A Christian Minimalist,, of course it makes sense

The Start 

This past year I have made a dedication to give more as I try to grow in my spiritual walk with JESUS. It all came to a head as I was looking at my first contract I signed as a teacher too long ago to want to talk about. I still consider myself a young man but I have to admit as I look around at the new teachers in the building , including my former students, I am not such a young man anymore. But I digress ,, While looking at the stub I began thinking about a conversation I was having with my wife when we where just talking of getting married. I was telling her about some financial issues I was having and how I just needed $300 more a month, "I would be living really good. " Once married we where on double income and we was still having meetings together wondering where our money was going. We then naturally continuing in the American dream began thinking about Children and I got a raise just in time. " I should be ok once I get the raise". Years later as I type on my macbook air on the island of the open concept kitchen, in the suburban house that doubled the size of our condo I  think about my current pay check, as much as mines and my wife check at that time combined, and I now know, it wasn't the money. The raises over the years never did have me "living really good", consumerism is the problem!

Worship Argument

I am not naive to think the US could have achieved its global economic dominance without the birth of consumerism but I also know that capitalism is a system set up by man and has little respect for the  tenants of the Christian faith. We know that GOD is concerned with the humble obedience of man that money can not buy. So here in lies my problem. Am I showing humble obedience with my almost cult like allegiance to Apple and Google products. Can one question the direction of my worship when I am up late at night trying to order my phone by midnight ending with a sigh of praise when the order is processed. I thought to myself, even in my intentional focus of reading GOD's word morning and night, I may read about the latest gadget news much more often. I was "spiritual enough" to put "in Christ" but in that same vein I corepresneted myself as "a techie".  We are called to cast all those things away

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Financial argument 

With a new attitude on life I will let go of the hustle and bustle trying to get the next item. I can save money that I can use for others. I always wanted to be able to tell someone I can pray for them , and not only that financially bless a good cause following the will of GOD and not trying to reason with GOD as if he doesn't understand I think I can't afford to help.  I can save more so I am not stressing over money and the future and instead focus on GOD more. Without financial stress it is less antagonism with my wife when something big comes. We often hear money can be a point of contention in many marriages. Also I delight in the thought of the security she will feel when she see that her husband is not out spending up all the money. A happier marriage brings glory to GOD.

Distraction argument 

I also need less distraction in my life. Less stuff means its less stuff to maintain and keep up with. The less distraction in my life like tv internet video games, means I have more time for the important people in my life and my service to GOD who is most important! Just tv alone can open up more potential for memorable  conversation with others and meditation with GOD. The less I'm doing something by myself on my own the more available I am to others for GOD to use me in their lives.

Declutter Argument 

Maybe I can find things easier. Its hard to loose something if you only have a few things. Its much easier to find something to wear when you don't have much to choose from. Cant be rushing looking for shoes if I only have 2 pair. I don't have to search for a tool if their not all over the place. Maybe the biggest thing, if there is not much paper lying around and I throw things away right away I don't have it around hiding the few things I need to keep. Less clutter also makes it easier to clean . I see maids clean hotels room quickly because its not much in them to clean. I was at the library that had 4 toys. I watched my kids play for a whole hour and when it was time to clean it was less than a minute. When we are at home they switch from game to game and begin looking for me after an hour to entertain them and I have a 15x20 room with 4 bins full of toys that take 20 minutes every night getting them to clean. I (This will be my greatest struggle to change). Thats 19 minutes more time they can have fostering innovation and even I can spend that time playing with them rather than fussing with them. With less clutter I don't have to say, " I know I put this in the garage somewhere" .. as I spend hours of distraction from what GOD Will for me to or keeping my mind fixated on the loss item with regret not thinking about the blessings in my life.

The buried lead ...

So thats my non minimalist intro into a new path I plan to take in life and I am hoping I can document my experiences on this site. Unless of course it becomes too much of a distraction because my Christian minimalist journey includes less stuff and less distractions with more GOD and HIS WILL.

So yes it does make sense for a Christian to embrace minimalism......

Matthew 6:25-34New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Cure for Anxiety

25 “For this reason I say to you, [a]do not be worried about your [b]life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the [c]air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single [d]hour to his [e]life? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clotheyou? You of little faith! 31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.33 But [f]seek first [g]His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be [h]added to you.

³⁴ “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will ^[i]care for itself. ^[j]Each day has enough trouble of its own.

So here we go (leadership) 

I started off looking through my junk drawers and throwing away backs of remotes, broken arms from my boys wrestling toys, pen tops and other stuff that I forgot where it came from but may need it.... I then moved to the garage and that was a struggle. I had many garage sales but this time I was ready to take it to another level. I originally wanted to do it in the house but my wife met me with much resistance. So I decided the best way to embark on this journey is to lead by example. I figure if I get rid of my stuff , she can at least see that I am not being a hypocrite. Lets see how the journey continues. GOD BLESS

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Sermon reflection 3/9/14 A pursuit of Holiness

Sermon Reflection
1 Peter 1:13-16 "Pursuit of Holiness"
This past Sunday one of the elders of our Church delivered the sermon because my pastor was out on vacation. The pastor spoke about living your life pure. The pastor talked about how we must protect our mind before it leads to sin and how we should protect what we are allowing our mind to dwell on. He challenged us to take a look at what we watch , laugh at , and listen to because we are filled with the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, Since we have GOD with us, we must ask ourselves would GOD feel comfortable with the thought inside us. The pastor pointed to the scripture calling us to strive to be Holy for GOD is Holy. The Church was deafly quiet!
I was sitting staring at the pastor but my mind was with GOD thinking about the thoughts that is inside my head. When I watch tv and a scantly clad women grace the screen, do JESUS want to be bothered with the thoughts that may fleet through my mind. When I was thinking of the songs I recite from my childhood in the 90's rehearsing gangster rap lyrics filled with sin, and so called love songs filled with lustful ideas. I became ashamed and repented knowing that at those times , I am not holding my thoughts captive protecting myself from sin, instead I was sinning! I shouldn't dance around the issue of sin I need to flee from it before those thoughts have a chance to manifest itself in my head.
So I have to be proactive on my spiritual walk. I need to run from sin. I have taken some proper steps on fleeing from sinful language and concepts by abstaining from certain secular music but I know I have to refrain from "Holy Vacations" so that I am Holy at all times. I have to continue to change the channel when confronted with sin on tv. I have  reduced most of my television programming to sports and wrestling and I know I have to be proactive in changing the channel when sinful scenes come about.
The greatest challenge of the sermon was daring us to strive to be known as "Holy"! We have to strive to it, I hear people criticize people from being a "holy roller" or hollier than though" . Now I know it should not be my goal to condemn anyone else, actually that is a sin for me to turn my nose on others as if I am above reproach. But I must strive wholeheartedly to be Holy so when I come short I gave it my all.... How close are you magnifying your Christian life? Are you ok with just being saved or are you trying to create a environment in your soul that GOD is comfortable with dwelling in. I challenge you and especially myself, to tidy it up for GOD! AMEN

Sunday Sermon 2/23/14 Faithful means to be counted on

Lamentations 3:19-25
This past sermon was about being faithful. Our pastor challenged us by explaining the difference between having faith and being faithful. He pointed out that when the Bible points out how GOD is always faithful to us, it is not saying GOD always believe, it is saying we can always depend on GOD! In turn , GOD expects us to be faithful as being saints that can be counted on! This where the challenge for me came in.
I felt that this was something I definitely needed to hear as I continue my service to GOD. I was placed in charge of the mens ministry for a season and I started very strongly wanting to the best job possible. I later allowed life to get me be busy when I should have continued to put my best foot forward. While I try to push forth and pray for improvement, I got the extra boost from reflecting that the job I do is for GOD so therefore I need to be faithful to GOD on anything he commissions me to do. That's including being someone who can be counted on  respecting my actions serve as a reflection of GOD! In the past I even made conscious attempts to let people down so that I can avoid responsibility but this is the exact opposite of what GOD wants from us! I have to make sure that I try hard in all my tasks so that I can hear well done my good and faithful servant! Over the weekend I went to a mens conference in which a speaker pointed out in Colosians in which Paul was praying for the people because they where faithful. When we are serving GOD faithfully we are the people that are prayed over because GOD sends people are way to pray blessings upon us. I want to gain that reputation but not for my glory,,, for GOD's glory! That includes this blog, I have to be faithful in the direction GOD sends me to give HIM the glory and honor. For I am forever in HIS debt for the un-repayable gift of Salvation! Thank GOD that He is Always Faithful!  GOD BLESS!

Sermon reflection 1/19/14

2 Samuel 12:10-14 Constipated Saints 

This past Sunday talked about unconfessed sin in our life. It causers poison and gives us discomfort when we don't confess to GOD our sin. The pastor used the story of Davids cover up sending him into a spiraling effect into deeper sin and troubles. That is what happens when we find ourselves caught up into unrepentant sin. The pastor finished with an important lesson on the effects of sin. Making note that just because GOD forgives us when we repent of our sin, we still must deal with the damages while we are here on earth. He pointed at Samuel in which because of Davids sin with Bathsheba, there was violence and drama in his family including death of his sons.We have to realize that just because it doesn't hurt our position in heaven because GOD has already given us that through JESUS CHRIST, we still leave scars in our life. I have to try to paraphrase a very good story; 

{a father puts a nail in the wall every time his son sinned, when the son does a good thing, the father pulled the nail out. The son was later left with a scared wall and cried to his father, "I have scars all over my room, " }

This sermon was important for every Christian to hear. I took time after the sermon to examine my life on the sin that I may have not confessed. It was a very taxing experience as the wells of my eyes filled thinking of things and thoughts I have been have doing/feeling that goes against GOD. I know my laziness was the easy one, cutting corners on every aspect of my life when I know GOD wants me to do more! Tithing like I should, how dare I pray for financial balance when I am not trusting GOD with what I have now! One of the hardest things for people to do is look at the bad within themselves, but its even harder trying to come up with ways to have peace with unrepented sin! Impossible even. 

The last part of the Sermon is what hit me in the gut! My stomach actually began to ache at the thought of my sin leaving scars. I began thinking about the harmful effects of the sin I know GOD forgave me for. The times when I shown my wife anger when she needed me to help with the kids because "I GOT TO WAKE UP IN THE MORNING!!" Months later my wife  was rubbing her head in frustration telling me about how she wish she had time to take care of something but she is to busy with the boys. Of course I responded with "that's not a problem , just tell me you need help" while rolling my eyes ... As I type I think about that young 20 something with a kid out of wedlock because his 22 year old teacher out of college told him , "hey you better get them girls while you young but don't love em" ,, What if I told him different? Even simple things, like a higher than normal interest rate because of the greed , buying electronics on credit, a car without saving up for a down payment because "im bored with this car I need a truck"! ........What am I going to tell my kids when I advise them to wait until marriage for sex and they ask if that's what I did? Yes GOD forgave me for my sins and is forgiving the ones to come but my finances, kids, student, credit,  is still effected! You look at sin differently when you look at it as leaving scars on your life , and on the people around you life! 

GOD BLESS!! 

Sunday Reflection 12/17/13 Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 1:18-25
This past Sunday we discussed the faithfulness of Joseph for sticking with Mary even though she was having a child that was not his own. He had to trust that JESUS was a miracoulus birth. Not only did he stay with her when he wouldve been looked at as right to divorce her, he married her and did not have sex with her until after JESUS was born. This touched on how Joseph had other plans like you and I have a life plan but GOD will interupt it at times to do his will in our life! We also touched on the importance of JESUS being born to a virgin mother because the sin is in the seed of a man. The pastor brought up a good point on how the devil want to attack the purity of Marry beucase he knows that the sin is in the seed but JESUS was not born of man so he was born blameless. HE didn't need salvation, one because he is GOD , and two because HE was not born into sin! Just like last week , JESUS is doubly covered! 

It was important for me to listen to this sermon because I too foolishly make plans at time for my life as if I am in control. It is almost as if I am telling GOD that I dont have room for HIM to make room to do his work in my life. I am not GOD I am not in control. I dont want to let my flesh and my foolish man negate what GOD has planned for me. It is funny too because GOD has a way of making room when he desires despite what we think! I want to be faithful to bend when GOD tells me to. I have to be sure to be focused on what GOD will is in the life HE gave me!

The story of JESUS is so amazing. When you dive into the BIBLE you realize just how beautiful the narrative of JESUS really is. The beauty is in the details as well like the VIRGIN birth. I keep thinking since the sermon and I touched on it last week, how darkness is on full attack! We have to be sure not sow seeds of doubt. A good enemy want strike hard in a way to see you coming. It is more effective to remove one screw at a time, weaken the armor a little at a time , then we will be destroyed. We have seen it from a Dallas episode being aired in Communist Russia, pamphlets spread by Lutherans across Germany, Vandals on the outskirts of the Roman Empire, Marriages between Hebrews and Syrians from the North, ,,,now that movie, that historical mini series, that lesson from that out the box teacher, that cousin who said she should be able to love, the book that said there is no real truth,,that website you can just click, your not actually touching,, hmmm the Kingdom of GOD is under attack! Im not one to predict the end of the world. I believe we don't know and our perception of the last days are relative, but we are under attack We pray for strength remember Mark 13! AMEN

Sermon Reflection 11/17/13

Today we had our Elder preach because our senior pastor was out doing a guess sermon for his former Church. I was delighted to hear because our elder is well versed and passionate about the LORD so I am sure he will always submit as GOD use him to spread HIS word.
Today's sermon was from Galatians 2:19-20 and it addressed our understanding of JESUS SACRIFICE for us. He addressed how we need to be dead to ourselves so that we may live in JESUS. Paul is a perfect example of someone who can live flawlessly before the law but we are still blemished and far from perfection because GOD is perfection so we are all given the gift of Grace! He pointed out how we sometimes full ourselves into thinking we was actually doing something good, and looking down at others as if we got it together. We where forced to look out what part of us do we refuse to let die so that we can let JESUS rule more in our life. We was reminded how grateful we should be that JESUS forgave our debt and gave us new bodies to appear before the throne of GOD flawless even though we did nothing to deserve.
What an Awesome GOD so merciful and graceful! I get excited thinking about it. The thing the unsaved miss out on, is the beauty and happiness one receive when you realize that you don't have to worry if your good enough, smart enough , wise enough,,, you just have to understand humbly that its not about you, GOD chose you anyway! Its such a hard thing to accept because our flesh and society is built up on people working for a blessing, or because someone owes it to us, but GOD didn't owe us anything , we owed him and he forgave us anyway!
 I caught a Rhema word when Elder asked if it may be a gadget or something I want to get that takes away my worship of GOD. I reflected before that I worry about that thin line between being enthusiastic about tech vs worshiping it. I can only serve one god and I choose the ALMIGHTY GOD !
I was challenged with the looking down on people part of the sermon today. As I got home I got reminded of a recent facebook post that reminds me of a sinful nature causing discussion in the family. I tisk tisk as I must pray that I am attacking the sin not the person , and if I am being sure to look at my log before I preoccupy with someone else s sin, regardless if its blatant or not.

We hear the following often but its so crucial that we constantly think about it and reflect on it in all we do.

I have a sinful nature but GOD has saved me through the blood of JESUS CHRIST his only begotten son, GOD in the flesh sent to earth so that I may be saved and filled with his HOLY SPIRIT.

Sermon reflection 11/3/13 even they too can be saved..

Acts 9:1-6
Yesterdays sermon was about Pauls conversion! We only talked about the beginning of his change because the focus was on who he was and how he was saved. This is one of the most unlikely people to convert to Christianity but he did. The pastor pointed out how he was a leading pharisee who studied under the most talented teachers and shown a special zeal for persecuting Christians but he was still able to be saved. JESUS asked why was he persecuting HIM and Paul was changed!! The pastor used this to illustrate how JESUS saved a lot of us whom seem hopeless like SAUL but because of the Grace of GOD we have been saved in JESUS like Saul become Paul. He told us not to give up on others who we think is hopeless, who we think is to big of an enemy!
This sermon hits home with me! I have many muslims in my family from my fathers side and primarily its because of my grandfather who serves as the patriarch of the family. He is ill now and at one point we felt that he was close to death. I went to visit to him and prayed in silence when he was in the hospital bed. I feared praying out loud because of the reaction I might receive and then later I began thinking it would be no point to ask him about JESUS CHRIST. I feel ashamed at myself just typing it because it reminds me of the pacifism I am supposed to reject as a Child of GOD but it reveals what I need to pray and work on. MY grandfather is responsible for influencing many to reject the Gospel of JESUS but so did Paul. I know I shouldn't give up on him, he may be saved! Of course its all according to the will of GOD but I it may be his will to use me to share JESUS with him. The same goes for my father. I cant rest thinking that he is hopeless everyday that I have breath , every time I take the time to share my thoughts on the Bears , I can take that same time to share my thoughts on Salvation! Imagine if my Grandfather dies thanking JESUS for saving his soul, my father will hear it as JESUS reveals himself! My heart is pumping faster and my palms are growing sweaty as I grow in excitement, lets make a Paul out of the Saul in our life! AMEN GOD BLESS

Sunday Reflection Matthew 6:33-34

Mathew 6:33-34
This sermon was about how we are to put GOD first in all that we do.The pastor talked about how we like to talk about GOD is number one in our life but do we truly act that way? He gave us evidence on how we may not, such as: "saying I didn't have the time to pray this morning, our bank accounts show we give less than 10%, we will be embarrassed if people knew what was being said and practiced in our home. Do we actually live as if GOD is preeminent in our life or, is it just words.

I was thinking about this today when I noticed that it is now friday and I did not write my reflection yet. I know I was thinking I had a busy week because my whole household came down with a cold starting with me. I also said on top of that I had a hard week at work because I had to teach one of the hardest concepts in economics. I was in the midst of thinking this when I realized, I am stating things that got in the way in my worship to GOD. I know that my reflection is a tool I use to reflect on HIS word and grow in my walk in CHRIST but I neglected to do so after Church , I was foolish enough to call myself busy, as if this sermon went through one year and out the other. But I thank GOD for the HOLY SPIRIT! HE dwells in me so that I can feel when I am doing wrong, the conviction is a blessing so that I know I should have priorities. I know I wasn't that busy because I had time to live blog the Apple event! I have to be sure with this site not to cross the line between being an enthusiast of technology too being a worshiper of technology. I cant serve two gods!

I also was thinking about my bank statement. I know I foolishly found myself rationalizing that I should count 10 percent from what I have after my house and car. Because "those are things I have to have"....I was about to erase this part of my post because I know its a hot button for people but once again im convicted. The Bible predicts that we are to be considered not part of this world because this world is corrupt. This society is set up in a way that our home and taking care of our children comes up before we think about giving money to the church. So its basically saying society and taking care of my family comes before GOD. This is acting as though GOD is a little extra in our life, a little desert. I mean because c-mon we got to have balance, we cant go crazy with this faith stuff right?...

 I can talk a good game like I know many of you can talk a good game, but if we claim we trust GOD and we know the BIBLE is truth, do we live by Mathew 6:33-34? Do we seek the Kingdom of GOD first when we get paid or do we head to the grocery store and pay are bills because we worried about where we going to eat and sleep tomorrow? ,,,,,,,, GOD BLESS

Sunday Reflection 10/13 Faith Warriors

II Kings 2:9-11
This past Sunday we was given a lesson about the last day that Elisha had with Elijah. This was the verse when Elisha asks for a double portion which meant an inheritance as a son according to Jewish tradition and then a recognition by Elijah that its not up to him but its up to GOD. The pastor noted how Elijah left the world as a faithful warrior. In a glorious exit. What stuck with me most about the sermon was the call to be faithful warriors! We was told that GOD don't want us to get the scraps of  the table like when we ask for a new car, a good job, a new house. We should be asking for things of GOD things that glorify GOD! This was almost like a continuation of last week when we learned about how we should dream big.
I was thinking through the week if I am living as a normal christian or a Faithful Warrior. I am now praising GOD that he has made me grow to the point when I now share the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, I openly say Praise GOD instead of "whew I'm lucky" . I use online to do more than share funny pictures and interesting quips, but its not about what I do good, its about what I can do more!
I need to push further and stop talking about how I'm tired at work, how I'm broke and happy its pay day, you know, complain ,complain,complain.. How do I show I am a child of GOD a faithful servant, if I am complaining like everyone else. What about careers, should I be happy I get a 20 - 30 views of this post or should I be expecting thousands tune in to hear the good word of GOD? Will this just be a hobby or do I know GOD can use me as a vessel to reach thousands. That student I have that I just know going to be a future prisoner, do GOD want me to be a vessel to help him be the next evangelist?
My sinful flesh want to say, well if GOD wants me to do this and that why its so hard, but reflecting on the sermon and the Bible I have to once again remember doing GODs work take time and steadfastness. The pastor illustrated a great description of pizza, needing to be pounded and press before we get the good stuff, the pepperoni,cheese, and veggies in life! Reading this hopefully your doing like me while typing this, its time to stop being  small minded think BIG, WARRIORS COME OUT TO PRAYYY hahaha GOD BLESS

reflection on Sunday 10/6/2013 fulfilling the Dream

2 Kings 2:1-5

My understanding of the sermon was a lesson on following GOD without complaint. I know we have a tendency to give up and get angry when GOD tells us to do something but we have to follow him steadfastly without complaint. The sermon touched on how when GOD gives us a dream , it is important for us to not give up on the dream. I loved the points that the pastor mentioned using references to Noah, Abraham, Joseph

1. Often times the dream will seem to be unattainable by our standards 
2. Often times the dream will take a while to be fulfilled 
3. Often times the dream will hit roadblocks or stumbles 

Those points things make people shy away from the dreams that GOD gives us, it makes people give up on our true calling but we must keep on like Elisha, when Elijah was testing him telling him to give up to stay put and allow him to go alone , Elisha didn't, he knew his mission was not complete! He knew it may be stumbles, he knew it may seem like its hopeless, but the important thing is to keep on pushing because he knew GOD wanted him to!

I think about how I have seen miracles happen in my life. When things went well only because of the grace of GOD. I knew I could not explain it with common logic! I look at even my family and my eyes grow watery as I gaze upon my wife and kids knowing that I don't deserve them but GOD blessed me with them. How I received degrees not being that smart, how I could have been shot but GOD stopped the person ahead of time, how a kid with low self confidence is able to teach hundreds of kids over the years! The blessings are endless!

Now I have to think about how I need to dream bigger. I need to talk to GOD and sincerely ask what is it he wants me to do so that I can truly bring GLORY and honor to him! I have poor grammar, bad spelling , and speech issues but I  know GOD will enable me to use the internet as a platform to spread the GOSPEL and provide a tech enthusiast community who is committed to serving the LORD. It doesn't make sense for me to be successful in tech, I'm already in my 30s without a tech degree but I know GOD will make sense of the nonsensical. I have to be patient, work is hard, math is harder, but I want to learn this tech! I cant give up! If Noah can build a boat for over a hundred years when it has never been rain, and Joseph can face obstacle after obstacle, I can surely wait for people to take notice of Tech Blog aimed at Christians!

 Think tonight or even as you read this, what is a BIG DREAM GOD has for you something that seems out of reach , that may take a long time to fulfill, that will cause trouble in your life , but most importantly give HONOR and GLORY to OUR FATHER in HEAVEN in JESUS name I pray AMEN!

Sunday reflection 9/29

1 Kings 19:19-21
INSANELY COMMITTED
Todays sermon was about how Elisha followed Elijah as Elijah prepared him to take over GODs mission for his people. The pastor named the sermon insanely committed. Elisha's reaction to Elijah show an insane commitment because like in his life many things GOD want us to do to serve him seems to be insane in the worlds view but its exactly what GOD wants from us! We are supposed to stand out and work hard and go beyond the worlds concept of commitment. The pastor first talked about how Elijah knew he needed a helper because GOD told him to get a helper and a replacer. Then he spoke about how Elisha , seemingly a rich man left his many oxen prepared his parents and left on his way, challenging us to let go of everything and give all to GOD.

I know the "lone ranger" concept has had an effect in my life. I as a man adopt the lie of this world in assuming its not "manly" to lean on someone else. I feel that I am effectively performing as the spiritual leader of my family but I have to realize that I am falling short when I am not modeling the submission to GOD in the role of leaning on a spiritual partner in fellowship. My wife cant point to someone that she knows I talk to when I have a man matter! I have the pastor but do I have the fellowship and spiritual companionship outside my wife? I know the answer, and prayerfully I keep the commitment to garnering a new answer soon. I have to be obedient and not forsake the company of other brothers and sisters, not just my wife.

The next part of the sermon was an amazing tool used for me to reflect on my spiritual walk. Elisha let go of his oxen but do I still have oxen holding me back? I know I have been consciously working on cutting off the things that is not showing that I love the LORD. I reflect on my refusal to purchase the hottest new game. I may have mentioned it before but I was thinking to myself I cant claim I love the LORD and I am playing a game in which I can only win by pimping, murdering, and selling drugs. I liken that to my wife. I cant tell my wife I love her and spend my week watching porn. In both situations I can use the excuse, "I'm not actually doing it , its just fantasy , its just entertainment." ,,,I cant imagine my wife or my GOD believing I'm really in love! The pastor mentioned how we treat GOD like a girlfriend, we love the warm fuzzies we get like the spiritual high we get when the choir working, we like the weekend date like church , we like when she there when we need her like GOD in the hard times, but during the week, during the hard times, when the other things in our life want our attention, do we show that we are committed? I cant show GOD love when I want , we are his BRIDE!!! I have to serve GOD in all I do! This is the motivation of this blog, I know I love technology and social networking, I have an interest and understanding of geeky things and explaining why but I know I have to know even in doing so I can give glory to GOD! Even when Im doing this hobby, I am doing ministry trying to be insanely committed!

The last big thing was a small point of the sermon. Elisha kissed his father first. As a child I often hugged my father. He was there every day and shown a commitment to me as a son, the weird thing is I have allowed the devil's influence on our culture effect me as well in my relationship with my father. I still feel like we are closer than some but it was even taught to me by him, that my mom is the important one. That my mom is the affectionate one. I think the greatest effect of sin in our culture is the breakdown of manhood in our society. Manhood is the direct link to father hood. I have to be sure to recommit to GOD's design of fatherhood for my children! So that if GOD wills, they will grow up to be insanely committed to GOD in all aspects of life!

Lets leave all the things behind , lets stop dating GOD, lets give GOD more than free time and show off how much we love GOD to everyone we speak to like we show off our ring when we get married. This week, every time I mention my wife and kids, I will make a point to mention JESUS! GOD BLESS!


my interpretation and reflection of a sermon given by - Pastor Delbert Deny Jr.

Sinday reflection 9/22

Scripture Kings 19:9-13

Todays sermon addressed how Elijah hid in the cave after being threatened by Jezebel. He talks about what he has done for GOD and even after an earthquake and seemingly volcano, he is a asked by GOD "WHY ARE YOU HERE?". The pastor used this scripture to address how we are in a cave at times when GOD sends us on a mission. This was deep because it forces you to ask yourself what are you running away from.
I was thinking about how far I should take this blog. Is GOD telling me to go to school to learn tech so that I can dedicate more time and resources in using the internet as a medium for spreading HIS WORD. I am a teacher by trade and I know I need to do more! I like when the pastor said our caves are the "well I can't, I coulda , I should a, if I had,,,,'blah blah . I know I delayed doing things because I think, "well I need to first do this and that." I often think I should do something but many times I don't. I no longer want to live in a cave.
The pastor wrapped up with an illustration of an egg, potatoes, and coffee e. All three find themselves in hot water but they respond differently. Eggs get hardened, potatoes get soft, but coffee makes something with the adversity it brings out its hidden potential. I always have to remember to be coffee, knowing GOD is using me to make something great!
GOD BLESS!

Sunday Reflection 9/14

1 King 19:1-5
This was a story basically how Elijah got scared and ran for his life when Jezebel swore by her gods she will kill him. Our pastor applied it to a sermon about how we sometimes get back into our flesh and have fear when we know GOD blessed us and how when we start working in our own flesh and not of GOD we become depressed. He last touched on how in verse 5 the Angel comforts Elijah noting how sometimes we have to take a rest so we don't get burned out when working for the LORD and ask HIM for comfort when we find ourselves depressed.
I look at my own life at how it was times when I was depressed. The times seem even more harsh when I found the LORD and began striving to serve him yet I still get back depressed. I often think it is in times in my life when I become complacent in what I am doing and I tend to boast at least to myself on how much I grew in the LORD. Sometimes it happens when I foolishly pretend I asked GOD for direction when I really wasn't looking for HIS answer so I take things upon myself. I know that GOD wanted me to do big moves over the summer yet I delayed and now I find myself stressed about things that I may have avoided if I had only obeyed. I know that obedience is a ongoing struggle for us both new believers or so called veterans.
As a man I can sometimes distance myself from others trying to handle things myself thinking that its the manly thing to do. That's a foolish concept of men thinking that we are not to consult others and work with others when it comes to matters of faith just to preserve a sense of leadership. True leadership is modeling like GOD did as he came down as his son JESUS CHRIST to serve and show love. I know if I preach or testify on Christian brotherhood, I have to model it as well. Elijah committed that sin when he left his servant and went into the wilderness alone "woah is me.". .I need to have accountability partners in the Church when I find myself battling depression.
I also enjoyed taking time to look at Elijah talking as though he wanted to die. With the promise of being with my FATHER IN HEAVEN. It seems oh so sweet to fast forward to that day but that is selfish. GOD has saved me for so much more. A true believer is filled with the HOLY SPIRIT which gives us a desire to do GOD's will. We are to be beacons of light for the world so we are hear on a mission. I cant give up until my mission is complete. THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS TASK.
Finally I take comfort in knowing that I have to be ok with slowing down and pray for comfort. I think us Christian men want to serve so much that we overwhelm ourselves. We too soon foolishly think we are more than what we are. As if we don't have time to pray because, what would the world do without us. My wife lived 20+  years without me, she will be ok if I stay in the room once all morning praying intensely to GOD for comfort and direction. Every champion I hear or read about mentions the value of preparation. If we are going to be champions for CHRIST we must dedicate ourselves to preparation, and that preparation is prayer! Constantly searching for direction and comfort! GOD BLESS

church reflection 9/1

 I am sorry I am late but Americans know how it is on labor day weekend, the longest weekend of the year. That is not a good excuse for not doing GODS work and that's funny because that is sort of the topic of the sermon this past Sunday. Pastor talked about how Elijah sent a message to Ahab about how he cant serve both GOD and Baal who Ahab began to worship due to his wife Jezebel. The focus on the sermon was not riding the fence. Many of us professed Christian's unfortunately try to live on both sides the spiritual and the worldly life. We fear the thought of being a "Conservative Christian". I was just talking to a coworker of mine asking him if he was a believer and he began talking for 30 min about how yeah he believe but he is a lot different form people in his church because he is not going to ruin his life at the hope of the after life. Giving me an example saying that if there is a bears game at home he is always going to choose bears. He also said that he didn't want his daughter to be sheltered but he want her to believe, be a good person and live life. I was thinking the whole time....I tell GOD I believe and I love HIM but if my wife told me that but did things I did not like , would I believe her when she told me she love me?
Why would we want to give GOD less than what we deserve? Is it because we think HE wont do anything about it? Is that how we treat people we love? Is it OK to act single when your in a marriage? If your answer is no like my answer is no, then like me you need to look at your life , and see what can I do more to show GOD I LOVE HIM, if I'm not willing to do I really love HIM? I wouldn't give my all to my wife if I felt she was straddling the fence on if she wanted to live the single life or be married to me. I wouldn't want my wife if she was too scared to let people see she was crazy in love with me! I know that if that was the case I would grow apart from her, do you feel apart from GOD? ......
GOD BLESS

Church reflection 8/25

1 Kings 17:17-24
Sundays sermon was about the story of Elijah being blamed for the death of the widows son but Elijah responded by taking her burden upon himself, going to the upper room, and praying to GOD resulting in the widows son being resurrected and the woman's testimony of faith!
I am writing this a day late. I spent the day with my family after Church h bbqing and loving them. I was thinking about how much I appreciate and love my family. Hearing about the story of the women who lost her child after being blessed by GOD with food to eat and help around the house. Pastor spoke about how often times we get angry fast when things go wrong and we all to soon forget how GOD blesses us when we are facing a problem. I was thinking how in the past I soon became discouraged when something didn't go my way but it is so important for me to remind myself constantly that I am blessed so I should never complain. The elder of our church often talks about how grateful people do not complain. I think that it is so important for me to reflect that I dishonor GOD when I complain.
The sermon also spoke about how when we are faced with obstacles , GOD is perfecting us for his glory. Faith is truly tested in the valley but our growth in that time of needs help us grow closer to GOD. None seem  to be more hopeful than the ones who would other wise be hopeless! When the nurse told me that my baby boy was having trouble breathing when he was first born, I had no one to help me GOD. Think about your most intense moments of prayer.......
I also enjoyed the part of the sermon that talks about our reaction to adversity can be ministry. The end of the selection has the women testifying that she now knows that what Elijah spoke about when he spoke about GOD is the truth. When my sister accomplished much with a calm smile through every moment in our childhood, I knew that she must have been telling the truth when she said it was because of her relationship with GOD! wow even typing this I get emotional thinking about the glory we bring GOD by our behavior. Getting into heaven is a focus for those unsaved but once we in HIS grace we realize that this is just part of the story. We must finish with dedicating our life to showing GOD how much we love him with doing whatever we can to bring him the Glory in complete dependence! No one during Elijahs time and before ever rose someone from the dead, seem someone come back, but Elijah expected great things in complete submission to GOD and GOD made it so.
Our pastor asked when was the last time we prayed for a miracle, don't you dare think to start praying for finances, release of debt, loosing weight, blah blah blah, really bring GOD the glory and ask for a blessing for someone else so that they can reply, now I know the GOD you worship is REAL!

Church reflection: really reflecting on John 3:16

Today we had a guess speaker elder Gilbert who was a former member. The subject was John 3:16 which made me chuckle because its a ongoing joke on how that's the go to verse when you cant think of any other scripture. That was the funny thing, he mentioned throughout the sermon how that's a chapter we almost take for granted as if it lost its flavor because we hear it so much but we have to keep reminding ourselves on how important it is to reflect on how great of a gift it was that GOD gave us HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, and whoever believe shall not perish but have everlasting life. We , myself included have a tendency not to think about how important it is that we are no longer bound by the law but we know that since we believe we are saved. We to soon forget , that HELL IS REAL!
The best part of the sermon was the closer, "GOD save us to HIMSELF , by HIMSELF , FROM HIMSELF. The part I like is FROM HIMSELF. ,,,,, " the Bible mentioned many of times how harsh his wrath can be. We read on many occasions on how angry GOD can get from us not following the law. I read of greater man than myself who fell short of the glory because of sin I see myself committing. BUT,,,,,,to GOD be the Glory! He saved us from HIMSELF by the blood of JESUS CHRIST. What a favor, oh what a favor that we as Christians should spend the rest of our lives trying to return it through our actions spreading the GOSPEL and bringing glory to GOD! We can never make it up but the effort will never be in vain. THANK YOU IN JESUS NAME!

Today's Sermon

Finishing the Race!
2 Timothy 4:7-8

Today we talked about when Paul knew that he had finished the race, he fought a good fight. I thought today's sermon was amazing. We touched on how its all about how you finish. I have been reading Kings in depth and I see so many Kings who seem to start off well but end in a poor fashion and leave behind a legacy of sin. We often see these preachers that start of well and then the money and the fame corrupts them. I went on a rant on twitter at one point about how I used to be a big fan Kanye West and upheld him as a real MC and I really loved "JESUS WALKS" but now he seems lost and I see all these copy cat people that is making rap not only negative, (like it always been) but blasphemous. That is me looking at others but lets look at my thorn.
I often in the past year talked about perusing a new field and becoming tired at times but it was me allowing my flesh to become weak and not finishing the good fight. I know that GOD BLESSED me with a GIFT of teaching and I cant allow myself to forget the things I love about teaching. I often was very grateful because my students felt a special connection with me as if I really  cared about them and they felt that I had a special interest in them. I don't want to loose that. I know that on my recent evaluations I see more and more students questioning my sincerity. I don't want my legacy with them to be what I felt about one of my old history teacher. I wont them to look back and think that I was that special teacher that they knew was a man of GOD who genuinely loved and cared about them. I have to finish the race
When I first joined the Church I was zealous and volunteered for things! I wanted to help out whenever I can. I had to be humbled because I was 27 asking to be an deacon of the Church. I settled for Usher but I continued the fight. This past year I have grew dim and find myself neglectful of my role as Usher cowardly not signing up hoping that in a round about way I wouldn't have to serve without requesting relief. I have to bounce back! I have to finish the race. Its not about how I started when I joined the Church, its HOW I FINISH! What legacy will I leave behind. When I die will I tell my boys "I used to do everything when you guys where little" or will I make a change so my boys can grow up saying "my dad has been serving faithfully in church as long as I can remember." I want my sons to know as Men they need to serve in leadership and ministry! I have to continue the fight!
I look at my role as father and I want to continue the path as head. I have to keep telling my wife I love her and praise GOD for her everyday. I have to flirt with my wife, take her out, get her 'just because' because I need to love my wife like JESUS told me to. I have to serve her like GOD shown us as JESUS CHRIST. My sons will look to me to model GOD'ly character as what a man should be like. I need to get back to reading scripture with boys , and continue to pray over and with them as family. WE HAVE TO FINISH STRONG!!!

These are my thoughts, I pray that when you go to church you take the time to ask GOD how HE wants you to apply his word! This is what I came away with , and I pray through reading this post you submit for what GOD is speaking through me!



ps. thanks Elder Joseph for submitting to GOD as he spoke today's sermon through you

My experience with Chromecast after a few days

My experience with the +google +Chromecast 

 So now that I have my chromecast for a few days I have been somewhat tempered. Yes it is still well worth the money I spent on it. I still have the excitement in the potential of this device but I have had some early adopter issues.

Crashing 

I noticed when I played the Netflix video form my nexus 4 my phone went black and the only way to fix it was to turn it completely off and restart (holding the power button for a long time). I have read from +Android Central that Netflix and or Google is working on a fix.

YouTube error reports 

I hated to say it but I got angry at a trivial thing but I was disappointed that when I was excited to chromecast a live YouTube broadcast from +Android Central as they cover the +Motorola Mobility "Moto-X" event, and I got an error when I pressed the chrome cast. Luckily after much trial and error I was able to chromecast my chrome tab and put the feed in full screen. This may be something to look at; chrome cast of live YouTube.

No Netflix continual play

I was upset that unlike with my apple tv. I was not able to just let the video play and Netflix will move to the next video, this is helpful when watching a tv series.

So far my feelings are 

Well all in all I am still happy that I got it but I just wanted to address those concerns. I love that  I can cast something from my YouTube and get back to doing something else on my phone. I noticed the video quality seem to be much better going through the chromecast, I am assuming because the device is allocating all of its resources to the video stream. It has to be some optimizations there. I found myself spending hours easily just going through different clips and playing it on my tv. The best thing about being able to search while it is playing is when you have those "this is cool but not the video I was looking for" moments. I still like to dig into my wife who is a apple fan girl (because of me) and state how she can use my chromecast from her iphone because Google is more open for tech sake (ad money too ;)) haha I see that I can sell on eBay and get enough for 3 boxes later which should be easy because I live outside of the "cool zone" of Chicago but my unwillingness to part from my chromecast speak for itself.........GOD BLESS YALL

Sermon Reflection July 21, 2013

! Kings 27:2-6
Today we had a chance to understands GOD'S word about trusting GOD when he sends us on a mission. Elijah was told to go into the desert in seclusion after he just did what GOD told him to do. Elijah trusted and GOD and there was a brook of water waiting for him in the midst of a 3 year drought and filthy ravens came to bring bread and meat to him everyday out of nowhere. This shows how when GOD tells us to do something we should obey because he would always look out for us. The pastor pointed out how the Bible shows that no matter what we face, GOD always show provision over us.

Application 
I know I shouldn't fear anything I know the spirit is leading me to do. GOD blessed us with the ultimate grace so the least we can do is obey him when he uses us in this world. We must obey to fulfill our roles as the salt of the earth! I know I have been placed in a position as a male mentor, and husband. I acted on faith when I moved into a new home and now its time to act on faith to preach ministry through this blog. My first thoughts  was I don't have the training and the Bible knowledge to do ministry but prayerfully I am obedient to GOD so that I can let hims speak through me. 

The last part of the sermon is about what happens when the well dries up. The brook eventually dries up because it was time for Elijah to move on. I know we have to understand that just because GOD blesses us in a certain way, sometimes it may be time to do something else. This is hard to do . We know the problem of being unstable but its just as dangerous to let yourself grow stagnate. This is easier said than done that's why I try to be sure to pray everyday for GOD's will in my life so I can know what GOD wants me to do. AMEN