I have been a wrestling fan for nearly 20 years. I am HARDcore fan of WWE. When it comes to the world of professional wrestling I know my stuff and if your a fan of wrestling and you want the inside scoop of wrestling inside news , I am your source for everything wrestling.
Fear, what does it mean? fear 1. 1. A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger.
What is it you fear? Maybe you fear the loss of jobs, money , failing a test, family implications. Even DEATH. In the bible fear is clearly stated in the bible. Fear Not, Thou shall not fear, Fear the Lord. Its easy to get trapped in fear, there seems to be fear around every corner. You see it, on the TV, internet in magazines, you even hear it on the radio. There is some crazy "normal people out whon say theres nothing wrong with a little fear, its natrual.n WRONG. FEAR is not an instrument of God, but of the devil and the devil will use fear to keep you in his bondage. As long as you fear , you give Satan all the power to manipulate you in every which way. I am sure you might recgonize the NO FEAR clothing line. I am sure that to the ordinary eye the clothing line may look like just clothes, but with the six letters and two. I see the clothing line as not far from the truth.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (King James Version)
6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Have you ever wondered what makes the perfect JELLO mold? First step, the making of JELLO. With just the right amount of water and of your course , many different kinds of flavour. Not to mention when the JELLO goes into its mold and it comes out looking exactly like you wanted to. As people often do they reflect on their livess, from the past to the present. In the case of God and my life, I would say that I was raised a little harsh, disciplined of often. Now in the case of God, I was brought back to life at birth. With that being said my parents also tried their best to discipline my body not really knowing why it was so difficult growing up untill now. I have a father that spent most of childhood trying to inspire me physically, by showing me how important it is to workout. I have a mother that treated like royality. Which makes me how can a society abuse drugs alcohol and other things the way they do and still feel like their cool. You know there is a certain scripture in the bible that I think can perfectly describe to everyone the way the youth view God. When your Young it is your belief that you are untouchable. 1 Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” 2 Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. 3 Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.
4 Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.
5 Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.
6 Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. 7 For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
The same can be said for your body 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New Living Translation)
19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
Have ever wondered what it would be like to be famous? To have screaming fans charge you for autographs on the streets. What if you became a famous rock musican, how would you feel. I have a couple questions for you. What do you consider great music? What influence or lasting impact does music have on you? No this devotional is not about hating secular music, because lets face it people, some music is just SO good. In the place of bibles we have mp3 players, in the place of TV we have Youtube. In the place of the gospel song amazing grace, we have Green Day's Jesus of Suburbia. Cleary for christians Christ number one in their lives. Why shouldn't Jesus on the cover of the Rolling Stone? I know what some people may think of Christian music, some people may think its just not their style, its a genre filled with banjos. "I'm not down with that, its too old school for me. It seems like anytime Jesus makes into a magazine, it seems like the only magazine good enough to discuss "The Jesus topic," Is magazines like National Geographic, - what's that old saying "coutroversy creates cash."
Let me give you a small list of Christian Musicans
Lecrae KJ52 Manefest Kutless Rebecca St. James Paramore Skillet Jeremy Camp Casting Crowns Rachel Lampa Thousand Foot Krutch Switchfoot TBone Merecy Me Superchick Micheal W. Smith 33 Miles Kids in the way Building 429 Group 1 Crew Fireflight Pilar
Now to me that seems like quite a great lineup of artists... So where are they?
Now one of my favouite movies Almost famous, and there is a reason, because I am fighting for a place the Radio and music industry. I watch the movie Almost famous quite often for the very simplist of ideas that I may get to better my status in the Radio Broadcasting industry. I surround myself with music, think i'm joking trust me I'm not I only watch an hour of TV a day, the rest of the day is spent with my headphones on listening to music , different genres and such. Its all for preperation to better my status ibn the Radio Broadcasting industry. My goal in life is to live out my ultimate passion since the age of 16, SPEAK and play music.
Here now is the Almost Famous trailer....
Here is Green Days's - Jesus of Suburbia
Here is Tbone - Name Dropping
Now you may wonder why I'm writing a devotional like this, three words Evangelism Taskn Force summer challenge. No I'm not going to pour oil on your head, I'm just asking you to try listen to a ChristiaN artist. The great thing about this summer challenge is, its simple to do and no one gets hurt.
With that in mind as we look at Pslam 100 it says,
Psalm 100 (New Living Translation)
Psalm 100 A psalm of thanksgiving. 1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. 3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
From my experience - I will say this , Christian music, really is a "JOYFUL NOISE."
I ask you a challenging question, how do you celebrate your faith? Even more do you celebrate faith. I am quickly reminded of a satire religious film "Dogma." In essence what you may be thinking how can you learn a lesson about God from a satire religious comedy. In one scene it said,
"Faith is like a glass of water, when your young thhe glass is small and its easy to fill. As you get you older the glass gets bigger the same amount of liquid doesn't fill it anymore." In all honesty , I believe that statement quote has touched on a certain on a truth. Although it is good at times to have childlike faith, just as important is to seek wisdonm from God. Thats why Christianity although usually placed under the orgins of religious context. If you wish to grow in Christ, you must build a relationship and wisdom will follow suit.
Psalm 37 [a]A psalm of David. 1 Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. 2 For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. 6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. 9 For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
10 Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone. 11 The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity.
12 The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. 13 But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.
14 The wicked draw their swords and string their bows to kill the poor and the oppressed, to slaughter those who do right. 15 But their swords will stab their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
16 It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. 17 For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly.
18 Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. 19 They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough.
20 But the wicked will die. The Lord’s enemies are like flowers in a field— they will disappear like smoke.
21 The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. 22 Those the Lord blesses will possess the land, but those he curses will die.
23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
25 Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. 26 The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.
27 Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. 28 For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly.
He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. 29 The godly will possess the land and will live there forever.
30 The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. 31 They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path.
32 The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. 33 But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.
34 Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.
35 I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. 36 But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!
37 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. 38 But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.
39 The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.
Before I begin I just want to set the record straight on a few things. His name is RUNKS. Secondly this devotional won't be one for your mom. (what does that mean? Well it means the devotional is going to be shaken up, thats right people. God wants to shake things up. It is my hope that in this devotional you will not see just words, sentences , pronouns, adjectives, nouns, verbs or adverbs. It is my hope that when you read this devotional that along side will be God himself, and you will feel the AWESOME POWER OF GOD running through your veins.
With all that in mind lets jump right into the power of God's truth that I call the bible.
Audio : Live weak, you want to know what its like to be a Christian you have to live week, The world believes in living strong but the fact is No one can live strong. I'm not talking about being I'm talking about living weak, summitting to God, so that his will be done. If you place your trust in God and you ask him from your heart of hearts to walk with you in boldness he will grant you BOLDNESS. In the end the things you buy in this life aren't going to save you. One AWESOME MAN can save you and that is JESUS CHRIST.
Audio Reckneck Fisherman: Boldness to be a Christian. To be a Christian in a world like this we have to be bold whenever our faith is challenged. We live in a world where Christians are stereotyped as just a bunch of people who are narrow minded and have no idea what they are talking about. When we are challenged it our time to step up and be BOLD to show people who don't believe , not only that we believe it, but why believe it. One of the ways you do that is not speaking for God, but rather let God speak through you.
Acts 4:5-13 (New Living Translation)
5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. 7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,[a] the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,
‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’[b]
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
Audio Be Still and know him as God. We live in a world where we are constantly bombarred with information, whether it be from the internet, TV, Xbox. If you want to know who God is , it is no diffent than spending time with your friends, you grow your friendships in life by spending time with them. Its no different than God. How do I know that???
John 15:15 (New International Version)
15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Psalm 46:10 (New Living Translation)
10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
Audio Funny Name, Funny Guy, Deep Message: Anybody can be like anybody. Anybody can do drugs, anybody can cheat on a test, anybody can lie to their parents, anybody can have sex. It takes no guts to live like everyone else. If we place our trust in Jesus and stop living the way of the world, we'd start being like Jesus. Stop looking at the ways of the world as something you don't get to anymore and start looking at it in ways, you don't have be that way or live your your life that way anymore. As God's children God not to be apart of this world so we can make a difference.
John 14:6 (New Living Translation)
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Stand up , step up, open your hearts. This devotional is based on one thing in my opinion we take advantage of that is TIME. We often take advantage of time. Can you remember when you were younger, at age 10. Remember who you ages like 20 and 30 were so old. It seems when were younger time when by too quick, and that we have grown up I often reflect with my friends on how life was in the not so distant past. Time isn't what you should be focused on in life. Happiness, kindness and sincerity is what we all should focus on. Forget the way , you live your how is it going to help you in the end.
In essence people it may look like on the surface we have everything we want. But reguardless of that there is much SIN in the world, I think thats where people get messed up with an importance of one Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was a savior to the world and why do we need a savior , we need a savior because of the in the world.
Revelation 12:12 (New International Version)
12Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short."
Revelation 21 (New International Version)
Revelation 21 The New Jerusalem 1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Do you like the hair? Its pretty amusing to me when I look back on it. When I got the hair done, some people think that I had lost my mind. It was so out of context when it come to me, well according to people.
Haha I would have to say the same sanerio was set when I sought to have God in my life. People again thought I went nuts a bit koko. I assured that I was not nuts and that Jesus to me has a deeper meaning for me and myself. Since I have gotten older.
Before I had a relationship with Christ, I did everything I could to try to fit in, I was brought down so many times, I went to my father and ask him why can't people understand? He told me; They don't know who you are.
It seems now times have changed and the shoes on the other foot and the shoes are now walking in a different direction. Let me touch on something November 11th every year is known as Vetrans Day. Or in Canada, remembering soliders is simply donned the holiday of Rememberance Day.
The two holidays are self- explainatory. We remember vetrans who fought in the war and died for the cause of freedom. When people think I'm nuts for having a bible, having the posters, wearing the crosses the answer to that is this. I have the bibles, I wear the crosses, I write the devotionals, I have the posters, BUT in no way is it for show, it is show rememberance for Jesus Christ. Who died for the freedom of mankind.
Romans 1:16 (New International Version)
16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
I find this imnage perfect to repersent this next devotional. In life I find that alot of people blame God for a lot things, when he no means to harm us. Its really quite unbelieveable what some people will think of God. In life God gets blamed for death, God gets blamed for sending people to Hell, WARS, BAD PEOPKE, DISEASE its really quite something. When I stop and look at it all its really quite remarkable.
The reason I find it to be so remarkable. is simply because as smart as we are as human beings, we still have short comming, most of whicb is understanding things I'm not talking about driving a car or figuring out an algebra equation. I'm talking about the biggest mystery to many people that in which is God,. What we all deal with in life in much played out this way.
(this is just a sanerio in my opinion)
A guy named Dave gets a job as an artist. He works as a cartoonist for Warner Bros. He's come up with a great cartoon character and lets say for the sake of an arguement call him Mickey Mouse. 2 weeks later Dave hands his boss the cartoon sketching and the cartoon gets rejected. Lets say Dave takes this pretty hard and he begins to drink. Cursing and lashing out on God for destoying his lifelong dream. Same kind of thing happens when people die, they blame God for their loss, they lash out and become very angry.
One of the greatest things, men and woman alike can't even begin to understand is the single moment in Garden of Eden. God gets blamed for creating rules. Sure Adam was tricked, but ultimately the choice was his to eat the apple.
Heres's my major point. People always say two things in life and its gotten to the point where I must address them for a bit of clearity. 1. People say we are in control of our destiny. 2. How can loving and forgiving God sent someone to Hell?
1. In people are right they are in control of their own destiny, because of free will.. 2. Because of that free will you make a choice to live one way or the other. So don't blame for your troubles. Rather welcome jesus into your heart.
Genesis 3 (New International Version)
Genesis 3 The Fall of Man 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "
4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
10 He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."
11 And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"
12 The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it."
13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring [a] and hers; he will crush [b] your head, and you will strike his heel."
16 To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."
17 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."
20 Adam [c] named his wife Eve, [d] because she would become the mother of all the living.
21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side [e] of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
SEX,SEX & MORE SEX.... Part of this devotional will come from a posting I read from my friends blog, I hope she doesn't mind. I started to read Silvie's blog and it made me think of the ways she was thinking at the time she wrote it. I say that part of this devotional will come from Silvie's blog and I say this because , she is a woman and she can explain it better than I can....
Before I begin with presnting you with Silvie's points I myself would like to point out to all of you the picture of the famous reality tv star Tila Tequila. Doesn't she look HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!!...... In reality she looks more like the plastic barbie dolls that my sister used to play with when she was younger.
The media is after us, and the chances are escaping...is slim to none. Media has become our lives, we eat, sleep, breathe, think and live it.
The television has become a staple in North American homes, those homes that do not have one are considered abnormal. Sure, the television does have some interesting shows, and there is some valuable information that you can gain from watching certain programs, but this is not what I'm talking about. The radio perhaps not be as popular as it used to be with the age of the ipod and mp3 player, but the amount of time that teens are spending listening to music is on the rise as well. Magazines are another issue. Magazines have become a huge "thing" for teenagers to read and amuse themselves with, looking at the people in the magazines for their role models and trying to become like the people on the pages.
There is no doubt about it, the media has an effect on those that are involved in it. There is going to be a difference in those people that watch 2 hours of tv a night and those that do not watch tv at all, it's almost impossible to not be impacted by what you see, hear, and read. I found some interesting statistics on a statistic site that I thought I'd share: Apparently we are blind, or just ignorant to the fact that the media is having a major effect on this generation...and is going to continue to do so unless we decide to do things our way, instead of the media's.
Not only is suicide, and cutting on the rise but it seems that sex has become a recreational hobby. Sleeping around doesn't seem to be wrong anymore, it seems to the norm...and infact your "cool" if you sleep around. It's an open invitation for a reputation...lets not say if it's good or bad, but it's also an open invitation for stds and pregnancy. Not only does it open up a cut that will take a long time to heal, yet it's even more sad that so many of us don't even realize the cut, as it rips bigger and bigger.
I think some people when looking at sex, see it as just a normal thing. I think some people see SEX as beautiful. The funny thing is, their right , sex is beautiful. But not for the way people think it is. Sex is beautiful because it was created by God to create life. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. I'm sick and tired of hearing from people sex is wonderful, and just because you have it and our not married, doesn't make it wrong. Having sex before marriage does make it wrong. men and women alike are falling asleep at the wheel. I think I can agree with my friend Silvie on this when I say, People when are we going to start waking up?
I have a couple videos that you may see....
1 Peter 5:8 (New International Version)
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
I want to take this time to thank Silvie her AWESOME BLOG
Anthony
Remember people, One love, One, God, One Way! God Bless
Hello I write this devotional os a written letter for all the world to see. Take notice of this devotional read it , take it to heart. I come to you this morning ashamed to be apart of a generation of what I can only call as blind mice. What do I say that. It is my opinion that entered Satan's invasion. So many unbelievers are getting sucked in to the temporary things of this world. Do you have many ads you see and heareach day wether it be on the internet, radio or TV. Most of the ads generally are created targeted to a group of people. For example Pussycat Dolls CD'S target audience girls 12-19. In music people are so effected by music its terrible, moore and more young people. are swearing at younger and younger age. People you have to understand THIS IS SATAN'S WORLD. You want to know I know that because there is no sin in heaven. When Satan fell he went on a mission to decieve humanity as retrobution for his fall. He would condem the people of this world as a way for the very people that God created in his own image an likeness to be decieved and buy into Satan's propaganda. God made us all you unique , he made us all beautiful SHUT SATAN OUT. Maybe Bill Cosby and KJ52 can say it better than I can, you be the judge.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (New Living Translation)
4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
Don't run from God, Respect God, and God will love you because you are his creation. Treat God like your father, run to him to tell him you love him, he will be there for you all the days of your life.
What does Batman, Superman and Spiderman have in common?.... There comic book heroes. I was watching this movie this afternoon "Unbreakable." Unbreakable is about two people living in a real world, who try to figure out where their purpose lies within the world. After watching the movie and a bit of the special features I started to think. Thats exactly how people see God and Satan. To them they laugh at Christians because they think accordinjg to their own ideas that the duality between God and Satan are just that fables. If you think about it I can see where their coming from. Good VS Evil , It is said that Good can not exist without evil. Well let me tell you throughout the comic books they have a conqueering hero that triumphs over evil everytime. You see it on TV all the time right? So why can't be real? It can't be real to atheists for the same reason they don't believe in God. They can't see the truth. Some atheists would go as far as saying God if there is a God he is a tirant who sits on a thrown far, far away and hes ready to let anyone suffer who doesn't believe in him. If you are a Christian reading this and you find this devotional dark and a bit off beat, don't worry because I am getting to the good part. What sets comic books apart from the bible is stated in John 3:16 Even
John 3:16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. more so,
Hebrews 4:12 (New International Version)
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
If you seek God for real truth an you open your whole heart to God, he can transform you, to the better.
Tonight at Pioneer Park Church of God I was host and MC of an event called INSPIRATION night 2009. The theme was to be light hearted and speak the truth. See Jesus from the view of child. I chose this theme , because I love to talk and I am quite the humours guy, well atleast I think so. I think too often more so now than ever in this generation obsessed with absolute truth. I ask you this, is so wrong to think like a child. Is it so wrong to view the world from a childs life. Remember their innocence.
We have been a generation who chooses not to laugh with God, but rather aganist God. We have become a world of people who look to scientific evidence for the truth about God. We have become a generation of people b uying into propaganda. What happened to our childlike innocence. Sure we get older, but in reality shouldn't we seek God the exact same way regaurdless of age. Too many procieve God as a father figure who will burn you if you screw up. Whats wrong with promoting a positive message about God, so that we can share a laugh or two and be light hearted.
Thoughts on God on how I believe the world views God today, by Matt Dammon a scene from Dogma
Mark 10:15 (New Living Translation)
15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
This devotional comes to you today after a lesson I was taught all this week and I failed to see the big picture. Did you know there is a difference between having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to fear God? How did I learn this lesson you ask, well I paid very little attention to the word of God and I got so wrapped up in the the things that I was doing, I didn`t take time for God. Now what does that mean? It means that I would spent most of my worrying about the things that didn't matter. In plain English I re-visited the past a time where I didn't know Christ. Even tell today I didn't know the difference. Personally I thought once you had Jesus in your life, that was it the hard was over. For the longest time I was just ok with life being like that. Because if I sinned I could pray to Jesus and ask him to make it all better. But the reality of it was I wasn't getting the big picture. I didn't fear the Lord. I know in times like this the words "Fear the Lord." Aren't a very good concept for a God that is susposed to be all loving and full of mercy. Most people these days don't want to talk about fear in the Lord, because than it becomes to hard for people to live by God's rules. But I learned even though Jesus is the savior who opens the door to heaven, its upto to walk through and when I say walk through it, I do mean walk through it and fear the Lord. Now at first sight I would have agreed with you afteer hearing the words fear the Lord, your God. In quiokly found out, that fear in the Lord, your God is nesscary for us to be obident to God`s word. 1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going." Jesus the Way to the Father 5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know[b] my Father as well.
I was reading a devotional today that dealt with life and the end. I have been thinking alot about this topic for a while now and here is what I gather from my prospective in reading the devotional. When we are young we don't often think about the end, so often we think of death as just something for old people. When we are young we have everything, looks, health, friendships, clothes, strength. When we are old, we often see ourselves as those people who have canes in their hands and using walkers, and moving slowly. We often see old people as people with grey or white hair. We often see old people with wrinkles on their faces. Let me give you two truths. #1.Anybody who is anybody has thought about death in their lives one time or another. #2. Everybody and yes I do mean all 6 billion of you. We all have a natural fear of death. Why? because Its common to have a fear of death because the bodies natural instinct is survival.
My uncle had said very powerful words to me just after my grandmother died about 9 years old. "When dealing with death your mind knows and is aware, but your heart can never be ready to loose someone," said Carmine Paola.
In youth we gain beauty and strength so as with age we loose youth and beauty but we gain wisdom and spiritual strength. Lets face it people if you and I were young all the days of our lives we would never want to leave.
Ecclesiastes 12
1 Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” 2 Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. 3 Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.
4 Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.
5 Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.
6 Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. 7 For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
Above you, you see a photo from the popular video game Asassin Creed. Although the image you see before is that the image of a video , historical evidance points out REAL LIVES of that of the Knights Templar Knights. Once a great group of warriors swore to defend the church. Today matters of faith is a taboo subject with no real winners. Because I felt the need to deliver this devotional I had to go beyond my usual terms and dive into a world of intellect. In plains terms that just means I had to study the topic much more than what I was used to.
Exploring this topic took a matter of three weeks. It is said that the human brain is unique because of the way it is created. Lets take a look at scripture when it comes to the huuman race. It is no doubt to have a very daunting task for someone to study the word of God. Because it open to interuptations, what I mean by that is it speaks to people in different ways.
In preparation for this devotional, I had to think beyond the norm. I reviewed 5 movies, 1 dictionary term and 1 debate on God and Human Morals. The movies I reviewed are as follows, The Boondock Saints Dogma V for Vendetta The God who wasn't there Jesus Camp
In world where atheists say the biggest problem with religion is the wars. You look around you and you will see fanatical Holy wars. I don't deny it, I know they happen. I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. In the game it is pretty same deal, Conquer the land. What makes people proceed into Holy wars.
We all inturpt thngs differently, I will go on record if I person has the kindess of Jesus in his heart, He won't be proud and try to prove his God is better than his neighbours. Along the research that I did I learned a great lesson from all of them, but I have to say I learbed tge greatest lesson from the satire movie Dogma.
I have a number of videos that I will show you.
1 Peter
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."[a] 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
This devotional comes to you tonight wiith a constant message I recieved all day. The message of remember and not to forget where I came from, How did this come up? Well my my mom came to town for a visit and through a discussion she brought things from my past about actions i'm not proud of, and even though I get older it seems no matter how much I try to pick up the pieces and move past that some family members just can't let it go. I bought a new phone today and I made a test call to one of my family members. She reminded me that I shouldn't forget my family, it is under my understanding that they feel I spend a little too much time with my friends at the church. It is my understanding that my family feels I have dessert them for a new life and a new family. My aunt who I was talking to today reminded me of the hardships I went through my family and she says she understands that it was difficult. She wanted to know how I really was feeling inside my heart. I didn't tell her, too many details for one. My family has to come to the realization that I am not turning my back on my family, They have to understand I don't live that life anymore, As for remembering where I came from and remembering what I have been through, I have to say I do remember I relive ir everyday in my mind to the point it gives me terrifying nightmares. On a good day , I can still picture the markings from the abuse. On a good day I can still here my screams for help that no one seemed to answer. On a good day I can still feel each hit, everytime it rains. On a good day I can still remember the blood pouring out my eyes and nose leaking on to my t-shirt. On a good day I can still hear the sounds of the TV that my brothers and sister turned up the volume to drown out my screams for help. It is a 100% garuntee that I will never forget.
Even though I have faced those hardships, look where I stand now, You say I`m a hero to many in my family for overcoming all that, well I bless those hardships, because it was a road that God blessed and lead me straight to Jesus.
Pslams 139
7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave,[a] you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— 12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
In the 1939 classic film the wizard of Oz character Dorthy gets swepted up in a tornado. Left in a land she is unfamillar with. She begins this incredible journey to get back home. Along the way she meets some friends, The cowardly Lion Scarcrow with no brain and a tin man he doesn't have a heart. The four friends set out on a journey to acquire these missing pieces from their lives. They have a set to meet The Wizard of Oz. Who they believe can give these four what they are seeking. Along their journey they run into some adversity testing ones , brains, heart and courage. They meet this adversity from The Wicked Witch of the West.
In essence in life we are all on a path, we face adversity daily. Sometimes adversity may get rough, it may be difficult. The positives with facing adversity is you gain knowlledge, understanding, courage, persverence. Be happy the next time you face sdversity. Through that strength is recieved.
James 1:2-4 (New International Version)
Trials and Temptations 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
In this devotional there will be only one refrence to the scripture. One and One ONLY. Even though this devotional will not hold much spirtuallity to it , I write this because I believe that out of all the devotionals I have written with all the references to scripture. I find this devotional the most important devotional I have ever written and I also believe this should be viewed by millions, and if you stumble on reading this, please do pass it on. This devotional will also hold a barage of videos.
This devotional has been racing through my mind all day. This devotional is going to take a different look , but it is that way for a purpose. There will be no spiritual scripture in this devotional beyond this point. John 1:10-11 (New Living Translation)
10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. I will defend the Bible without using scripture. You may sit there and wonder to yourself. "Ok Anthony how do you intend to do that. Well sit back make some coffee , relax and pay attention well you marvle at my knoowledge.
If you look above you will see pictures of Sir Issac Newton one of the worlds most famous scientists. and in the picture. God. (a painting) Now why I am I here writing this devotional well, its really very simple to answer the question, why? again you may seem a bit puzzled and wonder why to what? Why are we here of course. Now I know can't cover this subject in one devotional I won't even begin stratch the surface with this devotional because to understand life, it takes a lifetime of study. You won't find answers in me, just a simple college student studying music. But in this devotional I hope this devotional if nothing else will allow to think...
Before I get into a devotional, I want to clarify it is my opinion that everything in life happens for a reason if you really look at the bigger picture. I am pretty sure you will find that out too. For example take a look at my reality for a moment if you will..
At seven years old I wrote my first ever story with my friends Nathan Innes , Ryan Scott and Brandon Nahrgang. That story was called "The golden sword. I know what your thinking. What a cheesey title there Anthony." writing at the age of seven gave me an outlit to think creativley. It lead me to write a manuscript reflecting on my Cerebral in a manuscript called The shadows people can't see... Writing the manuscript lead me to Conestoga. in 2006. To prepare for college. First year of college, lead me question absolutely everything. It also brought to Journalism Print. Journalism Print lead me to Broadcast Newswriting , Broadcast Newswriting lead me to an interest in radio. The denial for radio lead me to science. Science lead me to study and examine life in reality and faith.
Now to the devotional; it understandable that men and humanity as we know it are curious of how we got here. This is a common question amongst people , groups, families, churches, and scientists. Its kind of like a debate if you will. One side you have science on the otherside you have the church. Please following videos.
The following videos are A debate between Kirk Cameron (a christian locked into a debate with a fellow christian aganist two atheists.
I just have something to say to Kelly and Brian, you have come up with educated answers, I think its personally great that you are searching for answers, however where are looking? What movivates you to look at the things you do. There is a part in the video that Kelly spoke about Jesus, which got me really steamed. I have this to say to Kelly directly. Its not a matter of win or loose. Right or wrong, but I say this to you. Yourself and Brian both said you have read the bible multiple times. I ask you why? What were you looking for in there? Did you find a challenge to read it. Did you say to yourself "Oh this looks interesting lets give it a try and read it. I tell you this Kelly anybody can read a book but not everybody can read the bible. What do I mean? Well again I ask why did you read it? Did read it just for the heck of it. If you did , you will not find God, why? Because The bible to christians isn't a book , its a way to have a relationship with Christ and the creator. If you break it down you can come up with millions of interuptations and then pick out the things you want to follow for your OWN wants and needs.
This is why religious scholars can't understand the Bible even to this day. God is AWESOME, No one man in the past , present or future will understand God. Until the day he is seen.
Admittedly I haven't written any devotionals lately that are really worth reading. Admittley I have been lacking that is due to my own fault. This devotional however comes to you with a purpose and meaning like never before. Now when I was thinking of writing this devotional quite a number of names for a title came to mind. ex: Step out into fath, Some people talk about it and some people be about it. I gueess you can see where I am going with this. But at the end of this week, I thought the perfect title for this devotional would be Know the enemy, simply because of a certain devotional I read tonight , look below
When the popular band The Eagles prepares a new song for concert, they sit in a circle with acoustic guitars and unamplified voices and rehearse their intricate vocals. They call this exercise “The Circle of Fear” because there is no place to hide and no way to conceal any errors they might make in the harmonies. That sense of absolute exposure for their mistakes is what makes this drill so frightening to them.
Apart from Christ, we would suffer a far worse kind of exposure before the God of all justice. If we had no advocate and no escape, we would also have no hope. But in Christ, the believer has a Defender who stands before the Father on our behalf. First John 2:1 says, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” With our failings exposed, He takes our defense. Our Defender carries our relationship with God beyond a “circle of fear” to a fellowship of grace and truth.
Our challenge is to live lives of purity and integrity that honor our heavenly Father. Yet, when we do fail, we do not need to fear abandonment or ridicule from our Father. We have an Advocate who will carry us through. — Bill Crowder
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail, In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail. Thy mercies how tender! How firm to the end! Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend. —Grant
The One who died as our Substitute now lives as our Advocate.
1 John 2
1 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.
3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. A New Commandment 7 Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. 8 Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining.
9 If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a Christian brother or sister,[a] that person is still living in darkness. 10 Anyone who loves another brother or sister[b] is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. 11 But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.
I post this with the intention of giving you an understanding that the world YES can be rough, but remember who you are. You are a child of God, don't buy into the things you see of this world. Remember the one and only golden tickets lays in the life with Christ.
