Not settling for a life of distractions

I think this video adequately confronts my issue from the previous post. After checking out my friend forward thoughts blog I realized what my real problem was. I truly am an infant in Christ and in order to take the next step I will have to completely give up all my fleshly ways.

In all of this so far, a question perhaps comes to mind, “Is there two types of Christians?” Indeed there are--Christians who are Spirit-filled (completely control by Christ’s Spirit) and Christian who are not Spirit-filled (still controlled by the human spirit). Paul makes the distinction in I Corinthians 3:1-3, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. (2) I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, (3) for you are still fleshly.”

Paul is clearly pointing out in this passage two types of Christians--“spiritual men” (Spirit-Filled Christians) and “men of flesh” (not Spirit-filled Christians). The Holy Spirit of Christ is equally indwelling both types of Christian (the “seal” of salvation in Christ); however, the “spiritual men” have went the step further to surround their human spirit completely to the control of Christ’s Spirit, whereas, the “men of flesh” still live under the control of their human spirit of fleshly desires; and until they complete surround is made, they will always be mere “infants in Christ” unable to eat “solid food” to gain their full potential as Christians. Source.

Once I give everything up and delve more into the reading and living of Gods word out I can finally become spirit-filled and have a much easier time dealing with my everyday struggles.

Goals, battles, and addictions.

When I gave myself to God for the very first time I was in dire circumstances. I was very sick, afraid for my life, and the only person I knew to turn to was God. I'm not the kind to fake things or play pretend so I felt if God were out there I needed him to help me and I was willing to go all the way- to give up myself. There are a lot of things that take up my time now that back then would have seemed foolish and a giant waste of time. Women, sports, sneakers, clothing, work, money and music all meant a great deal to me back then, but in the moment that I needed him the most those things meant nothing. That time has since passed and I believe I am still saved. What I find now however is that the hardest parts of my christian walk are the battles fought during the journey.



I remember several months ago debating with a friend of mine about the Bible's truth and peoples acceptance of it. If you and I, Kevin, Shiela, Mike, and Janice knew based on fact (and not faith) that God existed, would we accept him? The most logical answer to that question would be yes, but that's not the case. What many people don't understand is that following God means leaving yourself behind. It means that God comes first before the music, the clothes, the women and all those other things the world cherishes, and you once cherished. The truth is if you and I and the rest of the world knew God truly existed 70-90% or more of us would still choose ourselves over him whether deliberately or not.



We all want immediate gratification, and we need that something that will please our flesh whether temporarily or indefinetely. If we don't get that 'it' then our flesh starves. Getting saved is a lot like a drug addicts rehabilitation, there's always a withdrawal phase. You can know you have a problem, accept change, and have the work start in you to change but many a time get caught up in the withdrawal stage and have a hard time giving 'it' up. It is important for me to find peace in God everyday but sometimes it's easier to find 'peace' doing it my way. Money, clothes, and sneakers, among other things are old 'pleasures' that I am dependent on and serve as a much needed relief from my walk. The quesion now is how do I get up and take that next step when every second step I take feels like is a lost battle. This is where I am in my walk with God and I know some of my readers can relate.

Breaking news: Michael Jackson dies

Michael Jackson has been declared dead due to cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old. Regardless of what he might have done later on in life , he's still one of the greatest pop singers of all time and will be remembered as such. May he rest in peace.

Artie Lang wails on Joe Buck (HBO)

This is THE funniest thing I've seen in weeks. Watch while you still can, its hilarious.
Source: Deadspin.com , check it out for Joe Bucks reaction. Everyone from the Newyork times to USA today have an article released today about the off color antics of Howard Stern's Artie Lang. I was just lucky enough to see what all the fuss was about.

Congrats to the LA Lakers (08-09 Champions)

Great job guys, great job.

The Downfall of America- Jon Voight

I'm surprised Youtube posted this on their front page. Jon is on point with much of what he said in the speech, except blaming it all on Obama. I don't think you can blame one man for where the country is going but since he is the face of the party currently in power I can imagine why Jon (or anyone else) would. America is headed down the wrong path and you can see today how everything Jon is saying is happening. The government is gaining more and more control over us everyday while everyone in the media and those unaware of the situation cheer Obama on. Let me put it this way the last thing you want as a person, as a human being, is to see Israel fall, because if Israel should fall peace as you know it will cease to exist.

Random: Leroy Smith basketball

Inspire your basketball soul today. Do it now!
Getyourbasketballon.com

NBA Playoffs 2009 (Game1)

After all is said and done this playoff series might prove to be one of the most crucial series Kobe and the Lakers will play in the next few years and probably the rest of Kobe's career. With every NBA team getting better every season there are no guarantees on whether any one team will reach the finals each and every year. The Lakers managed to return this year mostly due to the Denver Nuggets lack of execution in game 6. The Lakers play has been inconsistent throughout the playoffs but after the finals game 1 it seems like the Lakers might have everything under control. Maybe. Kobe Bryant is 31 years old. If Kobe plans on winning he will have to do it sooner than later, a serious injury could cut his playing years short and leave the future of the Lakers in disarray.



This is Kobe's biggest Playoff series in his entire career because he does care about the Kobe-Shaq history. He cares about failing not once but twice in the finals. He cares about not being considered the greatest, and he desperately wants a ring while wearing the number 24. The Boston Celtics are the best team in the NBA when Garnett returns, and if they play like they did a year ago there is no doubt in my mind that they will continue to dominate for years to come. If Kobe can’t do it Garnett will, and that’s why Kobe sees this as a golden opportunity that cannot be squandered. Game 2 is tonight at 8pm ET, and the Magic better be ready for it because the Black Mamba will be. The Lakers have no choice but to win this series, the Kobe legacy depends on it.

Wale- Chillin

Ode to the hundreds (part 2)

If you've been reading my blogs for some time now you know how much of a fan I am of the Los Angeles streetwear 'the Hundreds'. In fact I was so inspired by the brand that I myself planned on starting my t-shirt company, starting this blog was the 1st step in my master plan (see original post here). Recenly however I've lost a huge chunk of respect for the brand, mostly because of this graphic design that first appeared in the hundreds' Fall 08 collection. The name affectionately given to the shirt (I'm sure) is 'Devil'.



I understand that the Hundreds is not a christian brand and I get that the design might not be a big deal to many, but it is to me. Having the face of a horned 'devil' prominently displayed on your chest with 'the Hundreds' stapled to his gums is not my idea of rad. Symbols such as the upside down star and skull and bones are as prominent in skateboarding as they are in Rock music. The point is to rebel, to throw up a middle finger to the conservative masses by doing something 'different', but it has become such a status quo that you probably can't find more than a handful of skate brands who don't have follow suit. Well the Hundreds just released their latest collection (summer 09) and again they show no shame in stealing from fellow streetwear brands (specifically Crooks'n'Castles) demonic illuminati conspiracy theme from THEIR last collection.



Great job THE HUNDREDS you've managed to take your devil tee one step further and will probably now get the attention of many a rapper/rocker/movie star/mogul/satanist/teen who either loves the idea of associating with something irrefutably rebellious or are stupid enough not to care.