MySpace- Our Space- His Space!!!!!

Now brother, since I have your attention. Whatever do you mean? Is it a MySpace thing or do you find it totally useless? What? Tell me, I am all ears…
I just want to know, why you have not signed my guestbook. I will be totally honest.

I am not comfortable as a minister of Gods power to only have females on my page sending their love on a regular. I go out of my way to embrace brothers for real reasons, first I love God and women, but I aint trying to get caught up. Now, I don’t want to speak on it but I believe I will.

We owe each other when it comes to accountability. I am not on MySpace to be an internet Player, Casanova, and whore. Nor do I plan on befriending only women as networking partner’s etc- with a veil of Christianity to hide me. But I will not continue such a page unless I can connect with some men! I am not trying to enlarge my circle with women, been there done that. I am either here to minister to all or none.

Not trying to be the next gossip on MySpace, nor am I trying to be the next brother who has the next sister, to call me her big brother-yet she has some alternate motives, while I may have a weak heart to tell my flesh NO!

Hear me if you love Christ. I need you to be who you say you are, be your “Brother’s Keeper.”

This blog does not have anything to do with a darn guestbook. Prophetically I speak to you as a friend and a brother…Be careful.

Men of God…Soldiers…People of the Kingdom of God- Don’t put each other out there like that; we are designed to stand together not alone-- each man/woman on MySpace who profess to be a believer either has or will meet pressure to cross a line. I am not interested in a woman trying to make a connection with me wearing a familiar disguise of Christ; scripture says, …they have a form, but deny the power (anyone who denies the power.) It happened to me and it happens. (This can be applied by both men and women, not just men)

But if we bond like we should, then we can embrace as we ought, not as our flesh often desires.

Now if you are online looking for a wife/husband do your thing, God bless you towards that end. But if you are married, or already engaged- then you should consider yourself blessed because God just helped you with this message you are reading from a stranger. If you have that special one (I do), then there is no such thing as a “special two”- you can forget that Bro. Great things come in pairs but not more than the two of you…When the scripture talked about a threefold cord not easily broken, it was not talking about you, your partner, and your extra!

God has set me free from the things I write about and if you are not careful a new friend can be a new curse. I advise you to first keep it real, and then keep it (your life) before the Lord

I need you, you need me- 4real 4real- we need each other.

Show ya love! darrin carter

Now it’s your turn- If not you, then who?

“I was beginning to see that poverty and racism often went hand- in- hand. And I recognized discrimination for what it was: an assault on God’s creation, and an attack on His plan for equal opportunity. On this issue, I said to myself, believers don’t have an option of being neutral. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a duty to work for equal opportunity—especially for those who need a break. For Christians, this isn’t a political or social issue; it’s a spiritual matter we can’t ignore. “
Hal Donaldson

Now it’s your turn. Look for someone who needs a real Jesus, not a religious-made- over-pitied-out-jesus. Look for our Lord Jesus, the One who will change lives and effect change through YOU! If you really want to see Him you should go where He would go...

Love/darrin carter

Christians Are Not Dirty Enough For Me?

I have to have this discussion out loud. As I think about New Years Eve and its rapid approach, both Saints and Aints come to my thought. Sinners plan for this party all year long. Saints prepare for an end of year celebration as well. Saints go their way and sinners go their way.

I would like to know frankly, why do the majority of folks I talk to think that sinners are so bad. Sinners ought to sin, just as Christians are suppose to win. I am not advocating for anyone to go to bars, club, or sinful venues, but someone has to go.

Not understanding does not make me stupid, slow, or unintelligent- but I am ignorant if I don’t have knowledge on the subject.

As Christians we are not dirty enough. I recommend that if you accepted the Lord Jesus, then you and I need to make certain venues available for Christ. We don’t go to strip clubs or dance clubs, we don’t hang out at bars or on street corners- yet we are trying to win these folks that hang out in places such as these. It’s somewhat funny when I hear a believer witnessing to another about Jesus. I usually hear, “my Pastor said…” followed by, “you should come to my church, we don’t do that,” followed by, “My Pastor …,” you get the point.

I am ready to see the body of Christ suffer for Christ sake! I am ready to see believers go into darkness and not be tempted. I am ready to see the church become recognized as not the local facility, but the global body. I am ready to see us be no more children tossed about with every wind of doctrine. I am ready for the true and living God to rise in us as the scripture declare.

Ok. If you are not going inside the bar, if you do not want to go to the dance club, if you can only do the Sunday morning shake, then I challenge you to live a little. Go on the dark side! Satan has folks in places that he knows Christian will not frequent. Try speaking with an ungodly man/woman and you will see, you can’t understand him/her and he/she can’t understand you.

Skill is needed when we attempt to win the lost. But Jesus has been on the planet twice. Once born of Virgin Mary, and secondly when He resurrected from the dead. Hallelujah! But wait a minute. I have good news for you. Jesus is coming back again. He is coming one more time - but this time for His Church.

Before Jesus returns please visit the sick, the widow, and the orphan. And by all means, go and see about the sinner- they will die otherwise and live forever in a bed of fire.

I recommend that you go in the darkness and be the light. I can hear questions about this subject and this is one of my answers. Jesus became friends with pimps and ho’s, drunkards and liars, drug dealer and dope users, gansta’s and wangsta’s, murderer’s and terrorist - you name it He did it. Someone said, show me in the bible? I have one better for you, go to the mirror and you will find exactly what Christ did because he did it for you!

If God can marry a backslider, then I can become friends with folks who live in darkness for the express purpose of being relevant enough to lead them to Christ. I can’t preach right now but I sure do feel like it!

If you want one on one training, email me and I will make it happen.

love/darrin carter

Jesus Said Go...

Today I meditate on God’s sovereignty. The first two letters in the word sovereignty spells the word so. The second word I notice is reign. So reign? I often wonder when will the church (Body of Christ) stop looking for the latter rain, and start implementing Christ authority in us.

When I observe the condition of the world, naturally I search for answers from within the church; not the building- the body. But what I mostly see is another production, musical, building erecting ceremony, service, conference, CD release, and on and on- with very little advertisement on things that are bringing none believers to become believers in our everyday life.

I am a little bit more mature now, so please don’t think I feel like ministry activities such as the ones listed above are meaningless or not valuable tools. Nevertheless, I want to share with you that God’s sovereignty is not only over us - it’s also given to us.

Holidays are approaching and I can imagine the toys, dinners, and many acts of kindness being prepared by Christians. Yet I inquire, at the end of the day, as Christ reigns in you- will you reign in others? The scripture says to the disciple of Jesus, whoever sins you retain will be retained, but whoever sins you remit will be remitted. John 20:21-23

Jesus said go! Yes. Go and do what He would do. What am I waiting on to change lives of millions; not on the missions field but during my everyday walk? I encourage you this week to find a unbeliever and share your faith and pray the sinner’s prayer with them- successfully leading them to the Lord. This will revive you, and you will be one of the one’s who did not just live in the earth, you also reigned all while you was here.

I know some of you may be a little rusty. In leading someone to the Lord (believe it or not) many live their entire Christian life with maybe only one or two that they personally led to Christ.

Here are a few pointers. Straight talk, it works. Keep it real. I promise you that you will be received by whomever you approach, if you just keep it real. Leave your bible at home. Jesus did not carry the script everywhere, He had it in His heart. Be honest. And numero uno…Don’t allow your failures to stop you from telling the truth.

If you read this message, then join the challenge. I am asking you to bring four people to the Lord this month. If each of my friends on MySpace did this, we would have over 200 people surrender to Christ for the month of November. If you decide to share this challenge, then there is no telling what we could do. Oh yeah Pastors…leading folks to Christ during your sermon doesn’t count. Lead you primary care physician, your gardener, mechanic, sales person, Aww you get the picture.

Please keep me posted as to your results. If you need some one on one help, write me and I will give you a call if you leave me your telephone number.

Summons a neighbor and command them to reign!

Love/Darrin Carter

Pro-Fess-Ional Christian?

“God bless you,” he said time and again. “Read this, you’ll be glad you did.” He wore black sweats, purple and white tennis shoes and a green windbreaker. He stood in one place rather than pursuing people with an outstretched arm as many street evangelists do.

He handed me a salvation tract. In turn, I told him I was a Christian. He gathered his literature in one hand and gave me a high-five.

“Good to meet you, Brother” he said. “My name is Wayne.”

I admired Wayne’s humility and passion for reaching people for Christ. He wasn’t interested in having his face on Christian television, owning a big title in front of his name, or collecting huge offerings from churches. I even sensed his discomfort when I slapped him on his back and praised his ministry. He was simply grateful for God saving his life, and he wanted to show his appreciation by working for god to reach others. Wayne didn’t own a business card or DVD trumpeting his ministry. He said God hadn’t called him to establish a ministry-business; He had called him to tell others about the Savior’s love. So all he needed was a Bible, some gospel tracts, his testimony, and a genuine smile.

I was thankful God had introduced me to Wayne before I left Seattle. In a few short hours, like an angel delivering a personal message, a total stranger had shown me the difference between a professional Christian and an authentic follower of Christ. Wayne, I decided, didn’t need business cards that bore his name and a lofty title after all. He had “Follower of Jesus” written all over his life.” (Pp. 98, 99)

Taken from Hal Donaldson Midnight in the City- To purchase book please select link to you left.

Proverbs 14:20,21 NIV
20 The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.” 21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.

Health Care

Recently I’ve been battling a health concern. At a glance, I thought my health was not so bad, but shortly after these thoughts of disregard, I made myself set an appointment with my primary care physician. My anxiety levels were low because I expected to receive a great report from my doctor. In addition, I was confident since I had lost at least some weight.

One week passed and I kept my appointment. Dr. Thacker greeted me with her friendly demeanor, and welcomed me back to her office. She checked my weight and proceeded to check my blood pressure. Dr. Thacker compared my stats against my last visit, which I would later find were not all good.

I could sense her relief by the smile that she candidly displayed. Dr. Thacker said to me that I had lost 19 lbs since my last visit. She reached over for the blood pressure instrument and said with assurance, Darrin I am sure you are going to be ok. I was anticipating hearing a positive result from my blood pressure test, but then Dr. Thacker said we need to retest you Darrin. The results from the first test were pretty high. She readjusted the reader on my wrist and we waited for the second result. To both of our surprise, my blood pressure had not gone down at all since my last visit. Could this mean Hypertension? Out of concern, Dr. Thacker ordered a complete blood count and prescribed medication for my high blood pressure.

I now take one tablet daily as a trial for the next 30 days. Dr. Thacker prearranged for me to have 3 refills of this medicine. I was thinking all along, why she would prescribe refills if this were just a trial. Sometimes I worry about my health, but most times I meditate on what I can continue to do to regain control. Nevertheless, I decided that I should continue healthy habits. If you are struggling with a health concern, you should first see a doctor; I am not speaking about Dr. Jesus. Then you need to do what you know can effect change concerning your health.

For Instance, I read my bible or pray everyday. The scripture says that physical exercise is not the chief thing, but rather spiritual. 1Timothy 4:7-9.

Furthermore, my health routine involves eating correctly and exercising. My meal includes large amounts of fruit and veggies. By eating the fruit or vegetables first, I hope to have very little room for unhealthy foods.

I refuse to eat any meal after 6:00 PM. I realize that I can load up a salad to make it feel like a steak. I shop at organic foods stores to buy the best foods available for my body. Even though these foods are expensive that’s the price for healthy living : ( I purchase nondairy milk substitutes such as Almond Breeze. I enjoy the vanilla, chocolate, and the regular flavors.

I jog on a regular basis at different times every other day. I try to keep my body confused so that the same tasks don’t become mundane. Of all the exercises I do, I enjoy running the most. Every other day I jog 3 miles. When I am not running I usually lift weights and do sit-ups. When I feel good I run and lift weights.

Another tip I can offer is from Steve Harvey. I heard Steve say that one should eat for what they are about to do, not what they have done. For instance, if you are about to do a task, based on the task one should consider how much energy is needed. Once this is determined use food for fuel not for pleasure.

God knows I love popcorn. But the truth is, when I go to a cinema I really don’t need food for this task; after all I am mainly sitting. I tend to want food because I see it, not because I need it.

I like this simple tip, because it makes sense. You need gasoline in your car for the distance you are about to travel; we never fill our car after a trip usually we place gas in our vehicles before we travel. By overeating we tend to not burn the fuel/food in our bodies and of course it becomes fat.

I would love to have an exercise partner to join me, but I only have my Ipod. I like my Ipod because it only does what it is designed to do; strict instructions to only play my favorite music…LOL.

It’s good that I exercise alone because I can pray and meditate. I can also be my miserable self physically. Being alone keeps pressure off of me from having to impress anyone. Working out alone I can freely be weak and get strong.

I hope this helps you enough to know that health care is not a government policy issue alone. Each of us is required to take care of our lives.

Carter with a ‘K’

Are You Growing Up or Down?

"Don't give up..... One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. 'God', I asked, 'Can you give me one good reason not to quit? 'His answer surprised me... 'Look around', He said. 'Do you see the Fern and the Bamboo?' 'Yes', I replied. 'When I planted the Fern and the Bamboo seeds, I took very goodcare of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The Fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the Bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the Bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the Bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the Bamboo. He said. 'In year three there was still nothing from the Bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the Bamboo seed. I would not quit.' He said. 'Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the Fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the Bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots.

Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.' He asked me. 'Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots'. 'I would not quit on the Bamboo. I will never quit on you.'

'Don't compare yourself to others.' He said. 'The Bamboo had a different
Purpose than the Fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.' 'Your time will come', God said to me. 'You will rise high' 'How high should I rise?' I asked. 'How high will the Bamboo rise?' He asked in return.'As high as it can?' I questioned. 'Yes.' He said, 'Give me glory by rising as high as you can.'

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you. Never, Never, Never Give up. For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity. Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Heavens door open this morning, God asked me... My CHILD... what can I do
for you?' and I said 'Daddy please protect and bless the one reading this
message. God smiled and answered ... 'request granted ............"

Author Unknown~

The Way Things Appeared Was Good- But Actually, It Was Far From God

When we look at the appearance of something, especially, when we are influenced by a cosmetic society it is easy to overly trust our eyes. The eye is definitely what we use to make out what's before us. However, the scripture encourages its reader to not be concern with what one see, be more concern with the thing(s) we do not see. 2 Co 4:18

I realize, that we humans care a lot about what others think. Where we live, how we live, if we do, or if we don’t; all these questions find passage to how we act or better said, how we react.

These societal pressures often causes one to lie. We may do well in word, only hoping to be accepted by hottest in crowd. Sometimes, I would find myself doing acts of kindness just trying to be acknowledge as a good guy. But one day I read how one could give his life to be burned in a fire, but if that burning was not motivated by love it meant nothing. 1 Co 13:3

We do our best to avoid the appearance of evil in the negative sense, but what about those things that appear good but are actually evil? For instance, the fake smiles we greet each other with at times; the giving a person a ride to church makes some angry, yet they continue to do it; when we loan money until payday next week; all appear good, but if our heart is not correct, we have not accomplish anything for God.

Thoughts, words, and deeds are all placed above the Lord’s fire to be tested- will your works burn, or will they last?

Carter with “K”

I Don't Know What 2 Do- Stop In The Name of Love

When you and I find ourselves in trouble its so easy to run and do something. Some of us believe that if we are busy we are efficient. But to take this one step further even if this is true, efficient may not be effective. The scripture is clear that though mountains are falling around your feet, no harm will come against the people of God Psalm 46.

I know sometimes listening to the fire eat at those things that can be destroyed- one wants to run or make a move. Never mind if the move is upward or not; we just got to get out of the heat. Consider the Hebrew boys who were trapped in the fire; this human oven was cranked up 7 times its normal range. The King had cremation on his mind. These boys willingness to stand on Gods word really pissed their circumstance off (the king). I love how these boys in a foreign land said with confidence “Our God is able,” Daniel 3:17.

As the story reads these guys were bound and tied together; the fire was so hot that those who put these boys in the fire were burn "feeling hot hot hot." Hallelujah! Just when the enemy and your hater come upon you to chew on your bone, they stumble and can’t manage to tackle you. Psalm 27:1-3

All I can say is “Never Scared”… As the light of the world we can say that. But when I hear some of these secular tunes like "Never Scared," by Bone Crusher, I say to my say without Christ- you ought to be. But if you are for Him and the world stands against you- YOU WIN!!! Romans 8:30 & 32 Now bless Him right now because can't nobody do you like Jesus!

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

When it All Falls Down

I am not speaking of Jericho’s wall, Lauryn Hill, or Donnie McClurkin’s “We Fall Down, but We Get Up” hit song. I am speaking of our decisions to turn our face against God. I am speaking of when we say that our plural way of doing things are more enticing than God’s singular way of delivering us from trouble.

Not long ago I called a Pastor friend and asked to borrow about $2,000.00 – I really needed this money and I was certain they understood that. The first reply I received was, “let me pray about it.” I love this person and they also loved me. I began to realize that I was in trouble for the first time when the reply was, “Let me pray.” When my friend finish praying she came back to me a few days later and said with clear voice - “Brother you are in trouble with God, and I can’t help you- If I give you this money it would be like I never gave you anything at all.”

I have not talked with my friend since that conversation (almost 2yrs ago) but I fully agreed with her then, and I still agree with her now. (Friendship is not based on frequency of communication – we are as tight as ever please believe me!) I understand that I had made a decision to induce sufferings in my life. Now I wanted help but God said not so, you will live this one out.

I remember managing a department store with senior management who was a micro manager. Each day this guy would come in the store, before he said good morning and how are you doing? He would say, “Tell me what is happening?” This man wanted a complete run down of each detail- I swear this would piss me off so much that I eventually quit the job.

Recently I started working in my area of study (social service industry/mental health and addictions) and was blessed to work very close to the Executive Vice President and the President directly. I was sitting across from the Executive VP one day while she was talking to the President on a phone call. To my surprise the Executive VP was running down so many small details of the office that I was totally shocked. Immediately, I began to notice that each day this was the routine. First a phone call would happen, then a detailed chronological order of events that were taking place in the office followed…all the way down to who made the coffee (ok I may have exaggerated, but just a bit).

I ran outside to make a personal call; I needed to get my old senior manager on the phone. When he answered I rushed him with my apology. I said this is Darrin Carter and I called you to apologize for all my stubbornness and rebellion towards you. Today I have learned that when I am correct stubbornness is tenacity, but when I am wrong rebellion is called wickedness and even is compared to witchcraft in the scripture.

When it all falls down, you and I are forced to live with our ignorance except we allow somebody to tell us something better. Kanye West has a song out, “Can’t tell Me Nothing,” and to no surprise the hook of the chorus line is, “uh -uh you can’t tell me nothing.”

Pharaoh was warned to let God’s people go, and he said no. This man caused all kinds of sufferings to hit his people, himself, and his land. God allowed his heart to be fixed so that he could not change his mind.

When Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus he could have put up a good fight, instead he lost his sight and learned something greater. Saul became Apostle Paul and the rest is history.

Moses could have seen the promise land, but he got offended after the people were too much to handle. Jehovah told Moses that he would give him a new group but Moses said no.

When it all falls down- what will be your reaction when you received what you said you wanted?


Carter with a “K”

What Work for Some - May Not Work for You

Today is a great day. This sort of opening comment automatically begs the question, what is so great about it? I am glad I asked. Today is great because I am very aware of who I am and where I am from. My statement is simple yet powerful. Who a person is and where they are from says all there is to be said about their sociology. I will attempt to make today’s devotion rather short and sweet because today it is about me; describing myself is as simple as saying my name.

When Jesus walked the streets of Galilee was he called Rabi or teacher? If so, this would be Christ being addressed by what He did for an occupation versus who He is. For instance, would you rather be called your name or your occupation? We address Doctors, Ministers of the Gospel, and judges according to their occupation- but this is not who these folks are, this is an occupation.

At times this can be very confusing as it was with David and King Saul. David had a philistine giant cursing and swearing God’s people, while it appeared that no one would shut his mouth. This infuriated David as later you will read in the scripture I attached. When there is an intruder in ones kingdom refusing to obey the laws of the king, something has to be done to stop such disrespect.

King Saul was king but inwardly he was coward underneath the boisterous Goliath. David was a shepherd by occupation. Nonetheless, David came from the line of Jesse who is directly connected to the genealogy of Christ. Therefore, the king in David blood was offended not the shepherd boy. The royal-ness in his blood was provoked by the insults of Goliath, and when it was time for the true king to stand up for the kingdom, the shepherd defended his throne.

As you will read the armor of King Saul did not fit shepherd boy David, in fact King Saul sword was heavier than Daves total body weight (ok I exaggerated). David did not use the weapon of the more noticeable King Saul because it was not meant for him. Instead, David used testimonies of victory over his past enemies which caused him victory over his present. David started reciting where he was from and gave himself confidence to defeat Goliath by identifying with who he (David) is.

Next time you think you may need a lawyer, doctor, man, or woman, reach for retrospect and pull out a testimony. If what you have in your hand is a slingshot, then find some stones and let it rip. Slingshots are fragile and may not be all that tough, but it’s not the weapon anyway, it is about who is carrying the weapon. We do this in fashion all the time, it’s not the outfit it’s who is wearing it!

Go on and use what appears to be nothing to others and take out your giant! God will be praised because you should be dead; instead you are alive holding the head of your enemy in your hands.

1 Samuel 17

David and Goliath
1 Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah. 2 Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. 3 The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.
4 A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet [a] tall. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels [b] ; 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. 7 His spear shaft was like a weaver's rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. [c] His shield bearer went ahead of him.

8 Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." 10 Then the Philistine said, "This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." 11 On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.

12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse, who was from Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse had eight sons, and in Saul's time he was old and well advanced in years. 13 Jesse's three oldest sons had followed Saul to the war: The firstborn was Eliab; the second, Abinadab; and the third, Shammah. 14 David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father's sheep at Bethlehem.

16 For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.

17 Now Jesse said to his son David, "Take this ephah [d] of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. [e] See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance [f] from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines."

20 Early in the morning David left the flock with a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. 22 David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and greeted his brothers. 23 As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. 24 When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear.

25 Now the Israelites had been saying, "Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his father's family from taxes in Israel."

26 David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

27 They repeated to him what they had been saying and told him, "This is what will be done for the man who kills him."

28 When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle."

29 "Now what have I done?" said David. "Can't I even speak?" 30 He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. 31 What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him.

32 David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him."

33 Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth."

34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."

38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.
"I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 "Come here," he said, "and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!"

45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.

50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

51 David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine's sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword.
When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. 52 Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath [g] and to the gates of Ekron. Their dead were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. 53 When the Israelites returned from chasing the Philistines, they plundered their camp. 54 David took the Philistine's head and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put the Philistine's weapons in his own tent.

55 As Saul watched David going out to meet the Philistine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, "Abner, whose son is that young man?"
Abner replied, "As surely as you live, O king, I don't know."

56 The king said, "Find out whose son this young man is."

57 As soon as David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with David still holding the Philistine's head.

58 "Whose son are you, young man?" Saul asked him.
David said, "I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem."

My Boy do Kanye West, Just Give Me Some Celine Dion...

Often times I get frustrated with knowing what is the right thing to do. Taken from the movie "Do the Right Thing" by Spike Lee, I find myself exiting rooms with that movie title. It's as though I can’t feel good except I am at least trying to be correct.

This frustration at times causes me to dislike the fact that I care for others as much as I do. At times I feel plagued by smiling when I want to frown; walk away, when I am so ready to punch someone who is being rude to me, or just acting up; apologizing when I feel I have done nothing wrong- this really burns me at times.

This morning I began to pray about my attitude and how things in this life frankly piss me off! The only thing that can sooth my soul lately when I feel this way is Celine Dion album entitled, All the Way: A Decade of Song.

After all I have been through I still feel bad every so often. Even though I have countless victories; they are not enough. I have had so many wins that if my victories were recorded I would be the World Greatest (a description of Mohammed Ali the once Heavy Weight Champion of the World- written by R Kelly).

Nevertheless, I don’t feel like a winner everyday let alone a champion- sometimes I feel like a hopeless river wandering through valleys never being reunited with the sea. Its times like these that I usually go dancing, or fine something interesting to do like traveling. What I never do is accept this temporary circumstance of weakness, failure, and lost.

I am always thinking about what I can do to stand. I use music and exercise to change my mood at times to effect me positively. For instance, I will jog or lift weights and pray as I exercise. If things are really bad I do the above, plus pull out music that turn my heart on the Lord like Jonathan Butler, Al Green, Celine Dion, Donnie Hathaway, Luciano and Soca music. If I am still down, I will jog and preach to myself the word of God until my change come. By chance if none of the above work, I repeat every step again tomorrow until I am better; if it takes days, then days it take. The point is I never ever get tired enough to give up.

You and I both need to have tested and proven ways to get out of the dumps and make sure we are not living where a visit is not acceptable. I know some will not like the tools I used to get back up again. Yet, I find hope in the Holy Scripture that says the earth and everything in it belongs to God Psalm 24.

I don’t discriminate when my life and joy is on the line. Jehovah gives us what we need when we need it. If it does not hurt my body, take away from my relationship with God, distract me from being a witness, or hurt others -Babe it's on. What I need may not be a sermon, prayer, Tele-evangelist, or fasting. I believe at times, all I need is Crossroads Entertainment Complex, or a reggae band called Storm on Friday nights at Bukum Café in Adams Morgan, Washington, DC. I do what I must do to stay above my drowning.

I submit to you to hold on to the table, water hose, the sofa, kitchen sink, end tables, and whatever else to stop yourself from fainting. Quitters never win, and winners never quit. The shadow of death is not death; it’s only a shadow. If you want to see a change, then change and see.

My scripture today is:

Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

2He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

3He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

4Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

6Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

Footnotes:
Psalm 23:5 It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil to protect it from excessive perspiration. When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted a delightfully refreshing and invigorating sensation. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race. As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated, and better fitted for action, so the Lord would anoint His "sheep" with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, to fit them to engage more freely in His service and run in the way He directs--in heavenly fellowship with Him.

Psalm 24
A Psalm of David.

1THE EARTH is the Lord's, and the fullness of it, the world and they who dwell in it.

2For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the currents and the rivers.

3Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place?

4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully.

5He shall receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6This is the generation [description] of those who seek Him [who inquire of and for Him and of necessity require Him], who seek Your face, [O God of] Jacob. Selah [pause, and think of that]!

7Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

9Lift up your heads, O you gates; yes, lift them up, you age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10Who is [He then] this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah [pause, and think of that]!

Tired of These Begging Folks? Not Really

Today I was thinking on the subject of how I deal with beggars on the street i.e., in and around the metro train stations, at church entrances after hours sleeping in the District, stopping me at the traffic-light asking for coins or, “you got a dollar boss, I'm would like to buy me something to eat?”

I never really did understand how so many people in America could be without housing and shelter- but that topic is a different Blog. This is how I handle the so-called "Beggar. " First, I give at least 85% of the time I encounter him or her. I am not really concern about who this is in front of me. Actually that is not true, a better quote is “I am not concern with how this person(s) seem to be to me in their approach.” My aim is to give. And almost every time I decide not to give, I ache inside wondering was this my opportunity to meet Jesus and I passed Him by.

There is a scripture found in Matthew 25:31-46 Amplified 40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. My study tip today is to always read verse 1 as I did in this instance (Thanks to one of my mentors John Doonan- I can still him saying, “Darrin did you read the entire chapter or just that one verse?)

~~~~~~~

The kingdom of heaven is likened unto virgins, then those who received talents, and lastly sheep in comparison to goats. Each instance talked about being ready and having the nature of Christ. I placed emphasis on the latter portion of this text above.

The goats did not help strangers, while the sheep did. The goats never visited or gave alms of support, but the sheep acted opposite of the self-preserving goats. We read later that the sheep are very helpful. But did you notice that both the goats and the sheep are ignorant of who the strangers are. Obviously to the goats the identity of the strangers mattered; socioeconomic stratification.

I do my best to do for the Lord more when I think He’s not watching. Yeah I know this sounds silly but it’s my truth. In actuality, this is how I believe the sheep behaved in that they helped many strangers never knowing that Jesus would count their compassions as gifts to Him. Jesus replied, when you did it to the least of these you have also given drink unto me. Matthew 25:45

Lord I pray that I can share my substance even more; help me with the 15% and other times that I fail opportunities to help the poor- let me not mock you with my lack of compassion. Proverbs 14:31

Family at times I feel like some of these folks are tricking me. I think I don't give because I feel some of these folks could do better for themselves. Another reason I don't give is because I might be sponsoring a bad habit- such as alcoholism or drug addictions. So instead of doing the best thing 100% of the time I simply pass by. Now when I don’t have money I can’t give; I am talking about when I have it and don’t.

I hope all of you who read this Blog are interested in this topic to some degree. I will right about my detailed reasons why I don’t give and how I am improving at a later time. I hope you have been blessed by looking at my life as I look towards Christ.

What is for you will see your face.

WWJD- "What Would Jesus Do?" NOT!!

My chief reason for using the Internet in this fashion is to allow my study habits to be reviewed as I encounter the Lord.

One thing for sure, I am not naïve about the power of influence. I recall when I read the wristband "what would Jesus do?” I was so excited about this fresh phrase until years later when I discovered something so easily overlooked. I am not sure about you, but I don’t and did not follow Jesus all the time, instead I naturally follow others. People that I respect, successful, friends, peers and colleagues.

As I look back in retrospect many times I would ask the question, what would my mother do if she were in this situation? Or how would my papa handle this business matter? Never did I ask the question about Jesus, because for me, it was/is often difficult to see Christ as a businessman, an individual faced with difficulties of relocation costs, or someone struggling with promiscuity issues.

Today I have a question for you. When you are in tough times or need to figure out which way your life should go, do you think about Jesus or your role models? The real question is can you know for certain that your mentor has a compass that is set to Christ pulse?

As a follower of Christ I discover many diverse differences amongfellow believers. Some actions I observe in the name of faith make sense to me, while other actions just appear to be farfetched and crazy. (I am still learning so be patient with me guy’s)

However, I realize that as a mentor, role model, and moral citizen that I have people observing me all the time, and possibly patterning their life after mind- I feel this can be a tragedy in some cases simply because I am not there just yet.

Family never do I want to distract or take away from those we depend on for advice and council. Yet I do want you to know that at the end of the day I remember…

Psalm 1: 1-6 Amplified

1BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

2But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

3And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

4Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.

5Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].

6For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

The Internet has become very important in that some sermons we hear week after week are directly from the web. I also use the Internet, as it is a great worldwide library for me when I study. Messages from the Lord via Internet or from other sources are worth repeating; thus, the impact of the lesson is not diminished based on where it is retrieved. Nevertheless, I must be grounded enough in God’s word that I can determine Christ nature when I am reading and relying on study helps.

My short answer is, I always pray before studying. I ask the Lord for His lamp to shine on the passage, book, or other tool. Secondly, I always ask the Holy Spirit to teach me as promised in the scripture (John 14:26).

Finally, I don not read any aid, help, or commentary, nor do I use any tool electronic or web based more than I read my Holy bible. I find relying on the Lord first and placing my unwavering confidence in Him allows me to strengthen our solid relationship. Jesus and I are tight and closely knitted because I draw unto Him and He reciprocates (James 4:8 ).

James 4:8 Amplified

Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].

John 14:26 Amplified

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

Loss of Memory- "You Better Ask Somebody"

Dear Believer,

I personally enjoy the readings of “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. Who is Oswald? “Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was born July 24, 1874, in Aberdeen, Scotland. Converted in his teen years under the ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, he studied art and archaeology at the University of Edinburgh before answering a call from God to the Christian ministry. He then studied theology at Dunoon College. From 1906-1910 he conducted an itinerant Bible-teaching ministry in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

In 1910, Chambers married Gertrude Hobbs. They had one daughter, Kathleen.
In 1911 he founded and became principal of the Bible Training College in Clapham, London, where he lectured until the school was closed in 1915 because of World War I. In October 1915 he sailed for Zeitoun, Egypt (near Cairo), where he ministered to troops from Australia and New Zealand as a YMCA chaplain. He died there November 15, 1917, following surgery for a ruptured appendix.

Although Oswald Chambers wrote only one book, Baffled to Fight Better, more than thirty titles bear his name. With this one exception, published works were compiled by Mrs. Chambers, a court stenographer, from her verbatim shorthand notes of his messages taken during their seven years of marriage. For half a century following her husband's death she labored to give his words to the world.”
http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/my_utmost_for_his_highest/oswald_chambers_1.page

I believe in devotionals and any tool that will help one increase in the knowledge of their faith in Christ Jesus. Today during my study time I happened upon this scripture in Matthew 5:23-24 with commentary from “My Utmost for His Highest” Oswald C.

The scripture reads: If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift—Matthew 5:23-24

Although Oswald has an entirely different spend on this text, when I applied meditation to what I was reading this is what I discovered.

Have you ever wondered why God believes in forgiveness with such intensity? I often consider this- almost each day. I wonder how could He forgive me? How could He love me? How could I continually allow myself to let such love down? I think to myself that if Jehovah would ask me to mend differences with my family, rather than offer worship and make offering unto His holiness, I think forgiveness must be really important.

I am not going to provide you a list of what should happen next. My aim is to add volume to the Lord’s voice on the topic found in the writing above. I actually like this scripture and it makes me glad to anticipate the day that I recall those whom I offend. Is it not amazing that the text states, “and there remember that your brother has something against you”, at this moment leave your gift and reconcile. The point here is that in His presence all things will be revealed, it’s a matter of you and I choosing not to ignore.

When I worship the Lord I desire to be free, without weights of un-forgiveness and broken relationships. How about you?