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Showing posts from 2008

Strive For Integrity!

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This couple the Rosenblat are just liars. Mr.Rosenblat, It's your first lie that make you a liar. And whether you steal one dollar or one million, you're still a thief. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is more important than personal integrity. Webster defines it in one word- honesty! And you can only hide your lack of it for so long. Telling lies to people and saying those lies are truth, is just wrong no matter how you try and sugar coated it. I’m glad they were caught in their lies. Rosenblat claimed that while he was in a concentration camp, a Jewish girl whose family was pretending to be Christian gave him apples over a fence. One day he asked her not to come back because he had an “appointment” with the gas chamber. He wasn’t killed; he was transferred to another camp. Years later, he went on a blind date with a woman who turned out to be the girl who’d given him apples all those many years ago. Mr. Rosenblat integrity always puts character over personal gain

I Got A Testimony!

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Who remember those "Testimony Sunday Service" where you get the chance to share with your fellow brother and sisters the things God has been doing in your life or the life of someone you loved? Have the saints of God stop giving " Personal Testimonies " on Sunday morning, if so why? Each day we wake up that's a testimony in itself. I am from the (First Missionary Baptist) traditional baptist church and I don't recall many testimonies during my early years. But I do remember visiting the COGIC on many of Sundays and you're sure to here from some sister or brother who had a testimony. I believe testimonies are very important because they offers others hope when it may seems hopeless. Testimonies help others who might be on the verge of giving up. With the crisis we are facing now we need to start encouraging each other more. The latest pew poll out say more people are turning to the church for hope and solutions. The church mig

Daddy’s Girls!

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I love reality TV and one of my favorite is MTV'S Run’s House. Which have been on the air for five seasons now, two members of the Simmon’s family are breaking away from the pack. MTV's upcoming reality series, Daddy’s Girls will follow Rev Run's daughters Vanessa and Angela as they leave home in New York to move out to Los Angeles. Viewers will get to see how the two girls manage on their own. Well, not entirely on their own. Their friend Alicia and cousin Jessica will be coming along for the ride. I love watching Vanessa and Angela interact with each other and both are beauitul young ladies. MTV made a statement that with the premiere of Daddy's Girls viewers can watch the sisters take a step toward independence as they make a permanent move to Los Angeles to set up a west coast office and showroom for their wildly successful pastry tennis shoe and apparel line, and so Vanessa can pursue her acting career. They might be 3000 miles away from home, but the lessons

Watch Night Services And The Black Church.

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Many people go to church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But, for me while growing up it was Watch Night Services. If you live or grew up in a Black community in the United States, you have heard of "Watch Night Services," the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve. The service usually begins anywhere from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year. Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve event. We would sing the old year out and sing the new year in. When you are young that's a long time to be up clapping, running and singing. Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service -- made a bit more Afrocentric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the Black Church. And yes! There is a history of Watch Night in the Methodist traditi

The Internet Causes Bad Behavior.

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I found my self on this site and could not believe the content. Talking about bold! If you are a parent who don't no how to talk to your teen about sex and other issues maybe this sites for you. I don't no I thought it was too deep for me. Check it out and tell me what you think. Any way, I found this article about teens and behavior. A new study out claims that one single sources is the cause of nearly all bad behaviors among young people. Care to guess what that is? If you said "the media" you're right. Am I surprise? No! The study said that teenagers' smoking, drinking, pregnancy, obesity, poor academic achievement, violence, and other troubles overwhelmingly derive from television, movies, video games, music, and internet use. A 2008 study declaring violent Internet sites the most important media factor promoting teen violence concluded that television, music, movies, and video games really aren't big deals. They don't no what fo

The Message Is In The Music.

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The future of the church is dependent upon our children and young people. If our children are corrupt, then the church will become more and more corrupt. But, there will be churches that continue to stand for righteousness and holiness. We must stop allowing the influences of evil to get in the way of righteousness. I believe the Prophet Isaiah say it best in Isaiah 5:20 . We have to stop calling whats evil good. Anyway some or many may be upset that I am visiting this again, but that's OK. This is Mary Mary 4th album "The Sound". I listen to the entire CD and to me it sounded very secular. I could not find one song on their album that I would say is of the Lord in other words it didn't point to Christ. Now, the cover of the album portrays them as if they’re going to the club. Who wears these garments to Christian functions? Our young people are being deceived and lead away from Christ and the faith. Why are we allowing this to happen? I

Big Screen Church.

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I was reading a old article in Christianity Today about multi-churches, multi site or multi venue. Basically, this is where there are two or more congregations who share the same message (one live and one via video). Now I can understand and I embrace what Streaming Faith is doing. If you are sick bed ridden and can't get to worship service they are there to provide a live service to you. But to actual get up get dress an go to a building were you get to watch the pastor on a big screen TV now I am not going to lie, I don't get it! Anyway , is the multi site church a good model? I want to no were this idea came from and who. This trend seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. I think that this phenomenon is a natural extension of the mega church trend in our culture that's my opinion. Anyway are multi-site churches good economy, or simply a way for a pastor to get a bigger ego? and control? I am for real! are there seriously not enough qualified, gifted pastors

Merry Christmas!

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From The Old Black Church Merry Christmas to my blog roll. Jackie Zack Red Kelly Rippa Lynn Kim Jacyee Phil Regina Rev. Supt. Burnett Darkbrotha Shelia Melvin Jones Lisa I am speaking truth Brother Kromrade Mes Deux Cents Dwane T Lionel David

Black Lawmakers Not Feeling Obama’s Cabinet.

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There are talk that some members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) are disappointed that President-elect Obama did not appoint more African-Americans to his Cabinet. I think the article is misleading about why the CBC might not be feeling Obama cabinet. We know that Obama tapped four blacks for Cabinet posts, including Eric Holder. If confirmed, Holder will be the first African-American attorney general. I think the problem is not getting appointments to key departments in the federal government that could drive change immediately. ( Article here. ) Hispanic Americans, by contrast, have been nominated for three Cabinet positions, and politicians from that constituency have hailed Obama’s nominations. I do not believe the CBC wanted an all black cabinet but more of diversity to be allowed to sit at the table. Diversity is having the power to make some of the final decisions concerning our issues. Like Education, Housing and Urban Development. I believe these have di

Why Is Rick Warren The Key Note Speaker For King Day Celebration?

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The Orange County Register reports that the celebrity pastor and author Rick Warren has been invited to be the keynote speaker Jan. 19 at a celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. (King and his father were pastors at Ebenezer. Warren's speech will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Da y, an official national holiday.) The King Center President and Chief Executive Officer Isaac Newton Farris Jr. said holiday organizers tapped Warren to speak at the service for his "unifying spirit" and commitment to his conservative faith, which is part of the concept of the "beloved community" embraced by King. "We approached Rick Warren in May to be the speaker long before anyone knew who our next president would be," Farris said. "We were wondering if they took a cue from us." Farris said organizers are excited about Warren's appearance next month. I believe the reason Warren was chos

I Must Put God 1st.

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The law of first things is a mandate for all of our lives. This principle encourages us to acknowledge, accept and embrace God first in all things that we do. First, inquire of God. Then listen to God. When you hear God, respond. Then, trust God to lead and guide you. If and when we do these things, the law of first thing ensures that God will reward us ten times over. When we put God in His rightful place in our lives we will be surprise. This article says it all. That's the kinda of God I serve. Pastor, Who Made out Deposit Slip Last Year in Faith, receives $1.5 Million Anonymous Donation Days Ago—Enough to Pay Off New Building!

Backward Thinking.

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Remember the old school Hip-Hop of two young rappers named Chris who named themselves Kris Kross? I think about it now and say it was our "Christ" consciousness being "crossed" out. What was the fashion style? Wearing clothing backwards. You actual had people dressing in this manner. Looking back (no pun intend) I wonder how we in America end up in the place of backward thinking.(I no it did not start with Chris Cross). Any way think about this A $500 car with over $4,000 worth of rims, over $2,000 worth of electronics on the insides, tvs, PlayStation3 etc - is this backwards or what? I don't care how you put it, it's backward. It's backward to live in a rundown house with a $70,000 dollar car park side the road. It seems humorous at first, until we realize we are using these same equations in all levels of human interactivity and development. I was watching a segments on the news about teachers and in the segments the

Are Children A Blessing?

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Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar have been married 23 years and for 135 months (11.25 years) of that time, Michelle has been pregnant. The couple currently have 17 kids and announced on the Today Show in may that they are expecting another in January of 2009. The couple are amazingly living debt-free in a 7,000 square-foot home that many of their children helped to build. Everything they do is a family affair, even down to school. The kids are all home-schooled and must learn to play the piano and violin. All of the 17 children have names that start with a “J” and Michelle says that tradition will be continued when baby number 18 is born. They have a show on the Discovery Health channel which chronicles their amazing day to day life. I’m not judging, I merely have a few comments. I’ve watched the show and it seems they are all loved. I’m not sure if it’s fair to have the oldest children taking care of the youngest. It seems a little selfish on the parents part to have the oldest ch

Does The Black Church Limit Black Progress?

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I have not read the book but I have posted the link to the inserts from the book. There are a lot of talk about the book. The Holy Lockdown supposedly addresses the paradox that exists within the Black community. One that reflects the abundance of Black churches coupled with the abundance of Black problems. Some one please help me understand this. Now if the church is made up of people from the world and some who happen to come from our poorest neighborhoods then, why in the Hell would the church not have problem? We have every problem under the sun in our neighborhoods and some double. So if souls have left the world and came into the church house then doesn't the church house become the one with the problems? The author say there are approximately 85,000 predominately Black churches in this country, meaning, we could have 1,700 Black churches in every state! Meaning we got some problems. OK I can agree with that. Holy Lockdown claims to have taken a c

God Love Diversity

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There are people asking weather or not the Obamas should seek out a Black Church. Personal I don't see a problem if they did. I don't have a problem with been segregated on Sunday morning either. Different cultures have different distinctive. They are all good. They reflect the diverse nature of God. I believe all Christian worship the same God but we celebrate him through different means (different languages, expressions, music, cultural contextualization). There’s diversity in unity. It’s a beautiful thing. If you put a diverse group of people together each group will move toward what's familiar. Most multi-ethnic churches are led by white pastors any way ( Joel Osteen,Charles Stanley....). How many churches with over 60% white or others, that are pastured by a black man? I can't name one. A congregation typically becomes all-black if a black pastor is hired. Why? What if Obama chose a Multi-Ethnic Church would that be OK with America? Some whit

1st Lady Michelle Obama.

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Standing in line at Wal-Mart the other night I picked up a copy of News Week. The cover title caught my attention: " What Michelle Obama Means to Us . " I purchase the magazine to see who the "us"was . Turns out "us" was Allison Samuels, the article's author, and her "sista friends" who were having brunch together on a recent Sunday after church and discussing the Obama election and the "history of the moment." Their talk turned to Michelle Obama and the opportunity and power she has to change, according to Samuel "the way African-Americans see ourselves, our lives and our possibilities."As the author began talking about how Mrs. Obama would be able to shatter stereotypes of black women by being her "authentic self." The author made some great points. But, as a black woman, I am also encouraged by Michelle Obama. I am hoping First Lady Michelle will used her platform for the ills that affect so many you

Keeping It Real.

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The Honest Scrap Award was given to me by The Certain Sound who in love decided I should come clean about my self. Rev. growth is painful but here goes. But, first the rules with the acceptance of the award you are to list 10 honest things about your self that are, well true. I am also required to pass the award on to 7 other bloggers. Here goes! I love running because it allows me an opportunity to let go of life. I love running in the rain it's something about that water in my face. My behavior toward people is always to please ( that hurts to admit) . It's hard for me to say no and my family figure that out along time ago. I am shy and very low key. I am addicted to sugar( anything sweet). I don't like tardiness. I will pass it on to these wonderful bloggers: Kelly Jacyee Zack Kim Shelia Jackie Dirty Red

A Gift For Jesus.

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Do you want to give Jesus a wonderful gift on Christmas? If yes! I have some suggestion: 1. Give Him Your Heart. 2. Give Him Your Soul. 3. Give Him Your Praise. 4. Give Him Your Worship. 5. Give Him Your Sin. 6. Give Him Your Prayers. 7. Give Him Your Time. 8. Give Him Your Life.

Legalizing Marijuana.

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President-elect-Obama Transition Team had a website put up last week call Change Gov. They ask the public to provide them with a list of the top public policy questions facing America. Visitors to the site were then asked to vote on which questions should take priority for the incoming administration. The top question for the new administration — as chosen and voted on by the general public — was one most politicians seem utterly unwilling to talk about. Will you consider legalizing marijuana so that the government can regulate it, tax it, put age limits on it, and create millions of new jobs and create a billion dollar industry right here in the U.S.?” Me personal I see the government as being part of the problem. I believe marijuana to be a gateway drug to other drugs. So legal or not the same road lead to some other drug. It's an individuals choice whether to indulge or not indulge. legal or not will not make it go away. Now, on the other hand if it was legal maybe

Your Typical Church.

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Are you part of the 20% or 80%? You may have heard of the idea that 20% of people in a typical church do 80% of the work. I know that this is not the exact ratio and it will vary from church to church. In most churches there seems to be one group of really dedicated workers without whom it’s hard to imagine the church even functioning with out. Then there’s the other 80%, who for whatever reason aren’t very involved beyond attending Sunday worship services. In other words people who just want get involve. Granted my church is small in numbers therefore it's more noticeable when people want participate. Not saying it want be notice in a larger congregation but maybe not as bad. Any how, Sunday night the youth workers of my church put on the annual Christmas program for the young people. The pastor made a plea during morning service that he wanted and would like for all to come out and support the program. He knew from past experiences how some of the congregation thi

How's Your Walk?

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We all have met them before. You’ve met them also. These are the people whose walk with God is always " Wonderfu l, BLESSED and HIGHLY FAVORED ." I once work with this sista who would always answer the question of how you doing with those three words and sometimes she would use MARVELOUS . For, me when I here those phases all the time I wonder am I on track. First off I am not knocking those replies. After all, these are often very fitting answers to the question, "How are you doing?" They may very well fit the day. But ALL the time?(come on ) I don’t think so. At least that is not my experience in walking with Jesus. Some days are wonderful. Others maybe painful, hard, and difficult. I have some days when I seem to say all the wrong things to the people I love most. I have some days when my thoughts seem silly, trivial, or just downright sinful. I have some days when most, if not all, of my attempts seem to result in dead ends. At the end of the day,

I Miss Christmas!

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Alright I give up. Christmas is no longer a religious holiday at all. This does not have anything to do with whether you say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. This is about what happened to the joy of the day. Everything is now about what you got or did not get. If kids don't get Ipods, cell phones, laptops and expensive game consoles, they aren't having a good Christmas. Whatever happened to fruit and nuts, and a bike or something, why have we become so extravagant. I am serious. Why have we forsaken the birth of Christ, the most un-selfish of all icons and turned the day of his "alleged" birth into the most selfish of all days. Oh yes we are selfish at Christmas, we buy presents because people buy us presents. Let somebody cross you and not buy you a present. They got hell to pay. Will somebody please explain why its a sad Christmas if we don't get presents yet have the love of another on any day? Some one help me understand I don't get it.

Why Did You Choose That Church?

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For what reason did you select your church home? Because of: The pastor? The choir? The music? or other things? I am asking because if its anything other than the Word of God then you could be in trouble. I have been living in Jacksonville Fl for almost a year now. Talking about a big difference, especially after coming from a small town in Alabama. I am a jogger who would jog every day except on Sunday but, since moving to Jacksonville that has ended. The crime rate here is mine blowing for me. Anyway, the first church I attend in Jacksonville was Bethel Baptist Institutional were I heard Pastor Rudolph McKissick Jr preached. The church is one of the most influential Black churches in Jacksonville. The church has about 9,000 members with a great youth movement. I grew up in the traditional black baptist church and wouldn't take nothing for my time spent there. If you ever want to experience the traditional black church experience Bethel is the place

Christianity Is Unpopular And Politically Incorrect.

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Joel and Victoria Osteen were on Larry King pushing their new merchandise which just happens to be a children book. They also threw in their famous message of hope to the world. When asked about the economic condition and how it is affecting us, Osteen shared his positive message about how God is a good God and we just need to have hope and believe that this will all turn around; that it is going to get better. I wish Joel would have told Larry that Christ is the Hope and it's He alone. When asked about his wealth, he referred to Abraham, how he was a wealthy man, an example of how God wants His people to prosper. Some one call in and asked about salvation. I thought the response Joel gave to the caller was incomplete. The caller said that he didn't feel saved. Joel should have let the caller no that salvation is not a feeling it's an assurance. It is sad that we live in a time when Christianity is unpopular and politically incorrect. Christians are con

The Blessing Of Abraham.

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Here's another sign of the tough economic times: Some clinics are reporting a surge in the number of women applying to donate eggs or serve as surrogate mothers for infertile couples. I mention this a couple of months ago. The going rate for a surrogate is about $25,000. Egg donors generally receive $3,000 to $8,000. But a few agencies advertise that they'll pay much more for specific characteristics. One ad running in campus newspapers promises $25,000 for a donor who is "100% Jewish with ... High SAT Scores... Attractive, at Healthy Body Weight and Free of Genetic Diseases." The rest of the story here .

Have We No Shame?

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Have Disney lost their mines? I wonder have they seen Paris most famous "movies" online, which she later sold DVDs of for profit? Surely, they are aware of them. Is there no shame left in us these days? Does it not give them pause that they are actually considering the star of "One Night in Paris" (put out by Red Light District Video--hello . . .? to play the lead in a Disney film for young kids? You don't have to be a Christian to know that this is completely inappropriate. Were are the parents? Why aren't parents contacting Disney and telling them we won't have it? Would you let your kids watch a movie with a porn star playing a fairy tale character? There are plenty of more deserving and actually talented actresses without resorting to casting this woman. We owe our children more than this. Who would you select for this role? Here are 4 that I would suggest: RAVEN SYMONE http://tinyurl.com/6y9qpc KEKE PALMER http://tinyurl.com/6y9qpc

Clubbin For Christ.

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Now, my people of God, come- on did I not note in a post a couple of months ago that this was going to happen? There is a night club that have open in the Philly area call Club Destiny which aim is for the Christian. If you want to dance to Mary Mary's "Get Up''? Or "Love Him Like I do'' by Deitrick Haddon are how about Silent Night by the Temptation you can. In this club you can do just that. Two nights a month and on holidays, Club Destiny, will turn on the neon lights to create the atmosphere where families and singles of faith feel safe in a nonalcoholic environment where gospel music is played in the backdrop. The club is one of a few that is springing up across the country. From my understanding one such club is heading to Jacksonville Fl. The trend, which has been made popular by the increase in marketing to the Christian audience looking for entertainment alternatives. This is what I have to say about that again. Any time you

Who You Calling A Ho?

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Someone E-mail this to me and I don't no why. I never considered my self or anyone else of being a "Ho."As of late I've been getting some hate mail. Funny thing about it they didn't bother to tell me which one fit me. 11 "The Undercover Ho " - This type of Ho often goes unnoticed in the community, and can only be detected by a trained eye. She holds down a decent job during the day, but is secretly hoeing around with at least 5 different trifling men. Two of these men are married, and at least one of these men is dating her best friend. 10. "The Church Ho" - Her hair and nails is always done. This ho is in church every Sunday and carries a Bible with her at all times, but spends Tuesday through Saturday night of every week in a different club. She is sometimes mistaken for the Undercover Ho. 9. "High Class Ho" - (also known as the "Glamour Ho") - This type of Ho rocks Prada and Versace, and only dates players, baller

Alternate Endings

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You know how a movie did not end the way you wanted it too? Now you have an opportunity to change the ending to these 12 movies. What/How would you end them? The first three are my ending the others I can't remember what the ending were. Come-on give it your best shot and leave your ending in the comment section. The Wizard of Oz: It is not a dream. Dorothy never gets home. She is forced to live in Oz forever and works the rest of her life at the Lollipop Guild making licorice lollipops for minimum wage. Baby Boy: Melvin turns Jody's gun in to the Police and Jody goes to jail. Melvin becomes a born again Christian and marries Jody's mama. Yvette gets a better job and raise her son . Mo' Better Blues: Indigo is out on a date with Left Hand Lacey so she's not at home when Bleek comes by begging for a place to stay. Color Purple: Nettie reunites Miss Celie with her children after many years living in Africa. They meet Celie and take her back to Africa