The Right Spiritual Authority-- Do not allow just anyone to speak into your life

SCRIPTURES: 

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

1 John 4:1, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Proverbs 24:6, "⁶ Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers."

Matthew 7:15-20, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

Hebrews 13:7-8,  "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Proverbs 15:22, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

Ephesians 4:10-13, "He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

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I was just thinking today on how blessed I am to have a circle of great friends who through time, I know that they care for me, will stand in prayer with me, offer sound/rational advice...I have selected these people to be figures of spiritual authority, leaders in my life.

I am only 26 years old...a baby to many, and yet to the youngin's, an old lady; however I do believe because I made poor decisions regarding listening to the advice of certain individuals who I barely knew and placing them in a position of spiritual authority in my life...I did not progress in a few areas as quickly as I should have and was steered in the wrong direction.

Therefore I encourage you to take it take time to get to REALLY know the person that you are seeking advice from and asking to pray for you. Be very mindful of the person you allow to encourage, discourage, advise, and mentor you. Be around that individual for a while, within a few weeks, a few hangouts, a few discussions, and by praying to God (ask God to reveal to you if this is an individual who can be your mentor), it will be revealed to you.

I have often heard the phrase, "By beholding we becoming changed...," I believe it to be true. I find that in my past when I am consistently around certain individuals they either raise me to a higher standard or understanding in certain aspects of my life or discourage/challenge certain values or goals that I have.

Be watchful of who you permit to influence your life. 

My favorite church in NYC-Morningstar New York City Christian Church

One of my unexpected dilemmas when moving to New York City was trying to find a home church...actually it isn't as if there aren't an abundance of churches in the boroughs of NYC...there aren't just an abundance of "healthy" churches, in my opinion.

Since moving to New York City, I've visited wonderful churches that had thousands and thousands of members; yet left me feeling as if I was just a number therefore I was unconnected with its members and developing solid Christian associations in that church. I have also visited "weird" churches whose doctrine, beliefs and practices were unhealthy (i.e., controlling, "cultish", or just plain WEIRD.

I am happy to say I have found a very healthy, balanced, and wonderful church in New York City. This church is a 10 out of 10 in my opinion due to the following things:

1. Sound (Healthy) Doctrine. The beliefs, mission, and values of the church are found on their website.

2. Mentoring. You will not be just a number. You are not required to attend; however on a regular ongoing basis there are classes available that offer further spiritual development in regards to topics such as Devotion, Discipleship, Drawing Closer to God, Counseling and etc.

3. Prayer. This is a very prayer heavy church, you do not have to go to an altar call to receive prayer or wait to call a toll-free number. Any of the elders or leaders in the church are available to pray with you upon request or in the beginning and at the end of the service.

4. Friendship Building. I believe as a resident of New York City you will make wonderful friendships regardless of whether you attend church or not since you meet wonderful unique individuals all the time...at least I do. Nevertheless, God wants us to be picky with our friendship and have Godly friendships and associations with other Christians. At Morningstar New York City Church, I have found it to be a great foundation to build Godly friendships outside of service due to the many hangouts of the church members and the small group meetings that are held morning, noon, and evenings, in the five boroughs and in New Jersey.

Finding this church was an answer to my prayer therefore if you looking for a church in New York City, I recommend that you visit Morningstar New York City Church.  I primarily attend the East Side morning service; however there are two other services one in the evening on the East side and the other in the morning on the West Side.

God Bless on finding a church home!

To all the single ladies...

I saw this somewhere and I thought I should share.

*I posted this as a comedic piece: not making a significant income or having an prison experience doesn't make anyone less of a Boaz (i.e., unexpected partner of destiny)

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To all single ladies who are in a hurry to find a boyfriend or get married, here's a quick piece of Biblical advice: Ruth patiently waited for her mate Boaz.

While waiting on YOUR Boaz, don't settle for ANY of his relatives: Brokeaz, Poaz, Lyinaz, Cheatinaz, Dumbaz, Drunkaz, Cheapaz, Lockedupaz, Goodfornothinaz, Lazyaz, or Marriedaz.....and especially his third cousin Beatinyoaz. Ladies, please wait on your Boaz and make sure he respects Yoaz.

 To read more about these type of men go to the Bible in the book of 2 Timothy chapter 3. 

Acknowledged "Failures" leads to progress

Acknowledged Failures = Progress

I know that sounds weird and erroneous; however I do have scriptures to back up my conclusion.

1. Acknowledging sin, character faults, and failures is the beginning of wisdom, change, and progress.

• Romans 7:19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing.
• Galatians 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
• Romans 7:15, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

2. Analyzing and judging yourself is a necessary requirement to grow up spiritually. Proverbs 14:16, "A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil..."

• 1 Corinthians 2:15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
• James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
• Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
• Job 28:28 And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."

3. Don't beat yourself up over your shortcomings just work towards overcoming them. Don't allow the sins of yesterday condemn you.

• "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity." Proverbs 24:16
• Psalm 37:24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

4. Working towards killing the sin, fault, shortcoming, failure, and etc will one day lead to overcoming it.

• "Brothers, 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" Phillippians 3:13

I believe sin is like a disease or addiction, whatever the sin is, it is like a part of your brain's chemistry it takes physical withdrawal and therapy/counseling to overcome it. In regards to whatever particular sin it is, I practice to withdraw myself from it, sometimes I put a mark on my calendar on each day that I go without doing the particular thing that it is that I have a habit of doing. In retrospect, I have overcome alot of things; however I still have alot to go; but I do not think there is a day when I will be without sin; however I am reminded to strive to be perfect, just as Jesus is Perfect and to kill my appetite to sin on a consistent basis.

Bishop Eddie Long Scandal Update

Rumor has it....well, reportedly according to rapper Big Boi, Eddie Long Settled out of court to the young men who stated that he was sexually involved with them as teenagers and served not only as a spiritual leader but as a sexual predator and manipulator.

The settlement for the four young men is reportedly 15 million dollars.

Well Eddie Long, Your reported claim of innocence is very expensive.

I still can't believe people still attend his church to receive spiritual guidance. SMH.

Muscadine Grape Skin Seed Extract Review

I love this stuff!
I first learned of Muscadine Grape Skin Seed Extract in my chemistry class when my professor was talking about the most powerful antioxidant that he was aware of and currently researching.

It is believed to kill Prostate Cancer Cells, destroy free radicals, and etc.

I purchased it and have been taking it for a very long time now and I can tell you the benefits that I experience:
1. More energy
2. Hair and Nails that grow constantly. I cut my nails once a week. My eyebrows grow back after being waxed 2-3 days, and etc.
3. Consuming this extract a couple of days prior and during my menstrual cycle, cures me from cramps and nausea. (I usually have heavy cramping and become very nauseous during my menstrual cycle).
4. My Blood pressure decreased incredibly, my previous baseline blood pressure was 115/90, my current blood pressure baseline is 90-95/65-70. 
4. My mother's eyesight has improved while taking the extract, so much so that it is to the point that she does not need to wear her prescription eye glasses while driving anymore. It is amazing!!

I love it. No need to buy the expensive brand first. The first brand of Muscadine Grape Skin that I purchased was very inexpensive. Myself and my family is fromVitacost.com.

I suggest you start off with a less expensive purchase for supplements and then try the more expensive ones and compare the results and see if the more expensive supplement is of higher quality and worth the expense.

My lazy tasty recipie, Curry Tilipia (Baked)

I like to cook and eat my own food;  however I often do not have the time to go into all the extra preparation...like cutting onions, crushing up peppers and seasoning.  I live by myself and with a few overnight guest(s) at time. Therefore when I get home I am so tired so I love to whip up a quick dish...while I do cleaning, shower, and etc.

One of them is my Baked Curry Tilipia:

I love Tilipia filet, it is thin, simple, and easy to bake, fry, and saute. 

Supplies:
Baking pan, foil paper, Jamaican Curry Powder, Salt, Pepper

Instructions for 2 tilipia filets
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2. One tsp of Canola oil and spread it on the bottom and sides of the baking pan
3. Optional: Rinse Tilipia Fish with lemon/lime juice. This is optional Tilipia does not have a fishy smell to it, and if it does that is not normal, check the expiration date on the package.
4. Get a large bowel, Pour 2 cap full of Jamaica Curry, 2 tsp of Iodinized Salt and 1 table spoon of Pepper. Mix all the contents.
5.  Get one tilipia filet and place it in the bowel. Covering it with the mixture
6. Place each Tilipia filet in the baking pan, cover the baking pan with foil paper
7. Place the pan in the oven at 400 degrees fareingheight for 20 minutes.

I usually eat this with boiled potatoes, rice and vegetables....anything quick that I can leave on the stove and jump in the shower or do quick cleaning for several minutes while leaving the stove unattended.

My family and friends love the dish. :)