True Religion

John 14:6 (New International Version, ©2011)

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.






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Addictions

2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (NKJV)

Stop the Funeral

Why are you closing the casket?...I'm NOT dead!

“The Cost Of Following Christ”

“Teacher I will follow you no matter where you go”!(Matthew 8:19)

We all can relate to the initial enthusiasm we feel as soon as we are exposed to truth, which is the Gospel. We instantly feel a sense of purpose and zeal.This over whelming passion motivates us to follow Christ-becoming Christlike-walking in his footprints.

As Christians it should be our desire to emulate the ministry that Christ established on earth.however, there is a great cost in following Christ.

“But Jesus said “ Foxes have dens to live in and birds have notes, But I, the Son of Man, Have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head”(Matthew 8:20)

Are we prepared to make the sacrifices for the Gospel?

Its good that we are all passionate and willing to serve Christ and help in building His Kingdom. But there is a cost, a great cost that many of us will have to pay if we choose to wholeheartedly follow Christ and serve in ministry. One of the sacrifices that I believe the scriptures alludes to is sacrificing our earthly securities and placing ALL trust in God.

Are you willing to place your entire trust in God?

To trust God completely means we must have confidence in Him. Sometimes following Christ will test your faith and spiritual strength. But we must remain confident in who God says He is. We must know that our security is in Christ. He will sustain us, provide for us and satisfy us.

The Pill Vs Self Control

I just read an article about the ‘wonders’ the Pill has done for the generations. I was shocked or more like disturbed by the way in which this article glorifies sexual immorality.

“That nice girl ‘did it’ and sometimes even enjoyed it, and that sex need not lead to to marriage.”

Some may believe that the degeneration of societies’ morality began over 50 years ago when FDA approved this contraceptive. However,our lack of sensitivity to moral issues began way before ‘The Pill’ came into play. It took place between two individuals a man and a woman who disobeyed God and ate the fruit from the tree of Good and Evil. As a result,evil has been engraved in the DNA of every creature on the face of the Earth.

Our lack of morality is to be blamed on the great epidemic called sin. Sin is responsible for all the social, physical and spiritual deaths in our society. The media plays a significant role in spreading this social disease among people. This article The Pill glorifies a lifestyle which promotes:

1. Selfishness
2. Idolatry
3. Power

All of these qualities are destructive to the character of an individual. Since sin came into world, people sought things which were beneficial to them and not caring about the needs of other people. Everyone craves power/ wealth and we will do anything to obtain these things. But the problem is that people want to be gods.They want to control their destinies!!

“ It gave us power to decide if and when we were physically, emotionally and financially prepared for the immense commitment to bear and raise a child”.

Relative Beauty Vs Absolute Beauty

What is beauty? Do we even consider ourselves beautiful?

Some of us may not be able to answer this question, because we don’t have a concrete definition.However, there are some of us who are able to answer this question based on our definition.But are our perception of beauty valid?

The world has conjured a superficial definition of beauty, and it’s sad to say many have defined our sense of beauty by these superficial concepts.This however has led to many social ills in our society.People are now using socially constructed notions such as' ‘ ugly’ to describe people or even categories people who do not measure up to the world’s standards of beauty.What people fail to realize is that our definition of beauty does not truly define what beauty is.

So, what is beauty?

Firstly, we have to state what beauty is not in order to fully understand what it is.Beauty is not the physical attributes of an individual, and it cannot be found in the genetic make up of an individual.In my opinion, beauty is not a physical thing but a spiritual thing.

Relative beauty.

How we view ourselves is important. It affects how we behave and even how we treat other people.People who view themselves in a relative way are very insecure,selfish and egocentric. Therefore, individuals who view there beauty relatively to physical attributes or the world’s standards are often times insecure and suffer low self esteem.The idea of relative beauty has caused many people to chase diets so they can acquire this ‘beauty’ and for those impatient folks who have the ‘quick fix’ mentality, choose plastic surgery as their means of attaining this level of ‘beauty’.

If we continue to to validate ourselves based on these relative ideas, we will lose ourselves and our true identity and then we will find ourselves transforming into little superficial monster.Do you think you’re beautiful? Be honest…..

Renewed

Its been awhile since I have blogged, but I’m back with a new theme and motivation.

No matter what our past mistakes were, God is able to make things new. Many of us are products of our environment, whether it was good or bad, its has impacted how we live our lives.Just remember God can make ALL things new!

I want to introduce you all to Rhema Soul, a very phenomenal group whose focus is on leaving their fingerprints on the lives of individuals. This is their testimony, check it out.

Check them out Here for more info about their ministry.

Trip Lee Vs Drake

Many of us have heard that Drake’s album dropped some time this week. For some strange reason, I have not been hearing a lot of buzz about this album,should I assume that it was not “all that”?!

Anyway, On June 22, 2010 Trip Lee will be releasing his third album which will be available nation wide. I have a feeling there will be a lot of positive feedback about this album.  If you don’t believe me then check out this song that was leaked a couple of days ago.

So, I guess after listening  to this track we already know who the Hip Hop sensation for this summer will be. Do I need to spell it out?!

Who signed K-Drama?

Firstly, I must say I admire this man, he is so humble and transparent. Not only is he in my opinion, a godly and upright person, but also a phenomenal rapper. I love his music, its very encouraging and humorous. Check this video out and you will know what I mean.

I am so very happy for K-Drama. He is officially signed to Crossmovement!! All the best my brother in Christ.

And remember K-Drama will be dropping an album this summer, more details will follow.

Lampmode releasing Json 3rd album "City Lights" July 20th

Lampmode releasing Json 3rd album "City Lights" July 20th

Reflections part 2 by Trip Lee

Ok Trip lee has been grinding these past years.His Third album will be dropping this summer. Expect it on June 22, 2010! It is going to be the hottest album this summer, not even the 100 degree weather will top this. You can sample his second head banging single at Rapzilla.

Also, listen to Trip Lee’s second reflections video regarding life and the fallen world. Don’t miss out on this great album. If you really appreciate good music, then this album will be syncing on your iPods on June 22, 2010. Go get it!

Trip Lee is at it again…!

I must say I admire the craft of this young man. His gift for

articulating the Gospel through the medium of music is beyond exceptional. I am a fan of his music and his ministry, but most importantly I admire his passion for the Gospel and the humilty he possess.

Trip Lee is currently working on a new project entitled “ Between Two Worlds” it is set to be realesed on June 22. Also, I believe a tour will be taken place in promoting his album, so  check  Reach records for more info on tour dates.

To get an idea of what the concept of the album is about take a look at his video and tell me what you think!

formspring.me

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/NickyWilly

Da Ambassador Returns!

Well I just finished watching the very intense interview with The Ambassador(Amba), and I must say I was moved. I actually almost shed a few tears.

Many of you may be aware of the “fall” of The ambassador who is a famous rapper, who was signed to the famous Cross Movement. My first reaction to this whole situation was one of shock and disappointment which led to me being embarrassed for him, it has caused me to even delete all his songs and trash his albums.I really admired the character of Ambassador and I was truly moved by his passion and zeal for God and Gospel.

This interview with The Ambassador has opened my eyes, and once again God has pointed the mirror in may face. Now As I am typing this I am forced to examine myself.I didn't look at The Ambassador as a “human” or I have forgotten that he too lives in a world that is fallen and corrupted by sin. Sometimes we forget that celebrities, Ministers etc are humans too and that they are prone to the same ills as we are. So, while I was pointing fingers at him, God was pointing fingers at me. I felt such a strong conviction that I had to stop and examine myself. I am a sinner, I have “fallen”, the only difference is I didn't have to make a public statement and do all the other damage control stuff. But God has held me accountable for all the mess I have done, even the very ‘secret’ things.

So,the interview has sparked some sympathy for Amba as well as it has taught me a big lesson. We are all capable of sin, we all can trip. So what we need to do is hold each other up and stop pulling each other down.I want to apologize to Amba for being judgmental and so unloving,I truly admire your transparency and passion. I know God is not done with you and this is just another process.

If you are not familiar with The Ambassador then you can contact him Here or Here .God Bless!

THE WORLD SHAKEN .

What if God shook our world.
What if the earthquake was not for Haiti alone.
What if our children were the ones,
Roaming the streets alone.
What if we were under the rubble,
Desperate to be seen by the rescue team.
What if it was us in chaos
Searching for our love ones.
What if it was us mourning
Our lost ones.
What if Haiti was America
We would be the one’s crying
For deliverance,
We would be the ones
Grasping for air as buildings crush us.
We would be the ones spilling our tears
After news came that there’s not
Enough rescue team to save us
We would be the ones
Carry the remnants of families
That didn’t live,
Because the earth opened up
And sucked them in.
We would be the ones,
Digging through the debris
Hoping to save your wife
Before her life is seized.
We would be the ones in need,
Of the commodities
That we so often toss around
Like they are not necessities.
We would be the ones naked
Our clothes stripped from our backs
As the earth shook beneath us.
We would be the ones
But we aren’t.
So lets lend a hand to Haiti
Who are people much like us.

FIFTEEN YEARS by Kendra Norman Bellamy

Fifteen years of struggles and pain was scared on the heart of Josiah. He has experienced so much loss and rejection that even after fifteen years he still wrestles with his past.

This novel is remarkable as all books by this author, I truly appreciate her art for creating fictional but realistic characters that anyone can relate to. I love how the writer incorporates a bit of drama and romance in her novel without exhausting the two literary forms, each was moderately used which didn't make the novel overdramatic but it still sparked interest and curiosity that was enough to keep a reader stimulated and engaged. I love authors that put a little twist in events, I can always depend on Bellamy to keep me on the “edge of my seat”,this book was truly worth buying and it’s a great avenue to escape your own world and step into that of another. I was truly encouraged and ministered by the characters’ personal relationship with God, the book was not saturated with scriptures but it was still spirit filled. The references to worship songs by the famous saxophonist Antonio Allen was appropriately inserted in various scenes of the novel that allowed the reader to sympathize with the character Josiah as he tried to find that peace in God.Personally, I love the part where the Bishop was counseling Josiah about his issues, this part truly spoke to my spirit and I found comfort as I even began to think about my own pains and heartaches.

For fifteen years Josiah was tormented by his past, but in a week God undid all that pain and replaced it with love and Joy. Indeed your latter will be greater!!!!.

This is a great book written by an exceptional author, so purchase a copy or borrow it at you local library.

Get your Hands off my throat By David Wilkerson

This book is truly inspirational and thought provoking. Although it was published in 1971, I believe it is still relevant to this present time.The problems that we face today, the solutions can be found in this wonderful book.

“Get your hands of my throat” is the cry of many teens who are misunderstood. Many of the teenagers today just crave for attention and for someone to honestly and openly speak with. David Wilkerson, sympathizes with these troubled teens and in his book clearly points out ways in which leaders and parents can be understanding and loving to our children even when there ways baffle us. We need to stop judging people and be more open minded to there ways and understanding. And we don't have to do this and forsake our morals and values.

David Wilkerson spoke on issues that have sparked a lot of controversy in the church, issues such as music ( Rock), festivals and even personal appearances ( hair). The problem that is associated with these issues is that people have a hard time accepting things that are different or things that break the traditions of a church. But this book remains us that God doesn't look at the outward appearance of man but He searches the heart of man.We should not judge people by how long or short their hair is or what they wear, but we should strive to understand the minds of these young people.How can one minister to a person if we shone them, but in order to talk to someone we must approach them with love and understanding.And the author continuously reinforced that point in his book.

Love is everything and love solves everything, so lets us learn to truly love and watch the power of love manifest in our lives.

I truly recommend this book to all church leaders, especially those who are youth leaders. This book along with the Bible will be a good source of reference when dealing with the lives of your young people.

Genesis begins within you!!!!

Its strange how God works, He always seems to blow my mind. His revelations far exceeds the understanding of man, indeed He is God and none can compare to Him. I thank God for knowledge and wisdom, He does impart truth and knowledge to those who seek it.

God brought me back to the book of Genesis (the beginning),its kind of weird I always thought this book only referred to the creation story(man, woman, animals etc.) but as always God is all knowing and His knowledge supersedes ours. Genesis begins in the mind, it begins within us.sometimes  I believe we all underestimate our power and self worth, do we really know how powerful our thoughts and words are? It was a though/idea in which God created the earth and all the other things,its was a thought that man created planes, skyscrapers, cars , chairs etc. Every idea and no matter how foolish it may seem can be possible, we can make them a reality. In our minds we toy with ideas but we refuse to make these dreams materialize, we doubt our ability to be great things, we doubt even God to do big things in our lives.Genesis means the beginning of something or from where something starts. Everything is possible with Christ, nothing is impossible or too hard unless we refuse to believe.

Sometimes I stop and look at everything around me, how can a person doubt that a creator exist? how can one doubt the power and down play the awesomeness of God? the world testifies to a master mind, someone greater than man.

God wants us to believe, and not to just believe but to believe big. There is no harm in dreaming, it is from these visions and dreams that we create and live our destiny. Our dreams are the blueprint to our future. Speak things into existence, speak positive words.The self-fulfillment prophecy is a dangerous phenomenon. What we think and what we speak can indeed affect our future and how we view ourselves.Don’t toss your dreams out the window,keep believing and striving and watch it come to pass.

Let there be and there was.

The Morning After By Kendra Norman Bellamy and Hank Stewart.

As always Kendra Norman Bellamy never fails to to entertain me with her novels and not to mention  Hank Stewart who  used his amazing talent to help fabricate such a thrilling and moving story.

This book had me thinking and even there where times I felt I was being ministered to by God himself, the novel was so spirit filled and anointed. It was more than words being printed on pages but a sermon being presented in the storyline.Anyways, I believe the major theme in this novel would have to be assumptions, even the cover of the book had me assuming that the book was going to be totally different than what the true story was about.I emphasize with the characters for I too am guilty of being judgmental.All these characters did was assume things without fully examining the situation…Jennifer assumed T.K. didn't want to marry her, when in truth the man was just waiting on the perfect time,Elaine assumed her husband Mason still hadn't forgiven her for her infidelity because he wasn't intimate with her but the truth was that the man was struggling with some personal issues. Also,Angel was convinced that her husband was having affair because of the evidences she saw but her assumptions were wrong also.

This has taught me a big lesson never to assume things or draw conclusions about a situation without truly examining the situation.If these women had just communicated with their significant other about their problems, then  Essie wouldn't have to leave her sweet Ben and Jesus’ side to come to earth to show these grown women the right way and scold them for their irrational behavior.

Overall, this book was truly entertaining. The entire structure of the novel was skillfully organized and well written, the novel was not overwhelming and exhausting but with the use of humor, sarcasm, suspense and drama, it kept me turning the pages until I had reached the end.

As always I encourage everyone to go purchase this novel or burrow it at you local library and please do continue to support these two remarkable authors who have contributed greatly to the literary world with their inspirational novels.

Rain Storm By Vanessa Miller

I know this book is a bit old , I believe it was published in the year ‘07’ but nonetheless, it is still relevant to this time. This is one of my favorite books written by one of my top authors, Vanessa Miller. I love her series, they are very inspirational and stimulating.I want to focus on this particular series, Rain Storm. The entire story was well organized and everything was sequentially arranged, it was not confusing nor was it overwhelming but it was well organized, and each event whether dramatic or not played an important part in the novel.This is a classic!!

God loves us and If I didn't already know that this book surely has reinforced that point. God love towards us is so unconditionally and pure, His love changes lives, it transforms the hearts of man no matter how wicked it is. Ok, you are probably wondering how is this relevant to the novel. Well the core message of this book will reveal to readers the magnificent and unconditional love of Christ Jesus to us.I marvel at the way the author skillfully portrayed this message to her readers, I especially love how she based her characters on the biblical character Hosea and his prostitute wife.This novel modernized the entire book of Hosea which deals with Love and relationship.

Keith Hosea Williams is the modernized Hosea of the Bible and Cynda Stephens is the symbolic representation of Hosea’s wife, the prostitute.It is truly amazing how a person can truly love a person even if that person is not worthy of love, Keith's  character was truly being tested when God told him to wife a prostitute(Cynda Stephens).Although there were many struggles and heartbreak, Cynda learned how to love herself and in turn she was able to accept Keith's  love. Also, Keith learnt the true meaning of love, its not how beautiful a person looks or how well they complement you. Neither is it about how ‘perfect’ they are but true love is patient, kind and loving.

So, just as how God loves us with a unmerited love so we should also learn to love others in the same manner. God is Love and if we say we are followers of God then we should do as He does.This book is awesome, the message is clear and story line is captivating.I do recommend you to purchase this book or borrow it at your local library.