Live PURE

I Am Enough

2011-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

I remember the first time a person I thought was my friend stabbed me in the back. 5th grade. I am Not fun enough.

I remember the first mean nickname classmates gave me in junior high. I was humiliated. I am not pretty enough.

I remember the first boy who said he loved me. I remember how much I loved him. I remember the day he left me. I am not worthy enough.

I remember the time someone I thought I could trust told everyone I was a whore. I am not clean enough.

I remember the first time I cut myself. I remember every time after as well. I am not special enough.

I remember the first time I got cheated on. I remember how much it broke my heart. I am not good enough.

I remember crying myself to sleep, wishing I could get over the past. I am not brave enough.

Those are memories from my past, and the lies that they caused me to believe.

You see, Satan has a way of using circumstances in our lives to make us feel like we are not deserving of love, of joy, of anything that is good. For YEARS I was bound by these lies, like chains, they kept me from moving forward, away from my past, and into a future with Jesus. I was so insecure, that I felt the need to prove myself to everyone. Fear of rejection controlled everything I did. I ran away for God, my heart stayed broken, and I stayed miserable. And even when I did finally give my life to Him, I was worried that if I slipped up or I let Him see too much, He would leave me too. I couldn’t lose Him, not Jesus! But here is what I have come to realize. Rejection from people leaves us feeling like we always have to prove ourselves. But we don’t have anything to prove with Jesus. He created us, we are wonderful to Him, He will never stop loving us. His love for us is not based on conditions. There is nothing we could do that could make Him love us more, nothing we could do that could make Him love us less. His love is constant, and never abandoning. This kind of love sounds absolutely perfect doesn’t it? It is. And God’s love, that perfect love, casts out all fear. He will never leave me or forsake me, so I never have to be afraid again that I will be abandoned.

In God’s eyes, I am worthy.

In His eyes I am Pure.

My name is Neah, and I am enough.

Embrace the challenge! Walk in obedience!

2011-07-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

Think about it...The holy Spirit is bold and radical! Are the words that we speak bold? Radical? Are they challenging? Or are we just seeking the approval of listeners????....Be More

-Point5

There is HOPE (by Neah Sheets)

2011-07-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

There is Hope by Neah Sheets on Sunday, 14 November 2010 at 01:09

Today is TWLOHA Day. According to statistics, every 16 minutes someone loses hope and takes their own life. That's 90 people every day that didn't have to die.

There are two events in my life that have shaped who I am today:

When I was 16 I tried to kill myself and lived.

April 22, 2010, I gave my life to a Savior whose love is stronger than death, and in Him I have life everlasting.

I know what it's like to feel like there is no reason to keep going.

I know what it's like to go to sleep at night and pray you wont wake up.

I know what it's like to feel like you're nothing but a burden to everyone.

I know what it's like to love someone so much and have them reject you.

I know what it's like to hate yourself.

I know what it's like to not feel worthy of love.

I am here today to tell you there is hope.

  If you feel like everyone you've ever loved has left you hanging, that the current situation you're in is just too hopeless, and the pain in your heart overwhelms every moment, DON'T GIVE UP. There is a Savior in Heaven who created you for his Glory, and he has a plan for your life that is greater than anything anyone could imagine! You may not think that he is worth living for, but he knows you were worth dying for.    I never thought I was good enough for God. I was too dirty, too messed up for him to mess with. But that's so opposite of the truth! His love is unconditional and nothing we've ever done can change how he feels about us!Your past mistakes are nothing in the shadow of the cross.

Before I gave everything to Jesus my life was hopeless and every day was a challenge just to keep going and make it to the next day. My heart had been broken from past relationships, and I didn't trust anyone to stick around. But since then he has brought healing to my heart, and given me joy and peace in the hardest of situations.

Many people think that Christians just use Jesus as a crutch to cope with things life throws at us. They are absolutely right. Jesus is my crutch. In fact He is more than that. I am a paraplegic without Him..He's not just my crutch, He's my wheelchair, I can't move without him. Don't hold tight to your pain because you feel like it's "your problem". Jesus wants to take your problems and be the solution! He loves you. He created you not just so He could be with you while you are alive here on earth, but he created you because he wants to kick it with you in heaven for FOREVER!  He is not angry with you. You are worthy. His love is strong.

"You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. NO LONGER will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah..for the Lord takes delight in you."

-Neah (WeLivePure.com)

Focus

2011-07-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

Keep your eyes on where you are going because where you are can detour you. What you focus on will be the direction you go so stay focused on where you want to go and not on your failures. Your going to mess up get over it! Failing doesn't make you a failure...not trying does. Anytime you have a dream in your heart you will have opposition in your life. There are no free rides to your destiny. There will be naysayers along the path...what you listen to long enough you will believe. Be careful what you believe because that is what you become! What you invest time in will become valuable to you so invest yourself wisely. If you choose to spend your time on things that don't move you forward don't be surprised when you move backwards. There are two paths for your life, a right one and a wrong one. What you focus on is the difference between regret and a life well lived. Proverbs 4:21 says to guard your heart with all diligence because out of it flows the issues of life. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:14 to not neglect the spiritual gift inside him. Whenever God puts something in our heart you must protect it and be diligent to see it lived out in our life.

James "Pops" Rees
SaltBox

The Heart

2011-07-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the saying "Follow Your Heart"? That's the stuff of fairy tails and nightmares. Your heart can lead you into places you never ment to go and into things you didn't want to do. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that your heart can't tell you good things. It can, but we can convince ourselves in our hearts that anything is OK and right. What does your heart want? To whom is it submitted?

Do you have "if onlys" in you life? Like if only I had this then my life would be complete. Just as we get what we thought we needed the rules change and there is something new that we need. It's a never ending cycle.

In the Garden on Eden, Adam and Eve enjoyed a standing invitation of open access to God. All their needs were met. They had no hunger, stress, sickness, bills, demands... What are some of the things that you deal with that they didn't have to? They didn't sin because of their demanding circumstances or need. Sin is not the product of what we have or don't have. It is a product of the heart. "The heart is deceitful above all things." Jeremiah 17:9 The heart can easily buy into satan's lies.

Nothing is more misleading than an unsanctified, rebellious, or lost heart. For this reason God continually warns us through the Bible for us to give Him our whole heart. Here are some examples:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" Deuteronomy 6:5
"Acknowledge the God of your Father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and thought." 1 Chronicles 28:9
"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart" Proverbs 27:19
"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" Matthew 12:34b
"Good people bring good things out of the good stored in their heart, and evil people bring evil things out of the evil stored up in their heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" Luke 6:45
These are just a few places in the Bible the heart is mentioned. Do a search and look up other verses and study them. Are you seeing a pattern?

So enter Noah...Adam and Eve lived in the most ideal circumstances, but still choose sin and disobedience. Noah lived where depravity ruled and people followed every evil thought without restraint. He made right choices and was righteous and blameless. "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God" Genesis 6:8&9

What was the difference? The difference is Noah walked with God in his heart. Heart change doesn't come form a one time commitment or far away thoughts of God. It comes from the constant state of fellowship with God. Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute...

The deliberate act of will is the inevitable choice between habitual fellowship or habitual failure. Our culture surrounds us with every conceivable practice of sin and the continual mockery of God. We can be victorious only if we walk with God and give Him our whole heart. There is no place more safe. The choice is your daily, hourly, momentarily... What will your choice be? Who will you serve?

Athena
SaltBox

Captivity or Freedom...the choice is yours

2011-07-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

How many have heard of Babylon in the Bible? It was like the ultimate place when every carnal desire could be attained easily. Sound familiar? Kinda sounds like the day we live in. So take the word "Babylon" and let it become the mentality or mind set of carnal desire where every worldly thing is just a step away or who the world says you must be to be cool and accepted. I am not attacking America, just trying to help with a mental picture.

So, let's begin there and realize that surrounding us is everything our flesh could possible desire. How are we to live in an excessive culture and not be poisoned by it, let alone influence it? In a place where youth and beauty are the greatest things desired, how are we to avoid being sucked in? The term "friendly captivity" comes to mind. Think about that for a while. To be in captivity is to be enslaved. This world offers a lot of friendly captivity. The way it leads to captivity is by saying one look won't hurt, one taste can't hook, one time won't change, you deserve it... The thing is captivity never remains friendly. The more you have, the more you need and the less happy you become. Just ask anyone you has been addicted to anything. The more we "play" with sin, the more we will be sucked in. Satan will bide his time and wait for the opportune moment to take us captive. It may seem like your getting away with what your doing, but make no mistake the devil will ensnare you when you play with sin and you will be the one with the regrets.

Here's a question. Are you so used to the decaying morals that surround you that you don't even know how to blush anymore? What I mean by that is there is stuff that we see daily weather it be on TV, the internet, or real life that should shock and embarrass us. When we are no longer embarrassed or shocked by what we see, than we are beginning on the road to that friendly captivity. Daily we are being indoctrinated or trained by the culture around us. What are you doing to counteract that?

Now we come to the choice part. Any decision that we make, that is not easy requires this small thing called resolve. Resolve means to make a decision or have firmness of purpose. Resolve requires integrity on our part as well. Integrity is the state of being undivided or complete. Integrity depends on consistency. Consistency is sticking with something and doing it over and over that same way. I'm not talking about being perfect. Perfection on earth is impossible. What I mean is that resolve is not a one time choice. It is a daily thing. It means making the right choices over and over and over again. It means that no matter who you are with, where you are, or if you are by yourself, that you are the same person. Life is much easier and simpler when we don't have to remember what we are supposed to be with different people.

Here's the low down. The devil never wastes his attacks. He knows where in our lives that we are inconsistent. He's know when we stop making the resolute decision to choose what is right. He knows exactly what to send in your path to make you trip because he's been studing your habits. The bull's-eye for him is our inconsistency. That's where he'll be waiting to help us make the bad choice.

We will live making the right choices on purpose or we will not do it at all.
"Sin is crouching at you door; it desires to have you" Gen. 4:7
Right living takes tenacious obedience!

The choice is yours...

Athena
SaltBox

Negative Voices

2011-07-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

There is a significant amount of negativity these days. You can't turn on the tv, radio or internet without people telling you everything that is wrong with the world. It seems to me that we should be different than this. We should be bringing hope to a world without hope rather than adding our two cents worth. Often we simply tell people what is wrong from our "Christian" perspective. All this does is makes us another useless voice in the sea of negativity. We get tuned out just like the rest of the noise. The bible says in Ephesians 4:29 we should not speak unwholesome words but just words that give grace to the people who need to hear them at that moment. The challenge for us is to separate from the hopelessness around us so that when we speak it doesn't remind people where they are but shows them where they want to be.

James "Pops" Rees
SaltBox

Point5's "HOPE" music video

2011-06-01T22:34:00.000-07:00

Introducing herThoughtz (formerly God's Gift)

2011-01-13T17:52:00.000-08:00

Point5's new single "ANYWHERE" is a hit!

2010-12-30T14:11:00.000-08:00

Visit www.Point5.org now to listen to Point5's new single ANYWHERE! This song encourages us to know that If we have made it this far, we can Go anywhere! In Christ, we are more than conquerer's!

We can do all things through Christ, and we live a life without limits! ANYWHERE!

see what people are saying about the song:

"One of the best yet!"-Erika, IL

"The song is really fantastic. It's pretty amazing" -Katrina, IL

"I LOVE it" -Elizabeth, TX

"The song has a great message and is really catchy" - Anonymous

"It sounds Bodaciously awesome" Joel-MO

Check it out now at www.point5.org and download it for just 99 cents!

Lifes Rendition will be distributed through Island Def Jam Music Group!!??

2010-12-23T16:40:00.000-08:00

That's right folks, Eariler this month Box Boy Florence recieved Digital Distribution through Island Def Jam Music Group. The Rookie album "Lifes Rendition" is set be release sometime late March of 2011, under the PMG/Group Vigilant/Island Def Jam Music Group. It will be digitaly available on ITUNES, Tunecore, Amazon Music, Myspace Music, Best Buy Music and many more. It also will be available in retail stores such as Best Buy, Target and Walmart. Stay tune folks!

Books for healing porn addiction

2010-12-23T15:44:00.000-08:00

One man's journey from the darkness of addiction to the brilliant light of loving relationships and personal power, and how you can find this light.

This update to The Drug of the New Millennium is a powerful message of hope and healing. Learn how to protect your family, rescue those addicted, and recover your life and relationships.

Alarming Statistics:

60 million people in the US admitted to purposely visiting Internet porn sites this year (70% indicate that they keep their online porn use a secret).
There are over 4.2 million known separate and distinct porn websites on the Internet, with 2,500 new sites coming online every week.
The 12-17 age group is the largest consumer of Internet porn.
In the last year, 1 out of 5 young chatroom users received an unwanted sexual solicitation.
Benefits:

Discover the tricks pornographers use to entrap the innocent -- especially youth
Find out how to keep children, teens, and adults safe on the Internet
Learn how to identify porn addiction
Help lead loved ones to full recovery
Healing Hearts &
Mending Minds
Understanding & Overcoming an addiction to The Drug of
the New Millennium

This book is essential for anyone who is or knows someone who is addicted to pornography.
Chapter and Section Titles:

One Man's Journey From the Darkness to the Light

Section One: The Science

The Science of How Pornography Radically Alters the Brain

Internet Pornography -- A Drug Dealer's Dream Come True

The Male and Female Brains -- How Men and Women Are Wired Differently

Author's Thoughts About the "Victims" of Pornography

Section Two: The Solutions

Six Simple Steps to Protect Your Family From the Pornography Plague

Step #1: Teach the Truth About Sex

Step #2: Shut Down the Gateway to Porn Addiction

Step #3: Don't Underestimate Pornographers and Overestimate People -- PROTECT!

Step #4: Fight For Decency

Step #5: Create and Nurture True Intimacy in Your Family Relationships
The LifeBalance Relationships Toolbox

Step #6: Daily Self-Care
The LifeBalance Daily Self-Care Routine

Healing Hearts and Mending Minds: Rescue and Recovery From Pornography Addiction

Four Critical Preparatory Steps Before You Begin Your Recovery Program:

Step #1: Recognize and Admit You Have a Problem

Step #2: Understand "How You Got Here"

Step #3: Clearly Identify Your Motive For Recovery

Step #4: Shed the Shackles of Shame, Isolation and Secrecy

Your LifeBalance Recovery Program
Four Simple Daily Commitments:

Commitment #1: "I Engage in Consistent Daily Self-Care"

Commitment #2: I Build New Mental Models & Habits Through Consistent Daily Practice"

Commitment #3: "I Nurture Healthy, Intimate Relationships

Commitment #4: "I Consistently Track & Assess My Progress"

What If Your Spouse Suffers From a Pornography Problem?

Help For Religious Leaders and Counselors

Author's Final Words: There is Great Hope!

Righteousness of God in Christ

2010-12-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

Freedom from Pornography

2010-12-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

Suite 101's position on porn

2010-12-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

What is the biggest addiction problem in the States ? The surprising answer is neither drugs nor alcohol, but internet pornography. In a recent internet poll by Christian.net , 50% of male responders said that they were addicted .

The Scale of the Pornography Problem

User-statistics from 2000 show that the main porn sites were receiving 50 million hits per month. Recent statistics from Internet Filter Review are that this has soared to 72 million hits per month.

Porn is Big Business

A few more figures illustrate the true cause of pornography. It is not something that is good for society or for the individual, but it is very good for the bank balances of those engaged in selling porn:

The total porn industry revenue for 2006: $13.3 billion in the United States; $97 billion worldwide (Internet Filter Review).
U.S. adult DVD/video rentals in 2005: almost 1 billion (Adult Video News)
Hotel viewership for adult films: 55% (cbsnews.com).
There are 180 million pornography sites world-wide

Has the States Become A Porn Nation?

Michael Leahy, author of Porn Nation; Conquering Americas #1 Addiction, says that the roots of porn addiction are an individual’s deep set emotional issues and brokenness and an attempt to meet genuine needs in the wrong way.

A reformed porn-addict himself, this problem cost him everything. His marriage, his children and his home. He ended up "at rock bottom".

Pornography has severe effects on society including:

Sexual addiction – the need for sexual gratification becomes insatiable
Marriage breakdown – constant sexual urges lead to affairs and subsequent divorce.
Everyone suffers especially the children
Harm to spouse – the wife / husband of a sex addict may self blame or become suicidal
An addict may lead a double life

Leahy, who conquered his own addiction, advises that those who have recovered from pornography addiction need to realise that they cannot have any exposure to porn whatsoever – this can lead to re-addiction, rather in the way a reformed alcoholic can never again touch alcohol. This is because constant use of pornography alters the brain chemistry radically in a similar way to drug addiction.

7 Steps to Kicking the Porn Habit

He offers the following plan of action to those who want to rid themselves of the harmful effects of porn-addiction on their lives:

Admit to yourself you ARE a porn addict and know that porn is a want, not a need.
You must go cold Turkey - block all internet porn sites, get rid of all porn materials
Confess to a friend and ask them to act as a “buddy” to watch your back
Repent – truly be sorry for what you have done, otherwise you won't feel the need to change
Praying for deliverance helps, ask God for help on a daily basis
Go to a trained counsellor/therapist to address underlying issues
Find healthier, non computer related ways of using time

info taken from suite101.com

Ways to overcome porn

2010-12-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

WAYS TO OVERCOME PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION:

THROW OUT ALL PORN! HAVE SOMEONE GO WITH YOU!

Accountability is the key!

I love you-Point5

Yup. I'm glad I perform at secular shows. (Ces Magmatic)

2010-12-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

First off this weekend was awesome. Last night with the Toy-drive I presented "Am I" in a poetic setting, the ministry was great.

Part 1, the bar.

Tonight I ministered at Fubar in St Louis, there was a Hip-Hop showcase and I was one of the artists. (the venue smelled like cigarettes and bad lyrics) It's been a while since I performed at a bar or a club... That's too bad. A lot (not all but a lot) of the other music was predictable: Glam-Rap, club-style, "my Swag will kill your grandma" type stuff. All of the other rappers there brought folks to hype so, obviously when I go up I anticipate a little less attention. A little A.D.D. action, right? Nope. Did my best for God and from the stage I could see folks locking eyes with me... listening to lyrics that were obviously God-centered. Some folks left. Others came up from the back of the room. I ended one of my songs saying "I'm Following Christ" and folks cheered. When I was done, some of the people who didn't look like they were into the music were talking to me about how deep my stuff was... They responded to what I had to say. I praise GOD that His principals can penetrate the hardest of hearts. People came and bought CDs that hopefully minister to them however necessary. It's interesting to me how I can go up, one man on stage, speaking of Christ and a God-centered lifestyle and get more attention/feedback (at the time) than songs that are obviously "What they want to hear" focused on self. I guess that's what happens when your music isn't focused on anything taxable or dishonest.

PART 2 "The After-Party"

I had two of my closest brothers with me helping me with merch and video... (Shout out to MOG and Purpose) we chopped it up a little bit in the Word from what God did with Joshua after Moses died, to Paul's evangelism techniques and how ministry happens OUTSIDE of the physical church and "perfect" situation. (Those conversations were all in the bar, by the way) After the show we hopped over to a Coffee Shop addressing the state of the church and how we should be moved by the force of our faith rather than the emotion and theatrics of a moment. See, what's so important is that we had discussion and dialogue about God regardless of the atmosphere... to be honest we talked about God from the moment I picked them up to when I dropped 'em off at the end of the night. We ministered to each other during and after the event and God used those opportunities to make us stronger in Him. I could probably go on about this stuff into "PART 3" and "PART 4" but all I'm trying to say is relationship trumps religion any day. Tonight, relationship said "God I could do things in your name all day but if you're not IN IT, it's a waste of my time and yours. Be with me and let's do this together." Relationship said "Send me, Lord, I'll go share your Word with the world" What would religion have done? Glad you asked. Religion would have said "Son, next time someone calls you to do an event outside of a safe and God-Loving atmosphere wait until everyone there is saved and sanctified... that's the only crowd we minister to. They are the ones who deserve to hear the Gospel."

Exclusive: "Paper Heart" (preview)

2010-12-16T16:10:00.001-08:00

You were meant for more!

2010-12-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

Wow...Is this really the way it is? Heck yes! THe unfortunate reality is that most of us have gotten comfortable....we live a routine and regular life!

Acts 10:15 says " for that which God has made clean, do not you make common" - all things of God are uncommon, set apart... WILD AND DIFFERENT...shouldn't your life be the same?

I challenge you to live a life full of purpose! Moses parted the red sea. Peter was crucified upside down, Paul was stoned and left for dead...these are not boring men and they certainly did not live boring lives. David defeated Goliath with a slingshot because he was uncommon. While the common folk were frightened and running for fear of their lives, little David stood up to the Giant and cast him down!

Think about it...even today most of the people you look up to in life are people that have done something beyond the norm.

So stop trying to skate by...realize that you were meant for more! Jesus wants more from you.

John 10:10 "The enemy came but to steal, kill and destroy. Yet I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly"

The abundant life awaits you! Are you willing to fight the good fight and live the good life?

Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us!"

There is that word "abundance" again. Are you willing to tap into that power that God has given you to be more? To be great?

I love you- Point5

Get out from Behind Yourself

2010-12-04T16:05:00.000-08:00

One of the ways we hold ourselves down in our sin is keeping it to ourselves. One of the things Nate Larkin says in his testimony that resonates with me is when he realized that God never loved this false identity he was trying to portray for other people and God. I think sometimes we look at our lives and think "How can God love me?"

See, one of the things that was hard for me to understand when I was struggling with that question is the fact that God's love is UNCONDITIONAL. In other words, there are no conditions! I used to think God didn't love me unless I was doing the right thing. I used to think if I was struggling with problems or temptation I had to get myself fixed, so then I could present myself to him. The only thing wrong with that is the actual way God looks at me.

At the moment of accepting God's grace I received his righteousness not based on anything I did but based on what he did on the cross. Before I was born, before I knew him, he loved me. I didn't have to act and you don't either. We will fall, it's inevitable. But it's what we do after the fall that defines us. Proverbs says :For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

Understand our weakness is the very thing that draws us to God! We don't have to put up this front anymore. God loves us in the midst of our sin. Look at Luke 15 in the story of the Prodigal Son.

¹¹ Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father.

As you see the son didn't go off, get himself straight to come back to his father. He was at his lowest point. Look at the Father's response to his son who had gone out and squandered everything his father had given him.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

God loves YOU for who YOU are. So be real and share your struggle. Like Nate, you have to power to change other peoples lives with your struggle and your story.

Blessings! Jared

Software to help with your Porn addiction!

2010-12-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

BELOW IS AN ACCOUNTABILITY SOFTWARE THAT YOU CAN DOWNLOAD TO HELP YOU PURIFY YOUR LIFE AND BREAK PORN ADDICTION...It's called "x3 watch" watch the video below...

x3watch.com from XXXchurch on Vimeo.

VISIT X3WATCH.COM now to get yours!

Additionally you can email us at addiction@welivepure.com at any time and we would be happy to assist you with your fight to become pure!

"I love you" - Point5

Overcoming Depression: Creflo dollar

2010-11-20T18:10:00.000-08:00

Overcoming Addiction: .5

2010-11-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

Any addiction is difficult to deal with, whether physical or psychological. But there is hope in jesus and he can help you overcome EVERY addiction in your life.

-BUT WHY PURIFY OURSELVES FROM ADDICTION?-

-Addiction means That you are no longer in control
-Addictions are extremely difficult to break
-Often times people will sacrifice their family, friends, passions, money, and more to feed their addiction

God is our refuge; our safe haven; our rock; He is our everything! God helps us to reach our potential; that is in HIM. As a matter of fact no other entity in this world can help us to be all that we can be, except for our Creator. He knows every intricate detail about our body, our mind, and our soul. He knows what you are thinking every second of the day.

Have you let God take hold of your hand and guide you into His wonderful kingdom? Let God rescue you from the grips of addiction.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalms 46:1-3

If you are battling with an addiction ask for God’s help in overcoming it and He will provide. God knows exactly what you are going through and He knows what you need! There has never been a time in your life that God didn’t know what you need. Therefore, reach out to God and allow Him to have power over the addiction that is ravaging your body, mind, and soul. If you continue to hold on tight to the addiction God will not take it away from you – you have to want to give it to Him!

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2

When we pray and ask for God’s help in overcoming addiction, sometimes nothing changes in our lives because somewhere in our heart we just aren’t ready to give up the addiction yet – we are afraid to lose our best friend. Is it because we have more faith in the addiction than in God? Addiction deceives us and tells us lies about our self that we believe. We believe that we are in control of the addiction – we believe we feel better and look better while intoxicated. Addiction eases the pain inside of us and gives us a temporary “feel good” condition.

God wants to know that you trust in Him more than anything. He wants you to trust Him with your life! Can you do that? God will deliver you from addiction but you have to be willing to say good-bye to it, and hand it over to God, and allow Him to go to work in your life. God will do what He says! He will help us to overcome our troubles, deal with them straight on, and live productive happy lives. There is no fear when we have made God number one in our lives. Absolutely no fear!

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13

Scriptures:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 1 Peter 2:11

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 1 John 2:16

Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galations 5:19-21

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4

teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:12

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18-20

Books:

•Storm Tossed: How A U.S. Serviceman Won the Battle of Sex Addiction
[Jake Porter]
•Only One Way Out Addictions: Alcohol, Drugs, Sex, Gambling...
[Sherri Cone]
•Stuck in a Rut: Power, Sex, Food, and Other Little Addictions
[BUNDSCHUH, RICK]

as always, I love you- .5

Can God trust YOU?: Jentezen Franklin

2010-11-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

Gossip Destroys the body: Pastor Mike Franklin

2010-11-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

Gossip is "saying something about someone even though you know you can't fix it" -lateral talking

What is Worship?

2010-09-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Beauty for Ashes

2010-09-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Life in ministry is hard....
Sometimes I feel like I am called to be the person who always helps, always encourages, is always trying to change the lives of everyone around me for the better. The interesting thing about this is that I actually do it! I do it so much that I have difficulty recognizing the very real things in my life. I, like everyone else struggle...however, when I struggle, I feel like there is no time to address my issue because there is, yet again, someone else I need to minister to. yeah I am cut, and bleeding...but forget that because he/she is cut too and I have to help them!!!!
I wish I could say that I voluntarily trust God, but I think somewhere along the way I just got to the point where I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO trust God.This is a good thing though because I know that my mind likes to 'give up'...but my faith took that option away from me...

Much like that trust situation I just explained, many times we create situations where stuff is so far to the left or the right that it is just hard to go back to 'that place' that we miss so badly. That good place. And that, my friends, is where true pain sets in! I have done this so many times and honestly it sucks. This is why I stress the importance of handling the little things in life while they are still little because they will not always be little if you do not. Those little things will get you off course and make it seem impossible to get back on course.

Everyday I see something or someone that just breaks my heart...I wish I could do something to change it or them...in fact, I try to do whatever I can to fix the situation...But most people just don't have real faith anymore. They go to church and 'believe' but they have no clue that faith changes things! So they think that it is now impossible to go back to 'that place' that 'good place' and they are unwilling to try...well ladies and gentlemen I am here to tell you that the Devil is a LIAR! You can go back to that good place! It is never too late! and FAITH is the way to get there! God wants you in 'THAT PLACE"

"What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one ca shut. I know you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name..." Rev 3:8

God said He is aware that you have little strength...but yet and still He opens a door! Many times we are, as the word says "made stong in our weakness" and us being weak is only so people can see how mighty our God is when he performs a miraculous work in our life. So I ask you...IS YOUR LIFE A TESTIMANT OF FAITH OR OF COMFORTABILITY?

My dad once told me "Anyone who ever did anything great took a great risk!" and I would add to that with "if they didn't take a great risk, then what they accomplished was simply not GREAT"...

I desire that my life, my relationships, my family, and everything be one leap of faith after another! Who is with me? The time to do great things is now! The time to get out of that painful situation is now! Simply walk through that open door, as frightening as it may seem, Allow God to take your ashes, and exchange them for beauty!

What is impossible with God????

Isaiah 61:3

I truly do Love YOU! Point5

New T-shirts

2010-09-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

2 new T-shirts are now available through our ministry webstore... visit point5.bigcartel.com to get yours now!

Memoirs of the Jesus Freaks...New and improved

2010-09-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

Now with new mixes, and additional tracks!...not to mention the new low price :)

Download any single from Memoirs of the Jesus Freaks for just 99 cents or even download the whole mix-tape for just $7.77 Help us change the world for the glory of Jesus!

CLICK HERE

God's Gift on Sexual Purity

2010-09-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

Self Worth

2010-09-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

What does the word say about Self Worth?

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-14

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1Corithians 10:13

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. 1 John 4:19-21

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:22-27

And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. Mark 12:30

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? James 4:11-12

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:14-24

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:2-8

Pornography

2010-09-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

The bible says in Matthew 5:28 that if you look at a woman to lust after her you have commited adultery with her in your heart.

Looking at porn is a sin plain and simple. The bible also says in James 1:14,15 that we are tempted when we are carried away by our own lust. It says that when lust is conceived it gives birth to sin and when sin is accomplished it brings forth death. So ultimatley this stuff will kill you. You must realize that porn is your enemy not your friend. This is the first step toward your freedom. God will help you defeat your enemies but not your friends. You must fall out of love with it and see it for what it is.

Porn traps you in a cruel cycle of guilt and shame. It preys on your God given desire to love and be loved. It's beauty lures you in with the offer of acceptance, only to turn on you and consume your mind with lack of fulfillment. The reason porn is so powerful is because we desperatley want to be wanted and need to be needed. You have this beautiful image saying I want you, I need you, I accept you, and for a moment you believe. Shame is what it leaves you with, emptier than before, addicted to a temporary feeling. It's a moment where you feel like everything about you is ok.

Porn is an addiction. If you don't agree just try to stop looking at it. You have to admit that it has a hold of you before you can get free from it. Here's some motivation for you to get free. Did you know that porn is the major cause of male impotence? Men are stimulated by sight. The more you look at the stuff the more you have to look at the stuff to get excited. The end result...your no longer excitable...now how exciting is that? Porn changes a man from a protector of women into a predator of women. Porn will make you think thoughts you never wanted to think, do things you never thought you would do, and be someone you never thought you would be.

I am living proof that God can set you free from this stuff. If you want to talk just hit me up saltboxband@yahoo.com

James "Pops" Rees
SaltBox

SCRIPTURES AGAINST PORNOGRAPHY

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16) NKJV

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
(1 Corinthians 6:18-20) NKJV

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8) NKJV

I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman? (Job 31:1) NKJV

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10) NKJV

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way. (Psalm 11:37) NKJV

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
(1 Corinthians 10:13) NKJV

To win the battle against pornography, honesty and humility are required. Purify yourself. Seek God's forgiveness and Humble yourself in His sight.

Point5's FOLLOW video

2010-09-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Point5 TV: Episode 13

2010-04-01T10:56:00.001-07:00

Must See T.V.?

2010-03-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

So we as believers keep wringing our hands together wondering why the church seems to be making little to zero impact on the culture. Then we act shocked and amazed when we hear about Christians acting just like the world around us.

But that's o.k., because when we grab a bowlful of chili and a fistful of Fritos and plop down in front of the T.V., all are worries temporarily go away. Yep, when we turn on the tube and cable-ize our cranium, life seems so much more tolerable.

Perhaps that is part of the problem. Every year, additional 'versions' of the Bible come out, and every year they are read less and less- and at the same time, the average person spends more and more time glued to the tube.

Let's face it folks, Christians in America are cable clever and Scripture stupid.

So here is a little article I came across that may motivate you check out the Bible more often:

Another way to think about the contents of the books of the Bible is by comparing them to modern day TV. If we think of the Bible as a Cable TV guide, we might compare some of the books to TV channels as follows:

•The Women's Channel: Esther, Ruth, and Song of Solomon are books that would fit with "chick TV". The books contain women's stories, problems, and issues.

•Science Fiction Channel: The book of Revelation contains amazing visions and future like you couldn't imagine.

•Real Life TV: Joshua, Judges, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings. The books have action, adventure, and suspense.

•Advise TV: The book of Proverbs gives everyday wisdom by which to make decisions.

•The History Channel or CNN: Genesis, Exodus, Acts. These books provide who, what, where, when at that period in time. And they also offer some commentary and effects.

•Christian TV: All of the Epistles. These letters would be the meat and potato line-up for dealing with real issues and living.

(Author Unknown)

Whoever wrote that has a good perspective on what Scripture is really like. Anyone who thinks the Bible is boring hasn't read it very much.

I would challenge you this summer to compare how much time you spend reading the Bible, and how much you watch the T.V. I guarantee that we all have room for improvement, and you will probably be amazed at the change in your walk with Christ.

Questions:
1.Am I willing to spend at least one hour a week reading God's Word? Why or why not?

2.How many verses could I quote from memory? In other words, do I know my T.V. guide better than the Truth?

3.Do some of my life issues stem from the fact that my view of reality has been distorted by the twisted, materialistic, and hedonistic sermons preached by Hollywood?

(via www.dare2share.org)

15 Reasons to Read the Bible Daily

2010-03-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

1. To get rid of anxiety and have peace (Psalm 119:165)

2. To set things right when life feels out of control (Psalm 19:7-8)

3. To have direction and guidance (Psalm 119:105)

4. To experience healing and deliverance (Psalm 107:20)

5. To grow in the Lord (1 Peter 2:2)

6. To have strength, comfort and hope (Psalm 119:28, 50, 114)

7. To shape yourself and your life correctly (Psalm 119:11)

8. To be able to see clearly (Psalm 119:130)

9. To know what's really in your heart (Hebrews 4:12)

10. To build faith (Romans 10:17)

11. To have joy (Psalm 19:8)

12. To understand God's power (John 1:1)

13. To have more life in this life (Psalm 119:50)

14. To distinguish good from evil (Psalm 119:101-102)

15. To understand God's love for you (John 1:14)

Point5 tv episode 12

2010-03-09T11:32:00.001-08:00

Is anyone so high, so secure, that they can’t fall?

2010-03-09T10:19:00.000-08:00

Reading Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians using http://stanza.lexcycle.com.

“CHAPTER 2”:

Samson, David, and many other excellent men, fell into grievous sins. Job and Jeremiah cursed the day of their birth. Elijah and Jonah became weary of life and prayed for death. Such offenses on the part of the saints, the Scriptures record for the comfort of those who are near despair.

No person has ever sunk so low that he cannot rise again. On the other hand, no man’s standing is so secure that he may not fall.

If Peter fell, I may fall. If he rose again, I may rise again. We have the same gifts that they had, the same Christ, the same baptism and the same Gospel, the same forgiveness of sins. They needed these saving ordinances just as much as we do.

http://www.magmatic.wordpress.com (Ces Magmatic)

Promote CHRIST! Let Him promote you.

2010-01-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

As everyone who ever follows me(Point5) knows, I am all about PURE. It is my ministry, it is my message, and it is my heart. To be a person under a righteous existence and to claim Christianity is a charge to live a PURE lifestyle...In every way possible!
One reason I stress the application of Purity is because so many people in the kingdom struggle with pride, selfishness, and competition. First of all I would like to say that being in the kingdom is joining the body of Christ. You are on the team. You are literally signing up to promote Christ! A major part of the call is to be on the "Jesus Street Team"
If this is the case, then I stress to you, WHY ARE SO MANY ARTISTS, MINISTRIES, MINISTERS SPENDING SO MUCH TIME PROMOTING THEMSELVES? Now don't get me wrong, bragging on what God has done is great, but many artists at times are not promoting what God has done near as much as they are pushing their latest cd, their website, their song, etc.

1 corinthians 15:31 says, "i die every day. I mean that brothers. Just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord."

As ministers/artists laboring for the cause of Christ, We should be promoting Jesus! Not using the gospel as a resource to promote ourselves. The word of God also says in Proverbs chapter 18 "your gift will make room for you and bring you into the presence of great men." IT SAYS IT RIGHT THERE. YOUR GIFT WILL MAKE ROOM FOR YOU, SO IS IT REALLY NECESSARY TO SPEND ALL OF YOUR TIME PROMOTING YOUR GIFT? NO!!!!!! Your gift is making room for you to present the Good News!

Promote Christ and allow him to promote you.

God is perfect, for me to promote HIM, I don't need to put a "Point5 bowtie" or "Point5 wrapping paper" on Him. It would'nt even do Him justice.

In order to go higher I need to die daily and live in the things of God, Join in his movement. That movement is one of Purity! Pure. Nothing added or subtracted.

THE CHALLENGE: From now on, when you have an opportuniy to serve...just serve. Be number 1 at being number two! and then God will elevate you when HE is ready to. Humble yourselves and die daily. Instead of promoting your music. Promote someone elses. Instead of pushing your site, push someone elses. Do This and see how high God will take you!

I love you! Point5

"Call of Duty" by God's Gift

2010-01-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

We all have received a special calling on our lives from God, but if we go along with the plan that’s up to us. Many times our minds get consumed with thoughts of “Our Plans” and not “God’s Plans” for the future.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”-Jeremiah 29:11

He wants you to have faith and understand that he has placed you in a certain place for a reason. God has chosen you to be a representative/Agent of Change (A.O.C.) for him in the world.”For many are invited, but few are chosen.”-Matthew 22:14

Point5's "HOPE" wins Gospel Rap song of the Year at the IGMA's

2009-12-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

Point5's single HOPE was selected as the GOSPEL RAP SONG OF THE YEAR at the 2009 Independant Gospel Music Awards! We here at Pure Productions are rejoicing. Celebrate with us by downloading HOPE for free on www.reverbnation.com/point5 and giving it to your friends and family. Help us share that Jesus Christ in us is the HOPE of Glory!

Also get the HOPE ringtone on your phone for free here : www.myxer.com/ringtone:2694722

checkoutthe Twitter freestyle

2009-11-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

Nuthin' But The Blood

2009-11-22T20:19:00.001-08:00

"Pray"-by Michelle

2009-11-19T14:57:00.001-08:00

"Pray all the time ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit's wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all christians everywhere. " Ephesians 6:18

Prayer is so important in your walk with God. Without prayer we could not have a relationship with Our Savior. Prayer is simply talking to God...that's it. Imagine you have a "friend" that you hang out with everyday, all day long...but you don't really ever communicate with them. You can't really create an effective relationship like that and you won't learn anything about them! The same is true with God. The more we talk with Him and the more time we spend with Him, the closer we become...and the relationship will become stronger. When our relationship becomes stronger it gives God more of an opportunity to work through us, and we start to understand His voice and what it is that He is telling us to do. The more that God works through us, the more we are transformed into being like Christ, and isn't that our ultimate goal? Strive to be like Christ. Allow God to use you...Communicate with God! He LOVES to chat! :)
- MICHELLE-Pure Productions

Free download "I WILL RUN"

2009-10-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Click below to download "I Will Run" the new single from the upcoming FREE e.p. LIFE CHANGE.

http://www.box.net/shared/r9t3pjpaf1

This track has a new feel...as you know. I'm always switching it up! holla at ya boy and let me know what you think. The Life Change e.p. is going to change the lives of tens of thousands for the glory of God. Pass along the link to your friends and family and help me and Pure Productions bring about change and advance the kingdom.

Where do you need self-control?

2009-09-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Tell The World.

2009-09-29T10:14:00.001-07:00

Do You Need Grace?

2009-09-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Former Ruff Ryder artist and Battle rapper Jin tells of Jesus!

2009-09-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

Free download "This Time"

2009-09-10T08:33:00.001-07:00

Click here to listen and download the Free single from Point5 entitled "This Time"

http://www.box.net/shared/cyfkjaiock

THIS TIME is just one of the tracks I will be releasing for free this fall as a part of the LIFE CHANGE project. To Find out more about LIFE CHANGE visit www.youtube.com/point5five

keeping it real

2009-09-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 10:9
"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."

Tell the truth the first time and you will make life a lot easier. Be a person of integrity. Then, when someone finds out your secrets, you can feel secure knowing that you have lived for godliness. However, a perverse and deceitful person has to constantly worry that someone will find him out. There is no security or assurance in crooked paths, only the certainty of getting tripped up and caught. When the secrets of evil that have been whispered in dark places get shouted from the rooftops, those who have lived for the Lord can be secure, knowing that what gets shouted about them is said with the voice of God: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

.5

Donate to Point5 and the LIFE CHANGE project

2009-07-07T11:16:00.001-07:00

Help Point5 get out a FREE cd promoting the Gospel of Jesus in rap/hip hop Song. 3 Free songs and several resources and links to other free music will be included on the LIFE CHANGE project.

Simply click the "donate" button below and enter in the amount. Thank you

the big THEN.

2009-05-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Just a little over two weeks ago, The Lord was dealing with me about several things in my life that I had seemingly ignored. My walk with God in the past three years has been an absolute delight. I have naturally had trials, but I am always amazed to see God moving and to see myself growing in HIM. Because I am so on fire, I constantly find myself asking of God to help me to the Next level of Glory.

"Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to everyone generously without a rebuke, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

I was however, sometimes impatient, wondering why I was not yet where I wanted to be in God. I would dig more, press harder, pray longer. Yet I still wasnt really seeing the results that I knew God could give.

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," Ephesians 3:20

Then I came to a point where I sought out wisdom like never before, I kept thinking that the word of God says "I shall not want" and diggidy-darn-darn it, I am tired of wanting!

2 Chronicles 7:14 CHANGED MY LIFE! "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

I couldnt help but notice the "THEN I will heal there land." This showed me that there was a recipe for allowing God to hear my prayer in a responsive way. Naturally God can "hear" all of our prayers. But this reffers to the type of hearing that causes God to respond. To heal. To repair. To restore. To fulfill (woooo I am getting excited just typing this. I'm about to dance up out my clothes yall). This is our recipe for success.

I then understood that if I was lacking before it was because I failed to complete the recipe. In my particular situation, I noticed several areas that were "wicked ways" and I had just not noticed before, or I ignored. So with the power of the hily Ghost, I took drastic steps to remove those things from my life, I did some serious cutting away...and it was certainly painful...but I did learn something...Love/Faith/Belief require action. If you say you want an area of your life to change, then you will change it. At the end of the day if its not changed, then you didnt really want it. Likewise before I didn't want to let go of the things that stood in my way. Well about two and a half weeks ago I let go and THEN He heard my prayer and healed my land.

The last part to this is that, although I was restored in Jesus, there were things that were out of my reach. I simply cannot spend my time trying to convince the people around me that my land is healed. IT JUST IS. The enemy began to attack and me, my God, and my land made it through fairly easily, but the people observing had no faith in the change. When you receive your breakthrough, you don't have to spend all day trying to convice people of it. Just enjoy your healed land and rejoice in the Lord. Others will come around and if they don't. Show them the recipe ;)

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy," Jude 1:24

Love- Point5

Resurrection Sunday...hip hop service video

2009-04-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

CHeck out this video from River Front Times online featuring Liberation Christian Church and Point5

Awesome Video! Praise God for the TRUTH!

2009-04-14T13:31:00.001-07:00

Look how easily we can be confused by the WORLD! The truth shall set you free!

Pride

2009-04-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 11:2 reads "When pride cometh, then cometh shame:but with the lowly is wisdom"

Pride is a terrible thing that many of us struggle with. I am willing to admit that I have struggled with it big time. I have found that in the past I truly dispised being wrong, and would go to extreme lengths to win arguments just to protect my pride.
Then after diving into the word of God and recieving revalation I decided to do it God's way! LET ME TELL YOU...it was one of the most freeing descisions of my life. I realized that in my obediance I had the Lord with me... and "where the spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty!"

I found that when I chose the route of humility, I was actually set free by my integrity...It is refreshing to know that "it is what it is" instead of "it" being a lie. This was so beneficial to me, I thought I would share it with you all.

P.S. FADE IN2 THA BACKGROUND pre-order starts tomorrow. www.point5online.com

Jesus turns it all around!

2009-03-01T22:47:00.000-08:00

Upside Down from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.

Preperation and servitude

2009-02-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

"Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask."
"What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory."
"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"
"We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."
When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10: 35-45

Is that powerful or what?

You know I often quote the portion of scripture that says Jesus "did not come to be served, but to serve" but reading this passage in its entirety was really an eye opener. According to the scripture above the greatness that is ahead of us is determined the servitude we display now.

so of course the question is "How many of you are serving?"

we know that the word tells up "the harvest is pleantious but the laborers are few"
but how many of us are really laborers? Because the scripture speaks for itself I want to encourage us all to serve in the kingdom of God. Don't just get your ticket and have a seat.

Many of us may not know what to do but seel God, and PURPOSE TO DO SOMETHING FOR HIM! in your servitude you will be great. When you are presented with men and women of God, serve God by serving them. Paul had Timothy, Moses had Aaron, Elijah had Elisha. Jesus had 13 of em! lol.

Remember as noted in Mark above "whoever wants to become GREAT among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be FIRST must be slave of all. "

Peace and blessings. .5

Extra Extra Performance

2009-02-05T19:53:00.001-08:00

What did you say?

2009-01-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

I know that when the times are tough or things in life or stressful, it is easy to pour out the reality of our issues in everyday speech. We talk about how our lives are stressed, how we are worried, or what it is we can't do. But Today I declare those days to be over!

Proverbs 18:21 says "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

What this means is we have the power to dictate how our end will be with our mouth! It is this simple....if you say " I can't" then you are right! you cannot. However if you will be bold enough to declare things done in the name of Jesus, simply say "I can" then believe me my friends YOU WILL!

Matthew 17:20-20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I SAY unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall SAY unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and NOTHING shall be impossible unto you.

Romans 4:17
"A it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."

This is what WE must do in order to see monumental change take place in our lives, call thing which are not as though they are. Think of the great men and women in history. They didnt just stand by and say that they could not achieve, that they would never be. Instead they rose to the occasion and purposed to do great things! You too are great! You can and will accomplish great things because your life is in the power of your toungue! Be blessed.

"Even in Ministry there have been several things that I have sought to accomplish but it was not until I started speaking those things into existence that they truly came to pass!" - Point5

Colossians 4:6 (NKJV)
"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

To speak with grace is to speak words that are wholesome, fitting, sensitive and purposeful.
Salt flavors and helps preserve our foods from decay. So also our speech should be gracious and salty, in essence adding flavor and be a purifying influence in our walk with Christ.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephiaians 4:29

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Proverbs 8:13

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. Titus 2:7

Spiritual Authority,

2008-12-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

I have recently encountered several situation, from many perspectives, that God has used to bless me with a greater understanding of Spiritual authority. I felt the need to share with you so that you may be blessed in your servanthood.

It is important to note that ALL positions of authority are God appointed and should be respected as such. Although it is not always easy to do it the "boss's way" it IS necessary.

Romans chapter 13 begins with...
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience."

This scripture alone sums it up... at work, in class, in groups, organizations, clubs or whatever, submit to the authorities placed before you. you reward will be great. Respect them and their wishes and if you disagree simply approach them in love...if they stand firm on their position, then that is that. don't become a distraction to their work. submit to "God's servant."

It is so important that we dont rebel against them...remember "he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

I often find that in instances like this if we would really ask ourselves, what would Jesus do? we would realize that Jesus would not rebel, he would submit and serve in a way that would best represent God. We should do the same.

It was the thought of the moment. Hope you enjoy it.

Drifting

2008-11-25T08:10:00.000-08:00

"In light of the realization of who Jesus is,the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of God, far superior to angels and all created beings—we must be very careful to pay even closer attention to the Word of God that we have heard" (Hebrews 2:1).

It will not be the obvious, in-your-face sins that trip us up, but rather the gradual drifting away from the truth that we have come to know. Perhaps that sin will be neglecting to read the Bible and spend daily time in prayer. Perhaps it will be the letting down of our guard when it comes to the entertainment we enjoy or the ways in which we spend our money or our time. Or perhaps it will be our participation in unproductive, sinful things like idle gossip. The sins are different; the result is the same—spiritual drifting.
In order to prevent drifting in your walk of faith, ask the Holy Spirit to alert you to any subtle areas in your life where you may be drifting. Agree with what he shows you there, repent, and get back on course by realigning yourself with the Word of God.

Think of a boat in the water...the tide may cause it to drift in one direction or the other but if you have an anchor your boat will not drift. Seeking the face of God and studying his word is just like throwing out that anchor. It will keep you from drifting!

It is also important to keep strong believers with you (keyword 'STRONG') for the bible tels us that "the wise walk with the wise."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reads, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. "

But we must be careful of who we surround ourselves with. I suggest only making those with Godly counsel extremely close, for in your time of need or trouble you need them to provide you with the word of God, not mere opinion.

To aviod drifting spiritually, set clear goals for yourself and commit to them.
Proverbs 21:5 tells us " The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But Everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty."

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”

Many people say that drifting or backsliding is natural and it just sometimes happens, well I disagree. I want the people of God to begin to exercise the Word in a big way.
Being a CHRISTian is about progress and advancement! And that is exactly what we will do. WE ARE ABOVE DRIFTING. WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT. Glory to God!

So lets remove the possibility of drifting from our very thoughts....

Count it all Joy! Point5

Should we judge or not? A MUST READ

2008-11-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Judging is a subject which many Christians like to avoid. When pressed to defend one's position, though, there often seems to be a distinct division–those who think no one should judge anyone else for any reason, and those who tend to pass judgment on everyone for everything. So which position is right, according to God's Word? Neither. The fact is that Christians are not only permitted to judge, but in certain scriptures they are instructed to do so. However, there are restrictions on what and how we are to judge.

Christians who think judgin is wrong are quick to point out the "do not judge, or you too will be judged" scripture (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37), yet they either stop short of or fail to understand the meaning of Matthew 7:2 which continues, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

To understand what this means let's start with a good foundation for our understanding of judging. Our foundation is upon Jesus Christ. Jesus' purpose in coming into this world was for judgment (John 9:39). God the Father appointed Jesus as judge of the living and the dead (John 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5). It is important to note that Jesus' judgment is just and right (John 5:30; John 8:16; Acts 17:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 16:5, 7; Revelation 19:1-2). This is because Jesus doesn't judge arbitrarily; it is His Word which does the judging (John 12:47-48; Hebrews 4:12). God's Word further teaches that God doesn't judge by external appearance (Galatians 2:6) but that He judges each man's work impartially (1 Peter 1:17). And finally, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; Hebrews 10:30; Jude 1:14-15).

Now I know we are not Jesus so please understand this yellow portion is merely a discription of the way God does things. Jesus does the judging by His Word. And everyone will be judged by Jesus and the standard of His Word.

Now, let's return to the passage in Matthew 7:1-2. Since we know that we will be judged in the same way that we judge and with the same measure we use, and we also know that we will be judged and measured by God's Word, this passage means that we are permitted to judge by that which we find in God's Word. It is when we judge by other measures (opinions, wrong motives, erroneous information) that we end up in a lot of trouble!If we judge others with our opinions, with wrong motives, or by using erroneous information, then we can expect the same treatment from God! Boy, that should stop us in our tracks before judging, shouldn't it!?

However, we shouldn't be so fearful of judging wrongly that we fail to use common sense, decency, and a knowledge of God's Word to pass right judgment. This is what has happened to our country; we have been turning blind eyes to all of the sin around us for the sake of not judging so much that more and more souls are bound for hell everyday. Instead, we need to realize that God's Word does, indeed, give us guidelines for judging rightly against sin.

Let's see what limits and qualifications God places on making a right judgment:

Use God's Word as the standard for judgment (John 12:47-48 and Hebrews 4:12 with Matthew 7:1-2). Be sure you are not currently guilty of doing the same thing when you make the judgment (Romans 2:3; also see specific examples in Matthew 12:27; Luke 11:19; and Acts 23:3) Do not judge by mere appearances (John 7:24) Do not judge with discrimination (James 2:4) Do not slander (James 4:11) Do not pass judgment on disputable matters or those things on which the scriptures are not clear (Romans 14:1-4) Judge with mercy (James 2:13) Be willing to forgive (Luke 6:37) In addition to the above guidelines, one of the most important things to remember is that we are only capable of judging the act. We are never to judge the intentions or motives of another person–to do so would be assuming the role that only Jesus can fill. In John 8:15, Jesus taught that we can only judge by human standards, and we could be wrong. Only Jesus can judge men's secrets (Romans 2:16). It is the Word of God which judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). When the Lord returns, "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts" (1 Corinthians 4:5).

We can see from these scriptures that only Jesus and His Word are qualified to judge intentions, motives, and attitudes. We are limited to judging the act itself. We must realize that there are some things which can be judged now and some things which cannot be judged until later, for sometimes it takes time for certain sins to be revealed (1 Timothy 5:24).

Christians are specifically instructed to judge the actions of those within Christ's church (1 Corinthians 5:12-6:4). Not to do so results in much sin within the body of Christ. In fact, God's Word teaches, "The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment" (1 Corinthians 2:15).

The Bible gives some specific examples of things we can judge, so long as we follow the guidelines and limitations previously discussed. They include murder (Matthew 5:21), careless words spoken (Matthew 12:36), rebellion against authority (Romans 13:2), sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5:3; Hebrews 13:4), and grumbling against each other (James 5:9).

So the last thing I would like to say is that much like everything else in this world we must go to the Word of God.

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children" (Hosea 4:6)

Get that knowledge before you hastily do things that you are uncomfortable with, such as judging others.

And for those who Judge me...you can see that I am in the word, I am constantly seeking the face of God and working towards that knowledge so that I won't make these types of mistakes. Just know that my Judgement is never to condemn! If I say anything to you it is honestly just an effort to help you grow. I love you ALL, regardless of whether or not you love me..

There is only one way to do it..."Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."(2 Tim 2:15)

Terrance aka Point5

Hope (not so much teaching, just me sharing)

2008-11-14T21:55:00.000-08:00

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith unto this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5: 1-5)

Just meditating on this verse really pleases me! I am feeling a sense of renewed understanding and just thought this to be a perfect time to share with you.

You know I often go through things...being in ministry I go through a lot! I deal with the heart ache of haters and those who aim to destroy God's ministry through me, I battle with those who believe me to be unworthy of Gods plan, and I contemplate the errors of those who refuse to love me as the lord does. In these things I am often hurt....but I press.

I find myself so often in a position to teach others that I rarely get to share my issues...well God has shown me today that my issues are testimonies, tools for ministering to others. I was recently reminded of Daniel in the lions den and how it was appearent to him that he would be there even before he was. Looking at his story showed me that people are watching me..they are watching me to see how I act in my time of trouble. They want to know will I fall? Will I give up?

Because of this I often show my strong side and don't allow people to see that I too hurt. Well today I have learned that in transperency all things are visible, this includes both the hurt and suffering because that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope! and hope is worth fighting for.

Today God spoke to me and told me something.... He did not call me to minister to the people who don't care, but instead to minister for the ones who do! So all I have to say is I will not please everyone, but fortunately I am not trying to. I am only trying to please God

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

This is me, I wake up everyday for one reason...to serve Jesus! and because of that I don't speak negatively about people regardless of what they say about me. I warn the gossipers of their error but I still love them as Christ, and I respect their independence and their privacy.Do the same for me.

If I were to speak to those who have recently been talking about me in an ungodly way, what I would say would be just what Paul said in Phillipians 3

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
All of us 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. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

Just know that when people fail you (and believe they will!) God will still be there. So maintain hope because "hope does not dissapoint us"

blessings. .5

Love and relationships

2008-11-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

I often find that great men and women of God get tripped up in the matter of relationships. This truly pains me to see the enemy come in and begin to tamper with a relationship that God has ordained. So I felt the need to post this to try and help people in their troubles

First thing to know is that confusion is not of the Lord.
1 corinthians 14:33 "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace"

This is important because the first thing the enemy does is try to make you question your beliefs and commitments. He tries to confuse you and in your pain bad desicions are often made.

secondly psalm 55:22 reads "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."

This says that He will never allow the righteous to be shaken! NEVER!! If you believe that, yet you are shaken then you must know the enemy is at work. SO it is often key not to go running to other people but instead Give it to Jesus, Remain focused on God and God alone. Often if you just focus on living for Jesus and not even worry about your relationship God will take care of your problems for you.

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. "

In my observation, this is the biggest mistake I see people make. They get so worried and/or hurt that they start trying to figure it out on their own. Without Jesus you cannot succeed in knowing the solution to your problem.

For those who know this scripture, I see them often make a similar mistake. They dont ant to lean on their understanding, so they go to someone else and get that persons understanding. This is still problematic because it is still just a persons opinion. It has no more value than your own opinion.

Continuing on Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Are you seeking the Kingdom first? the answer to this question will be known when you see if the thing has been "added unto you."

Ultimately, If you are a follower of God, and in a relationship that God has confirmed is true to be his work, then you should expect troubles but know that God will not Give you anything you cannot handle. People give up far too quickly these days.

James 1:3 says "Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience."

Faith is to be proved to God and to one another, If you ahve faith in your relationship then you should be SURE of what you hope for and CERTAIN of what you DO NOT see.

Many times you will not see success, love, or even happiness, but if you walk by faith and not by sight then you will know that your success is nearby.

People of God, live in the scripture, don't allow your emotions to cause you to make bad desicions. God births beautiful lasting relationships but it is sometimes up to us to make them last.

If you are always confused, hurt, uncertain, emotionally pained, and faithless, then you know now that you are not casting your cares upon the Lord. It is time to change. It is time to prove your faith! it will test your patience, but be obedient to the Lord and after the Storm your reward will be great! I love you all. Blessings. .5

Encouraging scriptures

2008-10-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

For some reason today I was simply led by the spirit to share some scriptures with you in their purest form without my own additional comments. Enjoy and let me know which are your favorites! .5

1Sam 12:16........stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes...
Luke 18:27.........The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Num 23:19.........God is not a man, that He should lie. Has He said, and will He not do it?
Jas 1:4..............But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Rom 8:31...........If God be for us, who can be against us?
2Tim 2:1............be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2Tim 1:13..........Hold fast the pattern of sound words...in faith and love...
Col 3:2..............Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:23............Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,...
Mark 9:23..........If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.
John 16:33.........In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Rom 8:18...........consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Rom 8:37...........Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Rom 8:39..........(Nothing can) separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom 8:28..........And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
2Tim 4:5............be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2Tim 4:7............Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith.(paraphrased)
Mic 7:8.............Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.
Phil 4:13...........I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
1Jn 4:4.............(You) have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world.
Phil 1:6............(Be) confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ,...
Phil 4:4............Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!
Isiah 41:10..........He promises to strengthen us in all our difficulties.
Jer 1:5..........Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I sanctified you.
Isiah 55: 8-......... My thoughts are completely different from yours." says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than you thoughts
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Peace and Blessings to all of you .5 fans I appreciate the support and the prayers.

Hope in Jesus

2008-10-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

In my studying today I ran across the following on "hope." I have some things in life right now that I am hoping for and because of this, I really felt led to share it with others...here it goes:

"Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in "I hope something will happen." This is not what the Bible means by hope. The Biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown (Romans 8:24-25; Hebrews 11:1,7). Hope is a fundamental component of the life of the righteous (Proverbs 23:18). Without hope, life loses its meaning (Lamentations 3:18, Job 7:6) and in death there is no hope (Isaiah 38:18, Job 17:15). The righteous who trust or put their hope in God will be helped (Psalm 28:7), and they will not be confounded, put to shame, or disappointed (Isaiah 49:23). The righteous who have this trustful hope in God have a general confidence in God's protection and help (Jeremiah 29:11) and are free from fear and anxiety (Psalm 46:2-3)."

This, in my opinion, is just a confirmation of being a "next level believer." It shows the suttle difference between being a wishful thinker and operating in a spirit led type of thought. The idea of hope being a firm assurance really takes our thought process to the next level and shows us that as Christ followers everything is very different. We walk and talk with a confidence and poise. We live in the victory and we operate on faith and EVEN OUR HOPE is a FIRM assurance, not merely a passing thought.

Glory to God!

***sidenote: Point5 is currently in the studio working on a new project so be prayerful that the annointing will flow through him and that the project will be blessed with the ability to convict the lost and motivate people to follow Jesus!

Gossip: The overlooked sin

2008-10-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

Let me ask, as a Christian do you occasionally slip up and commit a murder here or there? Or how about theft -- do you occasionally burglarize a home or steal things from the store? You may think this is silly to ask. Of course, a Christian doesn’t behave that way.

What about gossip or slander? Do you engage in idle talk or rumors about others? Do you participate in bad-mouthing or spreading rumors about others? According to the Bible, which sin is less severe? Murder or gossip? I’m sure you get the message.
Paul said, BOTH are sins equally worthy of death.

It seems that we always hear about lying, cheating, drinking, drugs, fornication, stealing, etc. and I would imagine, any of us who consider ourselves good Christians probably have a pretty good lifestyle as far as those things are concerned. But I am noticing that even in our Christian communities, around our Chrsitian friends GOSSIP is still a very real problem.

Romans 1:28 says “Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 1:29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips,

Here, the word of God makes it quite clear that gossip is as much of a sin as anything else, listing it with such things as murder, and deceit.

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts” (Prov. 26:22).

This scripture shows us very clearly that gossip is not to be taken lightly. Although sometimes it seems like a funny story or a way to make conversation, it is in reality very wrong and penetrates deeply into our "inmost parts."

Those of us who are aware of the truth of God's word should now know to be very careful, for we will have to give "an account for every idle word we speak."

"Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down." Proberbs 26:20

Avoiding Gossip can be very helpful to us in our spiritual growth as well as our everyday lives in the physical. As you can see in this proverb. avoiding gossip is a powerful way of removing quarrels and drama from your lives... and I know we all don't llike drama! lol

I pray that this message finds you in love and that whoesoever has an ear to hear, would hear.

Peace and blessings, Point5

I won the race!

2008-09-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

So today I received some knowledge and I was beyond excited to share it with you...

Today I learned some interesting statistics..

#1... during sexual intercourse there are 500,000,000 (500 million) sperm released by the male.

#2... There is only a 5-7 day window (per month) that a woman's egg can conceive a child.

#3... 1 in 100 babies are still born

#4... 1 in 4 babies don't make it due to miscarriage

#5... and 1 in 3 babies are aborted

taking all of this in was amazing for me....why....because I struggle with things everyday and I know that all of you do too. In the situations we struggle with the odds sometimes seem to be impossible. It's as if we are in a race against a milliion others and we can think of so many reasons why we will not win...but...let me tell you something...

according to that first fact....we were at one time in a race, not against a million people, but against 500 million people...and glory to God because we won! That's why we are here now! The odds in that race were 500 million to 1 yet somehow we pulled it off and our very lives are our gold medals. We started out as winners.

When you factor in the other 4 facts that I shared, you can see how the chances of you exsisting are slimmer than any of us could ever fathom...BUT GOD... God made a way for you to exist and live a full and complete life. Had it been at any other minute or even second in time that your parents hooked up you would fail to exist!

God made you a special and a unique individual, God knows your innermost parts, he knows every detail about you. Every gene in your body, ever cell, every muscle or tendon...God knows! He even knows the number of hairs on your head.

"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered" Matthew 10:30"

Think about Adam in the Garden of Eden...all alone, just him and God...he had a true form of originality... Adam was able to name the animals of the earth whatever he wanted. There was no influence from popular people, there was no style or trend that he was following.

It was just him and God...well today God is calling you back to your original, and unique self. Be you! No one else...live life in a fashion that shows only you and God!

I have a popular song entitled, "I am what I am" and in this song I explain that at times everyone turns their back on you. friends, family, even the church...BUT GOD never does.

I am what I am and you are what you are because of God. You were created at a special time, with all of the odds against you. Yet you overcame! You are victorious! and the odds may be against you sometimes on earth but you have won bigger races before, remember that!

I have the victory!

2008-08-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

Because God has truly pressed upon me to outfit bold, unashamed believers who are overflowing with the joy of the Lord and are "more than conqerers" I wanted to talk to you about using the victory that you have already been given in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Defeating Satan is something that we must do in our everyday lives...each day is a new opportunity for us to worship in spirit and in truth...but because of that we can be assured that each day the enemy will be hard at work to stop us from doing God's work.

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

this scripture is our garantee that we have already won the war! Thanks to the sacrifice of Christ we were translated into the kingdom of his dear son and given eternal VICTORY! That's something to be excited about! Glory to God.

We must excercise this knowledge and faith in the word of God an turn to God for our Victory.

Time and time again, the Bible instructs us to rely upon God to deliver us from our enemy.
In (Mt. 6:13), Jesus taught His Disciples how to pray. And one part of that prayer says, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

According to this verse, who can deliver us from the evil one? Our Father in heaven!
In (James 4:7), the Holy Spirit inspired James to write, “Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”

Before we can resist the Devil, we must submit to God!
In (Eph. 6:10-11), the Bible says, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes.”

'That's it!Put on the Armor of God.Each day when we get up...seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness then suit up and get ready for war! Using the metaphor of a well-equipped Roman soldier, Paul told how we can be prepared for spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:11-18).

The belt of truth. Since Satan depends on deceit to maintain his power, our first line of defense is always to be truthful. We must never distort or misrepresent the truth, regardless of any advantage we might gain by doing so.
The breastplate of righteousness. Any sin in our life leaves us open to Satan's attack. Even though we are given the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21), we must still continually put on the protection of holy living.
The shoes of the gospel of peace. With our feet firmly planted on the truth that we are at peace with God and that He is on our side, we can stand firmly against Satan's attacks.
The shield of faith. In order to quench the "fiery darts" of Satan's temptations, we must trust and believe what God has said about every area of our life.
The helmet of salvation. This is the confidence that there is coming in the future a great victory celebration. It's also referred to as the "hope of salvation" (1 Thess. 5:8). This helmet protects us against Satan's two-edged sword of discouragement and doubt.
The sword of the Spirit. Since the Word of God is the basis of our faith, we need to learn how to wield it with authority. Scripture is our best offensive weapon against the devil (Matt. 4:1-11).

Once we have put on the full armor of God, we are ready for each new day and the challenges that it brings...through focus on God and an undying faith in his word we truly do have the victory.

Prayer- Why? Who? What?

2008-08-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

It seems that one of the biggest struggles Christians have is being in a constant state of prayer. All too often we can find ourselves only praying right before bed or before our meals.
So the question a lot of times is why should we pray? But first of all we must put things in order and understand to whom we pray. There is only one supreme Creator and sovereign God. There is only one way to Him and that is through His only son, Jesus Christ. God, our Heavenly Father, is the only one we can be assured of who hears and answers our prayers. He is the God of amazing love, mercy, and forgiveness.
By Him, all things are possible. Jesus says in Mark 10:27, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God."
Daniel 9:18 tells us: “We do not ask because we deserve help, but because God is so merciful.”
One way in which God demonstrates of love is forgiveness of the sins each of us have committed. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it” (John 3:16-17).
What do we pray for?Prayer is the key to the heart of God. Prayer is the only way to a real and personal relationship with God.
Pray acknowledging He is God, and that you accept His gracious gift, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior (Genesis 17:1, Romans 6:16-18).
Pray confessing our sins and accepting His forgiveness (Romans 3:23-26).
Pray that His will be done in our lives, that His Holy Spirit guide us, and that we be filled with the fullness of all God has for us.
Pray for (spiritual) understanding and wisdom (Proverbs 2:6-8, 3:5).
Pray with thanksgiving for all the ways He blesses us (Philippians 4:6.) Pray when we are ill, lonely, going through trials or interceding for others (James 5:14-16, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Pray to worship Him (Psalm 95:6-7).
Honestly, there is nothing we can’t pray about. Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing.” This shows us that the communication with God is meant to never end.
We find intimacy with God through communicating with Him in prayer. We go to Him in faith, knowing that He hears and answers all our prayers (1 John 5:14).
Be confident that God knows and wants what is best for us; so ask that His will be done in all we seek from Him. Then, thank Him for it, even though it hasn’t happened yet.
How do we pray?Jesus gave his disciples, what we call, “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6) as a model. In addition, Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us we can pray boldly -- “That is one reason that we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus. Let us seek him and never stop trusting him. Jesus understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.”
The Bible shows us that “God is not a man that he should lie.” Knowing this we can be sure that all of God’s promises will be kept. Go to the Lord boldly in confidence that he is keeping His end of the Bargain.Above all, pray with sincerity, honor, and humbleness before the Almighty God. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16).
So as the lyrics of one of my songs say, “There was a time when I would pray, couldn’t think of a thing to say…But Lord I FOUND MY WAY.” I pray that I have helped you to yet again find your way. Peace and Blessings. Point5

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The New Testament tithe!

2008-08-05T05:20:00.000-07:00

Many of you have read my last post "The generous man will prosper".... I have received messages recently claiming that my 1st point, the necessity of the tithe is wrong. The email states that the tithe(10%) is no longer required by God because it is a part of the old testament covenent which was changed at the time of Jesus. The claim is then maid that the law of tithing 10% has been abolished and that we are only to give what we feel.The email also says that tithing is not mentioned in the new testament (tisk tisk tisk).

well because I am very accepting of critisism and more importantly because the bible teaches us that "My people suffer for lack of knowledge," I must prove the tithe is in the new testament before these unGodly teachings effect the growth of our brothers and sisters in Christ!

The first thing I have to say is that the bible NEVER mentions the abolishment of tithing.

secondly, tithing began well before the law was introduced. The Law only regulated the tithe.

Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, about 400 years (by my calculation) before the time of Moses and the Law, and according to Romans 4:12 we are to walk in the footsteps of the faith of Abraham. If tithing was good for him, it should be good for us, too.
We give tithes like Abraham gave them—by faith, not necessarily by law (if not thats like saying you serve God because you have to,not because you want to). And beside that, if the people of God paid ten percent before the Law, and ten percent at the time of the Law, should we be doing any less ? I mean we have a better covenant now (Heb 7:22-22 "Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant").

Hebrews 7:8 (New Testament) deals with this directly. "In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living."
Christ is declared to be living right?

Thirdly, The early Jewish believers had no problem with tithing since they had done it under the Law. They gave their tithe to the elders of the church and did it by love. However, as the church became less Jewish this issue came up to the church fathers.

Jesus answered the question of tithing with Matthew 23:23 (New Testament):
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

Notice Jesus said, "You should have practiced the latter (justice, mercy and faithfulness), without neglecting the former (tithing)." The fathers argued, and rightful so, that Jesus word ends the discussion. Since Jesus said not to neglect the former,being tithing,then no believer should neglect tithing.

Wait...Jesus is the creator of the new covenant, and he just said it, plain and simple.

Here is more New Testament evidence.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 and says,
"Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. "

Paul argues that just as the priests got their food from the tithes of the people, so the preachers should live the same way. This passage clearly shows the mentality of the apostle and his understanding of carrying over the concept of tithing into the church.

The scripture that was used to argue against tithing was 2 Corinthians 9:7:
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

This was used to say that tithing is of our free will giving and not required, which is clearly untrue because the above passage is not dealing with giving to support the church at all. It is talking about giving to the poor. Giving to the poor was a free will offering. The Word of God clearly seperates tithes and "freewill offerings as 2 different things in the old testament book of Deuteronomy:

"But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. (Deut 12:5-6)"

So now that we have proved the tithe exists in the new testament, I just want to say be careful of who you let pour into your understanding because a little misunderstanding can lead to great disobedience. Now that you have it, Cherish understanding

Proverbs 19:18
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.

God Bless. .5

A generous man will prosper.

2008-08-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 11:24-25 says "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

I am truly touched by the above scripture because I love to see how God moves in the lives of his people when they give of themselves to one another.

For whatever reason, this is not always a scripture that people take hold of an impliment its truth in their daily lives, but hopefully after reading this that will change. Me being a man that lives by faith has allowed me to see on many occasions how my giving to someone else puts me in position to be blessed by God in a big way.

2 Corinthians 9:6 says "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

Scripture shows us that in a very general sense, what we receive is very much related to what we give. If we choose not to give much of what we have then it really shouldn't be much of a suprise that we don't have much.

..."you know I always thought people would get tired of being broke. That's all it was for me. I just woke up one day and said 'I am tired of being broke' I opened up the Word of God and began to apply the scriptures that were necessary to get me out of poverty...sure enough, the Word will never return void."

There is however a method to our giving:

1st- we must be tithers and offerers....regardless of what you have heard, if you do not tithe your 10% you are stealing from God. The offering is anything in addition to God's 10%...a gift

Malachi 3:8-12 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.

2nd- We must know that "faith worketh patience" and that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we do not see." As we give we must be faithful and claim the return as ours in Jesus' name.

3rd-Our faith also teaches us that our giving should be done in secret in order for God to openly reward us. It should not be seen by man.

Matthew 6:1-4 reads "Be careful not to do your `acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

The Bible is very clear on this—when we give in private, our Father rewards us openly, and His favor is evident to all of those around us.

4th- the scripture above touches on giving to the poor. This is very important. As followers of Christ, we should love the less fortunate and help them when we have the means to do so. God has promised us many blessings in return if we reach out to the less fortunate.

1 John 3:17-18 says "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

Luke 14:13-14 says"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

5th- It is important to sow a seed into the life of those in ministry as well as the word teaches us that they should make their living from the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 11-14 reads "If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more?
But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

and there it is 5 points from point5...
If you are obedient to God's word and follow the process of giving...both to God and to others. Jesus will bless you in ways you could never imagine! The effect of those blessings will be prosperity and favor. It's time to stop being broke. It's time to stop lacking.

I pray that this message is one that has given you revelation and will begin a change in your life for the better.God Bless. .5

The effect of your blessing

2008-08-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

As I like to do, let me first define the word blessing.

BLESSING.
1.
consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified: the Blessed Sacrament.
2.
worthy of adoration, reverence, or worship: the Blessed Trinity.
3.
divinely or supremely favored; fortunate: to be blessed with a strong, healthy body; blessed with an ability to find friends.
4.
an endowment of great power.

Today I want to take a moment to expand your understanding. I often times find myself hearing people say things like "I received a blessing of 20 dollars today" or "oh he gave you an 'A' that's a blessing!"

I want to challenge statements like those and show you that they are incorrect. In fact, when things like that happen they are not blessings, but instead the effect of the blessing God has given you.

That 4th definition above states that a blessing is a "a great endowment of power." Well my wonderful people of God, once God has endowed you with power it is done...you are blessed! Once you are blessed by God your life should reflect that and you should be expectant of great things happening as a result of your blessing.

This is the type of revalation that us as believers must gain in order to take advantage of the life that God has for us.

In the book of John, Jesus says, "blessed are those who believe and have not seen."
Proverbs 8: 32 says "Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways."
Proverbs 28:14 says "Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD"

Jeremiah 7:17 says "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."

Ladies and gentleman, I know that I have been blessed by God; and as a man who is blessed by the God of all that we know and have yet to know I am not afraid to say that it is only natural that everything around me should be the effect of my blessing from God.

I am blessed therefor my finances will reflect that, my health will reflect that, my relationships will reflect that. IAM BLESSED BY GOD.

Take ahold of the scriptures my friends and know that from now on everything you encounter should be the effect of your blessing. Claim it as your own! The word tells you that you have been perfected by the sacrifice of Jesus and that you are blessed because you believe. Per the 1st definition above you are holy and sacred. You are the blessed property of God himself and it is time that you let satan know it.

until next time..... God Bless! .5

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ALL thing will be added unto you!

2008-07-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

1faith
Pronunciation:
\ˈfāth\
Function:
noun
Inflected Form(s):
plural faiths \ˈfāths, sometimes ˈfāthz\
Etymology:
Middle English feith, from Anglo-French feid, fei, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust — more at bide
Date:
13th century
1 a: allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1): fidelity to one's promises (2): sincerity of intentions2 a (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust

Now that I have properly defined faith... I would like to share scripture from the book of Matthew chapter six starting at verse 25:
25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

This is especially important for us to know...that Jehovah Jirah is our provider! Living by faith leads us into a lifestyle of trust and commitment to a God that has promised us many things. We are told in his word that we reap what we sow...we are told in his word that by his stripes we were healed... We must however learn to trust our God and know that his word is absolute truth.
It is time to stop the hurting...we are healed! It is time for us to be obediant to the things we have been instructed. We know that God said if we just seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; ALL things will be added unto us...

All things means those bills you have, that shelter you need, etc. it is all provided. Our God has so much and loves us enough that if we would just dedicate our lives to serving him and live by faith...All things will be added unto us as well.

It is so important that we dont put restrictions on a limitless God. Look at Peter. The man walked on water!!! Jesus didn't do it alone. Peter stepped out on that water too. and when he looked back what did he see? A boat full of faithless believers. So many times Jesus said these words, "Oh ye of little faith"...

I don't know about you but I never want to hear those words. So what's it gonna be are you going to be a water walker? or a faithless boat sitter?

And yes many of you will say that Peter fell into the water, and your right! He did eventually fall in........ BUT FIRST HE WALKED! thats amazing...He was a faith filled wet water walking man of God! Not a dry, unbelieving, boat sitter. That is faith! So whatever boat your sitting in, get out of it! take a step out into the waters of everyday life. you might get a little wet but you will have the favor of the Lord! .5

Step Out on Faith

2008-07-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” Hebrews 11:6

What is Faith? It’s putting your belief and trust in something or somebody outside of yourself, and then acting on that belief. Think about the examples given in Hebrews 11. Like, for instance, Abraham, venturing from his home to the unfamiliar, trusting a promise that wouldn’t materialize for decades. How about that same patriarch, placing his beloved son, Isaac, on the altar, trusting that somehow God would either provide an alternate sacrifice or raise his son from the dead? Or think about Moses, choosing to leave behind the pleasures and power of the pharaoh’s palace to shepherd a group of grumblers out of slavery into the Promised Land. Step by step, day by day, Moses acted on his faith in a promise that wouldn’t even completely materialize until after his death. The writer of Hebrews recounts these and many other examples of trust in this “Hall of Faith” chapter.

Of course, acting on faith isn’t always easy. It calls us to step away from what is comfortable and safe and, like a two-year-old at the edge of a vast swimming pool, look into unknown and unfamiliar circumstances. Maybe it’s a challenge to surrender our finances to God’s control, a career change, a move overseas, or waiting patiently on the Lord for the right spouse. It may be forgiving an offender or risking something for the sake of integrity or purity. Whatever the case, when God nudges our heart beyond what we can manage and manipulate on our own, we have an opportunity to act on the faith that we profess to believe.

So the ultimate question becomes...what wil you do? Will you act out on the faith that you profess each day? Or much like many others, will you allow the fruit of your actions to contradict your words?
-Point5