Happy New Year KB : )

REAL TALK from KB: If you've been reading my posts for the past few days....you'll know this to be true....

THIS IS MY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!!!!

Luke 4:   …17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 18"THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, 19 TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."…

I want to be right, I want to be saved, I want to be whole BY: KB © 12.31.14

A friend mentioned Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.   the other day. I was totally familiar with the passage of scripture but I didn't fully grasp its depth until reading the Commentary just this very minute.

I'd been preaching and teaching all around it in various forms but now I can fully articulate it . We, myself included, have become comfortable living in our messes. We have adopted a pattern of pseudo repentance, meaning we have learned to make empty or token gestures but remain stuck in the patterns of behavior. We have adopted a mindset that justifies and rationalizes our behaviors. We have learned to apologize without contrition.

We have to examine our behavior patterns. We have to examine the people we allow to have access to our spirits; sometimes it's the people we have in our lives that help keep us entrenched in our behaviors and we wallow as a collective.

Verse 11. - As the dog returneth to his vomit ( 2 Peter 2:22,
 "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud" which, however, is not quoted from the Septuagint), so a fool returneth to his folly; or, repeateth his folly. The fool never frees himself from the trammels of his foolishness; his deeds and words always bear the same character to the end. The same truth holds good of the sinner, especially the drunkard and the sensualist. If they feel temporary compunction, and reject their sin by partial repentance, they do not really shake it off wholly; it has become a second nature to them, and they soon relapse into it. Septuagint, "As when a dog goes to his own vomit and becomes hateful, so is a fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin." The LXX. adds a distich which is found in Ecclus. 4:21, "There is a shame that bringeth sin, and there is a shame that is glory and grace." 

We have exactly 6 hours and 07 minutes to decide how we will live in 2015....

; )

Congratulations...if you found this you were supposed to!  If you think it's your "word" embrace it and live it!   ; )

Losing Weight By: KB © 12.31.14

My word is bond….I said I was going to preach up on you going into the new year and I am true to my word…

I play my cards pretty close to my chest and I don’t tell a lot about my personal life because it’s personal and it’s my life…not everything is for public consumption or scrutiny. If I am sharing something I consider personal it’s because I think everyone can relate of benefit from the knowledge of my “blesson” (blessing wrapped in a tough lesson); today is not going to be any different.

My close friends know I keep it real, I tell it raw and I keep it 100…if you can’t tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth to yourself, you’re in Egypt (Denial!!!)  Keeping to Karen (my legal name, you know it’s real) tradition….I have to say that I was in deepest, darkest Egypt for most of 2014….like the Prodigal’s Son in Luke 15….I came to myself and when I did…..Lord Have Mercy!!! I can tell you that my vision changed. I saw what a bloated mess I had become…a true wretch undone… Seriously being a wretch is bad so imagine what it means to be a wretch undone!!!

I used the word “bloated” because I allowed myself to obtain and acquire some things that separated me from the flock, some things that change my speech, some things that clouded my vision and distorted my hearing….I allowed an accumulation of things that shut off my senses; I gave a pass to the things that would prevent true communion with God.

So as the New Year approaches in a few hours….I’m going to go on a radical diet.  I’m following the Philippians 3: 7- 9 diet    7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,…

I’m walking, talking and working with an attitude of gratitude; now, don’t get me wrong….I may fuss for a minute until I can get back to my thought process. If you look at my writings/posts you can see the progression and the process…

James 1: 2 -18          2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. 9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Happy New Year !!!

Let’s use Facebook to pray for one another and lift God up!!!

Faith Changes Your Vision

Doesn't matter what your year looked like...what are you preparing to take into the new year?!!!

Not Religious BY: KB 12.31.14

REAL TALK from  KB: I'm more apt to embrace my faults, apologize for my missteps, stop blaming and not dismissing everything as the enemy or excusing everything with scripture....I am me, fearfully and wonderfully made! I am human...I'm gonna mess up. I have a larger capacity to forgive, to love and to move in the path that has been set for me!!!!

A NEW thing for a new year BY: KB 12.31.14

Isaiah 43:          Deliverance for God's People
18 "Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. 19 "Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. 20 "The beasts of the field will glorify Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My chosen people.…

Philippians 3:12 - 16.... 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

I am embracing my new thing. I am enjoying my living water....I'm pressing toward the mark

Sending you all my love for the New Year may 2015 find you in your calling

Where He Leads BY: KB 12.31.14

His mercy is everlasting....the statement resonates in my spirit today.

I want to be whole and right with God as I enter into the New Year. As I have previously stated, I am not going to make resolutions because they are a way to set you up to feel bad about yourself when life gets in the way and they fall by the wayside.

Joshua 3: 9 - 17  ...  the Israelites had to engage in a test of faith—they had to act. So they “set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before [them]” (v.14). Exercising their faith allowed them to see that God was with them. He was still directing Joshua, and He would help them settle in Canaan (vv.7,10,17).

Do you trust God? Does the covenant lead the way?  What's going to be "new" in your year?

 What are you going to allow Him to do in your new year?!!!!

click the title

Just curious...you guys know to click on the title when you see the pic right?!!! readership is dropping off...maybe it was due to the holiday (I hope!!!)  Happy New Year wishes coming

Abundant Life BY: KB © 12.30.14

John 12:24-26       …24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26 "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.…

I recently had the opportunity to ask myself the question "Does it bring life?" in other words  I had to ask myself  about what have I attached myself to and if it would enhance my strength and my character.  Oddly enough I was willing to stay connected even when it became evident that the content of my character was not in question...

God had to show me that His ways are not accepted or appreciated by the world. God had to show me that humility is often viewed as weakness. God had to show me that people are often looking for signs and supplements to His majesty and power. God had to show me that people want immediate gratification (I am not excluding myself when I say people) I found myself stuffing hurts and resentments as I let each thing slide, ride and pass....the resentments were related partially to pride but also because God was pulling me in His direction.

John 10: 9- 11      …9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.…

I had to ask myself, if I was following where I was being led. I had to accept the fact that I was avoiding the rod and the staff. I had to acknowledge that I was consistently placing the things of God before mockers and scorners and that I was being drawn into the fold.

Matthew 7:6  "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Psalm 1:1  Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

I had come to the realization that I was doing just that....and again I have to state that I was willing to be in it because I was anchored by my self-esteem and self-worth; the enemy used me and my weakness in an attempt to destroy me and my relationship with God.

I thank God that He's a mighty shepherd....I thank God that I'm a sheep that knows my Masters voice. Will the new year find you with the flock or floundering and trying to find a way back?

RESOLUTION BY: KB © 12.29.14

A pending New Year is always the time where people make ridiculous resolutions that last all of a week, a month, maybe 3 months max. It’s easier for us to make excuses than to keep resolutions.  We diet, we exercise and we do any and everything for our physical appearance. I have the ultimate fix for any physical appearance Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, The Doctors or Oprah spend very little time revealing this to you……IMPROVE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE AND I GUARANTEE YOUR PHYSICAL LIFE WILL IMPROVE!!! 

Philippians 3: 12 -14    12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.…

I heard Steve Harvey’s speak on his 4 P’s of success:
PRESSURE – it will come, just keep waking up how you choose to  handle it will make all the difference
PERSISTENCE – a dogged determination to keep trying
PERSEVERANCE – knowing that a setback is just another opportunity to learn
PRAYER – the indomitable force that can move mountains, change and transform

1 Timothy 4: 7-9     …7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance.…

What are you in training for? The same old same old…gossip and groaning, entertaining and hosting folks who will help you into hell before they will help you into life? What’s your pay off? 

Watch what you say BY: KB © 12.29.14

Ladies help me out with this one....there are some things that I am oblivious to :

Why do some of y'all think it's OK to talk to your partners like they are kids?  I watched and heard a woman reduce her partner to child status in a matter of seconds. She said "That's stupid, we're not talking about that and you're getting on my nerves..." The woman just constantly shut her partner's conversation down and I don't believe she was cognizant of the fact that she was doing it; out loud none the less! I felt like I was watching someone drive a nail....each comment BAM!!!!!

Have we become so comfortable in our own "stuff" that we can dictate what others can and can't talk about? What would you do?

Romans 12: 9 - 18          9  Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection.  Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal,  be fervent in spirit,  serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope,  be patient in tribulation,  be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you,  live peaceably with all.

Life and love are all about relationships. It’s God’s design for our personal growth, which then translates into spiritual growth— genuine love. Loving one another is a powerful catalyst for change and transformation, as Jesus says: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”

Are you talking in love?

Restoration BY: KB © 12.28.14

REAL TALK from KB: I have talking about apologies and amends for the past week. The New Year is almost upon up...we can diet, we can exercise, we can eat healthy, we can do so many things ....but I have heard very few people talk about their character. I've heard very few people discuss spiritual growth. I've heard very few people discussing the necessity for righting wrongs.

There’s a difference between apologizing and making amends. Apologizing is recognizing that you've erred. Oops, I spilled some coffee on your shirt, sorry. That’s nice, but it doesn't throw the shirt in the laundry and clear the stain. Making amends is doing something about your mistake.

Amends should not just be a onetime thing...an "I did it and now what?!!" Amends should become a lifelong practice after an apology...

Think about the story of Job...he was really tested but God did not allow things to be taken without a plan of restoration. The Bible is fraught with stories about restoration....

DON'T JUST STOP WITH AN APOLOGY....MAKE THAT THING RIGHT!!!!!

Deliverance BY: KB © 12.27.14

I woke myself up coughing...I'm getting that post holiday cold. You know we spend so many days on the go knowing that we have to produce and when we finally relax the cooties seize with a vengeance. So I am wide awake trying to quash the dreaded throat tickle and chest fire with water; to no avail I might add.

Since I was wide awake I  decided to read a bit earlier than my usual morning routine; one of the things that I read today was the Our Daily Bread devotional; it was a powerful read. I've heard and read the story of Jesus' birth on numerous occasions but I had never really given thought to just how much duress was involved. Joseph and Mary were fleeing the ego driven madness of Herod. (Matthew 2) What we know as the "wise men" were actually sent by Herod to find Jesus - God spoke to them in a dream telling them not to report back. Mary and Joseph were warned to flee as well; causing Herod to do a radical mass killing in hopes of including Jesus in his count,

What's my point? How many times have you allowed yourself to be included in a count? (I ask this because we often hear the warning but we tend to ignore it until death seems imminent) How many times has our ego or the ego of another put us in harm's way? Can you recognize the things/people who exalt themselves over God? Do you allow them to do so in your life?

We must learn to recognize an intervention. We must learn to remove ourselves from the things that attempt to separate us from God.  We cannot afford to let our egos ensnare us and put us in opposition to God's word and will for our lives.

God hears our hearts in times of duress. He cares about our struggles and He delivers us....

Lack of empathy BY: KB © 12.23.14

I was sitting here thinking about a myriad of my daily reading and my written reflections on the various subjects. I keep coming back to the words compassion and empathy because they are the cornerstones of this thing we call faith. They are also the essence of what the enemy uses to erode our faith; I say this because compassion and empathy must be tempered by God. Too much of any ingredient will either appeal to our sense of pride or our sense of hurt...we like to call them narcissism or co-dependency.

I am more concerned with the narcissism because we love the good "self-made"  stories. We buy into the material because material things distract us from our character defects. We like to think that the temporal defines us. The "I did this" mindset  will never allow you to focus on the "I was blessed".

Paul addressed the lack of empathy and narcissism of the people of his day  in 2 Timothy 3: 1-7  

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth ....

MY God !!!! Can you imagine what it would be like to never come to the knowledge of the truth?! A state of perpetual blaming, a perpetual state of low self esteem, a perpetual state of surrounding yourself with "yes men" or people you have to take care of because YOU need to feel validated and better than. Worst of all, a state of perpetually reaching for God and never really grasping because the resentments weigh you down or pride has imprisoned you.......

I have been humbled in ways unimaginable to some....much of my humility as well as my humiliation was by choice. I can tell you that the situations were not always easy, as a matter of fact, some of them resulted in some long-term soul searching and pain...but whatever the case may be, I learned from it all.

I learned that I am human. I learned that I am fraught with frailties, fear and insecurities. But, I also learned that God grace is sufficient. I learned that in spite of all my stuff...God cares and God move on my behalf. I have learned that I'm stronger than I think. I have learned that I have compassion. I have learned that I am empathetic...and most important I have learned that I have an enormous capacity to love IN SPITE OF...

John 13: 33- 35   …33 "Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

The Gift BY: KB © 12.23.14

Good morning readers....

Two of my readings today have alluded to Christmas and gifts....so I have decided to stay with the topic of gifts.

I had a root canal yesterday and I am still a bit tender and treating the tooth gingerly today. I was initially angry when I had to speak to the dentist about the tooth because I knew what the cost would be. I even had someone tell me that I was neglecting my health because I did not want to pay the cost. But, after a rather lengthy conversation with my dentist and a lengthy exam the dentist declared that the tooth could be saved by a root canal.

I know what you're thinking, what in the heck does a root canal have to do with anything spiritual...listen and learn. We go through life, for the most part,  relatively unscathed. Sometimes something happens that causes a pain to flare up and if it goes untreated we have to tended to immediately.  God tends to our pains immediately but we often reject the gift  because we're more focused on the discomfort.  We often reject the gift because we don't understand it or it involves an effort. We often reject the gift because we think we know more than God and what He provides doesn't fit into our plans.

What does the Bible say about rejecting a gift (THE gift)? : 

Psalm 118:21-23          …21 I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, And You have become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone. 23 This is the LORD'S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.…

Acts 4:10           10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-- by this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11 "He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone. 12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."

What gifts have you rejected? What has God provided that you chose to overlook or discard? Is your fix  a temporary solution to the long standing problem of your very own thought process?

How ya livin'?!!!

Reminiscing BY: KB © 12.22.14

As the new Year approaches we all have a tendency to look back and place everything under the category of fond memories…Reminiscing, that can often be a dangerous word and a dangerous process…I was thinking about all the songs that use the word or a variant…Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Common, Mary J Blige…even Streisand with memories. 

Memories are a beautiful thing; I love the fact that I can search my mind and a smile comes to my face. I love the fact that a though can bring a certain level of happiness. But what I want to discuss is when that same process can get you into trouble.

Let’s go to the Bible and see what it says:

Luke 9: 62    Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Philippians 3: 13    Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Genesis 19:17   As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!"

Genesis 19:26- 27   26 But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the LORD;…

What?!!!   Is the Bible really saying that reminiscing is bad? That’s a yes and no answer. Allow me to translate as best I can – if you’re working toward viable change, to be of use in the kingdom, you cannot look or go back to what He bought you out of!

This unhappy woman, says the Rev. T. Scott, 'looked back,' contrary to God's express command, perhaps with a hope of returning, which latter supposition is favoured by our Lord's words, 'Let him not return back: remember Lot's wife.' She was, therefore, instantaneously struck dead and petrified, and thus remained to after ages a visible monument of the Divine displeasure.

If you want to reflect on something for the New Year reflect of what God is calling you to Read Proverbs 14. Look back to see if you were all that God called you to be. Look back to see where you could have been a better person, responded better, loved more….look back to where you've failed friends and disappointed loved ones…….remember that we as humans are wired to blame others but what about the YOU in the equations?!!!!!!

Reaping and Sowing BY: KB © 12.21.14

I just had a conversation about this subject and I shared what I learned from someone many years back. This someone was the goddaughter of a renowned Pastor and Gospel singer and she received the word from him.

People who tend to judge like to throw the statement "you reap what you sow " around; denoting a divine retribution for some actual or perceived slight.  When they use this statement, their concern is  usually focused on the slight against them NOT in your relationship with God. But let's look at the phrase: The first thing we have to understand is the definition of the word sow

Sow - verb plant (seed) by scattering it on or in the earth. Synonyms bestrew, dot, pepper, scatter, spot, spray, sprinkle, strew, disseminate, distribute, broadcast

Note: nowhere in the definition does it say carefully tend, monitor, delicately place.

So with that being said, let's go to the word of God Matthew 13:1 - 9   That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

What am I saying? We do not necessarily reap what we so...sometimes you can plant a few seeds and get much more than you imagined and sometimes you can plant a bunch of seeds and get nothing. Our "harvest" is dependent upon God. Please note that God can allow a rose to bloom in concrete...only He knows what He will allow to bloom...

So to all of you "saints" who like to dole out thunder and lightning based on YOUR interactions with someone...just remember that YOU ARE NOT GOD and I don't recall HIM hiring help! To those people I say use your time wisely, tend to your own walk with God and leave His instruction for me to Him!

Hungry like the wolf BY: KB © 12.21.14

I know the title for this reading is a bit strange. You usually don't think of a Duran Duran song when you're reading the Bible. I was reading a different devotional today, Faith's Checkbook by Charles Spurgeon. The reading addressed God's wrath and correction. I had to read the passage a couple of times to really get the gist of His approach.

From Anger to Love
"He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea"   (Micah 7:19).

God never turns from His love, but He soon turns from His wrath. His love to His chosen is according to His nature; His anger is only according to His office. He loves because He is love; He frowns because it is necessary for our good. He will come back to the place in which His heart rests, namely, His love to His own, and then He will take pity upon our griefs and end them. What a choice promise is this--"He will subdue our iniquities"! He will conquer them. They cry to enslave us, but the LORD will give us victory over them by His own right hand. Like the Canaanites, they shall be beaten, put under the yoke, and ultimately slain. As for the guilt of our sins, how gloriously is that removed! "All their sins"--yes, the whole host of them; "thou wilt cast"--only an almighty arm could perform such a wonder; "into the depths of the sea"--where Pharaoh and his chariots went down. Not into the shallows out of which they might be washed up by the tide, but into the "depths" shall our sins be hurled. They are all gone. They sank into the bottom like a stone. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The line that stood out for me is "He will subdue our iniquities" in other words He will bind, take away and yes, even kill the things that seeks to remove us from His fold. Like a Good Shepherd He will sense and remove the wolf.

Keep in mind that the wolf , by nature, is a predator and sheep have an innate sense of recognition but we get too curious about things outside of our fold and often lose that sense of fear.  We can override that sense of fear, whatever the case may be , we begin to entertain the wolf. When we do we can only hope that its first bite will be swift and merciful ...but again, it's in a wolfs nature to rip, tear and shred...

Don't miss the analogy!!! What wolf are you entertaining? What is seeking to cut you from the fold?  Don't let the New Year find you stuck in "old" behaviors!

Mark 2:21 - 22   21"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; otherwise the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear results. 22"No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins."

Who I am BY: KB © 12.20.14

I read my devotional and returned a few emails. I showered and shined...all the while I'm in thought about today's topic. The topic hit me after I reread something. I know who God is. I'm learning about his character and his ways but how does God see me? Who does God say that I am?

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV   Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV     But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

God says I'm new if I am with him; God says I am a work in progress and that I should be willing to and open to change. 

God says that I am chosen and part of His treasures.  

God says I am created to do good works and He has made a way for me. God says I am to walk in His ways....  

Am I in the light 100% of the time...Nope...no way...absolutely not...but just a few of the Scriptures that I read tells me that God thinks very highly of me and considers me precious and I strive to show my gratitude.

Does your vision line up with God's vision? Who do you think will change? 

Listening to God BY: KB © 12.19.14

I was sitting around this morning just letting the Scripture, from my devotional, soak into my spirit. The Holy Spirit came upon me and I just started to feel flooded by the emotion of gratitude. The Lord has blessed me with so much…now if you look at my circumstances with a “worldly” view you wouldn't see much. I’m deep in debt from student loans and taxes – but the things that created the situation were a blessing to me and to someone else.  I’m always scrambling when some unexpected cost pops up – but the Lord always makes a way and I have family and friends who go out of their way to provide either financial or emotional support when I need it. Last but by no means least I have been blessed with health. The Lord blessed me with a life lesson using cancer….OH! I know I've been blessed.

My praise led me to think about hearing and listening to God. We have gotten sooooooooo far removed from the church of our grandparents; so much so that we treat it like a trip to 7-11…it has to be quick, fast and convenient. We liked to be served Scripture a tepid temperatures as not to burn our egos and pride. Our services have to be over in a certain amount of time because we have TV watching, shopping or a myriad of other mundane, mind-numbing activities to engage in. We hear the word but the doing is woefully lacking. We say we have relationship with Christ but an occasion wave or prayer in times of trouble is NOT a relationship. We say we love but we can’t keep a commandment. We say we have faith but we make moves and manipulate to insure our outcomes. We say we trust but we subconsciously undermine…..I know I’m preaching to somebody today!!!!

Proverbs 2:1-5 ESV  My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

We approach faith like this: we buy a gym membership, go to the gym, watch somebody else working out and expect our lives and bodies to change. I can’t have faith for you…I can develop my faith and teach you in hopes that you get it…but if you never develop yours,  you will forever remain puny.

We cannot sit and “bootleg” information. We must hear, learn, apply, try and test it in our lives and then share.  

Unbecoming BY: KB © 12.18.14

No, the title is not what you think…it’s about getting rid of some things. I saw a post on Facebook that triggered the thought of uncluttering and sloughing if you will.

Seriously think about it, George Carlin did a whole bit about “stuff.” We essentially start off with a very basic apartment, then, we start to do a little better so we accumulate some things so we have to get a bigger place; we meet someone or get married, we add that persons stuff to our stuff and then we have to get a house. We do better as a couple and then our stuff moves to a garage and the attic of the house. We then begin to have kids and our stuff outgrows the house and we have to get a storage unit…

Get it?!!! We work hard to house “STUFF!!!” Now think about all the mental and emotional stuff you house….. feeling rather claustrophobic now?

When I saw the picture that started this whole train of thought I immediately flashed on the Scripture Matthew 7:13 -14 13"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

We accumulate all this stuff in life and it weighs us down and burdens us to no end. We allow it to distract and consume us until we make up our minds to follow God…in order to get through the narrow gate (discipline and structure) we must drop some things! You can’t take up your cross if your hands are full with your weight and burdens….

Ephesian 4: 30 -32   …30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

James 1: 20 – 22  …20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.…

We spend waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much time talking about “making it” and becoming somebody or something when what they should really be teaching and talking about is how to un-become what we think MAKES US!!!  The grind and the paper chase is just that!

What are you holding on to? What do you truly believe defines you? 

My Stats

Page views since creating my blog: United States	797
France	69
India	10
Germany	2
Hungary	2
Canada	1
United Kingdom	1
Malaysia	1

Rhythm Of Life By: KB ©11-19-13

Conception

Heartbeat

Birth

Walking

Talking

Dancing

Dating

Love

Sex

Marriage

Children

Aging

Death

Milestones, setbacks and miracles in every step

Do Over BY: KB © 12.17.14

Do you remember when you were a kid and you were playing a game and losing badly or when you made an epic blunder? You would get frustrated, and yell “DO OVER!!!” You would get that second chance, depending on who you were playing with; a person with a sense of fair play would grant that second chance.

AS I was reading this morning the words “DO OVER” popped into my head as I reflected on the approaching New Year. Of course I went to the word to see what God was laying out for me to “wear” today.

The words DO OVER made me think of the stories of David, Jonah and Joseph…David’s lust for Bathsheba took Him to a place where God had to issue a correction:

David’s few moments of pleasure had changed the course of his life for the worst. Before the sin,  David was presented as a brave warrior who defeated Goliath and successfully lead the military. After the sin, he is reduced to running from his son, Absalom, who intends to take the kingship from David. The sin caused David to lose confidence and faith. Furthermore, David endured great trouble in his life and in his household as a result of his encounter with Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 12: 7-14; 2 Samuel 12: 24; 2 Samuel 13: 1-2, 12-14;  2 Samuel 13: 28-29)

So far, we've read and understood that David has committed adultery, abused his power and authority to order the murder of several men, in an attempt to cover up his sin. God has sent Nathan the Prophet to confront David, and David has sought God’s forgiveness and expressed an attitude of genuine repentance. DO OVER!!!!!

God never brings us condemnation without offering us grace and healing. This is a recurring theme throughout the Bible — God desires to have an intimate relationship with each of us, and goes above and beyond measure to invite us into that relationship. The whole point of Nathan’s charge against David was not to punish him, but to put him in right standing.

Are you ready for a fresh start? …Getting Matrix Morpheus real “What if I told you that your life can be healed, restored, and rebuilt, just like David’s was?”  Get on your knees and pray a “DO OVER” prayer.

Repent and make amends

Resentments By: KB © 12.16.14

This is rather lengthy …I pray that you bear with me and read it in its entirety…

I was talking to my sister the other day and she said something to me that initially had me boiling mad; I love my sister dearly so I heard her out and as she went on to explain why she felt a certain way I couldn't help but embrace the truth in her statement. She was telling me the truth about myself and she risked receiving my anger out of care and concern for my well being. 

Later on in the day I gave her words even more thought and I immediately thought about the times in my life where I allowed bitterness and resentments to deafen me to the truth and what hardship were a result of my selective hearing. Me, being who I am, I automatically went to see what the word of God had to say about resentments.

I was immediately drawn to a passage in Hebrews, Chapter 12:

Hebrew 12: 7 – 16   7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

I couldn't for the life of me figure out why sexual immorality was mentioned in a passage about discipline…then it just clicked with me. My aha moment – the desires of the flesh will take you off your faith walk faster than anything I know. I then went to my favorite Bible commentary to see if I was on the right track in deciphering this seemingly oddly placed wording.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary breaks the passage down:

12:12-17 A burden of affliction is apt to make the Christian's hands hang down, and his knees grow feeble, to dispirit him and discourage him; but against this he must strive, that he may better run his spiritual race and course. Faith and patience enable believers to follow peace and holiness, as a man follows his calling constantly, diligently, and with pleasure. Peace with men, of all sects and parties, will be favorable to our pursuit of holiness. But peace and holiness go together; there can be not right peace without holiness. Where persons fail of having the true grace of God, corruption will prevail and break forth; beware lest any unmortified lust in the heart, which seems to be dead, should spring up, to trouble and disturb the whole body. Falling away from Christ is the fruit of preferring the delights of the flesh, to the blessing of God, and the heavenly inheritance, as Esau did. But sinners will not always have such mean thoughts of the Divine blessing and inheritance as they now have. It agrees with the profane man's disposition, to desire the blessing, yet to despise the means whereby the blessing is to be gained. But God will neither sever the means from the blessing, nor join the blessing with the satisfying of man's lusts. God's mercy and blessing were never sought carefully and not obtained.

Do not take the things of God lightly.  Understand that correction and trials are a part of the perfecting of your faith. Know that there are going to be people who will test you, your character and your response to the situation will be a reflection of how you view and honor the things of God.

1 Peter 3: 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

My last word on the subject – resentment is a spice that will render your life bitter!

Good & Perfect BY: KB © 12.15.14

So, this morning I posted a pic, which quoted Scripture, on my Facebook; no big deal I do it on a regular basis. The thing that got me was the passage: James 1: 16 -18   …16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

This got me to thinking…what about the bad stuff? Do people really think, in reading that passage that they are absolved from hurt and pain? So , the answer to this is a yes and no…

I’ll start with the no: God is a God of order; saying this to illustrate the point that there is balance in the universe. There is no good if we have never experienced bad. There is no light without dark. Think of the ying and yang of Buddhism (the symbol shows the balance.)

Now the yes part of the answer: As believers we know that Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

 A promise from God….all things work together for our good; note that the word does not specify the things that work to our benefit or the things that feel good.  I also want to make note of James 1: 2-3 

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.…

So kids, just know that it’s NEVER about what you consider “bad” it’s about how you respond to the things that test you. Can you praise because you know that the promises are true?

Your Fragrance BY: KB © 12.14.14

Good Morning Facebook, Blogspot and Twitter.....

I woke up this morning to the aroma of "Pepe le Pew"  a skunk had been traveling through the backyard and had made his presence known. The smell was so strong that it woke me out of a sound sleep. The thought of fragrance and aroma flooded my brain as I tried to catch my breath; I thought about the Bible and all its mention of and use of fragrance. I thought about frankincense and myrrh.  Did you ever stop to think about your Biblical fragrance and just what that means?

2 Corinthians 2:13 -15     …13 I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia. 14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;…

What is your fragrance?  Do people know you as a representative of truth or do they identify you by the soil and soot of this world? Do people come to you because they are seeking truth or do they come to you because they know you will team up with them in gossip and character assassination?

Ephesians 5:1-2  Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Proverbs 27:9  Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend.

Funny thing about the use of fragrance in the Bible...they were used for both anointing and for burial; so again I'm led to ask : What's your Biblical fragrance?

Stages of Erotica by: KB © 9.21.14

Implosion

thinking about you in an erotic way

Explosion in the moment where the bodies perfected the sway

Erosion

the exhausted state after the bodies have spoken

desiring the connection never be broken

Humility and Faithfulness By: KB © 12.13.14

I woke up bright and early, like I do;  I checked my phone messages, checked  and responded to my emails and then read my devotional. Note the order of how I started my day; I was already out of sync with my normal routine. My routine is to read my devotional first. I didn't put God first.  When I did read the devotional, the words jumped out of the computer and grabbed my heart and mind. I normally sit and wait for the message to come to me but today's word was written for just for me.

For most of my life, I missed the importance of Joseph in the Christmas story. But after I became a husband and father myself, I had a greater appreciation for Joseph’s tender character. Even before he knew how Mary had become pregnant, he decided that he wasn't going to embarrass or punish her for what seemed to be infidelity (Matt. 1:19).

I marvel at his obedience and humility, as he not only did what the angel told him (v.24) but also refrained from physical intimacy with Mary until after Jesus was born (v.25). Later we learn that Joseph was willing to flee his home to protect Jesus (2:13-23).

Imagine the pressure Joseph and Mary must have felt when they learned that Jesus would be theirs to raise and nurture! Imagine the complexity and pressure of having the Son of God living with you every moment of every day; a constant call to holiness by His very presence. What a man Joseph must have been to be trusted by God for this task! What a wonderful example for us to follow, whether we’re raising our own children or those born to others who are now entrusted to us.

May God grant us the strength to be faithful like Joseph, even if we don’t fully understand God’s plan.

The word humility seems to have taken on the meaning of weakness; this was a definition that I held on to for most of my life but as I matured on a spiritual level I began to understand it's true meaning and I began to "slow my roll" to stop demanding and forcing what I believed to be respect. I stopped fussing and cussing about my stuff and began to notice how people treat each other. I began to realize that my "grind" was no longer about the material things and creature comforts; don't get me wrong they're nice to have but they're not essential to life. I began to take of the cause of the people who don't have a voice. I began to stop arguing about the things that do not bring life  John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I began to humble myself in spite of how I was addressed; don't get me wrong, you can't talk to me just any old sort of way; I am still human, full of fault and frailties but what I mean is that I can look at myself, examine my character and know my value and worth to God.

Galatians 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Romans 12:1  Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship

Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'

I now get the many labels and adjectives that are used to describe me and why they've come to be...I don't fit a "worldly" mold and people have to have a label in order to relate....

Romans 12: 1 - 3, 9 -21     1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.…

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

How ya livin'?

Self-Righteousness BY: KB © 12.12.14

Good Morning folks,

I woke up early enough but I got a really late start writing…I have been wrestling with this word and how to bring it for some time and I’ve come to the conclusion that there is just no delicate or diplomatic way to broach the subject because the subject in and of itself makes people swollen with PRIDE. I know I’m about to step on toes, crush corns and stomp bunions with this one: as my housemate said yesterday, I love this quote: Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

I’m pretty easy going for the most part..I do have my issue with pride so I go off the rails periodically when I feel I’m disrespected or being played; I think we can all attest to that character defect on occasion. But, every so often you run across that special individual that are so waaaaaaaay over in Canaan, all off in glory or so stuck in their piety that they are no Earthly good. I struggle with this because I cannot believe that in this day and age that there are still people who refuse to evolve and grab hold of the true meaning of the gospel; LOVE! I’m not talking about blindly accepting everything that comes your way, let’s keep it real, there are just some things that believers cannot do, should not do and should not accept. 1 Corinthians 10: 23-24   23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.…

But we must learn to battle, refute and refuse these things without judgment and condemnation Matthew 18:15 – 16 15 "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.…

Galatians 6: 1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Nowhere does it say that you get all indignant. Nowhere does it say you publicize his/her business. Nowhere does it say to condemn and castigate.

When is the last time you prayed for anyone with selfless motives? When the last time you acknowledged a broken spirit and did what is was in YOUR power to restore it? 

My judgment -  is that we MUST stop treating people like things; we MUST stop treating people like they’re disposable. We MUST stop assessing people’s value and worth based on our desires…

Grudges and questions By: KB 12.11.14

Someone once said holding on to anger is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die…

With that being the opening salvo, I have to ask, what’s got you stuck?  What pain causing situation do you keep returning to?  As a kid, I remember watching cartoons and sitcoms with people lying on the psychiatrist’s couch and going on about something that happened in their childhood….when do you release it? How do you release it? Most of us assuage our bruised and battered egos by placing blame on the person that made us feel less than or inadequate in some way…but what if they were telling you the truth? What if there is a character defect on you part? Did you return hurt for your hurt? Did lashing out restore you and your ego?

Let’s examine what Scripture has to say about grudges:

Ephesians 4: 31- 32      31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Matthew 6: 14 -15      14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Luke 17: 3- 4            3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.  4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Galatians 6: 1- 3  1          Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

I, personally, embrace the passage in Galatians…..my ego is what shouts over the rhyme, reason and sometimes the voice of God and tells me that I am more that I am. The end result of listening to ego is “butt hurt” (yes, I used the phrase butt hurt in teaching the word because I wanted you to get the full gist)

I am like the Incredible Hulk…I am meek and mild-mannered for the most part but when you rise up in opposition to the things I value then you see the monster. We all have the potential to enact this….

Earlier I asked How do you release the hurt, the pain, the grudge….and the answer is very simple forgive the trespass and repent for your anger……..both actions are good for your soul! The person may never acknowledge their part in the melee, and that’s what causes a lot of our anger…WE WANT THEM TO. I’m here to share with you that they don’t have to in order for you to forgive them…release them and set yourself free! Release them and go on and live your life! Rest in the knowledge that there accountability is for us all!!!!

Romans 14: 10 -12   …10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD." 12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

The Heavens Awaken by KB: 8.9.14

The heavens awaken

and embrace my  fragile spirit

the hand of God

catches my tears

rivers flow

from countless years

His loving arms

calms all fears

He whispers words

that touch my soul

and in His words I am made whole

Altruism BY: KB © 12.10.14

noun

1.      the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others 

(opposed to egoism ).

2. Animal Behavior. behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its 

kind, as a warning cry that reveals the location of the caller to a predator.

I was thinking to myself…y’all know I have a tendency to get lost in my own thoughts. I tried to explain this to someone one day and they just didn't get it…but the folks who write will relate because they know what it’s like to have ideas firing off like fireworks in your head and just checking out at times to enjoy the show. But, I digress, see I told ya; at any rate I asked myself so now I’m asking you…when is the last time you did anything without motive or the expectation of reciprocity?

I could easily answer the question because I am a “giver.”  As I thought about my answer it dawned on me that I was nurtured to be a giver: it is a learned behavior.  I watched my grandfather give until his dying breath. I saw my mother give in spite of her being under the veil of threats of violence from my abusive father. I see my sister give working with her church and her pilgrimages to India to work in the orphanage.

I then began to think of what it means to give in a spiritual context…and the first Scriptures that came to mind was John 3:16 -17  16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

When I think of this passage I always think about when you ask somebody for something and they don’t give it to you because it’s their last… “This is my last stick of gum….this is my last cigarette…”  When we say it’s our last there is also an implication that we can replenish our supply. BUT OH MY GOD!!!!! What does it mean to give your only…WHAT A SACRIFICE!

Why am I talking about this? because we NEED to examine our thoughts and how they guide and direct our behaviors.

Matthew 6:1-4 ESV  “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

1 John 3:17 ESV  But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

How ya’ livin’ ?!!!