“Saved” Doesn’t Mean “Perfect”

By Shamora Evans

…At least, NOT AT FIRST. In the King James version of the Holy Bible, it is clear that we are not “perfect” in Romans 3:23 [Book, Chapter : Verse] (“For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”), but it is the goal of Christians to be made “perfect” as spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:48 (“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”). This is because “Christians” are those who God has chosen for himself as proven in the scripture found in Deuteronomy 14:2, which reads “…and the Lord hath [has] CHOSEN thee [yourself, -selves] to be a peculiar people unto Himself, ABOVE all the nations that are upon [on] the earth.”

Accepting salvation, or being “saved”, is a very simple first step of a long (and at times, challenging) journey to “perfection”. The Christian term “saved”, which is a euphemism for the word “salvation”, has three theological meanings: “deliverance”, “redemption”, and becoming Christ-like. However, accepting salvation for “redemption” is the first step on the journey to perfection. It is achieved “…IF thou shalt [will] confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine [your own] heart that God hath [has] raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9) In addition, Romans 10:13, states “For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you’re wondering if being “saved” is for you, the answer is “YES.” Inasmuch as you have chosen to receive this information, God has chosen you to receive it. For many readers will bypass this article in their haste to read another, but YOU did not. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) God has chosen us…We did not choose God. Therefore, once you decide to accept your rightful place in His kingdom of ministry, implement and practice these guidelines to increase your faith and strengthen your relationship with Christ in your daily walk with Him. Since “knowledge is power”, receive the knowledge of Christ, and be EMPOWERED!

Principle #1 Follow the Ten Commandments

Although there is a debate about whether it is still God’s law to follow the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), the original commandments serve as an excellent foundation for moral and spiritual growth. Because a crucial part of being saved is our ability to let “Self” die (which are our own fleshly desires), following the Ten Commandments God sent through Moses is a great way to establish self-control. As you read them, consider which ones you already follow and begin following the others.

Principle #2 “Pray Without Ceasing”

The King James bible teaches us to “pray without ceasing” in I Thessalonians 5:17. This is especially important for all Christians, not just for “babes in Christ”. After all, this is the only means of communication that we have to speak to God. We speak to Christ in prayer, and Christ relays the message to God on our behalf because Jesus says in John 10:15, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father…” And in this world, where you could go to work one day and die there before your lunch break, this is a very WISE act of faith to do daily.

Principle #3 “Come As You Are”

There’s a reason that Jesus instructed us to do this, and it wasn’t to win a popularity contest! The Christian teaching to “come as you are” is God’s invitation to EVERY ONE to come to Him just as they are at that moment. When Christ walked the earth and performed miracles for people, none of them came to Christ “perfect”, but rather with some type of imperfection (i.e. lack of sight, illness, etc.). God already knows that we’re not “perfect”, and no man (or woman) can be made “perfect” except through Christ Jesus because He was the only perfect man to walk on God’s green Earth. We ALL begin as “babes”, which is that phase where we think to do rightly, but still end up doing the wrong thing. IT’S OKAY! If we were already perfect, what would we need God for?? Always remember that God will forgive you instantly when you ask for forgiveness. In fact, His word promises us that He will forgive us for our sins and, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:12) However, Jesus says we are to forgive each other for sins against us “Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22)

Principle #4 “Judge Not”

Although many of us have heard the saying, and scripture, “Judge not, that ye not be judged” (Matthew 7:1), oftentimes it’s forgotten in everyday life. This is because people tend to make judgments based on what they “see” of a person and/or their actions. But, this is a mistake because Jesus says in John 7:24, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” and, in Matthew 7:2, Jesus says “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged…” Therefore, whatever judgment we make about others, God will judge us based on those judgments. We cannot judge based on “appearances” because none of us knows what phase of our salvation each of us is passing through. In fact, if we judged one’s salvation according to appearances, then many “babes in Christ” would be discouraged because they are only beginning to learn to break away from their fleshly desires. KEEP IN MIND: God is not through with us yet!

Principle #5 BIBLE: “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”

You must know what you are instructed by God, through Jesus, to do while you’re here, on Earth! It is your responsibility as a follower of Christ and His teachings to know what Jesus said and did not say. It is MANDATORY that you read the King James Holy Bible for your faith to continue growing and to know the TRUTH. As a child, I was taught in church about “the Sea of Forgetfulness”, and that it is where God places our sins after we’ve repented for them. But, very recently, I discovered that it doesn’t exist because there is no mention of a “Sea of Forgetfulness” in the Bible.

Christians are the “light of the world”, but how can we lead the way to righteousness if we don’t know what righteousness means? Even Satan knows the Word of God; he’s already been in Heaven!

POETRY: “Live to Die…Why?”

By Shamora Evans

Take a second,
Just one moment,
And try to open your mind.
Imagine there is a “God”;
We’ll say, “Jesus” is at His side;
Even if you don’t believe it,
“Jesus” is the reason why you will live to die.
Why?

Let’s pretend that You’re a parent;
You only have one Son.
You’re angry at the sin in the World,
And, if you decide “the People” will die,  “It is Done”.

One day, Your Son comes to You,
To plead the case of His brothers and sisters;
He asks You to “forgive them”,
Then offers His life for their “forgiveness”.
You don’t really want to send Him,
But, His request is Your command,
So, yes, You will oblige,
He wants to give Your “People” a second chance,
And You decide to give Your “People” a second try.

Still, the life of Your Son is a great loss to you;
Nobody loves Your Son the way that You do.
Sure, He’s coming back, but His absence is great;
Thirty-three years is a long time to wait.

Now, “Jesus” has died for “Your People”,
And, now they will die for Him.
Their lives will be but “a vapor”;
Every breath they will take, is in order,
Every event of their lives will occur “in accordance”.

Until one day, only a single breath remains,
But, we don’t even know it;
At least we have a chance to “prepare”,
We know “Death” is coming; we just don’t know “when”.

You may not believe it,
Still, I tell you know lie;
Because “Jesus” died for all of our “sins”,
For the rest of your life,
You will live to die.

POETRY: “WET DREAM”

by Shamora Evans

As the flames lick the logs,
Hear the wood split and crack;
My fingertips trace up your spine,
Then grip the flesh of your back.

There’s a waterfall crashing between two trees,
But, also a huge log being carried upstream.
The log splits the water into two sides;
A log surrounded by fluids as the tide rises.

And once the tide begins to fall,
Only white residue; the “writing on the wall”.
The log is pushed out and back downstream;
The fire has burned out and,
I awake from a “wet dream”…

 

POETRY by Glen Wright (“Naked Man”)

Face the invader,

Speak your mind,

Look at him, eyes opened tight,

See no evil,

Speak not,

Lust fears that thirst,

Keep the anger intact,

Search body parts

Strength lives,

Abort anger

Weakness fails, siempre,

To gather, act together,

Into one piece be whole

Do not fall into parts,

There’s a trick and its humility

Believe the higher power exists

Hold faith in right, as wrong

Keep together

Face ‘em cara a cara

He who invades

Dejame quierto

Yo no say

Quien  eh

“Remembering The Man In The Mirror: A Tribute To Michael Jackson”

By C. A. Webb

The world is a different place today.
I say that because yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised,
So all we have is right now.
This is the world that the King of Pop has left behind.
But thanks to his music and memories we can find not only joy but messages we can use to make the time we have a little better.
After living half a century it was believed that the man who had given us Thriller and told us it didn’t matter if we were Black or White was truly Invincible.
It seemed as simple as A-B-C, easy as 1-2-3.
As he is remembered, though, it is the reflection of his influence that seems to show what will be his true legacy.

No matter what you thought of his personal life and the controversies,
The reality is the world is a different place today because we had Michael Jackson.
He gave us dance moves that are still being emulated, songs and beats that can never really be duplicated and lyrics that will forever be inspiration for so many aspects of our lives.
He voiced our frustrations when we just wanted others to leave us alone, and with the duet with his sister told us what how to handle it when we just want to Scream.
Whether it was telling that special someone how they made us feel or looking in ourselves to see the man or woman in the mirror,
Its hard to hide the impact of this incredible force.

The world is a different place today,
And the change ushered in by one man will stay with us only if we listen to the soundtrack of his life and pay attention to the lessons he gave so generously through his music—and apply them.
The way to measure the impact of the King of Pop is to not let the goodwill he had towards others stop.
So that is the work left behind for all of us.
A sadness for his family, friends and fans? Yes, but the blessing passed on will fill us all with joy long after he is laid to rest.

The world is a different place today,
And it with our help it will be a better place tomorrow and beyond as we say Thank You, Michael. Thank you for challenging us to be our best everyday.
We will always remember.
We will…

“The Write Stuff” Joins ENWA-Rwanda In Promoting Literacy

By Cyrus Webb

Continuing its mission to encourage reading and spread its addiction to books around the world, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign is pleased to announce its support of ENWA-Rwanda.

ENWA is a not for profit organization that supports Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction efforts. The organization contributes to the healing of the country after the traumatic events of 1994 by supporting development initiatives started by women seeking self-reliance and improvement of the welfare of their communities.Both organizations continue to need and solicit your support. For more information about The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign visit www.thewritestufftv.com or contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. For more information about ENWA, visit http://www.enwa-rwanda.org, contact Claire Umubyeyi at 646.552.1037 or cu.tessy@gmail.com . ENWA’s mission is to empower women to become competitive entrepreneurs through enhancing their potential to start and manage income generating projects. It provides them with business advisory services and develop their entrepreneurial skills.

In 2009, however, ENWA began using its influence to gather reading materials for Rwanda, hosting a book drive that garnered the support and attention of individuals across the world. It was through this endeavor that Cyrus A. Webb, The Write Stuff’s Founder and host of Conversations LIVE! Radio, was introduced to Claire Umubyeyi and Delilah Rothenberg.

“The work Claire and Delilah are doing is so incredible and needed,” says Webb,33. He received an email from Delilah after she saw a post about The Write Stuff on http://www.blackgivesback.com. “I was glad we could work together, and it became a chain reaction that I hope will further the cause of both of our organizations.”

Webb interviewed the ladies on Conversations LIVE! Radio, allowing them to talk about the work they were doing and how the public could get involved. (Listen to the interview by clicking here: http://tobtr.com/s/545839 )

Claire and Delilah released the following statement:
“We would like to thank The Write Stuff for their support and publicity of the ENWA-Rwanda book drive. Books are scarce in post-war Rwanda and illiteracy is high. Although Rwanda has been a French speaking country in recent history, the President is taking initiative to promote English as a new common language. Therefore, our assistance sending proper teaching materials will help to prevent Rwandans of all ages from being left behind. The Write Stuff connected us with the very impressive authors, Barbara Worton (Too Tall Alice— seen above with Umubyeyi) and Stacey Kannenberg (Let’s Get Ready series) to help with the drive, as well. Thanks again, Cyrus and team!”

DAVID BRISTOL: “Dave vs. Johnny: Brilliance or Insanity?”

By Shamora Evans

In the literary debut of author David C. Bristol, the author utilizes two characters representing both sides of himself in “Dave vs. Johnny: Brilliance or Insanity?“. “Dave” is the character that represents his best character traits and everything that is good within him; “Johnny” is the ‘Devil’s advocate’ side of his mentality that often leads him into troublesome situations, turbulent times, and eventually jail.

The book is a good read for those interested in real life situations where the tragedies of life are overcome by a true “survivor”.  Due to the somewhat graphic details and language, “Dave vs. Johnny” is best suited for an audience aged 16 and over.  Bristol penned the autobiography with a creatively-combined foundation of rapper T.I.’s “T.I. vs. T.I.P.” and the NBC show, “My Own Worst Enemy”.

Aside from writing his first book, David also enjoys screenwriting for television and film. He wrote the television series “A.T.L. Undercover” and the fantasy/adventure screenplay “Neumitsu”, in addition to writing poetry in his spare time.

Bristol says to those aspiring to become writers one day, “Find something that you like to write about, or that you will be good at writing. Observe your market…Make your material for YOUR audience, and study it long.”  He himself began writing in the sixth grade and became more serious about writing in 2003.

“Dave vs. Johnny: Brilliance or Insanity?” can be purchased for $20 online, and those wishing to own a copy of the autobiography can contact David Bristol at http://www.myspace.com/UndeniablyNumber1 for an autographed copy.

Katrenia Wright: “THE WRIGHT ROAD”

By Shamora Evans

In late July 2009, millions of aspiring musicians and music artists should make it their business to get a copy of Katrenia Wright’s literary debut, “The Wright Road”. “The Wright Road” is a handbook of the “dos and don’ts” that every music artist/musician need to know before entering the music and entertainment industries. The book offers up-and-coming artists, managers, and musicians the knowledge necessary to make wise decisions before entering the industry, and especially prior to signing a recording contract. Portions of the book are also ideal for those who are already industry professionals, but who have new clients that need a thorough understanding of what the music industry is about and how it operates. And, who better to explain the music industry than Wright, who has been working in and around the music industry for the past 25 years?

Katrenia says she began writing the book in January 2009 after she discovered that there were some discrepancies between what her son (an up-and-coming music artist) believed was the proper way to enter the music industry and what she knows to be true through industry experience. In an interview with “S.T.I.L.L. Magazine”, Wright said, “The book does not reflect him personally, just some of the many mistakes that I believe many up-and-coming artists make when they are starting out.” Although “The Wright Road” will be the first book published by the author, it is not her first time writing a book. She began working on another book, “Tired of Being Tired”,  in 2006, after becoming deathly ill and is currently working to complete it now.

Katrenia Wright has served in many positions in the music industry becoming a concert promoter, then a manager, promotions representative, and most recently a publicist. She began promoting major concerts in the mid-’80s in Flint and Saginaw, Michigan through her company, “Baby Girl Productions”. With the success of her business, Katrenia was eventually able to do promotions in other cities around the country, which enabled her to travel with several music artists in the late ’80s and early ’90s. But in 1995, after marriage, a divorce, and the birth of five children, Wright had to focus on other responsibilities and relocated to Las Vegas in the early 2000s.

In addition to her entertainment industry experience, Katrenia is also certified in several professions in the healthcare industry and is launching a new consultant firm in August 2009. The consultant firm will provide promotional, publicity, biography, press release, and industry contact services. Currently, her clients include “Dizzy”, Kickin’ It With Big Keith Television, teen host “Kaelie Marie”, model/actress “Nanci Brooks”, and the 2010 “I Can Do That!” Music Conference.

“The Wright Road” can be purchased online at www.thewrightroad.com for $7.95, and Wright is currently in the process of negotiating a distribution deal that will make the book available in bookstores nationwide. The book is being published by JBM Publishing and Merchandising and will be available for purchase no later than August 2009, in accordance with the date for the release party in Las Vegas.

Readers can contact Katrenia Wright via website at www.thewrightroad.com, on MySpace at www.myspace.com/thewrightroad, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/thewrightroad.

POETRY: “A Decent Man”

By Larry E. Toombs
I can speak like Martin, and I too have a dream.
I have helped shape my community, between and behind-the-scenes.
My face is not on a stamp, money, or anything, but I too one day have a dream.

I sometimes tremble in the face of defeat.
It was an honor to help the old lady across the street.
I’ve never received a gold medal for the things I have done.
Not that I even wanted to.

Some things in life should be free.
To see God’s blessings bestowed back upon me.
I planted seeds in my son, one day, to see.
A happy and decent young man like me.

I’m happy to be born in this country.
I am proud to take the stand.
I have became a proud and a decent young man.

Although you may never see my face printed on money or currency.
But, it would make me proud to see,
My face printed on a postal stamp that cost forty-four cents and writing that prints, “A PROUD AND A DECENT MAN”!

POETRY: “Love Is Like…”

By Stanley “SLYK SLYVEE” Pitchford

Love is like a casino gamble,
The game of “chance” starts to scramble;
I wish true love just got in me,
But, it was like another drawing of “Powerball” lottery;
I lost…
Just thinking about how much “Time” costs;
Wasting your life with love,
But, that is the number one thing we ought to think of.
 
“Love” is supposed to be like cancer in the body;
Why all this hate in the world? Any answers, anybody?

“Love” is like an addiction worse than them drugs;
A pretty lady keep getting cheated on,
But, she keep going back to the same thug.
 
“Love” is like something to really make you smile.
You never feel bad when you showing that now.
The symbol is red, shaped like a heart,
Because it deals with your emotion and Spirit, to start.
 
And when “true love” takes over,
What you deal with is like a sponge;
You just suck in the issues, weigh it on yo’ shoulders,
Every single one.
 
It does not matter whether it is your love;
That family member, a friend, or God above,
But, “charity” always pushed faith and mercy along,
And only “love” kept hope for a better future, lifelong.