gloves so fragile my darling was
and i aint need miss cleo to re-assure me that i got her
scored big like the opening week of harry potter
slow down hold up
i want you to be,want you to be mine
hey baby hey baby hey baby
slow down hold up
i want you to be, want you to be mine
hey baby hey baby hey baby
we can hook up
we can hook up
we can get married
this is my gift to you
my love is true
we can get married
in the beginning i hesitated debated within my soul
wrestling with my feelings of knowing if you was sent
enduring the distance alone being content
longing your presence believing that we was meant
submitted my intent i was truly convinced
youre the women in my life i couldn't breate without
and the one I really wouldn't be complete without
and i wrote this so you wouldn't have any doubt
or misunderstanding of what my love is really about
cause from here on out baby its all about us
and from here on out i wanna build on trust
cause the union we got aint no comparing any other
im askin you to be more than a babys mother
my help mate soul tie my right hand
beginning and end and better half of life
to be my lady my lover my best friend and wife hey
slow down hold up
i want you to be, want you to be mine
hey baby hey baby hey baby
slow down hold up
i want you to be, want you to be mine
we can hook up
we can hook up
we can get married
this is my gift to you
my love is true
we can get married
(2x)
gonna get through it (4x)
slow down hold up
i want you to be, want you to be mine
hey baby hey baby hey baby
slow down hold up
i want you to be, want you to be mine
we can hook up
we can hook up
we can get married
this is my gift to you
my love is true
we can get married
(2x)
6/8/09
God Is Greater Than Our Feelings
"Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything." (1 John 3:20 NLT)
So, then, no matter how guilty we feel about something for whatever reason - whether it's the devil's lies or because we did or said something wrong - God can forgive us. Sometimes we feel guilty because we really did do something wrong, but sometimes we feel guilty because our corrupt nature inside of us likes to play tricks on us and we get confused. The devil starts lying to us and we buy into it. We start worrying or feeling bad, harping on the past as if it's happening now. Once you have accepted the shed blood of Jesus upon your soul, you belong to Jesus forever. And no amount of sin before nor afterward is going to change that. God's love for you is eternal and He will not turn His back on you. Once you've accepted Him, then He will not take that away from you. So, there is no need to feel guilty if you haven't really done anything wrong and if it's in the past then you are allowed to move forward and forgive yourself - even if it's really hard and what you've done is really bad. This is because God has forgiven you and you cannot live your life properly for Him, yourself or really for anyone if you stay in the rut of constant self-condemnation and unforgiveness. If you have sinned, then confess it to God and turn from that sin. Do your best to get it right with regards to your sin and with any person you might have hurt. But, either way, if you have Jesus then you are forgiven. Look for the truth of God in the situation. Do not rely on your feelings to always tell you the truth, as your feelings are not always correct (Jeremiah 17:9). Sometimes they are, but sometimes they are not. But, God is greater than even our own heart. Instead, always trust in God as He is always correct and cannot lie. This is why it is so important to know His Word and Holy Spirit, and to pray to Him.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
So, then, no matter how guilty we feel about something for whatever reason - whether it's the devil's lies or because we did or said something wrong - God can forgive us. Sometimes we feel guilty because we really did do something wrong, but sometimes we feel guilty because our corrupt nature inside of us likes to play tricks on us and we get confused. The devil starts lying to us and we buy into it. We start worrying or feeling bad, harping on the past as if it's happening now. Once you have accepted the shed blood of Jesus upon your soul, you belong to Jesus forever. And no amount of sin before nor afterward is going to change that. God's love for you is eternal and He will not turn His back on you. Once you've accepted Him, then He will not take that away from you. So, there is no need to feel guilty if you haven't really done anything wrong and if it's in the past then you are allowed to move forward and forgive yourself - even if it's really hard and what you've done is really bad. This is because God has forgiven you and you cannot live your life properly for Him, yourself or really for anyone if you stay in the rut of constant self-condemnation and unforgiveness. If you have sinned, then confess it to God and turn from that sin. Do your best to get it right with regards to your sin and with any person you might have hurt. But, either way, if you have Jesus then you are forgiven. Look for the truth of God in the situation. Do not rely on your feelings to always tell you the truth, as your feelings are not always correct (Jeremiah 17:9). Sometimes they are, but sometimes they are not. But, God is greater than even our own heart. Instead, always trust in God as He is always correct and cannot lie. This is why it is so important to know His Word and Holy Spirit, and to pray to Him.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 NKJV)
What Is Love?
What is love?
By: Michele Tutty
This is a question for the ages. It would seem so easy to answer. "Love is when you feel 'in love,'" or "love is when you feel like this and that and the other." But, when you really think about love, where does it come from. Why do people love. I mean, what really is love? And, obviously there are different kinds of love - love for family, love for spouse, love for kids, love for your friends, love for humanity, love for animals and etc. But, why are there different kinds of love? The concept of love seems so simple, yet so complicated - something right off the tip of your nose, yet something so difficult to completely fathom.
I believe that love is much more than a feeling; much more than having affection and an emotion for someone or something. I can see that it is also a choice, an action. That is why sometimes you might not feel "in love" with someone or you might not feel like doing something good for someone, but that doesn't mean you don't love them and that doesn't mean that you don't do good for them anyway - at least sometimes - despite what you feel at the time.
And, some people show love a lot more than others. Some people have a way with words, others show it best through their giving and yet others show their love by simply being there for someone, even if they never say the words, "I love you." Everyone has their own particular "style" of showing and displaying their love for someone.
Yet, there are times when we don't show very much love with our actions. We might purposely not treat someone right when we know we ought to. Why do we do that? And, why is it that sometimes people can really hurt other people - and even know the consequences of their actions - and yet they do it anyway? Is it because they are really acting out of the bad in them and not out of the love that is inside them somewhere? Yes, I believe so. And, that is a choice.
Although there are times when we don't show very much love with our words and actions, that doesn't mean that we don't love. And, it doesn't mean that we don't care. Because love is more than feelings. But, it does also seem to be more than action. This doesn't make sense and it wouldn't make sense to me unless I could see it and understand it for myself.
I see love as being something deep inside that cannot be altered. It is like how most people see the people that they love most and are closest to in life. It's like this knowledge within you that no matter what happens and no matter what they might do to you, you will always love them. Why do we do that? This itself proves that love is more than feelings and words and even actions. So, then what makes you love?
I believe love is really something eternal, something that cannot be altered once it is set within you. You can stray from it and get lost and feel bad and get confused and all kinds of stuff. But, it doesn't mean that it's not inside of you somewhere, on some level. Even if you can't always see it and understand it.
The Bible says that God is love and that love comes from Him and that we are able to love because He first loved us. I believe this is true. This is where love comes from then - it comes from God. There are feelings and emotions involved and actions as well, but the reason why love can be and is eternal is because God is eternal. That is why love is eternal. That is why we love and are capable of doing so. Because He first loved us.
"We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19 ESV)
"...let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God." (1 John 4:7 NIV)
"God showed how much he loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love — not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." (1 John 4:9-10 NIV)
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:16 NLT)
"...since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." (1 John 4:11 NIV)
By: Michele Tutty
This is a question for the ages. It would seem so easy to answer. "Love is when you feel 'in love,'" or "love is when you feel like this and that and the other." But, when you really think about love, where does it come from. Why do people love. I mean, what really is love? And, obviously there are different kinds of love - love for family, love for spouse, love for kids, love for your friends, love for humanity, love for animals and etc. But, why are there different kinds of love? The concept of love seems so simple, yet so complicated - something right off the tip of your nose, yet something so difficult to completely fathom.
I believe that love is much more than a feeling; much more than having affection and an emotion for someone or something. I can see that it is also a choice, an action. That is why sometimes you might not feel "in love" with someone or you might not feel like doing something good for someone, but that doesn't mean you don't love them and that doesn't mean that you don't do good for them anyway - at least sometimes - despite what you feel at the time.
And, some people show love a lot more than others. Some people have a way with words, others show it best through their giving and yet others show their love by simply being there for someone, even if they never say the words, "I love you." Everyone has their own particular "style" of showing and displaying their love for someone.
Yet, there are times when we don't show very much love with our actions. We might purposely not treat someone right when we know we ought to. Why do we do that? And, why is it that sometimes people can really hurt other people - and even know the consequences of their actions - and yet they do it anyway? Is it because they are really acting out of the bad in them and not out of the love that is inside them somewhere? Yes, I believe so. And, that is a choice.
Although there are times when we don't show very much love with our words and actions, that doesn't mean that we don't love. And, it doesn't mean that we don't care. Because love is more than feelings. But, it does also seem to be more than action. This doesn't make sense and it wouldn't make sense to me unless I could see it and understand it for myself.
I see love as being something deep inside that cannot be altered. It is like how most people see the people that they love most and are closest to in life. It's like this knowledge within you that no matter what happens and no matter what they might do to you, you will always love them. Why do we do that? This itself proves that love is more than feelings and words and even actions. So, then what makes you love?
I believe love is really something eternal, something that cannot be altered once it is set within you. You can stray from it and get lost and feel bad and get confused and all kinds of stuff. But, it doesn't mean that it's not inside of you somewhere, on some level. Even if you can't always see it and understand it.
The Bible says that God is love and that love comes from Him and that we are able to love because He first loved us. I believe this is true. This is where love comes from then - it comes from God. There are feelings and emotions involved and actions as well, but the reason why love can be and is eternal is because God is eternal. That is why love is eternal. That is why we love and are capable of doing so. Because He first loved us.
"We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19 ESV)
"...let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God." (1 John 4:7 NIV)
"God showed how much he loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love — not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." (1 John 4:9-10 NIV)
"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:16 NLT)
"...since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." (1 John 4:11 NIV)
6/2/09
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (Movie Trailer)
Ben Stein may not look like a typical school rebel---but when he learned that educators and scientists were being ridiculed, denied tenure, and even fired for the "crime" of discussing evidence of "design" in nature, he'd had enough! Join him as he travels the world, questioning academia's doctrine of random evolution and championing intellectual freedom!
www.getexpelled.com
The Israel/Palestinian Conflict Pt. 1
From the Hal Lindsey Report. What is the modern history of the conflict? Who is right and who is wrong? What is the truth? Why is this important to us? What does the Bible have to say about it and is it relevant?
The Israel/Palestinian Conflict Pt. 2
From the Hal Lindsey Report. What is the modern history of the conflict? Who is right and who is wrong? What is the truth? Why is this important to us? What does the Bible have to say about it and is it relevant?
The Israel/Palestinian Conflict Pt. 3
From the Hal Lindsey Report. What is the modern history of the conflict? Who is right and who is wrong? What is the truth? Why is this important to us? What does the Bible have to say about it and is it relevant?
6/1/09
Creed "My Own Prison"
A court is in session, a verdict is in
No appeal on the docket today
Just my own sin
The walls are cold and pale
The cage made of steel
Screams fill the room
Alone I drop and kneel
Silence now the sound
My breath the only motion around
Demons cluttering around
My face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence
Expecting no return
Here there is no penance
My skin begins to burn
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
I hear a thunder in the distance
See a vision of a cross
I feel the pain that was given
On that sad day of loss
A lion roars in the darkness
Only he holds the key
A light to free me from my burden
And grant me life eternally
Should have been dead
On a Sunday morning
Banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time{repeat}
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
[Guitar break]
I cry out to God
Seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison
I cry out to God
Seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one
(And I said oh) So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
((And I said oh) We're all held captive
Out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one) I created I created
My own prison
Should've been dead on a Sunday morning
banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time
What Is The Point Of Prayer? (Please Read)
If God knows everything about us, including our thoughts and our hearts, and he knows all of our needs - then what is the point of praying to God?
I have had more than one person ask me this question. I have found that before I even read the Bible as a believer of God, I knew that I needed to speak to God. I knew that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, but that was not really the point of why I prayed to God. You see, prayer is more than just asking God for things or asking for forgiveness or moving on the behalf of other people, it is about communicating to God. Prayer is one way, a powerful and easy way, to communicate with God. Prayer provides us the opportunity to talk to and fellowship with God. Because being a believer of God is not just about having faith, it is about having a personal and loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. If anyone had a relationship with someone, they would not want that person to cease from speaking to them. The more they care about them, the more they want to communicate with them. Prayer is one way for us to fellowship with God. It is not about God not being able to do anything apart from our prayers to Him because God is not limited to our own capabilities. And, anyway, apart from Him we can do nothing good anyway because God is goodness. So, there are many reasons to pray, but the primary reason - I believe - is to participate in communicating and fellow-shipping with God. And, I have personally found that doing this provides a great blessing to me. It makes me feel better and happy and it comforts me. Because, I enjoy the presence of my God who loves me and cares for me and knows what is best for me. I know that God is always right, and I can always trust and rely on Him. The truth is that no one and nothing is better than God. So please, if you are lacking in your prayer life or if you don't have a prayer life at all, please consider the point that I have made. What could it hurt?
I have had more than one person ask me this question. I have found that before I even read the Bible as a believer of God, I knew that I needed to speak to God. I knew that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, but that was not really the point of why I prayed to God. You see, prayer is more than just asking God for things or asking for forgiveness or moving on the behalf of other people, it is about communicating to God. Prayer is one way, a powerful and easy way, to communicate with God. Prayer provides us the opportunity to talk to and fellowship with God. Because being a believer of God is not just about having faith, it is about having a personal and loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. If anyone had a relationship with someone, they would not want that person to cease from speaking to them. The more they care about them, the more they want to communicate with them. Prayer is one way for us to fellowship with God. It is not about God not being able to do anything apart from our prayers to Him because God is not limited to our own capabilities. And, anyway, apart from Him we can do nothing good anyway because God is goodness. So, there are many reasons to pray, but the primary reason - I believe - is to participate in communicating and fellow-shipping with God. And, I have personally found that doing this provides a great blessing to me. It makes me feel better and happy and it comforts me. Because, I enjoy the presence of my God who loves me and cares for me and knows what is best for me. I know that God is always right, and I can always trust and rely on Him. The truth is that no one and nothing is better than God. So please, if you are lacking in your prayer life or if you don't have a prayer life at all, please consider the point that I have made. What could it hurt?
True Success & Happiness
If you hunger more for worldly riches than for the treasures of knowing God, then you're climbing the wrong ladder of success. Genuine eternal blessing is measured in relationship with Jesus, not monetary accumulation. Make Christ your top priority and chief joy, and you will experience true prosperity...
The satisfaction of possession is fleeting and, therefore, requires the pursuit of more in an effort to regain the same feeling of gratification...
Lasting pleasure and security are found only in the Lord. He richly supplies us with all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). But, if we let His tangible benefits become our primary desire, we'll lose our contentment. Seek God through His Word and prayer; as you learn to delight in Him, you will discover enduring satisfaction for your soul. - Charles Stanley
The satisfaction of possession is fleeting and, therefore, requires the pursuit of more in an effort to regain the same feeling of gratification...
Lasting pleasure and security are found only in the Lord. He richly supplies us with all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). But, if we let His tangible benefits become our primary desire, we'll lose our contentment. Seek God through His Word and prayer; as you learn to delight in Him, you will discover enduring satisfaction for your soul. - Charles Stanley
5/30/09
Suicidal Tendencies "Institutionalized"
This is exactly why kids need true love, attention, proper guidance and proper discipline from their parents, family and those in authority. If they don't get it and their own family just shoves them in a crazy house then they end up feeling unloved, unwanted, suicidal perhaps and/or psychotic. Just love them and accept them and try to understand them and be there for them. Don't give up on them and do please pray for them.
LYRICS
Sometimes I try to do things
And it just doesn't work out the way I want it to.
It's like, I try hard to do it
And I get real frustrated.
And I take my time
But it just doesn't work out the way I want it to.
It's like I concentrate on it real hard,
But it just doesn't work out.
And everything I do and everything I try,
It never turns out!
It's like, I need time to figure these things out.
There's always someone there going,
"Hey Mike, you know,
We've been noticing you've been having a lot of problems lately, you
Know.
You should maybe get away,
You'd feel a lot better."
And like, maybe you should talk about it,
Just leave me alone, I'll figure it out you know.
I go, "No, it's okay you know, I'll figure it out.
And they go, "Well, you know, if you wanna talk about it,
I'm just working on myself."
I'll be here ya know,
And you'll probably feel a lot better if ya talked about it,
So why don'tcha talk about it?!"
I go, "No! I don't want to I'm okay! I'll figure it out myself!"
But they just keep buggin' me,
They just keep buggin' me
And it builds up inside!
So you're gonna be institutionalized
You won't have any say
You'll come out brainwashed with bloodshot eyes
They'll brainwash you until you see their way
I'm not crazy - Institution
You're the one who's crazy - Institution
You're driving me crazy - Institution
They stuck me in an institution
Said it was the only solution
To protect me from the enemy, myself
To give me the needed professional help
Uh - I was in my room
But then again I was thinking about nothing.
And I was just like staring at the wall thinking 'bout everything
And then my Mom came in,
And I didn't even know she was there.
She called my name
But I didn't hear her.
Then she started screaming, "Mike, Mike!"
And I go, "What? What's the matter?"
She goes, "What's the matter with you?!"
I go, "There's nothin' wrong Mom."
She goes, "Don't tell me that, you're on drugs!"
I go, "No Mom, I'm not on drugs.
Why don't ya give me a Pepsi?"
I'm okay, I'm just thinking, you know.
I go, "Mom, I'm okay, I'm just thinking."
She goes, "No, you're on drugs!"
Normal people don't act in that way!"
She goes, "No, you're not thinking, you're on drugs!
All I want is a Pepsi."
I go, "Mom, just give me a Pepsi please,
Just one Pepsi!
And she wouldn't give it to me!
And she wouldn't give it to me!
All I wanted was a Pepsi!
Just a Pepsi!
They give you a white shirt with long sleeves
Tied around your back, you're treated like thieves
Drug you up because they're lazy
It's too much work to help a crazy
I'm not crazy - Institution
You're the one who's crazy - Institution
You're driving me crazy - Institution
They stuck me in an institution
To give me the needed professional help
Said it was the only solution
To protect me from the enemy, myself
I was sitting in my room.
My Mom and my Dad came in.
So they pull up a chair and they sat down.
They go, "Mike, we need to talk to you."
And I go, "Okay, what's the matter?"
They go, "Me and your Mom,
We've been noticing lately you've been having a lot of problems,
And you've been going off for no reason.
And we're afraid you're gonna hurt somebody,
We're afraid you're gonna hurt yourself.
So we decided that it would be in your best interest
If we put you somewhere
Where you could get the help that you need."
And I go, "Wait! What are ya talking about?!
We decided?!
My best interest?!
How can you say what my best interest is!
And what are ya trying ta say, I'm crazy?!
How do you know what my best interest is!
When I went to your schools!
I went to your churches!
I went to your institutional learning facilities!
So how can ya say I'm crazy?!
They say they're gonna fix my brain
But by the time they fix my head
Alleviate my suffering and my pain
Mentally, I'll be dead
Chorus (two verses):
I'm not crazy - Institution
You're the one who's crazy - Institution
You're driving me crazy - Institution
They stuck me in an institution
Said it was the only solution
To give me the needed professional help
To protect me from the enemy, myself
...Doesn't matter I'll probably get hit by a car anyway
Don't Ignore Weak Spots
By: Jesse Duplantis
The devil will rarely attack you in your strong areas because he knows that he doesn't have a good chance of causing you to fail or fall in that area. So, he's looking for a weak spot. That's why it's important for you to concentrate on the weak areas...and you do that by praying and focusing your energy on getting stronger in that area...Whatever it is, search the Word for a scripture that you can stand on and then start confessing strength over your weakness like Joel 3:10 says: "...let the weak say, I am strong."
The devil will rarely attack you in your strong areas because he knows that he doesn't have a good chance of causing you to fail or fall in that area. So, he's looking for a weak spot. That's why it's important for you to concentrate on the weak areas...and you do that by praying and focusing your energy on getting stronger in that area...Whatever it is, search the Word for a scripture that you can stand on and then start confessing strength over your weakness like Joel 3:10 says: "...let the weak say, I am strong."
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