Festivals Of the Lord

The Day of atonement started my research and observance of the Feasts talked about in the Bible. I had always heard of the feasts but never thought it was something we had to observe, (in my mind i figured that since Jesus died for our sins that there were certain things we didn't have to do) My mom told me a few Fridays ago that she was planning on fasting for the Day of Atonement (which started at sundown and went on to sundown the following day) My first thought was "Great now I have to fast too" But after I got off the phone with her, I realized that no matter what the Lord asks of me, I must do it. Besides fasting wasn't something new to me (even though this fast including abstaining from water). I went home and read the study packet she had received from our new church The living church of God. After reading it and the bible and praying for understanding, I knew that the feasts are to be followed even after Jesus returns. The day of atonement is a day of celebration when the Devil is chained up and a seal is put on him so he may not deceive the nations of the world anymore. All of this is found in Revelations chapter 20. Last Wednesday started the Feast of tabernacles, which is a seven day feast to the Lord, the first and last days of which are considered Sabbath Holy days to the Lord. I've found that after reflection and observance of these days I have a better understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ and not just someone who merely believes.

Bible study

Everyday this week I've been reading my bible and following along with a telecast of tomorrows world with Roderick Meredith or the shepards chapel telecast that comes on tv all day. Just by reading the bike and following along in the study I'm learning so much about Gods word. He has advice on everything, from ministering to marriage and  the bible really does have the answers on life your looking for, you just have to be willing to read,accept and practice the thigs which God teaches. I feel so full after my sessions, and I know this is the right path for me to take. I thank Him everyday and ask for his guidance and for me to understand his word even better.

Forgiveness and Love

God is working in my life, I feel it now more than ever. This weekend my Aunt Beverly came to visit for the family reunion. I lived with Beverly for 8 months in Chicago, before I moved to Elgin. I treated her badly and stole from her on multiple occasions, I even lied about it. We haven't had any contact since I moved out last August. I got upset at her for discovering that I was stealing from her and calling me out on it. That was a year ago.  Since then I've began reading my bible and forming a relationship with God. I have been dreading seeing her ever since I found out she was coming to the reunion because I was still ashamed of the person I was, and I had never apologized to her. I saw her yesterday, before the reunion, and she greeted me with a hug and a smile. I thought to myself that holding a grudge or being scared to be around her was unnecessary because she had already forgiven me. Here I was worrying and trying to avoid her all weekend because I was afraid she would not want to see her thieving little nephew. I thank God for this chance to see. her and apologize to her finally, I bought a bottle of tequilla (what I stole from her a year ago) and gave it to her tonight and sincerely apologized for stealing from her and lying about it. We hugged, a real hug. I walked back upstairs  prayed and cried because I am so happy that God made it possible for her to forgive me, and that He has changed me so much that I feel his forgiveness as well. Tonight, this weekend was truly a blessing, seeing my aunts and praising God. Just what I needed. THANK YOU LORD!

Pride and Pain

I've been suffering from this rotten tooth for years, and everytime the pain flares up I promise myself I'm going to see a dentist and rake care of it. But when I actually start feeling better, I think well I don't have to spend money on it now, I'm alright now. Me and my friend Chairii were just talking about how sin can affect our body. It is because of my pride and greed that made my toothaches last for so long. If u had just spent the money and asked for help years ago, I'd be Scott free now. Thank you Lord for showing me that I need to humble myself more, and not to hold money so tightly. I PRAISE your name Lord, now and forever!

The basement at the Boutwell

July 26 was wild, the basement was held for the first time ever at the boutwell auditorium. Praising and singing with 6k others was more than I could comprehend, it was so surreal being there and knowing that it was where I was supposed to be. The auditorium was getting hot, VERY hot, we moved the worship to the streets downtown, and had so many ppl walk up and join us. I used to think Christian music was lame or goofy, I couldn't have been more wrong, on top of original rap and hip hop songs (that sound great) the audio team remixed and changed the lyrics of modern hip hop songs. So much fun, and most importantly it was done in the name of God for him, praising him and loving each other.

Making friends

When I first came to alabama, I didn't know anyone but family andb that was okay since my uncle was here and we stayed busy all the time with the house. Then I started working and mostly stayed to myself, I wanted to make friends that were involved in their churches and had a strong relationship with God. While my feelings about the kinds of friends I want in my life has changed drastically its for the better. I've never worked with so many openly christian people in my life. When o started at kohls there were many people young and old who were interested in what church I belonged to and wanted to help me find one.from meredith who introduced me to christian music that doesn't put me to sleep, to emily who took me to my first christian night club. I used to think following God meant that I had to give up everything I loved, partying, dancing drinking. And now I know that it just isn't true, drinking in excess is the sin, not drinking itself. Ive learned about alot of events and concerts that are 100% dedicated to worship, I'm having more and more fun but most importantly putting God first in everything I do.

Wednesday fast

Fasting is definitely getting easier, every time I feel tempted to eat or smoke I pay and read the bible I'm halfway finishef with mark now. Its also nice to have christian friends who are serious about their relation ship with God. Work is better, not easier but better :) talked to steven last night, I really want to be there to help him find the truth in God's word, not just the parts he likes to skip over. I love my friends and want them to try and live by God's law, not just some of them.

my first fast

Today started a new routine, a weekly routine of fasting on every Wednesday, I won't eat any solid food or drink anything besides water. Also iwont have gum, candy or tobacco. The first few hours of my fast were spent morning coming home from work, I didn't eat and didn't feel an urge to eat, I however pray for the strength and fortitude to start and complete my fast. Waking up aroundeleven this morning after a few frantic calls from may mom. ( there were thunder storms and tornado warnings in our part of Alabama all dat, and a total of seven tornadoes struck neighboring counties) I soon felt my first hunger pain after sitting with grandma for a bit nd watching her eat her lunch. I decided to increase my water intake and to take my mind off my stomach and to remind myself why I was going thrift such an endeavor I read a few chapters of Matthew. After reading and praying I let myself have an your justamente an Jou pd Internet time (hule time) i watched most of the latest episode of glee and cut it short before my hour was up. After that I went upstairs and read from the bible some more and took a cat nap in the chapel room. I woke up and started reading again, all the while thanking God for staying with me and giving me through my fast. I've got a few more minutes to go before it is officially Thursday and my fast ends in a few minutes and I'm still jot sure why ill eat, but whatever it is it is going to be good!