As I'm sure you all know, this is my very first blog of the year. It's a shame, really it is, I just haven't found time to do so. Call me unfaithful. #OnlyGodCanJudgeMe (For all my twitter family out there I'll be using the "#" at the end of each paragraph, smile)
I wanna say something to all my single men in the world...
FIRST off, guys if you are single, STAY single. There's nothing STUPIDER, and yes I DID say stupider, than a single man that marries just to marry or to have sex, get rich quick, or whatever the situation is. It's just foolishness and it's just not worth it. Marriage is to be kept holy and a sacred ceremony unto God. It kills me to see people "fall in love" only to get a divorce and when they go to court they ask for millions of dollars. Now I'm not saying that we don't fall in love because I know we do, but when you're just outrageous like some then that's when you've crossed the line from holy and sacred to hell and sin. #ImJustSaying
Now to all my single men who are dealing with sexual temptations...
I think that God made the word SINgle, as in single men and women, with sin as the first three letters because He knew how many times we would sin before being delivered. I AM, however, a firm believer that God won't put more on you than you can bare. I'm about to go public and be absolutely transparent with mine. Although I DO believe this, I haven't been trusting God to totally deliver me from the temptations I face. According to God's Word, I've done some things that I know I shouldn't have but at that moment it seemed like I had no way out. Ladies, if you're reading this, I want you to remember that THOU ART A MIGHTY TEMPTRESS when you wear tight jeans showing off your thighs and hips, a tight t-shirt with all of God's glory hanging out, and so on. God doesn't want you tempting guys like that. I would quote a scripture but I think I'm being churchy enough. What YOU have is for YOU and your HUSBAND, not the whole neighborhood. #TimeToPutItUp
Some guys reading this may not have that same issue. You may be being faced with the temptation of being gay and attracted to dude you saw at the mall with his jeans sagging a little and with teeth so straight and white they put Colgate out of business. If so, again, God can and will bring you out of every temptation. It's a matter of having His word in your heart and how strong your faith is. If you can trust God enough to see the sin you're about to commit, and you immediately start praying and asking for forgiveness, that's when you know you're delivered. #JustSayNo
Last but not least fellas, we have that thing that happens with us when we're alone and we still have those images in our heads, and we start thinking about what it could be like and so on...You following me? Right. You know what I'm talking about. That good old fashioned masturbation. I would use other words but because of privacy issues and what not, I'll stick to TECHNICAL terms. Guys, masturbation is not of God. Period. Point blank. I believe that God knows and understands how good it can feel and He created sex for our pleasure as Humans BUT we can't use it for our own selfish desires. We were created to be fruitful and multiply and if we're doing that, we're throwing our seed away and feeding it to the earth. The earth doesn't need it. Our rib needs it so that WE will last from generation to generation. Am I completely innocent? No because we all fall short BUT I know how to say God help me because deep down inside I know it isn't right. The next time you feel it and you're ready to get a good one in, think about this question, would you do it in front of God? #ThisTooShallPass
Don't get me wrong, I never said that I was coming here to judge and mature people should know that. I'm only speaking what I know is truth according to the Word. I've had my faults, yet I'm receiving freedom. God will still continue to be God in my life and I will still confess Jesus as my Savior. Until He comes back for those that believe, we will have to cope with temptation and learn to say what Jesus Himself said on the mountain, "GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN". It's time for us as single men to stand up and be examples unto the world. I'm tired of seeing "the real world" on tv showing US how to live. We gotta stand up! #PRAISEBREAK
Until the Next Time...
TRUSTing in Him,
Rashaad
Monday, March 7, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Happy New Year!!! Peep this: Principle VS Preference
Congratulations are in order for those of you reading this blog. You've conquered the trials, tribulations, not so good, bad, and ugly of the year 2010! We must give thanks to God for allowing us to see the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011.
Some entered with joy. Others, fear. Some felt relief yet some felt pressure. Many made New Years Resolutions; many didn't. Some cooked black eyed peas and collard greens. Some didn't. It's all a matter of Principle vs. Preference. Walk with me as I lay the foundation...
Principle: A rule or belief governing one's personal behavior.
Preference: The right or chance to so choose.
Now I'm sure by now, you've all heard about "the homeless man with the golden voice", Ted Williams. If you haven't, be sure to check him out but in a nutshell, Ted was a homeless man for many years then in the blink of an eye, was "discovered" on youtube. Almost immediately after millions of hits, he was offered job opportunities by KRAFT, The Cleveland Caveliers, and the Ohio Credit Union League to name a few.
As I continued watching his story unfold on the news, one thing that stuck out to me was his testimony. Not acknowledging GOD for ANYTHING before, Williams continued to give God the glory for his Second Chance (emphasis mine). He quoted one particular scripture in the bible that many of us memorize but don't live by...Proverbs 3: 5-6; "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths." Are you serious? I thought as I continued watching...
What Ted did for me was what I thought I did for others, encouraging soldiers to trust God entirely. In reality, I was the one ready to throw in the towel. After seeing Ted, his story led to this blog. Principle VS Preference.
Now...back to square one:
Principle: A rule or belief governing one's personal behavior.
Preference: The right or chance to so choose.
The reason I chose Ted for this blog's inspiration is because of the principles in which he lives by. According to news reports, he's never thanked God for anything BUT once he began to Acknowledge Him in ALL his ways, God began to direct his paths. This is the type of faith we as God's children should walk in daily. It's really sad that some of us allow the enemy to creep in and use us to walk in our preferred ways.
Preferences. Doesn't it sound and sometimes feel good to say, "I prefer this or that."? Or maybe, "that's your preference, not mine."? Or perhaps, "I prefer to praise, trust, and give thanks to God when it's convenient for me."? Doesn't that feel good sometimes? It does to me...Giving me a sense of affirmation, allowing me to be in control, to express my freedom. Welp, maybe this free will is the very thing holding us back from the full blessings of God and is putting a stunt in our growth...
See, while we're busy expressing ourselves and as long as we're telling ourselves and others that we have opinions, that we have rights, that we have options, we're really pushing Him away and trusting in us...Now don't twist my words. Believe in yourself BUT remember that HE entrusted you with you. Ahhhhh....Are you getting it?
If you're reading this and aren't feeling or understanding what I'm saying, I'm sorry. Let me apologize right now. Maybe this particular blog wasn't for you, but I am SHO NUFF ministering to myself. Lately, I've found myself questioning God and asking, WHEN will things begin to move? WHEN will things start to change? WHEN will You show up and show out? WHEN? WHEN? WHEN??? When...I should be giving thanks until WHENEVER He shows up and fulfills all promises He's made.
My mom, bless her heart :) was talking to me a while back and she was sharing how she was feeling with me. She said that she kept talking to God and reminding Him (as if He had forgotten) that since we're His children, it's time for us to look like His children. Do you know what He said to me after I asked Him that in private? I said "God, I'm your child...WHEN will I start looking like your child?" He told me, He said..."when you start behaving like My child". I almost jumped through the roof! I mean how simple is that??? Simple, yet complicated. And it's ALL GOD...
So to end this thing, I just want to ask how many of you reading this will live by principle or by preference? I know it won't be easy (if you've been living preference after preference and are ready to "prefer" principles *insert smile here*) but if you trust in the Lord with all your heart...He WILL direct your paths. I believe bigger and better opportunities will begin to knock at your door. Will you be the one to open it?
Keep the faith people and never give in. Don't give up on God because He won't give up on YOU. You made it to see another year. You're alive today because GOD said YOU'RE WORTH IT!!!!!! Make the best out of this year by applying His principles to your life daily. I'll be praying for you. Always remember to keep Him first in everything you do. You're always on His mind because He created you, you :)
Some entered with joy. Others, fear. Some felt relief yet some felt pressure. Many made New Years Resolutions; many didn't. Some cooked black eyed peas and collard greens. Some didn't. It's all a matter of Principle vs. Preference. Walk with me as I lay the foundation...
Principle: A rule or belief governing one's personal behavior.
Preference: The right or chance to so choose.
Now I'm sure by now, you've all heard about "the homeless man with the golden voice", Ted Williams. If you haven't, be sure to check him out but in a nutshell, Ted was a homeless man for many years then in the blink of an eye, was "discovered" on youtube. Almost immediately after millions of hits, he was offered job opportunities by KRAFT, The Cleveland Caveliers, and the Ohio Credit Union League to name a few.
As I continued watching his story unfold on the news, one thing that stuck out to me was his testimony. Not acknowledging GOD for ANYTHING before, Williams continued to give God the glory for his Second Chance (emphasis mine). He quoted one particular scripture in the bible that many of us memorize but don't live by...Proverbs 3: 5-6; "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths." Are you serious? I thought as I continued watching...
What Ted did for me was what I thought I did for others, encouraging soldiers to trust God entirely. In reality, I was the one ready to throw in the towel. After seeing Ted, his story led to this blog. Principle VS Preference.
Now...back to square one:
Principle: A rule or belief governing one's personal behavior.
Preference: The right or chance to so choose.
The reason I chose Ted for this blog's inspiration is because of the principles in which he lives by. According to news reports, he's never thanked God for anything BUT once he began to Acknowledge Him in ALL his ways, God began to direct his paths. This is the type of faith we as God's children should walk in daily. It's really sad that some of us allow the enemy to creep in and use us to walk in our preferred ways.
Preferences. Doesn't it sound and sometimes feel good to say, "I prefer this or that."? Or maybe, "that's your preference, not mine."? Or perhaps, "I prefer to praise, trust, and give thanks to God when it's convenient for me."? Doesn't that feel good sometimes? It does to me...Giving me a sense of affirmation, allowing me to be in control, to express my freedom. Welp, maybe this free will is the very thing holding us back from the full blessings of God and is putting a stunt in our growth...
See, while we're busy expressing ourselves and as long as we're telling ourselves and others that we have opinions, that we have rights, that we have options, we're really pushing Him away and trusting in us...Now don't twist my words. Believe in yourself BUT remember that HE entrusted you with you. Ahhhhh....Are you getting it?
If you're reading this and aren't feeling or understanding what I'm saying, I'm sorry. Let me apologize right now. Maybe this particular blog wasn't for you, but I am SHO NUFF ministering to myself. Lately, I've found myself questioning God and asking, WHEN will things begin to move? WHEN will things start to change? WHEN will You show up and show out? WHEN? WHEN? WHEN??? When...I should be giving thanks until WHENEVER He shows up and fulfills all promises He's made.
My mom, bless her heart :) was talking to me a while back and she was sharing how she was feeling with me. She said that she kept talking to God and reminding Him (as if He had forgotten) that since we're His children, it's time for us to look like His children. Do you know what He said to me after I asked Him that in private? I said "God, I'm your child...WHEN will I start looking like your child?" He told me, He said..."when you start behaving like My child". I almost jumped through the roof! I mean how simple is that??? Simple, yet complicated. And it's ALL GOD...
So to end this thing, I just want to ask how many of you reading this will live by principle or by preference? I know it won't be easy (if you've been living preference after preference and are ready to "prefer" principles *insert smile here*) but if you trust in the Lord with all your heart...He WILL direct your paths. I believe bigger and better opportunities will begin to knock at your door. Will you be the one to open it?
Keep the faith people and never give in. Don't give up on God because He won't give up on YOU. You made it to see another year. You're alive today because GOD said YOU'RE WORTH IT!!!!!! Make the best out of this year by applying His principles to your life daily. I'll be praying for you. Always remember to keep Him first in everything you do. You're always on His mind because He created you, you :)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
What's In a Name?
Hmmmm. Interesting title. Raise your hand or nod your head if you're big on Shakespeare.
NEWSFLASH: I'm not but this is interesting.
SIDENOTE: I've been fasting this week for some things to move and my God how He's moving them. He's been revealing some things to me and He's just been God more than ever. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had true intimacy with Him. I felt Him holding me safe in His arms and just loving me like a father loves his son. It felt so good to know He has been and always will be there for me.
With that being said, I was like Ok God, what are you saying? He was like read. Huh? You know me...
So I logged in on Facebook and I started reading like He said and I began to notice a few things. I noticed names. I started reading some of my friend's "usernames". Now, most people don't think twice about things online regarding usernames but I had to look into this. Now, I've been told that I read too deep into things but I say if I don't dig deep, who will? (insert smile here)
I did a little background check on the famous phrase "What's in a name?" because that's what I kept hearing after reading some usernames. According to enotes and Shakespeare, Juliet Capulet tells Romeo Montague that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention, and that she loves the person who is called "Montague", not the Montague name and not the Montague family. Romeo, out of his passion for Juliet, rejects his family name and vows, as Juliet asks, to "deny (his) father" and instead be "new baptized" as Juliet's lover.
Does anybody see anything wrong with what Romeo OR Juliet did? Let's take a few moments to get into this. I promise God's about to show you something..Follow me..
I love the fact that Juliet tells Romeo that she loves him for him and not because of his name but I don't believe names are artificial. However, I think we need more authentic love in the world today. Many people "love" to advance themselves. In the Kingdom, that's a no-no.
"Romeo, out of his PASSION for Juliet, REJECTS his family name..." (emphasis mine).
Passion - an emotion applied to a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something.
Reject - to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use.
Here we have these two young people fiercely in love whose familes are warring with each other. They are pretty much willing to do anything for each other. Let's go a little deeper...
Shakespeare was a Catholic. Catholics believe in the Trinity and the Bible. I'm a Good Ole Baptist. I believe in the Trinity and the Bible. What does this mean, Rashaad? It means "Romeo and Juliet" was modeled after the first couple of the Bible, Adam and Eve. I think Shakespeare was using Romeo and Juliet to do more than entertain. Rashaad, how does Romeo and Juliet compare to Adam and Eve? If you have a few more moments, I'll let you in...
After Adam ate of the fruit, he died. After Romeo drank the poison, he died. Both deaths were tragic although Adam's death was spiritual not physical.
Adam, out of his PASSION for his wife Eve, REJECTED his family name...
Let's delve into the last half of what was happening with the two crossed lovers...
"...and vows, as Juliet asks, to "deny (his) father" and instead be "new baptized" as Juliet's lover."
It's quite simple. As Juliet asks to deny his father, so Eve did when she gave Adam the fruit to eat. Hmmm. Most people would say the woman makes man do crazy things. I'd like to say man is capable of making his own decisions. It was Adam's love for his wife that made him go against his Father's will and be joined as one with Eve...
Some people may have left this blog by now but if you're still here this is what I believe God is saying:
Be careful with what/who you put your name with. Everything that you love is not to be a part of you. Sounds a bit contradictory to me but it's true. Adam came from wealth because of God's original plan for His children in the Garden of Eden. Adam fell for something else that he loved and because of that, he was dismissed and cut off from his inheritance. Don't become an Adam. Watch what you put your name in and watch who you are associated with. God says don't get caught up on people and things that you forget about who created you and the purpose in which you were sent to accomplish.
Take time everyday to thank God for creating you and ask Him to continue to keep you rooted and grounded in His word. The devil comes to steal your identity, kill your mind spiritually, and destroy the beautiful relationship you have with your Heavenly Father. Let's fight the devil together by staying Prayed Up!!!
Until the next time...I'm
Dreaming In Him,
Rashaad
NEWSFLASH: I'm not but this is interesting.
SIDENOTE: I've been fasting this week for some things to move and my God how He's moving them. He's been revealing some things to me and He's just been God more than ever. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had true intimacy with Him. I felt Him holding me safe in His arms and just loving me like a father loves his son. It felt so good to know He has been and always will be there for me.
With that being said, I was like Ok God, what are you saying? He was like read. Huh? You know me...
So I logged in on Facebook and I started reading like He said and I began to notice a few things. I noticed names. I started reading some of my friend's "usernames". Now, most people don't think twice about things online regarding usernames but I had to look into this. Now, I've been told that I read too deep into things but I say if I don't dig deep, who will? (insert smile here)
I did a little background check on the famous phrase "What's in a name?" because that's what I kept hearing after reading some usernames. According to enotes and Shakespeare, Juliet Capulet tells Romeo Montague that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention, and that she loves the person who is called "Montague", not the Montague name and not the Montague family. Romeo, out of his passion for Juliet, rejects his family name and vows, as Juliet asks, to "deny (his) father" and instead be "new baptized" as Juliet's lover.
Does anybody see anything wrong with what Romeo OR Juliet did? Let's take a few moments to get into this. I promise God's about to show you something..Follow me..
I love the fact that Juliet tells Romeo that she loves him for him and not because of his name but I don't believe names are artificial. However, I think we need more authentic love in the world today. Many people "love" to advance themselves. In the Kingdom, that's a no-no.
"Romeo, out of his PASSION for Juliet, REJECTS his family name..." (emphasis mine).
Passion - an emotion applied to a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something.
Reject - to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use.
Here we have these two young people fiercely in love whose familes are warring with each other. They are pretty much willing to do anything for each other. Let's go a little deeper...
Shakespeare was a Catholic. Catholics believe in the Trinity and the Bible. I'm a Good Ole Baptist. I believe in the Trinity and the Bible. What does this mean, Rashaad? It means "Romeo and Juliet" was modeled after the first couple of the Bible, Adam and Eve. I think Shakespeare was using Romeo and Juliet to do more than entertain. Rashaad, how does Romeo and Juliet compare to Adam and Eve? If you have a few more moments, I'll let you in...
After Adam ate of the fruit, he died. After Romeo drank the poison, he died. Both deaths were tragic although Adam's death was spiritual not physical.
Adam, out of his PASSION for his wife Eve, REJECTED his family name...
Let's delve into the last half of what was happening with the two crossed lovers...
"...and vows, as Juliet asks, to "deny (his) father" and instead be "new baptized" as Juliet's lover."
It's quite simple. As Juliet asks to deny his father, so Eve did when she gave Adam the fruit to eat. Hmmm. Most people would say the woman makes man do crazy things. I'd like to say man is capable of making his own decisions. It was Adam's love for his wife that made him go against his Father's will and be joined as one with Eve...
Some people may have left this blog by now but if you're still here this is what I believe God is saying:
Be careful with what/who you put your name with. Everything that you love is not to be a part of you. Sounds a bit contradictory to me but it's true. Adam came from wealth because of God's original plan for His children in the Garden of Eden. Adam fell for something else that he loved and because of that, he was dismissed and cut off from his inheritance. Don't become an Adam. Watch what you put your name in and watch who you are associated with. God says don't get caught up on people and things that you forget about who created you and the purpose in which you were sent to accomplish.
Take time everyday to thank God for creating you and ask Him to continue to keep you rooted and grounded in His word. The devil comes to steal your identity, kill your mind spiritually, and destroy the beautiful relationship you have with your Heavenly Father. Let's fight the devil together by staying Prayed Up!!!
Until the next time...I'm
Dreaming In Him,
Rashaad
Thursday, December 24, 2009
In 2009, we were fine. In 2010, Life Begins!
It has been too long since I've written you guys. I'm trying my best to get back in the groove. That probably won't be until after New Years. Lol. A mess. (MESS = Misery and Evil Side by Side)
At any rate, I am thankful for seeing 358 days of the year, 2009. I've been through so much as I'm sure many of you have. I've had tests and I have testimonies. I've had trials and I have triumphs. I've had many ups and downs but through it all, God's kept me.
At one point, I was ready to give up on life and call it quits. Some of y'all can relate and know how it is working in the church and how hard it can get. It gets so hard to where if you're not prayed up, you'll allow flesh to make you get carnal and hurt somebody or make you even hurt yourself. That's where I was quite a few times this year.
The thing about me is that it wasn't only in the church but at home and at work too. Without the Word of the Lord, I would have been MESSed up. I'm so thankful that like David, I had the Word hidden in my heart and that I did not sin against it.
Just wanna take this time to say thank you to EVERYBODY that prayed for me, loved on me, and just continued to support me and my endeavors as a Child of God. Right now, I thank you.
It is my prayer that you leave 2009 and enter 2010 in the best of Spirits but more importantly, with the mind of Christ. For all of your loved ones that have gone on to be with God, remember that they are in a better place. I TRULY believe that as we are faithful to God, He is faithful to us. If we take care of His business, He will take care of ours. Remember that He loves you and He will ALWAYS be there for you. Don't give up on God because He won't give up on you. He's more than capable. Remember that JESUS is the reason for the season! Have a BLESSED Christmas and a PROSPEROUS New Year!!! It's time to LIVE!!!
Love,
Rashaad
At any rate, I am thankful for seeing 358 days of the year, 2009. I've been through so much as I'm sure many of you have. I've had tests and I have testimonies. I've had trials and I have triumphs. I've had many ups and downs but through it all, God's kept me.
At one point, I was ready to give up on life and call it quits. Some of y'all can relate and know how it is working in the church and how hard it can get. It gets so hard to where if you're not prayed up, you'll allow flesh to make you get carnal and hurt somebody or make you even hurt yourself. That's where I was quite a few times this year.
The thing about me is that it wasn't only in the church but at home and at work too. Without the Word of the Lord, I would have been MESSed up. I'm so thankful that like David, I had the Word hidden in my heart and that I did not sin against it.
Just wanna take this time to say thank you to EVERYBODY that prayed for me, loved on me, and just continued to support me and my endeavors as a Child of God. Right now, I thank you.
It is my prayer that you leave 2009 and enter 2010 in the best of Spirits but more importantly, with the mind of Christ. For all of your loved ones that have gone on to be with God, remember that they are in a better place. I TRULY believe that as we are faithful to God, He is faithful to us. If we take care of His business, He will take care of ours. Remember that He loves you and He will ALWAYS be there for you. Don't give up on God because He won't give up on you. He's more than capable. Remember that JESUS is the reason for the season! Have a BLESSED Christmas and a PROSPEROUS New Year!!! It's time to LIVE!!!
Love,
Rashaad
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Interns Wanted!!!
Dream Endlessly Productions is looking for interns for the 2010 year in the following areas: Production Assistants, Script Supervisors/Editors, Videographers (Only cameras with 3-chip or better), Set Designers, Wardrobe/Fashion Designers, Catering, Make-up, Musicians, and Advertising/Sales/Promotions. Interested? Contact them at: dreaminginhim@yahoo.com!!!
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