tough logic

Time for change

2011-07-28T14:23:00.000-05:00

I think having change, good change, can do wonders in boosting self will and protect against depression. I get depressed sometimes and music and a change of environment usually do the trick. But it's hard when it seems like you are stuck. I hope that good change will come to me and my family in the coming years. Thank God for everything and in everything.

Mental Strategy

2011-07-25T09:12:00.000-05:00

Breaking bad habits is like performing a mental trick on yourself! I pray earnestly about my problem but it keeps re-emerging at times. I have to fight it almost every single day and it is like I am warring against my very soul, fighting for freedom on a mental battlefield of sorts. The enemy knows my every weakness and my every strength. I wonder if I will ever be victorious? It's like if I come up with a strategy the enemy is right there hearing my every plan and it almost makes no sense to even try. By God's grace I will never give up!

Turn the other cheek...

2011-07-21T10:37:00.000-05:00

The Bible tells us clearly and without any doubt that we should turn the other cheek! Is it just figuratively or both figuratively and literally? Personally I think both, to practice it is another story. The problem or what makes it hard is not turning the other cheek because you deserve to be "slapped" but to turn the other cheek when you are unfairly and unjustly victimized and you are so bubbling over with anger because you know that you are innocent and you did not deserve this. Yea, I felt that way many times and i'm tempted to retaliate because it's my right and I might come off as being weak. Easier said that done but it will make us stronger not weaker!

Highs and Lows (in-betweens)

2011-07-19T17:17:00.000-05:00

I am back again blogging, I went on a sabbatical of sorts to find myself and trying to make my first million, yes I know!! I learnt a lot through my endeavors and I have much to share, and no I did not make my first million as yet. Life is full of "in-betweens" the highs are high and the lows are very low. Thanking God though for the experience or the ride and I will see where it takes me tomorrow :)

2006-08-11T07:28:00.000-05:00

The war in the middle East - Israel and Lebanon to be exact, have hightened some awareness to either the antichrist or the end time events. I read in Matthew 24 that there will be rumors of wars and wars... We look to events happening now and does it strike fear, concern, or nothing at all? Are we compelled to study more the Bible to seek knowledge and understanding or do we believe we already got all we need from the Bible? The Bible has prophecies relating to our time that many do not understand - some say it cannot be understood for example the Book of Daniel and Revelation are seen as books that are not meant for us to understand but the angel told Daniel to seal up the things of this book until the time of the end. I believe we are living in the time of the end judging from the evidences that present themselves and also to the fact that Daniel is now an open book for those who seek knowledge and understanding from it. The image of Daniel 2, and the beasts of Daniel 7 and 8 all refer to kingdoms to rise and fall and history have proven this so. So then Revelation also is what exactly it states a revelation: Revelation 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:"...1:3 "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." It is stated that Blessed are those who read it and follow the things in it. The press now should be on end time events and understanding Bible prophecies. Understanding Bible prophecies does a number of things; it: Keeps You Safe, Prevents Deception, Warns the Lost, Strengthens Faith.

Many are afraid of the Book of Revelation or write it off as not meant for us to understand but it reads, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” That’s enough, really, to get to the ultimate purpose of prophecy. Whether you’re reading prophecies found in Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, or Genesis, never forget that Jesus is the focus. He’s the ultimate point. Just read Isaiah 53 to see what I mean, and if you still don’t believe me, trust what Jesus did: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).

The fulfillment of prophecy all culminates to Jesus and the salvation of His Saints. The Bible is seem now as a formality to read and to search, only on Church Day we open it. I admire a close friend of mine who wasn't a practicing christian before and he decided to read through the Bible to understand it for himself so as to not be deceived. Only if all would do this - we rely on the pastor, priest, evangelist to tell us what to believe but we should try each doctrine from the scripture for ourselves. We will not be speared in the judgement if all we can say is that our pastor told us this and he would know so we followed him. Bibles are even given out free but many don't know what truth is in it - do we ask questions at all or are we satisfied with our state because we attend church and pray and we are good in our sight. Many are called but few are chosen, straight and narrow is the way that leads to life and few that find it... The Bible states that judgement will start at the house of God, with His people. Those who call themselves christians and claim to follow God and His Commandments will be the first to be judged.

What else is left but I invite all to seek and start asking questions, ask questions, why this why that. Ask questions why we do not keep the Sabbath (Saturday, 7th day of the week), what is the state of the dead, who or what are the beasts in Revelation, what is the mark of the beast, etc. Ask and do not cease until God has revealed it through His words the Bible, accept nothing else but truth and clear understanding from the Bible.

I am always seeking and searching and invite all to do the same, God bless!

While we watch!

2006-07-10T13:34:00.000-05:00

While all Jamaica (and the World) is shocked at the attitude of the Dayton Avenue Church of God's deacon who stood by and watched the gang rape of the innocent 14 year old girl, I think, we should also be judged accordingly for we , just the same sit by and watch almost similar atrocities happening without lifting a finger.....We relax, living in our comfortable lives and watch as little children hustle and sleep on the roads, only giving them a copper coin for them to fill their bellies. We obviously have no idea what it feels like to be hungry. Then we get upset when we here about homeless children being raped ,abused and murdered, but I tell you this we are all guilty through neglect. What would it have taken to help a child?What does it take to care? To offer not only money but time to help someone less fortunate, than yourself.That beggar you just ran away screaming GET A JOB! Will you hire him, when he comes to your gate asking for a days work don’t you tell him “NOT TODAY”. How do you expect him to survive. I know people out there right now with Degrees and Masters who can not find a job, how much harder for those who live on the streetsWe ask where is GOD when his people suffer? I say where are GOD’S PEOPLE when people suffer?

By my brother and friend: DeSica Brown

World Star!?

2006-06-16T15:06:00.000-05:00

World Cup 2006 is here and I got the fever, I love football and it rekindled the dream I had in high school that I was one of the top players for some international team. I often wonder how it will be in heaven, I use to dream about how it would be there too when I was in high school. I wonder if they will have football? SMILE! I know however, that it will be perfect and much more better than here, better than my wildest dream. I can't even fully fathom living for ever and ever and never die. I use to look up to the sky and watch the stars alot, but I realize since of late I can't even tell when last I saw the moon. I started to look up every now and then when I remember - I think, just the thought of looking up to the sky brings back some deep feeling of God and Heaven. I use to lie on my back for minutes on end just looking at the stars, I could tell you where certain formations are, although I didn't know the exact names of them - I gave them my names. It reminded me of the awesomeness of God's creative power and it made me feel like He was looking down at me at that very moment. Back to World Cup 2006 and how it fits in, well it actually doesn't I guess, World Cup reminded me of my youth in high school and playing football and wanting to be a star and at that time in my life I use to stare up at the stars and think of God. I will try to establish that hobbie or whatever it is called in my life again, I will take the time out to look at the stars and the sky. I will look up and know that He sees me, in among all the people, trees, buildings, and clouds.

God Answers!

2006-06-09T08:08:00.000-05:00

The position taken by most is that God doesn't answer prayers or we don't really think about it so when we pray our faith is non-existent so we sometimes forget or doubt that it will be answered and when it is it wasn't grand and full of magic for us to attribute it to God. But I believe without a shadow of doubt that God answers prayers and He answers them in different ways that we don't understand until we are past the situation or see the fulfillment of it. If we pray are we not expected to live a life where God is praised and we follow Him and His commandments? We expect to get without giving but Jesus will give us knowing that we will not believe it's from Him and we wont thank Him or follow Him. The selfless love He shows us is beyond compare and I sometimes try to put myself in His shoes, in the sense that if I answer someone prayers and then I ask them to follow me and love me and then they don't but do the complete opposite how would I feel? What if we walked by faith like prophets of old and depend solely on God? The popular notion is that - I am in control of my own destiny! - that's true but the Bible says that a man who follows his own wisdom will end up in destruction. The carnal man's natural path will lead him to sin and destruction that's why God implores us to follow His way because He knows the true path and only through Jesus we will find it. I will continue to pray for my family and friends, and those in positions less fortunate than I, and those suffering because of disasters and disease. Do we remember that we are better off than most? We forget because we are occupied with self and the thought of those suffering seems far and remote. We seek worldly pleasures and forget about our spirituality which is the only thing we will be bringing to the grave and it will then be used to judge us whether we go to Heaven or hell. I will pray for you all and I hope that you will pray for me and all others who are struggling on lifes journey. I will pray that God's truth and message will shine through the world and especially for those who are proclaiming it without fear and doubt. I will continue to pray because God still answers prayers.

For Bible Question and Answers: http://www.amazingfacts.org/media/radio/program_archive.asp

The Weather has changed...

2006-05-19T08:12:00.000-05:00

The weather has changed practically overnight, the storm on the horizon is preceded by the sudden change in temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Flooding is even happening already and the hurricane season hasn't really started as yet. The impending disaster is a constant reminder that this world is not our home and that the Bible prophecies of end time events are clear and true. It is scary to think about it but the reality is clear no matter if we believe it or don't think about it. The political and religious weather has also changed and popular religion is gaining force in the political arena almost overnight. I wonder what it will be like this hurricane season since each year thus far has been worst than the last. Disaster causes a ripple effect in society especially one that is already ripe with corruption - the fear of economic disaster looms on the horizon if this hurricane season proves to be deadly than the last. I reach deep into my soul searching for assurance that I am right in the sight of God, that I am pleasing Him as Enoch did. What will I stand on when the earth beneath my feet is swept away? Is my assurance in my earthly possession; my wife, my house, my car, my job, which can be swept away in an instance? I want to develop and keep a sure foundation that if I loose all I will still love and follow God. My wife keeps reminding me that we need to have evening commune with God when we get home from work and I agree. The cares of this world overshadows the necessity to keep in constant commune with our Heavenly Father, the troubles the worries, the fears all distract us from what is eternal. The last hurricane that swide swiped us I went outside in the middle of it - on my veranda, in the middle of the night. It was pitch black because the power was out. The wind was so strong I was struggling to keep my footing, the rain drops were falling side ways as the wind carried them with such force that it felt like someone took up a handful of pebbles and threw them with all their might at me. My ears started to hurt and it felt like it would bleed so I had to run back inside for cover. The struggle is like that I believe, having faith in God is like standing in the midst of a hurricane, you can hardly keep your footing if at all but God said that He will take care of us. I often times wonder if the tribulation spoken of in the Bible that will affect God's people before He returns is soon to come up on us and if so are we ready? I look inside myself and ask what am I doing to prepare myself for this time of trouble? Will I be ready to stand? If I am faced with loosing my job because of my religious beliefs am I ready, not to mention if faced with death? I wrestle daily with these thoughts - I have to develop a trust in God and His word alone, I have to practice this daily if I plan to get anywhere. I will pray for you all as I pray for myself that we will be ready before time.

Do Good!

2006-05-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

The belief that we are living in the best of times is circulating like wild fire. Since of lately too, in the local media, there are predictions left, right and centre by professed Spiritual leaders of prosperous times ahead, great economic boom. Matthew 24:11 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." I speak from the Bible when I say that the nearer Jesus' second coming is the worst things will be (Matthew 24, Revelation 13 & 14). Selfishness abounds, people care only about themselves - the news media reports are desensitizing individuals by the events displayed of moral decay and corruption. Sensual sexuality is fueled in every thing which breaks down the barriers that use to keep us in check and causes promiscuity to abound and fornication. Emails filled with pornography are the leading forwards. God's TEN COMMANDMENTS are frowned upon and seen has being restrictive or done away with. The love that should eminate from each of us towards each other is choked up and cut off and only supplied to gratify our own selfish desires and when those are not met we curse God for forsaking us and not blessing us with material things to keep us happy and destracted from the truth at hand. Isaiah 30:10 "Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:" The church leaders I see on the television preach and teach that members should ask God for their blessings, position themselves for blessings, etc. etc. God will make you prosper beyond your wildest dreams... This is pumped into their minds heart and nothing is said that they should accept Christ, take up the cross and follow Him. Allowing Jesus to change their evil ways. They preach self and what God will give to you and never what you should give up and give away, can you imagine if Jesus came today in one of those churches and say that they should sell what they have, give to poor and follow Him! The call I sincerely believe is for each of us to be our brothers keeper, not just in earthly material things which is necessary for sustaining life (sharing and helping someone less fortunate) but most importantly eternal things, things to prepare someone for the life to come (helping others to come to truth of Jesus Christ). The devil is playing a serious trick by burdening us down with the cares of this world which blocks our view from what is really important - Following Jesus Christ. He makes others comfortable in their current position - they then look around them and say that we are not stealing and killing and therefore they are tempted to compare themselves to sinners when we should be comparing ourselves to Christ. Share your "lunch" with someone who doesn't have any - not just the physical but also the spiritual, that's what Jesus was talking about when He told the people about the parable of the good Samaritan.

Are we truly free?

2006-05-03T13:51:00.000-05:00

We think we are free but we are in bondage, the freedom we feel is incomplete because we are limited by the laws of nature and of the land. The belief that you are in charge of your destiny is also a fictional thought implanted in our psyche mainly propelled by the media led Hollywood. No matter how we think we control ourselves, emotions tear us down, and we can't even add a minute measure of increase to our statue. We are fed the definition of freedom which is corrupted and defined by sinful man. God gives true freedom and His law completes it - some may say that following God's law is legalistic but it keeps you safe and healthy. If everyone was following God's law, especially who we consider popular, it would be "cool" to do it. But the devil is bonding us to his side which seems more liberal and "free". It is almost impossible to speak to people today about God's commandments and tell them that he said if you love Him you will keep His commandments. The commandments can't save nobody but he said that if we accept Him then we would follow Him and how do we follow Him? True freedom is the absence of sin, fear, guilt, lust, hate, crime, selfishness, the works and the likes of them. We are free but we struggle to pull the locks to get in to our homes and apartments, to open the car and turn off the alarm, to go home before it gets too late, to avoid that neighbourhood and dark allies. Fear is bondage. Trust is freedom, trusting in what is sure and pure, God will take care and lead. I wonder at times how God feels looking down at us as we go along - I try to imagine how it must look to Him seeing us bypassing the obvious and seeking something that is more illusive or doesn't exist when He is just right there for us to come to Him. Above it all though, He still cares for us even when we don't think, or care that he does. Mercy will run out someday, don't want to sound like a "Doom sayer" but that's what the scriptures say. There is a prophecy in the Bible that there will be a time of famine near the end, not a physical famine of food and water (although that is true in some places) but a famine of the prophecies and truths in the Bible. Issaiah 30:10 has this to say; "Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:" People going to church now like to hear smooth sayings and when it comes to Bible prophecy they don't want to hear it or say that it isn't for now, or something else to bypass the matter that is fast approaching. I wish for you all a heart and mind that is geared to the Bible and especially the prophecies that it holds for us today. A person can be in a physical prison and be free, a person can be physically free and be in bondage. Are we truly free?

Final Events

2006-04-21T07:38:00.000-05:00

I don't normally do this but I have to promote this DVD which someone gave to me to watch. I got this DVD and it was so easy to understand and it was all Biblical. I watched it and was intrigued by it, the graphics held my attention and the lent of about 40 mins was easy for me to spare. I had to share it with my friends and family and I hope that you will like it too. I really hope that you guys will get to see it and I am sure you will agree with me.

You can preview the DVD by clicking Watch Trailer

The DVD will be aired on 3ABN:
The program will air at the following times on 3ABN (times listed Pacific/Central):
April 27 - Thu - 6 p.m./8 p.m.
April 27 - Thu - 11 p.m./1 a.m.(Fri, 28th)
April 30 - Sun - 1 p.m./3 p.m.
May 2 - Tue - 6 a.m./8 a.m.

If you like more information on the DVD:
Go to http://www.finalevents.com/ for more information. To order Final Events, visit http://www.finalevents.com/ or call (800) 901-7171

Rest + Exercise?!

2006-04-18T07:49:00.000-05:00

My mind and body seem to be at odds. The balance that usually keep me level is out of sync I guess, the reason is myself or my mind. Rest is important, God was smart enough to know this before all this and He created the Sabbath which literally means rest. I need to give myself more rest - also what I realize is that without exercise I can't rest properly. I use to play football (soccer) and I was pretty fit and full of energy but since I left college I haven't done any of those things again and now my body is showing signs that exercise is needed again. My mind is sharper and my spirit is much more lifted when I have a good exercise regime that I stick with. I tend not to be so depressed and easily fatigued. I have to exercise my mind and I have been doing that by reading, working and reading my Bible more now than ever, but I seem to forget about the body which duly needs its exercise to syncronize with the mind - strong mind and weak body can work for a while but a strong mind and body always works. I have to push myself with everything I got to start exercising again - it is much easier said than done. I'm not over weight - I weigh less than 145 lb - but my muscles are lazy and unused and thus I need to revive them so that I can feel and perform much better. Working at a desk does this to you - you work long and by the time you get home you are mentally fatigued and you think your body is tired but it's really just your mind most of the times. I have two free weights who look at me every night and I always say next week I will start but I will give it a shot tonight. Wish me luck!

Temptation!?

2006-04-04T07:48:00.000-05:00

Temptation is a tool that the devil never ceases to use to try and get us to follow him. The reality of the situation is that he cannot force you to do wrong but he just puts things in place and opportunity for us to do it and then wispers slightly in our cleaness ear - just do it! (Hey that's the NIKE add). Anyways, whenever I seem to be traveling on easy road just feeling strong and unchallenged, suddenly something is put in my way and I become confused and restless. I begin to hunger after that which is wrong and I am wrestling not anymore with the devil himself but with something more intimate and close - MYSELF. The trust and security once displayed in God in myself to follow God is shaken and questions arise. Am I strong, why did I have to have this curse of a weakness? The eyes wonder, the stomach hungers, the ear listens, the touch is sensual, the feelings are reacting to stimuli pumped into over drive by the brain's imaginations. I panic inside but no one knows but God, I realize that I am not strong and there is nothing inside of my human shell to overcome the temptation. I pray to God to take it away from me or hide me from it because I cannot overcome - the old man is scratching away at the surface and there is no stopping him except God Himself. The rise and fall of many men have resulted from temptations, from the rebirth of some old and devilish ways that was changed for the better by allowing God to enter. But for some reason the fight for good was lost and the old man resurfaced and destroyed the new man. The heart knows its wrong but the will is weak, I am constantly being bombarded by the devil in this low time - concentration is almost impossible while the fight rages inside me. I cannot comply and hurt the God I profess to love but it isn't over yet I will continue to pray.

My Dream!

2006-03-22T07:20:00.000-05:00

I had a terrifying dream last night. I dreamt that I was much older than I am now and I was preaching or telling others about Jesus and to follow His commandments and accept Jesus Christ (Revelation 14:12). The dream went on that in the midst of me speaking or preaching I held by head back and facing the sky I made a strong proclamation; "It is finish!" I did not plan to say this and then I realized that it was talking about the close of man's probation. Probation came to a close and man was not aware of it (Close of Probation). When probation closes no human will know and in my dream I didn't know when this was or what age I said it, the important part follows. At this exclamation that was made it seems as if the whole world heard it. Most of whom who heard it were skeptic and doubted its validity; however, there were some who for one reason or another heard it and were trying earnestly to join the Church. I went to church usually there would be a small congregation it was now a huge gathering. Most of the people I saw joining the church at this time were not sincere, even the person who use to be the pastor was not there anymore instead it was a man, a casual looking man. He was preaching to the congregation but he was not preaching to the times and it seems like he was overshadowing the pressing stuff for more relax and favourable things. I had a small company with me, I cannot remember there faces but it was very small, we were traveling as it seem and a man approached me and said what must he do to be saved? I looked at him with compassion and I told him that there is nothing I can do for him or tell him to do because probation has ended and he has made his final decision. He begged me but I didn't have anything for him all I could say was sorry, he then turned around and left. At this point I started to look within myself and I realized that I had a sin and had confessed it a short while back. The thought flooded my mind if my request for forgiveness was accepted by God; if it wasn't I would be lost because I cannot get forgiveness now. I started to cry - this is the first time in my dreams that I cried and that I felt so scared and I have had some pretty scary dreams. I was weeping and the company around me asked me whats wrong Bro. and all I could say was nothing to shun the answer of the question. My dream ended with me crying and wondering if God had accepted my forgiveness and pardoned me. Put before us is life and and death and Jesus says choose life which is in Him. In Revelation 14:12 & 22:14 it speaks about only those who keeps God's commandments and accept Jesus Christ will be saved. The commandments can't save us and accepting Jesus alone can't save us, He said if you love me keep my commandments. They go hand in hand; read Exodus 20 list the major - not the only - commandments of God which includes the Sabbath day to keep holy. Chose life, run for your life because there is only one thing that matters in the end, not your family, friends, husband, wife, money, etc. it's your soul's salvation because your family and friends might be lost if they do not follow God's commandments and accept Jesus Christ as their personal saviour. We should be saving lives now and telling others that they should repent and run to Jesus who is life. I woke up from my dream and I almost cried again when I remember what God has done for me and that I would keep holding on to sin. What is sin, we should ask these questions? Sin is the transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4). We have to run for our lives and take as many people with us as possible, Christians are the firemen and women of this world and we have to save as many people from the fire as possible.

False Judgment?!

2006-03-13T08:01:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wish I could come outside of my body and see how I operate from a third person's point of view. All that I can see, feel, smell, touch belongs to me internally; I cannot share it on a level that will make someone else feel my feelings as I do. Each person has his or her own feelings cemented in them. We cannot feel another persons hurt, every one feels their own hurt, we only can sympathize or feel hurt from the same experience but our feelings are our own. I wonder at times how people view me from their angle. From my angle I am very kind, compassionate, understanding, funny, caring, loving, honest... the list goes on. But what do people I come in contact with see and what do my friends see? Sometimes some judgements that are past upon me shocks me so much, I am not like that I would say! My body language might be misinterpreted and a whole different message and character is transfered wirelessly to the receiver and without me knowing someone may hate me, dislike me or love me, whatever the case may be I am oblivous at times to what their notion of me is until they snap or keep me at bay. I have friends of all walks of life and try not to judge, even if I am tempted to I try to remember that people are misjudging me too. I try at times to be safe and keep everyone new or even not so new at a safe distance so they only know Damian from a formal perspective and thus shadowing whatever notions they might be tempted to think about who or what I am, just to make sure they don't have anything tangible to misjudge me on. It hurts none the less when people treat you contrary to who you are because they already made you into something you are not in their minds. The evidence is clear in the wider world today that people hate people because they judge them from some uninformed point of view, whether it be ethnic, religious, sexist, etc. judgment is passed down on everyone from fallable and corrupt judges. The true judge of character is God (Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged..." Matt 7) The Bible is God's word to judge men and women we are not to judge each other but to point each other to God. I have been hurt but I will forgive and thus judgment ends with me each time it begins! I will not perpetuate false judgment is my prayer today.

One Bullet for Porras, Part 2

2006-02-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

by ANTONIO SENDING, JR.

Porras watched his dreams for the future crumble as his father accepted a proposal for him to marry a girl from a neighboring village. The marriage would ease tensions between the villages and prevent future bloodshed, but Porras wanted to study and become a teacher. To disobey his father could well mean his death, but to obey meant the death of his dream. Frustrated and confused, Porras asked his student-missionary teachers what to do. They could only pray for him and urge him to pray for God's will to be done.

God answered Porras's prayers, and no wedding was held. A gift of another horse averted the possibility of war between the villages.

When it was time for us to return to Mountain View College to give our monthly report, we asked the chief to allow Porras to go with us. We planned to spend several days working on the new Adventist high school for Manobo youth. To everyone's surprise the chief agreed to let Porras go. "I want Porras out from this village," he said. "If anyone else asks him to marry, surely there will be bloodshed."

But Porras's mother could not be convinced to allow her son to leave. "No!" she wailed. "I will die if my boy goes! I will never see him again."

"If you did not want him to go to the new high school, you should have given him in marriage!" the chief roared.

Finally Porras was allowed to go. The villagers gathered for a last farewell. Porras comforted his crying mother as his father spoke. Holding his rifle, he announced, "Today marks the day when my boy will leave this village for the first time. He is the first one to go from this village to attend the Adventist high school. When he finishes there, he will go to Mountain View College to study. And, if it is God's will, he will return to us and be our teacher. I will miss my boy. I don't want him to come home until he is done with school, because if he does, someone will trap him into marriage. Now, I will shoot one bullet for Porras, to drive away any evil spirits that would keep him from following his dreams."

BANG!

Everyone hugged Porras goodbye. His mother cried as we walked down the path toward his future. Through tear-filled eyes his father watched us go. They wait eagerly for the day when he will return, educated and able to lead his people out of spiritual darkness into God's light.

One Bullet for Porras, Part 1

2006-02-17T06:59:00.000-05:00

by ANTONIO SENDING, JR.

Fourteen-year-old Porras was a bright student and a born leader. His father, Chief Tranning of the Manobo people of Mindanao in the Philippines, was proud of him. One day Porras would be a warrior, so his father took him along on headhunting expeditions.
Porro's village often received threats of tribal war, so they were constantly alert for signs of danger. His father had rifles and taught his son to use one. But Porras did not share his father's dream for him. He wanted to lead his people in a different way; he wanted to study at Mountain View College, where his teachers studied; and one day, he hoped, he would return to the mountains of southern Philippines and teach his people to read and to write and introduce them to Jesus.
One day, a chief from another Manobo village came to visit Porras's father. He brought a horse, a gift from a family in the chief's village. The chief had come to ask Porras' father for permission for Porras to marry a girl from his village. Porras knew that in the past there had been problems between these two villages. A marriage would resolve those problems and prevent further bloodshed. Porras wanted nothing to do with this marriage. But to Porras' horror, his father agreed to the marriage.
Porras was in serious trouble. To refuse the marriage surely would mean bloodshed between the two tribes, and Porras's own life was at risk. But if Porras accepted the offer of marriage, his dreams for the future would vanish with the smoke from the morning fires.
Confused and frightened, he went to talk to his teachers, student missionaries from Mountain View College. The missionary teachers, however, did not dare advise Porras what to do. That would be to interfere with the village's customs. They could only advise Porras to pray that God would reveal His will for this young man.
Porras went home and prayed. "Dear Lord, I want to be a teacher! Please help my father understand that I want to attend the Adventist high school and then study at Mountain View College. If I marry, that will be impossible."
Porras' father and mother argued about what to do. His father wanted Porras to marry the young woman from the nearby village, but his mother refused to allow her beloved son to live in another village. "He is still a boy!" she sobbed to her husband. "I don't want to give him away!"

(to be continued)

Wall of fire!

2006-02-13T08:23:00.000-05:00

There was some protesting and blocking of roads by what it seems the entire town where I live, angry residents rampaged because of the killing of one of their beloved gangsters. Funny, how people rally together to do wrong now - it seems like demons are in their midst just boosting them up to do wrong. They burned down a court house, torched vehicles, and even shot and killed the care taker of the court house, I think he was around 70 yrs old or so. In the night when everybody was trying to get home or already home in fear of attacks my grandmother called me to pick her up from nightly service at the church. I was driving really fast to get her and get back home before anything new happens. As I was speeding on the road to get her I ran into a wall of fire - the road was blocked entirely by debrees burning at nearly 10 ft. high. I saw a taxi try to manuveur around it but was quickly accosted by three men. Then and there I knew I had to turn back, I did and had to take a long route around the main roads to reach the church for my grandmother. I wasn't afraid - although it was just me and my car on the road at the time, from what I have been reading in the Bible I expect to see increase in violence, crime, wars, etc. I believe the Bible and the increase of these things are predicted in it, especially in Mattew 24. The most I can do is try and keep a firm footing in what I believe and most importantly in the promises of Jesus Christ. The increase in natural disasters and crime and violence is everywhere. If it's not one it's the other, by God's grace I will not live in fear but in watchfulness of His second return because I know He cares.

Seeking Truth!

2006-01-30T08:10:00.000-05:00

I have realized that the world is following a path that is not leading to the truth. Most people believe that they are following the truth but infact they are following half truth and in some cases no truth. Eternity should be our goal and sharing Christ with others should be too. We have so many religions in the world today - even in Christianity you have countless versions. Which is speaking the truth, which is practising the correct Bible teachings? Many are comfortable, complacent, in what they have grown up in and what they are use to but that's not enough. If we read Mattew 7: 19-end we see that many will be lost who are preaching for God, but do we ask why? Why would someone who is telling others about Christ be lost? These are serious questions we should be asking and finding out the answers to so that we do not end up outside of Heaven. Hosea 4:6 says "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." First we have to seek knowledge and most importantly we have to remember and obey God's commandments (Law). Men are even changing God's commandment as predicted in Daniel 7:25 "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." God's fourth commandment in Exodus 20:4-11 speaks about the Sabbath and now that day has been changed from Saturday the seventh day to the first day of the week (Sunday). Truth is important and knowledge saves lives. Seek and he shall find. Straight is the way and narrow the way that leads to salvation and few that finds it (FEW) but broad is the way that leads to destruction and many follow it. God speed.

Family Tests?!

2006-01-17T07:37:00.000-05:00

My Grandmother fell down yesterday and hurt herself, she has osteoporosis . It pains my heart when I see her in pain - I wish that there was something I could just do to stop all the hurting and let her feel well. Jesus healed alot of ailments while walking the earth and He still continues to this day I believe with all my heart, I pray and hope that he will smile on her and take care of her for me cause I am just a helpless human. My family is important to me, even though I never really grew up with them. It's a peaceful assuring thought to know that all your folks are in good health and safe. I don't worry about my own safety that much to tell you the truth. I try to keep a close walk with God and whatever He allows to happen is for the good of us His people. She has been like a mother to me, since I grew up with her and my grandfather. My grandfather passed a number of years ago and that was very hard for me to carry. This experience reminds me about that time in my life when I lost my grandpa, I tend to hold things in alot and in so doing burdens become too heavy for me to bear and all I can do is cry out to God when my cup if filled and overflowing. I have searched many times for God - show me a sign that you exist, let me see an angel like prophets of old, show me a vision. I haven't seen the last two as yet but He definitely exists I have come to find out. It's embaracing to call on Him only in times of need, like some so call friends treat us. I want Him to be close and dear, I want to always call upon Him first and foremost. This world is not my home, it's full of; sickness, pain, hate, war, crime, jealousy, envy, malice, lies, pestilence, disasters, short hard life, the list goes on and on. My focus is Heaven bound where I will meet my grandpa again, and most importantly I will meet my Lord and Saviour - the one who died for me knowing that I would one day still hurt Him. The journey the Bible says is "...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Mt. 7:13-14). I want to be one of the few that finds it and I want to bring my family, friends, and everyone I come in contact with with me down the right and true way. It's the reason why I search for the truth in God's words (The Bible) because many will be lost following the wrong way, as the scripture says only a FEW will find the way. God loves us all (John 3:16) and for that I am sure He loves my family, especially my grandma. He knows everything and for this reason I leave her in His caring and loving hands. She loves and follows God daily and that gives me asurrance.

Like Sheep Among Wolves*

2006-01-13T07:02:00.000-05:00

I N S I D E Story
by JEANE ZACHARY
The Waldensian Christians suffered persecution and death at the hands of the religious majority in Europe, beginning in the thirteenth century. They lived in secluded regions and dedicated themselves to sharing the truths of God with their neighbors in spite of the dangers they faced. Many became door-to-door salespersons in order to search for honest-hearted people with whom to share their beliefs. When they discovered someone who was open to God's message, they shared precious portions of Scripture with them.
Today modern Adventists are using similar techniques to bring Christ to unentered areas of Southeast Asia where few Christians live. These Adventists volunteer to live and work in unentered communities where they daily face the threat of persecution. For this reason we will not reveal their location.
The work is rigorous, and most of the volunteers are young people. So, the program's leaders were surprised when Jaibi, well beyond her youth, volunteered to go to a distant unentered community to work. She knew that she would receive housing but would have to earn her income by selling health books. She was so determined to go that she shared her excitement with friends. By the time she left, she had recruited 40 other volunteers to go with her.
Jaibi was asked to supervise her large team. As the group prayed and worked together, the Holy Spirit opened door after door. They found the community happy to learn the health principles the volunteers taught. Friendships developed, and soon small groups formed. It was not long before the volunteers called a pastor to prepare their interests for baptism.
Jaibi continued working in the village far beyond her one-year contract. In three years she and her team had planted five new congregations, a feat that could never have happened through public evangelism.
The strength of the Waldensian-style program lies in three things: Door-to-door visits, offering people valuable health materials; developing friendships that open the way for small groups to study the Bible; and the power of the Holy Spirit to open doors and bring conviction to people.
Some volunteers who came with Jaibi have returned to their homes, but others have joined her in this work. So far Jaibi and her team of volunteers have just witnessed an additional 105 persons baptized as the result of the blessing of the Lord on their work.
The inspiring example of the ancient Waldensian volunteers who spread the gospel through Europe as merchant-evangelists lives on today in Southeast Asia.
* See Matthew 10:16.

I Got Married!

2006-01-06T07:17:00.000-05:00

It is now 2006 and I am enjoying it thus far. I got married during my vacation (December 2005) and now I am enjoying my marriage. I have learnt alot from the experience, you find out who truly are your closest friends and who really care about your happiness. I have known my wife for over ten years but dated only two. Councilling is very important - I have come to understand - especially if it's with a very good councillor. God has blessed me with a wonderful and beautiful wife and I do hope and pray the He will keep her safe for me. Life is short you always hear people say - but it can be long if you are in an unhappy marriage. I am happy now, I plan to play my part in keeping it so (with God's help ofcourse). I care alot about her soul's salvation (making it to Heaven) and I study and read the Bible with her daily and it has been a real blessing for both of us. It brings us closer to God and to each other.

Filling?!

2005-12-09T08:54:00.000-05:00

Today I realized that the more you let God use you the more you see His will unfolding. He is a smart God, more than we can imagine. It's hard to let go and let God lead, to allow the Holy Spirit to fill you so that nothing else will get in the way, especially self. Daily it's a call for all believers to spread the God news of Jesus Christ, His love, His plan for us, and that we should allow Him to lead us - follow Him. I just finished reading the book, Steps to Christ, and I am currently watching the HBO series "Sleeper Cell". The battle we are fighting as Christians is not a physical battle as some may think, it's a spiritual battle to win the souls of men who are under the slave of sin and Satan. It's our duty to reach the poor in heart, the sick, the poor, we are goods fingers in this forsaken, dark world to touch each soul we come in contact with. Helping others and telling them of Jesus Christ serves also to make us stronger in Him. As Paul in Ephesians told the Christians not to worry about him and his affliction but press on. He was encouraging them although he was being persecuted at the same time. He didn't have time to see his own delima he was so concerned about the fellow believers that they should not loose courage. The mandate and mission of all professed Christians is to make more Christians. We have to be ready at all times, to give a track, to talk of Jesus' love without feeling ashamed. The love and sacrifice of God is more than we can understand now. The time is fast approaching, the Gospel is being preached in all the world (Matt. 24) and after which the end will come. I want the end to come, I am tired of this world. I also want all my family, friends, and people I come in contact with to be there so I will tell them about it until they are converted. We have to reach each one and doing so we open our own hearts to the filling of the Holy Spirit. Peace be unto you all and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Thank God!

2005-11-28T12:05:00.000-05:00

Health is important. I thank God daily for his guidance and protection, crime is one aspect of everyday activity that really strikes fear and hatred in people. To be in good health and free from the effects of crime is a abundance of blessings right there. The freedom to live without fear of loosing your life or possession is a condition most don't have in this world. The ability to protect yourself from harm or to keep your self healthy is a false conception fostered in the mind. Health and protection comes only from God and importantly following Him. The sweet peace of assured security is overlooked at times but it's a tremendous feeling of relaxation when you can rest without fear or pain. I have a close friend who was born blind and to think that he never saw a human before, or even his own face. I can see and that is a blessing I wouldn't want to loose. The great message of hope being preached daily by economist, politicians, etc. will never be reached, world hunger will never be abolished, crime will never cease, the greed of men will not allow this. I revel in the thought that God is still in control and He will soon return. The ability to walk, to run, to eat, to speak, to hear, to see, to feel, is richeses to us if you ask someone who lacks at least one of the above mentioned. Thank you God for health and keeping me safe!

Sunshine People?!

2005-11-15T07:42:00.000-05:00

If it were possible I would only surround myself with positive thinking people - that way I might be more motivated to do the right thing. I feel sorry for people who degrade others, who are uncaring, and all for themselves. Life is rich when you have good friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, classmates who want to see the best for you and you want to see the best for them. My utopia is everybody putting everybody first, yes, unrealistic as this may sound that's what I believe in. I will never get this on earth, only Heaven holds such blissful happiness. In my little outpost though I will try, yes, I will try to put others first above my self and needs. I might not remember everyday, I might not even notice someone in need all the time but I will still try. I remember watching the movie, Pay It Forward, and it basically outlines what I am saying. I will ask God today to make me a blessing to my family, friends, and everyone I come in contact with as He see fits. The world is full of down and I almost lost focus on what is good and true because of the negative that presented itself, but I will dwell and high. Their are so many beautiful things to appreciate and today I will seek them out. In it all I must can see Jesus - I pray and hope that my trials will be like going to the gym, I will use them as weights which once i'm through them I will be stronger for longer. The nature around me, how little it seems, is beautiful, the sunshine people I meet will remind me that God still have people on this earth. The wind I feel will be refreshing and soothing as I continue forward. Their are people worst off than me and today I put them first in my prayer. I will search for God and I will find Him today, others will know that I have found Him too cause I will be one of those sunshine people today.

Thirst!?

2005-11-07T14:56:00.000-05:00

You can go along time without food but you can't try that with water. I have learned that
the human body is at least 75% water, amazing, wonder why we can drown! Anyways, today I
got dehydrated very bad, my motor skills slowed down, I felt dissy, I had no energy at all.
I started to day dream about this drink I saw some missionaries on 3ABN drinking after they
spent 15 hours on the plane, their comment was that the 15 hours was worth it to get that
drink. My mouth would have watered if I wasn't so dehydrated. It's funny how dependent we
are as humans on external forces to keep us alive. We can't sustain our own selves -
probably this notion of God puzzles some and lead others to become aethist. But this fact
enforces my belief in God - He is my fountain of life (John 4:7-14). He said drink and you
will never thirst again. Physical thirst is one thing but we tend to forget about the
spiritual thirst that is there just drying away at our souls. We as humans thirst after
things that we think will quench the thirst that we have. We chase love, companionship,
money, material things, fame, power, beauty, acceptance by peers, all in the effort of
quenching the everlasting thirst that we have. Yes, spiritual thirst is everlasting if not
quenched by Jesus Christ. Nothing on this sin infested planet can replace the water from
God. The cool sensation of love running over your lips, the taste of mercy and grace as it
passess over your taste buds down to your throat, the filling of forgiveness it gives after
settling deep in your stomach. On a higher level, it makes you both physically, mentally,
and spiritually healthy. The vices of this world seem pleasureable but it's only for a
season (Hebrews 11:25), it's like a spoonful of syrup when you are parched - sweet for a
moment but the thirst isn't quenched if anything it's made worst. When the Holy Spirit
falls like rain it brings relief and encouragement and we should seek out Jesus Christ all
the time to be constantly refuelled with the refreshing water of life which He freely
distributes to all who will receive.

Attitute!?

2005-11-01T11:08:00.000-05:00

Today I received a very interesting email, it was talking about how it's better to make a choice in any given situation rather than reacting to it. Let me explain, as much as I can, each day we worry about tomorrow but if we think about it today was the tomorrow of the day before. Each day we will have trials - some days more than others - but the choice is ours to react in a negative or positive way (either will not solve most of your problems but it sure will give you strength to go on if you take a positive outlook), look on the "could be worst" part of the situation and keep positive. It's very important I have come to know that having a positive outlook is very good for the people you come in contact with. You never know how bad someone else has it and your positive outlook could be the ray of sunshine to brighten their moment in the day. Life is just a series of choices as we interact with each new situation that we face, the problem is that, like myself, most people react instead of making a choice to be positive. It's hard, but I think I will give it a try and maybe with practice I will become perfect. The choice we make eventually should be to portray the choice that Jesus would have made. Jesus was a very cool and calm individual, even when they were questioning him before they killed him he was in control all the way. Even when correcting he was kind - even when chasing out the money changers from the temple I would believe that he was calm and didn't use curse language or anything like that at the people. That's why they left, they knew what they were doing was wrong or else they would have subdued Jesus. Our choice must be to be like Jesus.

Conflicts?!

2005-10-25T16:35:00.000-05:00

It's tough to deal with people sometimes, the differences that make each of us up is so diverse and wide that it's inevitable to have conflicts. Even Jesus' disciples argued among themselves - who is the greatest? - We try to reach a common understanding at times to avoid conflict but even this is not a sure deal to accomplish peace. Family members, friends, mate, co-workers, classmates, strangers, you name it their will be conflict one time or another. Is it fueled by lack of understanding or just pure ignorance. Sometimes I am tempted to just avoid people all together, just spend time with God and myself - peace. Even some church brothers and sisters get to you and only the love of Jesus prevails. People say the stupidest things at the most inappropriate time, I would rather they didn't say anything at all. It's the way we are designed though - by God - no (wo)man is an island. We have to interact with each other, it's impossible to be isolated in this sin cursed earth. I am comforted most of the times when I am among some true believers and we discuss Heaven, Jesus Christ and His goodness. The reaction I get from them is electric, the energy is fueled by pure fear and love of God. The commune with those who share the passion of love for God is POWERful. I yern daily for the Sabbath to drawn nigh when we will meet again to rest and worship together our soon coming Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Rain!?

2005-10-18T10:37:00.000-05:00

Rain, the sensation of the event that once didn't even exist at all until Noah's flood. The phenomenon of the event is intriguing. It can be dangerous and it can save lifes. The culmination of nature recycling and quenching the environment is the retransformation of life at its earthly fullest. The environment however, is too badly beaten by the pulse emanating from the ever expanding human race. The Bible says God will destroy those who destroy the earth. The energy lust pulsating each time a baby is born, each time cities expand, each time a tree falls, inevitably pushes the earth to the limit. The earth is unable to support the weight of sin (the weight experienced because of mens parasitic actions). The earth is churning in pain as it tries desperately to repair it self. Increase in the strength and frequency of hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, tornados, volcanoes, floods, disease, famine, drought. Is it a coincidence that scientists try to dispel what the Bible had predicted - the Bible is the best science book, God is a God of science. What He predicted and warned us about isn't magical happenings it's straight forward science and He foretold it would happen this way. We have come to a time when the earth, which wasn't designed to support sin, has to struggle with the weight of sin. Only God's mercy and grace is spearing many now - the last real prophecy to be fulfilled is the message should be preached in all the world. Hold on, not just a message of Jesus and God but the true message of Jesus and God and the true teachings of His word (the Bible) - to say, not all the message in the world now is the true message. The rain is falling now, actually it has been this way for days now, to some relief to others flooding and disaster. The restoration and retransformation of life when Jesus Christ returns will be like the rain, relief for a few and disaster for many. Only those who have built their homes (heart) on the rock (Jesus Christ) and not sand will be firm and ready to meet him, homes on the sand will be washed away.

Alone time!?

2005-10-06T15:05:00.000-05:00

It is apparent that the door of time is closing faster and faster each day. Since of late I have this compelling feeling that I need to walk more with God, I mean, get more alone time with Him and His word (the Bible). We as earthlings suffer the decay and expiration of time, our finite earth life span is but a flash in God's sight (Ps. 90:6). The Apostle Paul (Gal. 1) was chosen by God and not of man, he went away at times to confer with God. Jesus also had to go away and spend time with God many a times. How so, even we mere diluted ignorant beings resemble such behaviour? I lack this so much and it reminds me daily. It's as if I set a reminder on my cell phone and it keeps reminding me every few minutes and all I do is click on snooze. No more, time belongs to God and I will give it to Him as much as I can. The Devil is worst now than ever - his time is short and like us, he's not sure when God is coming all he knows it's soon. "he is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour..." we more than the prophets of old need to walk closer with God. The urgency is cemented deep in my soul, the reaction I get from most people is next to nothing. The world is changing rapidly and as Ellen G. White puts it, final events will be rapid ones. The meaning of life is no longer based on the accomplishments of it - it's the relationship forged with the creator, the intimate touch of His love on our hearts, the pulse of mercy and grace that keeps us every single nano-second. The only way to achieve this is clear, I have to disembody myself from the world and take time with God alone. What else is their, nothing but death, there is only life in God. What I have come to know is that Jesus did not pay a little price for us, He paid a price we would not have paid for our own selves. To say, we would not even die to save our own lives. He owns us two times, at creation and on the cross. The call is ever present, lowly it may seem, Jesus is calling us back to Him. I am unworthy of this invitation but there is no other choice to make which makes sense but to choose Him.

Antichrist Revealed

2005-09-29T16:37:00.000-05:00

In most recent time it has become rampantly clear that the institution of the Catholic Church is the seat for the Antichrist, the man of sin. Their beliefs and doctrines outline the concept which the Antichrist will bring to the world. They have ordained men to forgive sin and they worship and pray to dead men and women - Peter, Paul, Mary - to name a few. The Bible clearly states that the only person who can forgive sin is Jesus Christ, and that we should not refer to any man (who is a sinner like you and me) as Holy Father. What surprises me the most is the fact that they must be aware of the teachings of the Bible and especially the one concerning the Antichrist, how come they don't figure it out that it points to their doctrine and beliefs? It is a clear representation of the fact that prophesy usually fulfills and most people are unaware of it until its too late. Is it that the Devil has the hearts of men so rapped up in themselves that the truth has almost no bearing on them? The end is nearer than the last time you heard it was near. I have come to realize that God's coming will be bitter sweet, most of the people on earth will be lost and that for them the coming of God will be too soon. As for the saints of God, His coming will be just on time. I watch and listen to the news daily because that's where I see most of prophesy being fulfilled. It is evident though that every day we should remember the fact that the Lord is coming again, we can't live like it doesn't matter. Today I read in the news that they want to take the subject of Intelligent Design out of schools and also the Bible. The urgency of the times are being overlooked by the populous.

The Antichrist!??

2005-09-22T15:01:00.000-05:00

Its interesting to see how much evidence the Bible puts out for us to know the real truth. I am watching a seminar on the Antichrist Chronicles by Steve Wholberg right now, some people believe that the Antichrist will be openly the Antichrist but like Judas who was with Jesus himself he ended up being an Antichrist. The Antichrist will be in the church and he will be subtle like Judas who was among the twelve. Reading 1 & 2 Thesolonians, especially 2 Thes. 2 vs. 3 onward, it outlines how the son of perdition will behave. Their are alot of false teachings out there. Everybody cannot be right, its impossible, there is only right and real truth. Interpretations also is a cause for the comfusion in so called Bible believing christians. The steps outlined in these versus states that the Anitchrist will be in the temple (which the greek word used in the original text before translation, Naos, which also talks about the church being the temple of God you and I). With this in mind the temple here refers to the church, the Antichrist will be in the church and will have authority in it also (as it speaks about sit in the church, seat means authority - eg. Bush was seated in the White House as president). The Antichrist is here now - 2 Thes. 2:5-7 Paul states that he told the church and they knew what is holding back the Antichrist. It isn't said out clear what the restrainer for the Antichrist was but in early writings of the elders during that time period, the Restrainer was the Roman Empire (that makes sense why Paul didn't write it in his letter to the Church at Thesolonica in fear that it would fall in the Roman's hand and the church be persicuted further). The Roman Empire is long been destroyed. If all this is true then, the Antichrist is here now. Who then is the Antichrist? He would be in the church now and have authority. What amazes me about Bible prophecy is that it's always too late for the majority to realize the fact that they are going through prophecy. It's at the end later that they realize, "hey, that was prophecy being fulfilled."

Habbits!?

2005-09-19T11:28:00.000-05:00

Smoking and drinking is bad for your health, in almost all the diseases that I have read up on most times they tell you to avoid smoking and drinking. I use to smoke and drink but I quit smoking before I left high school and I quit drinking when I graduated from college. The Bible states that we should take care of our bodies because it's the temple of God. Smoking, I must say, was the hardest of the two habbits I had to drop. It was so addictive, I had to hide my habbit from my grandma so in the nights just to fall asleep peacefully I would smell my fingers, which would have on the cigarette residue, to calm the crave. During my quitting stage once I was walking down the street and a guy was coming towards me with a cigarette, I knew I was still weak to the aroma so I crossed over to the opposite side just to avoid passing him and arousing the urge. I am no longer a slave to drinking or smoking, thank God, now I find them dirty and repulsive. It's funny though, serious funny that is, that we are slave to habbits that destroy us physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally. I want to be a slave to good things only, things pleasing in the sight of God.

Malice!

2005-09-14T11:03:00.000-05:00

I never really thought about the fact that people might not like me and still talk to me like everything is fine, or they have an issue with me and hold it in and don't mention it to me. It eventually comes out though, I have come to find out, which happens at awkward times and places. It is surprising though when someone lashes out at you because of something you did to them along time ago which if you think about it it would be the last thing in the world you think someone would be upset about. But it goes to show the diversity we have to deal with on this planet. What I will not accept or can't appreciate is the fact that the person carried it for so long without saying a word and then look at me and call me friend. I use to be very "sharp", if this stunt was pulled on me 3 yrs ago I would have just said you are right and never put myself in the position to speak to that person again. But allowing Christ to lead us we can't do those things, the feeling I had wasn't to do that but I remembered the old me and he would not have any of that. I had to use a kind word and try and turn away the wrath as the Bible says. As friends to other people its cruel and unkind to behave like that, the world doesn't revolve around us. I hope and pray that I will be a good friend to those who call me friend and to those I call friend. A friend sticks closer than a brother.

Darkness...Light!

2005-09-08T09:25:00.000-05:00

Each day I am constantly reminded that the coming of God is near. The trials on everyhand, it is clearly stated in Mattew chapter 24 that what is happening now will happen before the Lord returns. It is hard not to see the Bible prophecies fulfilling before our eyes, we have to deliberately shrug off these warnings to not take them seriously. It is dangerous to just live like the end is never coming, like we can't die at any moment in time. It is a constant struggle for our souls each day, between the Holy Ghost and the Devil. What is happening in the US now resulting from Hurricane Katrina would never have been dreamed of by almost everyone, the most richest country in the world suffering like that. Asking for aid. I believe that 9/11 was the turning point in Earth's history, it was a clear marker for the coming of changing times and laws as the Bible predicted. It is unlawful in some countries to speak truth from the Bible or it might be seen as preaching hate (homosexuality is wrong). It is wrong to use God's words and laws. Where is the light in the darkness, the Bible is clear and true and as Psalms 119:105 states; "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The spiraling effects of natural disasters and man made problems are happening in such rapid succession. Yet we hold fast to what is true.

HOPE!

2005-09-02T08:38:00.000-05:00

The disaster in the US now caused by hurricane Katrina is testament that the Bible prophecies are correct and true. They are looting, raping, robbing, all type of lawless behaviour you can think off. It's testament of how people will change either for the worst or the best in desperate times. Today's post probably parallels my post from yesterday, we have to ask God to lead us in everything we do and say. Where to live, to be with us on the roads, to guide our thoughts and speech, to guide everything we do no matter how small it seems. Disaster can strike anytime anywhere, hope is what will take us through. I ask God daily to take good care of my family, friends, and neighbours, in general I ask Him to take care of His people. I pray that the good people in this disaster stricken area will come out unarmed and full of hope, that the best will come out of them and not the worst. God has blessed us tremendously, without Him we would be lost, discernment, wisdom, and understanding should be apart of our daily prayers. I thank God He has spared me thus far and the ones I love. Keep holding on, strength only comes from God.

Mean People

2005-09-01T08:25:00.000-05:00

People are evil, that's too broad a statement I know, many people are evil. To reach the top many of us use and step on others to get what we want. We manipulate and sneak around people to achieve what we desire. Some of us do it deliberately and others its just in our blood to be conniving. People these days are allowing the devil to lead them and thus they make life difficult for those who are trying to live right. It's a fact that people will be going to Hell and people will be going to Heaven, the same people we are amongst now - some going to Hell and some going to Heaven. It's not our position to judge. It's hard to be nice to someone who wants to hurt you or who has hurt you, only God can make you truly forgiving. My stance is this; even if you forgive someone that doesn't change them, they might still want to hurt you and your family and may do it again. So how do you truly forgive someone who is not truly sorry? God have to be in you. I hope God will be in me so I can truly forgive but I certainly won't be foolish or naive, I will also ask God for discernment to open my eyes to the truth if the person is truly sorry or not. In these troubled times people are more selfish, more mean, basically they are more evil. Let us not be one to perpetuate evil and to be unkind to someone else and make life hareder for them than it already is. As God blesses us we should also be a blessing to others.

Gloom!

2005-08-26T07:36:00.000-05:00

It's hard not to be even a bit concerned about what is happening in the world today, not even the world your country, your community. Tax hike, violence increasing, wars, political turmoil and tension, unemployment, poverty, disease, religious confusion, natural disasters, accidents, and the list goes on. We face each day like it can't happen to us it just happens to those other people. It is clear in the Bible that these things will happen near the close of Earth's history. Where is safe on this planet now, where can you go and be free of all this filt? The only place that looks feasible now is somewhere above. Its a scary world, some people are just dying from fear alone. What are we living for; only to suffer and die? There has to be something better, has to be. Heaven is the only other place, whether you believe its just a utopia created by the human mind to fill the heart with hope, it is still real. Heaven has to live up to the hype, it can't be nothing but perfect. We have to give up this hell hole and its vices and cling to what is true and pure. The urgency should be clear and present in all our hearts that we need to follow Jesus' teachings in the Bible. No longer can the word of God be boring and uninteresting to us, if we plan to live forever with God He can't be boring to us now or we don't have a part with Him in paradise (paradise would be boring). What is left is truth, absolute truth, that we have to hold on to or we will be lost with the passing of time. It sounds like doom and gloom and if it doesn't to you then I guess your heaven is here on Earth.

No Pain No Gain!

2005-08-10T07:34:00.000-05:00

It is without any doubt that everyone has heard this expression before, where did it originate from, is it a fact? There are those who are wealthy because of trust funds, lottery, they didn't face any pain to gain. Is it only relating to wealth - material things? What about the other things in life like family, friends, peace of mind, health, relationships, good looks? Aren't these things things that we all want at some point or another? Is it only the things we want the most that we have to face pain to get them? I wonder about this because you have wealthy and well off people with family and the world to look forward to and they take their own lives or they are depressed. No pain no gain - its awfully tempting to take the easy way to what you want to gain, really now, who likes to feel pain (well apart from Masochistic people). Goals and aspirations are developed in each and every person, the levels, whether high or low, one would take to achieve them will in most cases cause some form of pain if the reality is no pain no gain. Why is this so, because of sin for sure, but who perpetuates it - we ofcourse. We make it harder for each other to achieve their goals - either because we are resentful, jealous, uncaring, stubborn, you name it we do it to others and make the expression no pain no gain a reality. The beauty is that through trials the victor comes out stronger and wiser, that sure will make some more bitter towards the victor. Its hard enough as it is living in this sinful world, but if we think about it we are the ones the devil use to make it harder for each other. No pain no gain - its sad too that some who end of gaining through the pain become selfish and lacking in trust. The pain has allowed them to gain but to what price, have their values and personalities changed for the better or the worst? My question is; is the pain allways wort the gain at the end.

The Missing Feeling.

2005-08-08T08:28:00.000-05:00

I have come to realize a fact at a very early age the power of missing something or someone. It never really dawned on me until in later youth that the heart or mind can be so attached to something or someone that if or when it is no longer there you are tormented with grief or despair. We are programmed to first preserve self but why then this feeling of depression (whether mild or severe) any time the external object or life form becomes absent? Why am i helpless toward this feeling, why are we so connected with invisible lines of trust, love, hate, sexuality, that when it is severed or stretched too tin it brakes or stresses the spirit of the heart and mind that it can even leed to depression. I get to understand that on a journey it is most times shorter and sweeter when traveled with someone else but its longer and harder when traveled alone, i guess that could be applied to life in a sense. The cords we bond ourselves with one to another whether we realize it or not are formed, strenghted, or broken each day as we come in contact with each other or lack of it, which ever it is. By design we are like this, its in our nature, and its in nature. Creatures bond in groups, packs, schools, even those who are solitary most of the times seek another at one point or another. This bond we are compelled by nature to make, we have no control over it, will always push us to bond. The issue here though is the braking of the bond, whether permanent or temporarily, distorts the balance acheived in the past and drops the nuclear bomb of loneliness on the Hiroshima of our hearts.

What Is The Meaning of Life?

2005-08-04T07:58:00.000-05:00

Life, a complex array of cells in an entity depending on external forces to remain active. The result therefore is interaction with other life forms in a life pool. Moments of change influenced by climate, interaction, time, decisions, makes up the sweet, bitter, or tasteless reactions of cells being affected by one or all of the above mentioned influences. Life in some eyes might be a journey, every journey must end one way or another. Meaning means evident, and to be inferred. So, the meaning of life could be translated as the evident of life which goes back to really exisiting which goes back to life which then takes you back to the meaning of it, hmm. We were created, but some may argue that they evolved, anyways, God created us. The meaning of life should therefore iterate why we were created in the first place, which is you might ask. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, but why, was He lonely, what? To glorify Him and rejoice with Him (Eph. 1:11,12 and 1 Cor. 11:1). From what I have read in the Bible and the promises He made to us we are lucky to be created at all. We have the priviledge of sharing paradise with God forever instead of not exisitng at all. The meaning of life, I feel safe in saying, is a journey to the end which really is the beginning of eternity which is the absent of time being perpetuated by ectasy.

Suicide(.)

2005-08-02T07:15:00.000-05:00

A guy I knew took his life last Sunday. It rests on my mind constantly since then. My mind is like a vortex of thoughts and questions, swirling in the mist of doubt and insecurities. He was no older than i am, he had everything he needed or so it seemed. Money problems was ruled out - he had alot of that - and so the illimation of what drove him to do it continues. I had to let God know that it seems like the devil is winning, but I know I am wrong. I was a couple of feet away from where he had done it, I didn't hear the shot because the music was too loud. I was only alerted by the cry of pain and disbelief. It drives deeper and deeper the fact that this world could never be my home, impossible for me to accept this as home. I look to the only true and real thing I know - God, but it scares me to know that no matter how much you look to God their are things in this world that I fall in love with, people I trust. These earthly things and people can and probably will fail me but I pray that God will be by my side throughout it all. The Bible speaks indirectly about suicide but it certainly states that their is hope in God - so a suicide will not make it to Heaven then. I reach deep inside the innermost parts of my mind trying to find if their is something I deem so important on this pile of dump we call earth that if I loose it I will feel hopelessly lost. I am forced to ask myself questions that I never knew even existed, to look within and around. Its scary to hope, its hard to hope and then to lose it after you put everything you have into it - I am tempted to run from what I see in my heart as being true because I don't want it to change or to destroy me if it does. It leaves me to first look to God - let your hope remain in me forever God, that's what I ask.

Love!

2005-07-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

this thing called love! It has become a curse to almost everyone of us - one time or the other. Why do we count on another carbon base life form with common traits to fulfill our desire to feel loved, accepted, appreciated? If you think about it its a weakness, yea thats right a weakness. To be honest its a weakness because of the devil, he corrupted it and made it something totally different. I guess some people would agree with me when i say that "i've had my heart broken". Some once some many times. You end up blaming yourself and maybe you are right - probably you saw it coming but it seems like the nearer the end is is the more you love and the more you fight which works out to be more pain. Maybe you were not to be blamed, deceit, lies, has momentarily destracted you from the obvious and your were taken in or taken for a ride. Love, sometimes it seems to me that in every "love" relationship one partner seems to exert more love or you could say demonstrate or express more love. Is it that one love the other more than the other loves them? I have heard people say get married to someone who love you more. What do you use to measure love? Is it easy to get over, love that is, if it is was it love? I won't even try to give the meaning of love, but it must have a meaning, right? If we go to the Bible it says all love comes from God (1 John 4:16). So, if i were to define love it has to have God in it somewhere. Maybe the hurtful, corrupt, deceitful, lying, love that we know is the love defined without God? The thing that gets to me is that we need love - anything you need can be used as a weakness against you. It leaves me to need the love of God first then, and hopefully the carbon base life form's love that i need will be taken care of by God! I love God, he's smart.

Work?!?

2005-07-26T08:17:00.000-05:00

Work! Work is a curse! I am not lazy - well maybe a little - its not that work is hard its just harder to work for someone else than it is to work for yourself (in my dream work that is). God cursed us after Adam and Eve fell, by the sweat of our brow we will eat. I wouldn't mind getting good pay to do my hobbie. Work is hard even if you had to string needles all day long. Is any work fun, or is it really work if its fun? Some people get paid to do their hobbies all day long, a very few to be exact. Work = Force x distance. You see what i mean, work only happens with force multiplied by distance - Force, Distance. To me Force speaks for itself, however, distance is equivalent to time. Week in week out, its a must, Work or die.

Harry Potter?!?

2005-07-21T16:15:00.000-05:00

Harry Potter books and movies have the world at its finger tips. Some say its a cult, evil, and some argue that its just another fairytale book, just a adventure movie. What is considered bad a couple of years ago is good now - remember the Bible says that in the last days what is good will seem bad and what is bad will seem good. If you think about it nothing is really bad nowadays unless you commit a crime against someone else but what about crime against God. They have Harry Potter camps all over the states now and Wiccans are growing everyday (http://paganwiccan.about.com/cs/whatiswicca/a/aawhatiswicca.htm). What is really happening, it seems like the devil is playing a big trick on the world that he doesn't really exist and that whatever you do, so long as you don't hurt anybody, its perfectly fine. The story of the rich young ruler in the Bible comes to mind, he asked Jesus what must he do to be saved and Jesus said that he should love God and his fellow men. He said that he did all that from a child, but Jesus said to sell all that he had and follow Him - following Jesus then was more than just being kind to his brother and saying that he loved God. Why Christianity, Bible, Religion, seem so boring to us and the things of the world so exciting? Their are people camped out to see a movie and to buy a book - come on - A BOOK (no offense to book lovers). Anyways, my brain is tired...

Fear

2005-07-18T16:09:00.000-05:00

Fear is; "an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)" I like this definition. Why were we designed by God to have fear? Is it a natural part of us or is it learned over time. Does a baby fear anything? I wonder about fear and can it be overcomed in all cases! Does fear make someone weak - or strong; depending on how you look at it. Maybe fear keeps us in check or guide us some way or another. Anyways, i am afraid of the unknown, how bout you?

Adam and Eve?!?

2005-07-14T08:06:00.000-05:00

I don't want to blame Eve for the predicament that the world is in, but i am forced to be a little bias judging from the evidences outlined in Genesis chapter 2-3. Eve strayed from Adam's side and was deceived by the Serpent (Satan). If you really think about it most women are like Eve... I asked myself the question; if i were Adam would i have taken the fruit to eat with Eve or let her just die alone - i might have eaten it with her too when i really think hard and true. If you really think about it though most men are like Adam. I even ask why didn't God destroy Satan before he tempted Eve to sin, or even further than that, why didn't he just refrain from creating Lucifer (Satan) in the first place. I am sure that God in His all knowing knew before he created Lucifer that he would turn against him, but God in His infinite wisdom allowed it to happen. What was His diabolical plan or reason i ask? In my finite wisdom i think maybe it had to happen sooner or later and it just happend now. He (God) created every intelligent being with free-will, as far as we know, and eventually they would have choosen not to follow Him and i guess it just happened when it should. The universe has to see the effects and consequence of sin, all along they didn't know what would happen if they choose not to follow God, now we all know. In concluding i ask myself - am i like Adam? Or females you could ask - are you like Eve?

Beauty ?!?

2005-07-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

One definition of beauty i've found is; "the qualities that give pleasure to the senses" Among all the definitions i think this works best. There are some who may argue that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, have you ever seen some really "beautiful" women with "not so beautiful" men or vice versa? I think that would go to say that beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder. What makes someone beautiful to each of us; is it character, attitude, countenance, dress, charisma, etc. But when you see someone for the first time don't you instinctly register in your mind that they are beautiful, normal, or not beautiful? So then, is beauty all about character and that other stuff or its just what pleasures the sense of sight? Can a blind person tell if someone is beautiful? So its our sense of someones beauty that attracts us to them. Why then are we controlled by our sense of beauty to select who we are interested in or not? Beauty magazines and beauty contest shows only make people watching them feel ugly - they try to curve minds and thoughts to what is accepted as true beauty. Beauty in the Bible ( I Peter 3:3-4) Talks about inward beauty. Have you ever spoken to someone over the phone whom you've never seen and deep down inside you feel their beauty? But that sometime changes when you see them and you realize that they are not "beautiful" as defined by todays magazines and tv shows. Concluding i am compelled to ask the question; is true beauty outside or inside?

D-Day

2005-07-08T11:24:00.000-05:00

Jamaica has been blessed for the past few years...though God knows we don't deserve it. We have had hurricanes come close....very close, and still not hit us directly. But we have had major damages because of it. Imagine if indeed some of these powerful phenonemons actually hit...

Thank God for His mercies, and His grace. But the question is: how long will it last? After all, we seem to be getting more corrupt with time...

Cats and Dogs?!?

2005-07-06T07:49:00.000-05:00

Our island Jamaica is under seige once more as the hurricane season pops with a bang. Its weird though if you think about it - this is July, early July - the time is really hot too and we should know already that the warmer the air is the stronger the storms will be. Dennis the Menace is the prelude to what seems to be an impressive "Summer of the Storms." I don't want to preach doom and gloom but every year it gets worst and worst. I went outside for a little bit in Ivan and i was pelted with rain drops that came in from the side rather than falling from the sky, the droplets felt like stones. I hope and pray for all of us that we don't get any serious hurt or damage to property. I like to go outside in the storm, i feel scared but i guess i'm too curious, curiousity killed the cat. I will stay in for this season though and if i live probably the next one too, however, i will be sure to be outside when the "smoke clears."

Pink Boots?!?

2005-07-05T08:17:00.000-05:00

This morning i read in the news that the United Church of Christ backs gay marriages now. I read in the Bible, in more than one section, that God is displeased with this type of behaviour. People seem to be using the same lame excuse that God will understand beacause they were born this way - but come on, we were born in sin and we are geared to sin than to do wrong does that make it alright to sin and then expect God to take us to Heaven, "oh i'm going to kill and rape because i was created in sin and when God comes i will still go to Heaven". It clearly states in (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1Corinthians 6:9) that they will not inherit Heaven and God is 'discussed' with that type of behaviour. We overlook the minute details of decay that is slowly eating away at our society. Not standing for right is saying ok to the wrong, letting feelings and desires rule over morality degrades our society. What does God have to say, or we don't believe in God or maybe He will understand whatever we choose to do?

I Got the Mondays

2005-07-04T08:27:00.000-05:00

Mondays are the worst day of the week for me. I don't feel the energy to work even if i had rested the entire weekend. I have to motivate myself to come in and start the day. I keep brooding over the past weekend and feeling depressed on how fast it went along. Before i knew it it was Monday morning and i'm on the bus to work. This is my weekend feeling: Relaxed, my time, even if i have work to do at home i still feel alight. I kick back before the tv on my sofa and i'm lord of the living room. My subjects (remote, and refrigerator) do my every biding - change the channel and provide cold beverage. My domain is temporarily interrupted when i have to visit my throne room to sit on the throne for a few minutes then i'm back to lavishing in my empire. Weekends, ah the weekends. I look forward to the hope that God will let me live to see another because my realm awaits my return.

I pray though that God will give me the energy i need and the zeal to work through today. But every week i get the Mondays, i wonder if there's a cure for it?

What Logic!

2005-07-01T07:53:00.000-05:00

Today in the paper i read that 2 girls - 8 & 9 - were raped and killed. That's the second story like that i've heard this year. Someone asked this morning, 'whats wrong with them, is it pleasure they want?' I don't believe so. If a man wants pleasure he usually goes to a strip club, buy's a hooker, etc.- that's if he can't get a woman so easily or he might turn to his girlfriend or wife, right? It therefore leads my mind to think that men who commit these crimes have some deeper resolve to malevolence - its not just pleasure it incorporates pain, dominating, killing, etc. The Bible speak about men hearts becoming more hard in the last days and it is true. We got to pray that we make it true to the end. I believe in 'village justice', i try not to but cases like these beg for it. In the Bible God told the Israelites to kill out a nation, kill everything even children and animals because of how wicked they had become. I am concern, not overly, about the fact that by Monday most of us will forget this ordeal like it never happened.

Cheating

2005-06-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

Cheating, everyone has done it atleast once or had it done to them. Is it apart of life, a must happen experience?

War of the Worlds

2005-06-29T16:25:00.000-05:00

This is my most anticipated movie of the year, but from my reliable critic - Roger Ebert - it wasn't all that. It doesn't change the fact that i will watch it though. I am intriqued by epic adventures and battles that have since recently been flooding the big screens, lord of the rings, matrix, etc. It just goes to show that someday it will all come to an end too not necessarily as the movies bring it but certainly an epic end. These movies also feed off the fear of people, especially Americans. I feel sorry for them, in this movie they are being attacked like 9/11 they don't know who is attacking them, or why, they just running and hiding. Movie directors are feeding off their fear and people seem to love it.

Asia's Tsunami

2005-01-11T18:13:00.000-05:00

In the wake of the Asia Tsunami that killed nearly 150,000 people it has to come to my memory that in the Bible it was stated that near the end their will be wars, rumors of war, famine, earthquakes, etc. All this have always been happening on the earth but now it seems more rampant and more devasting. It is almost in-comprehendable that so many people could be killed in the matter of minutes. The same date Dec. 26, 2004 the year before, Dec. 26, 2003, over 40,000 people were killed in Iran from a earthquake. The signs are so vivid, i must say.