Think about it...

Abandoned Buildings

2012-02-16T11:48:00.001-05:00

I was taking the train ride into Newark to teach a class this morning, and while looking out of the window I noticed that there are quite a few abandoned buildings along the train route. I looked at them for a while and it saddened me. I wasn’t sad for the buildings themselves, (“awwww look at the poor buildings…”), but because of what the buildings represented. The buildings stand as monuments to unrealized dreams, poorly conceived plans, and/or things that once served a purpose but are no longer needed. I’m sure that none of the architects, engineers, or workers who designed and built those buildings did so with the intent of them sitting years later abandoned, unused and falling apart. I’m positive that they carefully planned every aspect of each building, worked hard to construct them, and celebrated when the job was completed. I guess it’s as they say, “The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry.”

I wonder what the abandoned buildings are in our lives; eye sores that remind us of past mistakes, disappointments, failures, or unrealized dreams. Failed romantic pursuits. Relationships or friendships that went south. Tanked businesses. Those, “what the HECK was I thinking!?!?” moments. Dreams that have been on the shelf so long that they’ve turned into fairy tales. We all have them. The million dollar question is what do we do about them?

We can handle our figurative abandoned buildings 1 of 3 ways.

1…Tear them down.
Sometimes it’s just time to move on. It happened. It’s over. There’s no recovering it. Let it go! It is very important that we pray and discern what things in our lives fall under this category. A lot of us are living 5, 10 and 20 years in the past. We are still trying to live down the consequences of our mistakes. We are still pining after “the one that got away.” The problem with this is it stops us from moving forward and keeps us living beneath our privilege. What sense does it make to keep living in a burnt out, boarded up, abandoned building when there is a mansion waiting for you right down the street? Have an implosion ceremony, knock that thing to the ground, burn the remains and move on!

2…Rebuild them.
A dream doesn’t have to remain a fairy tale. A lot of times we allow other people’s doubts, fears or jealousies to dampen our ambitions. It’s not too late. Start your business. Record your album. Go back to school. Change schools. Change majors at the school you’re in right now. Go to marriage counseling. Go on a second honeymoon and get the fire back. Save money for that house or car. Get back into ministry. Whatever your dream is, write the vision, make it plain, and get to runnin’!!!

3…Leave them standing as they are, and just try not to look.
Unfortunately, this is what many of us choose to do. We LOVE to “go on in Jesus name” without ever taking the time to deal with the abandoned things that cause us secret pain. The sad reality though is, as long as those abandoned buildings stand they are doing nothing but taking up space where something useful could be. How much more could you love right now if your heart was clear of the clutter? How much tighter could you hold onto your wife or husband if your hands weren’t reaching out to hug or punch a past lover? How much more could you focus on your present and your future if your mind were clear of the debris of the past? How much more could God give us if we cleaned out our storages and made room to receive?

My prayer is that after you read this blog, God will show you what the abandoned buildings are in your life, and give you the will and the strength to take the appropriate action(s). Abandoned buildings benefit no one. As a matter of fact, they usually become the breeding ground for unhealthy and illegal activities. Don’t sit and watch as the abandoned buildings in your life become breeding grounds for sin and shame. Don’t accept your personal eyesores as a way of life. Don’t hide behind the “thorn in the flesh” scripture and use it as an excuse for laziness. The thorn had a purpose and it made Paul better. Those buildings aren’t making you better. It’s time to make a move. Let either the demolition or the construction begin….NOW!

Thought I knew, but...

2012-01-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

I forget which movie or tv show it’s from but I believe the quote goes, “You think you know, but you have no idea.” It’s funny how art often imitates life. For years I thought I knew what romantic love was, but I had no idea. It took 31 years, a divorce, and some major spiritual opened heart surgery to open my eyes to the fact that events during my teenage years had misshapen my idea of love and what it felt like. Let me explain.

As I stated in an earlier post, I have always been quite the nerd. Though I was proud of my nerdiness, girls did not exactly share my sentiments. I’ve also always been a one woman man in that I would always fall for one girl and be interested only in them. Bad combination (lol). Needless to say, from about 13 on up I kept finding myself in situations where I had fallen for someone who was not interested in me in that way. A Ms. Impossible if you will (for those who have listened to my Feelings ’11 project). A by-product of this was a strong feeling of longing that I would feel as physical pain. For lack of a better way to describe it; it was as if there was a hand in my chest that was tugging on my heart, or like there was a whole in my chest. I equated that feeling to love. I felt like when you loved someone you should long for them until it hurt. That the void I felt was there because it could only be filled by that special someone.

When I was 18 I thought I had found that special someone. It was a girl from my church that I had been pining for since I was 14, and for whatever reason we finally got together. I had a Seinfeld moment. “This is it! This is what I’ve been looking for!” Then before I knew it she had cheated on me and it was over. I was devastated. I felt like I had no reason to live. I (briefly) considered suicide. I mean it was really bad. But then, over time, I did what we church folk LOVE to do….I went on in Jesus name (eeekabobo…). I declared “I’m healed!” and moved on my way. What I did not realize though, was that although I had gotten over her, I still had never taken the time to understand that it was my misshapen view of what love was that had gotten me into that situation in the first place. It was my addiction to that longing and that “whole in the chest” feeling that kept me chasing after someone for 3 years who obviously was not that interested in me. It was the Steve Urkel & Laura “I’m wearing you doooowwwwn baby” syndrome. I also did not realize that I didn’t recognize my own worth as a catch for the opposite sex. I guess that’s why that relationship ending devastated me the way it did. I felt like having that special someone gave me my worth, so when it was over I felt worthless.

It was on the heels of this that I entered into NJIT. This presented a new challenge. See I went to an all boy’s High School (Essex Catholic baby!!!) so I did not have to deal with girls on a daily basis. Only at church and Eagle Flight. Now I was thrust into an environment where not only did I see girls everyday but I lived with them on a college campus. Oh my. Not only did the longing intensify, but I think I actually started liking it. I wanted to feel it. The pain became a part of who I was. I thought that what I felt was love, but now I see I had no idea.

It was with this false idea of love and lack of self-worth that I entered into 3 different serious relationships between 20 and 25, the last of which turned into marriage. At this point I had masked my sense of romantic worthlessness with a thick layer of super spirituality concerning relationships. I completely removed myself from the decision making process when it came to who I was to be with and who I was to marry. Whoever I was with at the time was THE ONE. I realize now that because I didn’t see myself as a catch, I felt like anyone who was interested in me HAD to be from God. I mean why else would they be interested in someone like me? I think that the main reason the last of the 3 relationships turned into marriage was time. I had the EXACT same mentality in all 3 relationships. It’s just that the 3rd one is the only one that actually lasted long enough to turn into a marriage.

*And now a word from our sponsor*
“So for those of you who know the details of our divorce and have put the blame on her, please don’t. BOTH of our mentalities were warped.”
*Now back to our regularly scheduled blog*

When the marriage ended after 5 ½ years, I was still blind to the fact that my idea of love was poorly conceived. I began to realize it though, when I saw myself starting to repeat the same pattern again. I fell hard for someone else who did not share my feelings (Ms. Something Beautiful for you Feelings ’11 listeners), but this time something different happened. In the midst of the whole situation it was like God caused me to step back and take a panoramic view of my romantic timeline. I saw that I was feeling the exact same thing that I felt when I was 14. I saw that even though I was in my 30s I still felt like a teenager inside. The same longing, the same whole in the chest feeling. I don’t know if it was because it was mixed up with the feelings of shame and disappointment concerning the divorce, but this time the pain was not pleasure. It hurt! I remember laying on the same couch that I’m sitting on typing this right now with tears in my eyes thinking…”This CAN’T be what love is supposed to feel like!” And it hit me like a ton of bricks. All those years I thought that I knew…but I had no idea.

During the following weeks God did a major over haul on my heart. My studio sessions with my bro Selwyn turned into mini therapy/counseling sessions. God really spoke through him to help me to see how low my self-worth actually was. It absolutely shocked me because I always felt that I was a confident person, and in many ways I was, but when it came to romance I didn’t see myself as a catch. I felt like I had to do things to convince whoever I was interested in to love me. Even when I was composing “Something Beautiful” it was with an attitude of “This will do the trick. This will make it happen.” While ministering to the youth in my church about lust and the voids in our lives that we lust after things to fill, God opened up to me plain as day everything that I shared with you earlier about my teenage years. It rocked my world to see that yes I had gotten over all of those girls, but I had never gotten over or dealt with what rejection had created in me. Jesus healed me and closed up the whole in my heart. He showed me who I am and it’s a beautiful thing.

I’m learning love now. I’m seeing new facets of it everyday. God is using a beautiful creature named Nina to help me discover what love really is. We’re discovering together actually.

*And now a word from our sponsor*
“For those of you who are flabbergasted by the fact that I was divorced and am now in a romantic relationship….GET OVER IT. And stop calling my Pastor about it (EPIC FAIL). That is all.”
*Now back to our regularly scheduled blog*

I’m learning that real love doesn’t hurt. You don’t have to work for it, and nothing you do creates it. Real love just is. Real love is when someone loves YOU for who you are, EXACTLY how you are. It’s a beautiful thing, and I’m so privileged and grateful for God’s grace in allowing me to experience what I am experiencing now.

Maybe you’re a teenage boy or girl reading this. Maybe you’re a grown man or woman who’s struggling with singleness. Maybe you’re dating someone. Maybe you’re separated from your spouse or even divorced. Whoever you are, I want you to know that pain does not equal love. I want you to know that the person who you CHOOSE to be with should be someone who accepts you for who you are right now. You are too special to waste another second chasing after someone who isn’t showing you interest, or being with someone who is CLEARLY not interested in caring for you. Be healed and free from low self-esteem, bitterness, and painful love in Jesus name. Don’t walk in darkness and confusion any longer. Don’t profess knowledge but have no idea. Get an understanding. I did, and it feels great! Yaaaaay love!!!! lol

Feelings '11

2011-10-13T16:21:00.002-04:00

DOWNLOAD FEELINGS '11 HERE

6 Guidelines for Faith based Discussions

2011-06-29T22:19:00.001-04:00

A new episode of "Words of Wisdom" that gives 6 tips to help you be effective when engaging in faith based debates/discussions online or in person. It's a little lengthy (20 minutes), but I believe that there is alot of truth here that you will really benefit from! Check it out.

Words of Wisdom Ep. 2 - "Watch your Weight"

2011-06-14T10:15:00.001-04:00

Words of Wisdom Ep. 1 - "Whatchu Talkin' Bout"

2011-06-07T19:18:00.000-04:00

"Show's Over" Inside the Songs

2011-05-14T20:22:00.004-04:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Thank You!

2011-05-09T09:45:00.000-04:00

I want to thank everybody for your support in purchasing the "Show's Over" EP. Your support means alot to me and I greatly appreciate it! Still haven't gotten your copy yet? What ya waitin' for maaannnnn!?!?!?!? lol Take a minute and order yours now at www.innerflamem.com

Show's Over is here!!!!!!

2011-05-02T23:25:00.001-04:00

I'm pleased to announce that my new EP "Show's Over" is available NOW!!!! Go to www.innerflamem.com and get your download or CD now. Let's goooooo!!!!!

Show's Over by ED, m.a.e.s.t.r.o.

Show's Over Previews

2011-04-26T21:58:00.003-04:00

Here are some previews from the upcoming "Show's Over" EP. Show's Over will be available in download and CD form on May 3rd. Spread the word and make sure you get your copy!!!! Email folk, you'll have to come to the blog to hear the previews. edmaes.blogspot.com

Show's Over Snippets by innerflamem

Show's Over...May 3rd

2011-04-25T11:14:00.005-04:00

May 3rd is getting closer folks. Remember, you'll be able to order your digital download or CD at www.innerflamem.com. Only $6.99!!!!

Show's Over Promo

2011-04-12T21:53:00.002-04:00

Church Leadership

2011-03-10T10:35:00.003-05:00

This was today's daily Word from G. Craige Lewis and EX-ministries. I thought that it was worth sharing because I know SOOOOOO many people who either are or have been abused by church leadership.

"The Right Place" - Part 5
Insecurity births bondage. When we use the pulpit or any platform to boost ourselves and make ourselves look better, we are abusing the position that God has given us and we do it at the expense of others. Be careful that you are not submitting yourself and your family to an overly insecure leader. It will only birth bondage in you and cause you to be spiritually immobilized. And be sure you are not leading with any of these characteristics listed. Let go of your feelings and rest in what God will do for you. There is no perfect leader, but some imperfections are dangerous and should not be tolerated. Seek God's wisdom before you decide to submit to any covering. There are some things we can deal with, but there are other things that may be deadly to our purpose in God and those things must be avoided. Here are some signs of an insecure leader

1. Improper placement of gifts and callings - Whenever people are misplaced in a ministry, it's usually on purpose. People know what God has gifted them to do, but an insecure leader usually wants to place them in areas that they are not called to so they won't do too well. This keeps people looking to the leader for direction and makes an insecure leader feel like he's still the focus of the ministry or he still has power over the people. Often times, an insecure leader will give people positions so they won't leave the church. But misplacement of gifts in a ministry keeps the people looking to a man for direction and never really looking to God.

2. Micro-managing - This is a sure sign of an insecure person. They must know what's going on at all times. They have to know what each person and ministry under them is doing and always try to direct or lead each and every aspect of the ministry. This is to ensure that no one out shines them or no one can ever get credit for what they have done. This keeps the leader number one.

3. Plants - This is a very sad, yet very sure sign of an insecure pastor or leader. They'll put people around you to spy and tell them what you are doing. If you have a gift or calling and people are drawn to it, they will plant a person to come around you and sniff you out for them. They don't want your gift or calling to take the attention off them so they have to watch you with a "planted" person. What a shame, but oh so true.

4. Wrongfully removed - An insecure leader will move people for no reason. They will stop you if you are doing a good job or if you are too faithful to your department head because they fear that you will somehow lose your loyalty to them. They shift people around just when that person is settling into their position because they don't want you too successful in their church or ministry.

5. Armor-less armor bearing - An insecure leader is an armor bearer fanatic! They will have men running around them fixing their cloths, carmexing their lips, and wiping sweat from their foreheads. They can't open their own door, carry their own bible, or even drive themselves around without someone doing it for them. This is worship! Sure, men can be assisted with some things, but when it's excessive, it's a sign. A pastor should be the churches greatest servant, not served the greatest! This will put you in the position to have to prove how much you love a man before he will acknowledge your spiritual giftings. And we all know where that usually leads.

6. Spiritual Abortions - An insecure leader does not birth other ministries outside of their own. Check the track record. How many pastors have come out of this ministry? How many outreach ministries have been birthed? How many have been encouraged to pursue outside missions and evangelism that will reach beyond the church doors? An insecure leader will never push anyone to go do anything outside of the church because they fear losing members to them. So, they keep everything inside and never father outside ministries. And God forbid you try to leave this type of leader. They will make you feel like you are going to hell for leaving and there is nothing else out there.

7. Too much church - An insecure leader will always want to be at church! They love to call meetings, counsel everyone, and spend most of their family time and leisure time at the church. And they will even require you to be there at all times. When the doors open, you should be there. This is because they feel they are missing something or losing ground with the people if they don't see them. A secure leader invests in family time and allows freedom for his people to enjoy their lives and their outside interests.

8. No privacy - An insecure leader will almost always address your private issues from the pulpit. They will counsel with you and then preach your issues purposely to the people in the church. They will even call you up at times and embarrass you by dealing with your personal sins and issues before the whole church. A secure leader can handle your issues in private and not boost himself by making you look bad.

9. Masquerade - An insecure leader has to put on a mask to seem spiritual and deep. They cannot be common or seem common to the people because they strive to be feared by the membership. They depend totally on their reputation and not on the spirit of God in them. They have to make you feel less so they will feel bigger and better. It's one thing to be respected because of the Spirit of God in you, but when you demand respect it's artificial.

10. No gifts - The number one sign of an insecure leader is, they are always worried about what people think of them. They won't even allow certain gifts to operate in the ministry because it may make other's that don't flow in gifts jealous or uncomfortable. The ministry is always politcally correct. And usually, there are no gifts in operations. not even in the pastor. When the pastor cannot flow in gifts, the body will not because where the head is, the body must follow.

Be careful saint's of God. What God has given you is worthy of secure leadership and you must make sure you are not wasting space in a ministry. You must make sure you are following the right person. Sure, no one is perfect, but at least we must strive for it. And beware of leaders that cannot admit mistakes! When they never mess up or never confess to error, then beware! There is not a perfect man, and a secure leader can say "I was wrong"!

Suggested Reading: Eph. 4:11, Jer. 3:15, Jer. 10:21, Jer. 12:10, Jer. 23:1,

Truth about Porn

2011-03-01T15:12:00.003-05:00

This is a powerful, revealing video done by an ex-porn star talking about her experience in the industry, and the side of it that folk don't talk about.

My Life in the Porn Industry from p4cm on Vimeo.

Thoughts about Ed (1-20-2011 edition)

2011-01-20T10:30:00.005-05:00

This artist/preacher/living life thing can be rather challenging me at times. It can be that way because of the stark contrast between the type of person that I am (and that I believe God wants me to be), and the type of person that people say someone with the particular set of talents and spiritual callings that I have been given should be.

You see I am very much an introvert. I can function in large groups, but I am much more content to keep to myself. I'm not one to look to draw a lot of attention to myself, but prefer to keep my eyes and ears opened and my mouth shut until it's time to say my piece. I enjoy going out, but once I've done whatever it is I went out to do, my main goal is to go home without having to make too many stops (if any) along the way. Folk at my church know that I have the "go home" ministry (lol). I am definitely not a flashy "look at me" dresser. Give me a nice button down shirt and some jeans and I'm good to go. I am not one to wear my "accomplishments" or what I can do on a big sign draped from my neck. I'd rather let my work speak for itself. That's me...that's Ed, and I'm very content and happy to be that way. This is where things can be challenging sometimes.

Today's music artists and preachers (unfortunately) are asked to be the TOTAL opposite of what I described in the previous paragraph. If you don't believe it, take a look around TBN, the Word Network, Youtube, or any other medium that allows you to see or hear Gospel music and preaching. The first thing you will see is folk drawing attention to themselves and what they can do. When I look at a lot of artist and preachers websites and appearances, in my head I see them standing with bullhorn in hand shouting..."Look at me! Look at how sexy I am! Look at how good I can dance! Look at how great I can sing! You know you wish you were wearing this suit!" and so on. These are the folk who seem to get the most radio play, sing on the biggest stages, preach at the biggest conferences, and just overall get the most exposure to the masses. Even in male-female romantic relationships, it seems that the flashy "look at me and how sexy I am" jerk wins out over the humble, genuine "good guy". This can create a challenge.

Notice I call it a challenge and not a conflict or a problem. It can be challenging for 2 reasons. One, though I'm a man of God I still live in a flesh body. The flesh ALWAYS wants to be lifted up. The flesh wants all the ladies to scream my name and fantasize. The flesh wants my name in lights. The flesh wants to remix "How Great Thou Art" into "How Great Ed is". Two, fear works with the flesh to try and say "You'll never get anywhere unless you compromise and be like them." It can be a challenge...but it's not a problem. It's not a problem because I know who God made me to be. It's not a problem because I know that the "Look at Me" approach is the exact opposite of the approach God's Word tells us to take. It's not a problem because I know that the talents that God has given me are tools that he wants me to use to fulfill the calling he's given me; and he hasn't called me to bring glory, notoriety, and booty (yes...booty) to myself. He's called me to bring glory to Him. So at the end of the day I feel like Paul when he said "With my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin." Everyday my prayer is for Jesus to sit on throne of my mind, and push me in the direction of the Spirit. I know firsthand what my flesh has to offer...and that's nothing but problems.

Cry

2010-12-17T17:15:00.000-05:00

Obey (Give God Another Yes) Videos

2010-12-13T10:09:00.002-05:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Conclusion

Obey (Give God Another Yes)

2010-11-28T20:56:00.002-05:00

Today I preached a very important message entitle "Obey (Give God Another Yes)". I will have video next week sometime, but you can download the audio of this message for free here--->http://www.mediafire.com/?9t0ps173caei57p I encourage you to download it and share it with as many people as you can. Again, you can download it here--->http://www.mediafire.com/?9t0ps173caei57p

Happy (Shouldas Remix)

2010-11-01T20:13:00.003-04:00

Here's the remix to "Shouldas" entitled "Happy". Be blessed!

Surrender

2010-08-30T20:50:00.000-04:00

Madden 11 Review

2010-08-11T11:00:00.003-04:00

Gameplay: A+ The running game and the blocking are VERY realistic and fluid. The RB shakes off tackles, the defense tries to strip the ball out. WR visibly toe the sideline to keep their feet in bounds for the catch. They fixed the passing where I can actually lead the receiver without completely putting the ball out of reach like in 2010. Absolutely LOVE the gameplay!

New features: B+ The addition of having the offensive and defensive coordinators talking to you in your ear when you use the headset was very creative. I thought that the gameflow system would be bothersome but it's actually pretty cool. You can customize a game plan where you choose what plays you want it to be able to pick from in what situation, AND you can still access your full playbook whenever you want to. The only thing I DON'T like (and the reason new features doesn't get an A) is the fact that they changed the defensive coverage and offensive hot route audible system. Now you have to hit an extra button to pull up all of the options (like press coverage) instead of the way you did it before. It's annoying, but i guess I'll get used to it.

Presentation: A+ This has to be the most crisp and exciting Madden visually to date. New player animations and cut scenes, more replays and huddle scenes while you choose your play, and a new commentator makes you feel like your IN the game.

Overall I give Madden 11 a solid A rating. If you love football, buy it IMMEDIATELY!

Inner Flame M. Artist Depot

2010-08-09T13:24:00.000-04:00

Shouldas

2010-07-03T19:31:00.001-04:00

There are so many people going through so many different things. I hope that this ministers to you the way it's ministering to me. You can download the mp3 for free here--->http://www.mediafire.com/?jnwnj1nyzzz

ED, m.a.e.s.t.r.o. (June 19th, 2010 Clips)

2010-06-27T18:44:00.001-04:00

Clips from my set at PFLMI Celebration of the Arts featuring Papa San in Somerset NJ.

Stay Put!!!

2010-06-08T10:51:00.001-04:00

(Married Folk) There will be low times. There will be challenges. Don't let the low times and the challenges cloud your vision, and/or rob you of the very thing that made you want to marry your spouse in the first place. Usually it's not the person that's frustrating you, it's the situation. Problem is that after you leave (or push them away) and the situation passes, you'll realize how big a mistake you made.

Remember, Satan ALWAYS uses deception and misdirection, and as Christians we HAVE to know what it is he's really after if we want to get the victory. He uses financial burdens, sexual issues, jealousy and such alike not because he needs your money (etc.), but because he knows (for example) that if the money ain't right it causes you to look at yourspouse differently, or if the sex isn't right it causes you to be in a foul , snappy mood around the house. He's been coming after the family and God's structure and desire for the family (Husband(male) & Wife(female) raising children together) since the garden of Eden, and he's not slowing down.

6 months ago the cares of this life and the pressures of headship (financial and otherwise) had me clouded and frustrated to the point that I was ready to walk away from my marriage. I mean literally if I had walked out of the door to go to church and say "hallelujah anyhow" instead of staying home to work through it we would be among the divorcestatistics. It was only the grace of God that allowed me to see in time that it was LIFE that I was frustrated with, not my wife. AND I had convinced myself that it was "God's will" for me to move on to greener pastures (#EPICFAIL). I would be miserable today had I followed my flesh instead of the Spirit. Don't be deceived folks. Just because you have struggles in your marriage it doesn't mean that God isn't in it. It's a part of life. The rain falls on EVERYBODY. As long as the life of you or your children is not in danger, stay put and work on it!!!

Tell Them the Truth!!!

2010-06-02T12:37:00.006-04:00

From Facebook..."I thank God that when I was doing r&b Pastor Aaron Hobbs was man enough to look me in the face and say "Ed...that ain't it. You need to sing for Jesus man." Best advice I could've been given at that stage of my life. Artists...SING/RAP/PLAY FOR JESUS!!!! ALL other ground looks solid, but underneath it all is sinking sand."

We have to get back to telling folk the truth about the dangers and pitfalls of the direction that they are heading it. It saddens and angers me that so many of us (ESPECIALLY in the clergy) are content to not only sit idly by as our young singers and musicians march straight towards the beckoning belly of the beast, but even encourage and push them towards it. The prevailing question is why. Why would we encourage them to run full steam ahead into sin? Why would we push them to take part in a system that promotes sex, violence, intoxication and all other unGodliness? Why would we push them into an environment that says "You are what you have"? Why would we tell them that it's good to become a paid employee of an industry that says "Do what thou wilt"? Why would we help them become a citizen of a world that will build them up, only so they can use them to the last drop, chew them up, spit them out, and leave them broken and alone while they search for the next big thing? Why? I'll tell you why.

First and foremost, money. It's ALWAYS about money. People go to great lengths to make you feel like it's not, but underneath it all the driving force behind much of what we do (especially shady stuff) is the desire to make our pockets just a liiiiittle fatter. The thing about the music industry is that there is ALOT of money to be made. Record deals, endorsement deals, royalties, movies, concerts etc. Alot of money stands to be made off of (and often not by) the artist, and folk know it. Many of us (in the church) who know how the business is will help the young artist turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to the danger that awaits them because we know that when they get on we're gonna get a piece of the pie. There are pastors even who will tell young artists to go out there and get that money (that's what happened to Mase), because they know that having a signed artist in their congregation will benefit the offering and tithes plates. That is not only sad, it's disgusting. It's bad enough that our own morality can vanish at the sign of a check book, but have we as the body gone THAT far where we are ready and willing to prostitute and auction off the gifts and talents of others (especially our youth) to Satan's highest bidder? God forbid! Tell them the truth!

Another reason why it happens is because many of us want to live OUR dreams vicariously through them. The sun has set on our dream to be a big star in the world, but we're still in love with the idea. We still pine after signing that big contract. We still get weak at the thought of sharing the stage with the Beyonce's and Jay-Z's. We still lust after the people screaming our name and watching our every move and step. We still have our hearts set on making that Grammy acceptance speech. But since that can't be a reality for us, we push those coming after us to do it (even though we know the dark side) so we can get our little taste and 15 seconds of fame. Then years later when everything has fallen apart for them, we want to get all deep and talk about "the devil" this and "the devil" that and blah blah blah. God forbid! Tell them the truth!

We have to get to a place where we can see passed our own thoughts and desires. We have to come to a place where love for a soul surpasses the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and pride of life. We have to get to a point of boldness where we are willing to tell folk the truth, even if they're thoroughly enjoying the lie. The truth of the matter is all ground other than Jesus Christ is sinking sand!!! It's not even a matter of saying "jump into the Gospel music industry", because that has its dangers and pitfalls as well. But it's a matter of making folk understand that a true relationship with Jesus has to be first and foremost. A relationship that is not only felt on the inside, but SEEN on the outside. Sing, rap, dance, play for HIM. Want HIM more than the fortune, fame and glory. Want HIM more than the endorsement deals and Grammy statues. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and he will add things unto that will actually bless and benefit you. Represent HIM and he will represent you. Humble yourself, exalt HIM and he will in turn exalt you. You may not get rich. You may not be a star. Your name might not be known all over the world. But when it's all about HIM that won't even matter anymore. You'll be content and at peace to know for sure that wherever you find yourself in life you're in his will and his hand. Your record deal (secular OR gospel) won't help you when you stand before the judgement seat. Real talk.

Tension Reviews

2010-05-25T11:21:00.005-04:00

Here's what people have to say about "Tension"....

I'm just now getting around to a pc to hear the album. it is FIYA!!! there's no doubt in my mind you'll be blessed for this.

-Tony Brooks-

Ok Sir... Let me tell you something...I outghta slap you for making a cd that good...OMG It is the best gospel/christian/whatever album of the year....it is amazing...really....its not too churchy but its still anointed...simply amazing...i would have bought it!!

-Jaquan BARNHARDT-

I am enjoying the CD....I like "Real" and "My Life".....I like the whole CD......Thanks for sharing!!!!

-Alicia Laing-

ED I AM loving this cd KEEP LETTING THE LORD USE YOU, TENSION IS OFF THE HOOK

-Theresa Sullivan Green-

Good job Ed!... I can tell you wrote these songs from a place of experience from which you have gained great wisdom...keep being obedient to the voice and move of God in your life.

-Paula Laing-

Marvelous, marvelous work. You were obviously inspired when you dropped this album. The music is cutting edge, and the lyrics are REAL.

-Wanda McCrae-

The Album "Tension" by: Elder Edward McCrae is just great! The lyrics and song selections are attention grabbing. It is a wonderful thing to listen to a gospel album and not skip to the next song

-Phillip Richards-

Don't wait, join the many that are being blessed. Download you copy of the new ED, m.a.e.s.t.r.o. album "Tension" ABSOLUTELY FREE by clicking this link---->http://www.mediafire.com/?nnmzn1u0tnn

Tension Breakdown

2010-05-10T15:28:00.002-04:00

Email folk, this is a video. Come hither to see it :-). http://edmaes.blogspot.com

Tension!!!!

2010-05-03T10:45:00.002-04:00

I am proud to announce that you can download my new album "Tension" ABSOLUTELY FREE!!! Just go to http://www.innerflamem.com and you can click on the link(s) to download it there. Not only would I like you to download it, but I want you to share it! Burn it on cds, email the link to your friends; however you want to do it. I believe that this album is going to bless ALOT of people.

Songs Available on Soundclick.com

2010-03-26T10:13:00.001-04:00

I have 40 songs available for download t soundclick.com. 75 cents a piece. Stop by and download a few. You can also download my first 2 albums as well, "From My Heart" and "Spiritual Intimacy". Go there RIGHT NOW!!!----->http://www.soundclick.com/Store/byArtist.cfm?bandID=951445

First Love

2010-03-17T20:59:00.001-04:00

Time to go back to Jesus, and drop the foolishness. Email folk, of course you have to come to the page to see the video.

Fair

2010-03-04T23:41:00.002-05:00

Here is a new song that was put on my heart. I'm sure we've all been in this place at some point. Of course, email folk yall have to come to the site (http://edmaes.blogspot.com) to see the video.

A Quick Word

2010-03-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

God wanted to lead the children of Israel himself, but they demanded a King. We behave similarly in the church today. We set up folk (mainly preachers with charisma and personality) as our "stars" and hang on their every word and action to the point that God can barely get a word in edge wise. The problem with stars though is they ALWAYS fall. Chase after God, not man.

The Downlow is Devastating

2010-01-18T11:47:00.000-05:00

Kudos to this brotha for speaking truth from his own experience. Don't hide or be ashamed of what God has brought you out of. Somebody's in the same situation and needs your testimony to help them come out too. Check this video.

New Year's Vision

2010-01-04T12:01:00.003-05:00

I want to share one of my visions for the new year with you.

As many of you know, I am an independent Christian artist. That means that I am not backed by any record label in particular. This is a blessing because it leaves me completely free to be lead of the Lord and release the type of music I want, when I want, and how I want to present it. The flip side to being an independent artist however is that all of the process of getting music created and out to the public (financial and otherwise) rests on your shoulders. In addition to being an artist myself, I am also a producer (music maker) and studio engineer (recording music and making it sound good). I think that I have an even stronger passion for the production and engineering side of things than I do for being an artist. Here's why...

As a producer (7 yrs) and engineer (5 yrs) I have had the privilege of encountering and working with many SUPER TALENTED independent artists. I mean the quality and diversity among the independent artists in New Jersey alone is mind blowing. It pains me though to see that many of these artists have a hard time obtaining quality production and engineering for their projects. I have heard story after story of artists dealing with people who were just after their money, didn't really treat the artist's project as if it were their own, or had prices that were just unreasonable for an artist working a 9 to 5 job. I know at least 4 artists personally whose projects are on hold for this very reason.

It has been my desire for a long time to be a consistent resource for independent artists to be able to receive industry quality production and engineering at a price and in an environment that they are comfortable with, so that they are able to reach their goal of getting their music out for people to hear and be blessed. To that end, this year I am officially launching my indie production company/label Inner Flame M. The words "Inner Flame" represent the inner fire or passion that myself and other artists have for our music (kinda like Jeremiah lol), and the "M" stands for music/media/ministry. I sincerely believe that there is a great shift taking place in the Gospel music industry that is going to strongly effect who will be representing Jesus to the world musically, and how business will take place. I believe that Inner Flame M. is going to play a big part in getting the music of independent artists heard by the masses.

Of course as a budding company there are initial expenses, and I want to offer any of you who are able and willing a chance to invest in this vision. The total cost to begin operating on a consistent basis the way I desire to is only $3,000. Feel free to take a look at the IFM Business Plan (<---click the link) to get an even fuller understanding of the company's purpose, as well as an itemized list of the present and future plan. Any amount donated would be greatly appreciated and would go directly to the funding of this vision. If you are able to, you can make a donation using the "Support the ministry" link at my blog (edmaes.blogspot.com), or in the IFM Store portion of my website (www.edmaestro.com). If you want to donate but would like to discuss a specific return on your investment, feel free to email me at innerflame.m@gmail.com, or call me at (732) 485-5604. I appreciate your time and consideration, and I'm looking forward to great things starting this year. Let's make it happen!!!

Download the business plan here

Hard Work

2010-01-02T10:59:00.002-05:00

A Quick Word...

2010-01-02T10:25:00.002-05:00

If we are honest with ourselves, alot of what we faced last year was due to OUR OWN sin and irresponsibility. Yes....SIN. I don't care how much we shouted, danced, declared and decreed during watch night service; God is not mocked. If we do not remove the sin from our lives and learn to be more responsible with what we've been given, we will be no better of in '10 than we were in '09. As a matter of fact we will end up worse. If there were problems in your marriage you can't expect that just because the last 4 numbers in the date changed that things will suddenly be different. It is you and I that must change. If you had financial difficulties in '09 then you have to think, "what can I do differently this year." It may be getting a new (or another) job. It may be cutting out some unnecessary expenses. The whole point is we can not just sit back and expect things to magically get better, nor can we as Christians expect God to swoop down and make everything perfect. He has given us dominion, wisdom, and most importantly prayer and his Word. It is up to us to regroup, retool, and work it.

Catching Up/2010

2010-01-01T22:39:00.003-05:00

I got to hang out with my niece tonight who I haven't seen in a little over 4 years. I can not begin to properly express how happy I am after talking to her. In spite of everything that has gone on and what she has been through, she has really begun to grow into a mature young woman with a level head on her shoulders. She still has a ways to go to get to the goals that she has set for herself, but it is sooooo good to know that a.)she has goals, and b.)she seems to be pointed in the right direction to achieve them. It really goes to show you that God still knows how to cover children when they're in environments that they can not control or change, and bring them out with their right mind and a testimony. Funny, I'm still having a hard time grasping the fact that she's 18 being that I remember when she was 0, but I'm working through it. lol

I am very excited about this year. Not because I believe that there won't be any difficult situations, and not because I believe that every problem is going to evaporate over night. I'm excited because it is an exciting thing to have a vision. I'm excited because I KNOW that it was not the devil's plan for my family to make it out of 2009 as a family....but we did. This excites me because I know that the only reason that we would come under the attacks that we did last year was because there is a great purpose for my wife and I being together, and we are moving deeper and deeper into it.

I am excited because of all the new music that is going to be released this year. I just feel something real special and different about this next project that I'm about to release. And it's not even a money thing (you'll understand that more when you see how I release it). It's because this project was done strictly in obedience to God's instructions. All of my music has always been God inspired, but this project didn't even exist yet. You've got to understand that I already have my next 3 albums planned out, and this one wasn't anywhere in there. God told me to write, then he told me to produce, then he told me to record and here we have it. I KNOW that it is going to change lives, because it changed mine. Ok, I think this is enough for now. Video blog soon to come. I've gotten lazy when it comes to typing. lol

Now I Know Jesus For Myself

2009-12-22T12:25:00.002-05:00

Email folk you have to come to the page to see this message preached by the late Bishop G.E. Patterson.

Jesus is still a healer!!!!

2009-12-14T14:06:00.001-05:00

Jesus is STILL a healer!!! Praise Jesus! Make sure you watch the whole video. Email folk you have to come to the page.

Fight For Your Marriage!!!

2009-12-07T15:24:00.001-05:00

You will not have a successful marriage if you're not willing to fight to stay together. Don't be another divorce statistic. FIGHT!!! (email folk, come to the page to see the video)

Fight For Your Children!!!

2009-12-07T11:14:00.002-05:00

Now is not the time to sit back and be passive. The enemy is plucking our kids right out from under us. It's time for us parents to step up and do what we have to do to protect our kids! (email folk you have to come to the page to see the video)

Fight!!!

2009-12-06T18:33:00.001-05:00

Praying is not enough. There comes a time when you have to get off your knees and DO something. Here's video of the last message I preached entitled "FIGHT!!!" Email folk of course you have to come to the page to see the video.

10 signs of a Carnal Church

2009-11-30T19:12:00.002-05:00

This is a repost from gcraige.blogspot.com. Here's the full link to the blog with pictures. http://gcraige.blogspot.com/2009/11/10-signs-of-carnal-church.html

10 Signs of a Carnal Church

Finding a worldliness free church these days can be disheartening. There are so many crooks and devils pastoring churches these days, it can be a chore finding a service that will meet your needs rather than tickle your fancy. The bible tells us that the Devil can transform himself into an angel of light and his ministers into ministers of unrighteousness. Why in the world would a person desire to be in a church that is full of unrighteousness and carnality? Why not just club, party, and hang out in the world where that stuff belongs? I don't understand why people even involve the church of God in their wickedness. What is the point? If you are in sin, then why practice sin and claim him?

But we see the church morally declining because of the leaders that are put up by carnal people. It's not just the Pastors fault, but it's the people that heap upon themselves these teachers, desiring to live worldly and carnal while claiming the God of our salvation. Let's explore the 10 signs of a carnal church so that those of you that are really searching for a worship house will not have to sit through multiple takes of foolishness to make a decision. You do not want to expose your family to the umbrella of foolishness that many of these churches are operating under. So, here are the 10 signs of a carnal church:

10. Cash Money Evangelists - When you find out that preachers like the "money cometh man" has visited this church or they are under them in any way, make that your first and last visit! Pastors that want money will bring these thieves in or set themselves under them to be in position to get rich. They will use the pulpit like an Amway presentation and bring in these money stealing evangelist to generate income. This is a trick because while the Pastor gets richer, the people in the church get dumb and poor. Some will prosper because they were already prosperous, but the average person will never get any more than they would have already gotten had they not financed foolishness. Beware, it's a spiritual pyramid scheme!

9. Financial focus - When you hear about offering and tithes before the offering period, beware. When you keep hearing about blessings, season, harvest, destiny, purpose, breakthrough, and especially FAVOR, then know you are being set up. All these things should pertain to soul wining, but when they are used as financial buzz words, then you know the pastor needs cash. The bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil and anytime money is overly emphasized in a ministry, there is evil following it. So, if they have a space on the visitors card to state your income bracket, proceed to the nearest exit!

8. Bad language - Any pastor that will use profanity in his pulpit is childish! That is one of the most carnal things you will ever see and it speaks volumes of the pastors lifestyle outside of the church. The bible says that if the tongue is out of order, the rest of the body is as well, so, you just got your sign on whether or not this is the person to bring your family under. And if the word for every Sunday is "SEX" then you know something is going on. PG-13 is too high a rating for Sunday morning worship. Why in the world would anyone tolerate a cussing pastor? Are we that desperate for a man to be over us that we would allow him to do what many of us don't do in front of our own families? What a shame and yet it is happening at an alarming rate.

7. Divorce rate - You can learn a lot about a ministry and what kind of attacks it is experiencing by the number of divorces that are occurring. When people in leadership of a ministry divorce, it's not the same as lay members divorcing. God hates divorce because it essentially says that people are giving up and not giving him a chance to reconcile them. Don't get me wrong, sometimes, the circumstances may call for divorce based on abuse, or one party not being willing to work it out, but when people just mutually agree that they don't want each other anymore, then that is what displeases God. And a church that is full of divorced couples is dangerous. Especially when it's in the leadership and they can't seem to work out their differences. And you never want to put yourself under a pastor that struggles with marital issues. When a man's focus is his church rather than his family, beware. He is a hound dog on the prowl, seeking gratification outside his own home! Believe That!!!

6. Sinful Alliances - When the Bishop or Leader of the parent organization of your church is brought in by the pastor, check him out. If he has a bunch of homosexuals flying around with him or he is carnal and devilish, then expect the same from your pastor. A man cannot sit under wickedness long, without being affected by it. Psalms tells us that the wicked walk around freely when the vilest of men are exalted. When men come under foul leaders, they are essentially saying that they would rather position themselves for a position in the organization than protect their church from sinfulness. After all, isn't being apart of a wicked organization saying that you are in essence in favor of wickedness? Be careful of this double standard. It's not about the organization in God's eyes, but it's about the people that the Pastor is suppose to be caring for.

5. Homosexuals and Lesbians - If you walk into the building and they are everywhere, leave! Any man that attracts homosexuals is a homosexual. Any pastor that allows homosexuals to roam freely in his ministry is probably a homosexual. Any man that defends the gay lifestyle is most likely gay. Any man that has a tolerance for the lifestyle is probably gay. Any man that doesn't get squeamish when they are surrounded by homosexuals likes the attention. People, why are we playing around with this? Why are we making this a non issue? It's an obvious problem. Homosexuals will not thrive in a ministry that does not condone them. They will repent and be delivered if the power of God is truly in a ministry. If the leader tolerates their lifestyles and uses their talents without delivering their souls, then he is a pimp and should be avoided. This one should be a no brainer.

4. Club Attire - If people are walking around sexy in church and no one cares, then you know this church is not practicing holiness. I'm not saying that folks have to have crusty lips and nappy hair, but what I'm saying is that, butt cracks, cleavage, and belly buttons should not be outfit accessories! And please, let's not get on the women and not touch on the men. We see that too often where the women have to look like national geographic natives, but the men can prance around dressed like Superfly! Let's balance this out and just say, the church is not the club. We must not be intentionally sexy in the house of God. Tight fitting clothes and such just don't belong in God's house. God is the focus, so hide your meat!

3. Secular Remakes - If you visit a ministry and they welcome all the single people with Beyonce's song "single ladies" or they sing "reasons" to the married couples, then you know you are in a den of debauchery. If they had a memerial service for MJ, then you are in punkdom and need to leave! Any church that has to resort to old and new school secular jams to keep people interested is nothing but a bootleg club and they need to start stamping hands. What happened to the "NEW SONG" that David spoke of? Why are people singing the worlds songs in church? The secular artists that wrote them are complaining and they want their songs back on the radio and in the world where they can get paid for them, not in the church. What a shame.

2. Obamania - If you hear about the president every week and your pastor has gone off the deep end trying to weave him into every sermon on a weekly basis, then you know it's time to go! Our president stands for everything that Christ is against. How in the world do we make him a favorable topic for the church? Shouldn't we as a church stand against his policy if it conflicts with the Word of God? But we have pastors that have jumped on his band wagon and are using his fame and popularity to generate income and membership. They feel if they keep him the focus, people that support him will support them! And they will always say "now, i don't agree with all of his policies, but……..praise the Lord for blessing us with a black president!" I'm telling you, this is a true sign of the times when the president gets more time than Jesus in our pulpits.

1. God said stay! - This is not for the visitors, but this is for those that have seen a moral decline in the church you have been attending. You have seen the pastor embrace the world, carnality, television and movie stars. You have begun to hear more about money than about Jesus. You hear more about the pastors wants and desires than the desires of Jesus! You see the youth partying and hip hopping during the service and it just does not agree with your spirit. Homosexuals are everywhere and no one cares anymore. You are being abused spiritually because you are not giving as much as you are told by the pastor or you are not with the new stuff that's going on. So, what do you do? You attempt to exercise your GOD GIVEN DOMINION AND RIGHT TO LEAVE. But when you meet with the pastor, he tells you that God said you can't???? He says that God has told him something that he won't tell you? In other words, you can't leave because something bad is going to happen.

Well, this is witchcraft manipulation in the highest degree. When you are afraid to leave, then you know it's not God. He has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and………..a sound mind. If the place you are worshiping is not spiritually sound, then that's the part that is not God and the fear to leave must be rebuked.

Listen people of God. We are in a bad state of the church right now. It's like the dark ages all over again. People think church is for the sinner and it's not. Church is the collective body of believers assembling together in a unified manner. Those that practice and condone sinfulness are excluded! Sure many are weak and need strength, but you can't draw strength from weak leaders! And for this cause many are not going to church anymore and would rather stay home. But God is faithful and I pray that you will make 2010 the year that you step away from that carnal headship and make a move of faith! Step out and seek the face of God for clarity. He will lead you to a wonderful place where the Spirit of God resides and the carnality of men is not. But you must take the step of faith first. Once you move, God will move on your behalf.

2Cor. 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Jer. 12:10 Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.

2Tim. 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Matt. 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Jer. 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

In His Name,

G. Craige Lewis

The world is the world!!!!

2009-11-24T16:08:00.002-05:00

New video blog. Email folk...remember you have to come to the page to see the videos. edmaes.blogspot.com

Beyonce

2009-11-19T12:09:00.001-05:00

Here's a link to some of the information that G. Craige Lewis shared in "Truth Behind Hip-Hop 5" concerning Beyonce. Deep stuff folks. http://vigilantcitizen.com/?p=604

Things that send you home from the playground

2009-11-13T11:09:00.003-05:00

For those of you who missed Dwayne Wade posterizing Varajao last night, check this video out. This is the worst facial I've seen in a looooong time. Geesh!!! That's one of those things that sends you home from the playground. Reggie Miller didn't make it any better on commentary talking about, "Welcome to your kodak moment, Anderson Varejao!" lol

Donnie Mcclurkin Gets Real

2009-11-11T12:00:00.001-05:00

Oh my Lord. PLEASE watch this!!!!!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Christians in the club???

2009-11-10T21:30:00.003-05:00

VBlog New project in the works (Tension)

2009-11-04T13:06:00.001-05:00

Spiritual Intimacy in on Itunes!

2009-10-31T15:10:00.000-04:00

"Spiritual Intimacy", is now available on Itunes! http://tinyurl.com/yl8cgfr. Stop by and do a review. Oh and feel free to buy it too! lol

Deliverance in the Struggle

2009-10-18T17:40:00.003-04:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Inner Flame M. 2010 Plans

2009-09-04T15:36:00.001-04:00

There are big plans in place for 2010 concerning myself, and the other independent artists connected to Inner Flame M. (my budding production company/label). Want to be a blessing? Stop by my website and make a donation of any size. Whatever the Lord... lays on your heart will always be greatly appreciated. There is ALOT of great music on the way!!! http://www.edmaestro.com/products.html

The Fat Lady Sings (From gcraige.blogspot.com)

2009-09-01T15:34:00.002-04:00

So much of what this man has said has come to pass. This is deep stuff.

Reposted from gcraige.blogspot.com

The Fat Lady Sings

I tried to tell them. I put it in 4 parts of the Truth Behind Hip Hop DVDs, and I preached it in every major city in this nation. I traveled around the world and spoke it in major cities in foreign countries. It's been played on military bases from Greenland to Australia. We sold millions of DVD's on this subject, trying to warn the body of Christ. Yes, you guessed it. Hip Hop, the religion!

The Cross Movement, DA TRUTH, KIrk Franklin, and other popular Holy Hip Hop groups fought me and said that I was lying. They said Hip Hop was not a religion and they argued with the very founders of this demonic sub culture and claimed that they were redeeming it and making it Holy. They said my research was wrong and that Hip Hop was not considered a religion by it's founders and that I was just trying to make some money. I'm not a student of people's opinion of me and frankly could care less as you can tell. But I just wanted to let the world know that the fat lady has sang.

That's right, here comes the bible for this religion. Here is the 600 page exegeses of the teacha, KRS-ONE and his dissertation of how Christianity and all other religions must bow down to and acknowledge Hip Hop as the true religion! He has finally put this work out and is now ready to indoctrinate your youth and your youth pastors if he has not already. You see, when the youth pastors and leaders accepted Hip Hop, they accepted KRS-ONE's philosophy because he is a board member on it's definitions committee! He and his counterparts define this subculture and they dictate where and how it will be used. So, when they said it would be used as a ministry tool, the Holy Hip Hoppers were blessed by them to take it into the church and use it. And because most pastors think rap and hip hop are the same, they could just ignore our information on the basis that I am coming against rap music, not really knowing that I have NEVER fought rap music, just the religious sub culture of HIp Hop!

What they failed to realize was the hidden danger of accepting something that was created in the streets, by men with god-complexes, and trying to use it for a tool of ministry alongside the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. They brought in the spirit of this thing and now they have given KRS the keys to the hearts and minds of their youth. They have handed them our children on a silver platter to be infused with their corrupt, antichrist doctrine. Pastors all over the nation have accepted Hip Hop into their churches and have inadvertently welcomed this religion in the hearts of their young. They did it, with knowledge of the truth, so they will all be held accountable.

KRS-ONE says about his new book: "It explores the spirituality of Hip-Hop, the divinity of Hip-Hop. I’m suggesting that in 100 years, this book will be a new religion on the earth,” KRS-One told AllHipHop.com. “Now you talk about controversy, there’s some Christian ministries if you go online, look up some ministers, they dissing right now. 'Who the hell does he think he is?' Well, I think I have the authority to approach God directly, I don’t have to go through any religion [or] train of thought. I can approach God directly myself and so I wrote a book called The Gospel of Hip Hop to free from all this nonsense garbage right now. respect the Christianity, the Islam, the Judaism but their time is up.”

The Truth Behind Hip Hop has been here and has warned them, yet many denied the truth and accepted the lie in the very presence of truth. God took a little guy from Fort Worth and spread a message globally to warn and protect the children from this occurrence and yet, selfish pastors denied and continue to deny their members access to the truth. Thank God many grabbed it online for themselves. But because wayward church leaders turned their followers away from it, the truth was denied. And many are now reaping the turmoil that comes when you infect your children with this demonic spiritual music movement.

Look at the products. Teen pregnancy in their churches (many times by the preachers), homosexuality, lesbianism, gang affiliation, STD's, abortion, rape, incest, drop outs, prison, you name it, it's plaguing the youth departments in these churches. Even the gospel recording artists that are up before these youth flaunting HIp Hop and street culture are messed up. Having babies out of wedlock, getting folks pregnant, sleeping around, being straight up gay and lesbian, all while promoting Hip Hop and claiming that God is with it?

This is a travesty and yet, the churches have submitted to the doctrine of Hip Hop and with the very truth of God before them, have denied it and penalized their young people. When will this end? We are shooting a brand new chapter of The Truth Behind Hip Hop September 18th, and we are going to deal with all of this to sort out the truth of this matter. If you can come, please come. Click Here for location information. It's important that we get a hold of this thing, unite and fight this agenda of Hip Hop and keep it out of our churches. This religion will turn our youth away from the truth of Christ and give them lies instead. KRS-ONE and HIp Hop is on a mission and if we as the church stay divided on this issue, they will conquer the mindset of the next generation.

Our book, The Truth Behind Hip Hop is now available on our website, and you can order it by clicking here. It's no coincidence that I have been writing this book for 9 years and it is released the same month as HIp Hop's Bible. God is always a step ahead of the enemy!

We are getting on the line to fight for our youth and stop this madness. Hip Hop is bold and feels that it can just take our youth. The Holy Hip Hoppers are ignorant and in the process of promoting themselves, they have become enablers for KRS-ONE and his agenda. They work for him and don't even know it. He claims to be the true founder of Holy Hip Hop and has released a CD that is currently in Christian Book Stores called Spiritually Minded! My book has been rejected by many Christian book stores but they dare to stock KRS instead? Come on people. Wake up and listen. The Fat Lady is Singing!!!!!

Galatians 1:6-9 I can’t believe your fickleness—how easily you have turned traitor to him who called you by the grace of Christ by embracing a variant message! It is not a minor variation, you know; it is completely other, an alien message, a no-message, a lie about God. Those who are provoking this agitation among you are turning the Message of Christ on its head. Let me be blunt: If one of us—even if an angel from heaven!—were to preach something other than what we preached originally, let him be cursed. I said it once; I’ll say it again: If anyone, regardless of reputation or credentials, preaches something other than what you received originally, let him be cursed.

Persecuted, yet determined,

G. Craige Lewis

Pride

2009-07-16T11:29:00.001-04:00

So many of us struggle with pride. If we don't bring our pride under subjection, we will never reach our potential in life, or in God.Check out this video blog.

John The Raptist (I Write)

2009-07-15T09:36:00.001-04:00

Now this is creativity ladies and gentleman. Hard to go wrong when you're rapping/singing the Word. Buy his cd on itunes!

Yo Kids is Bad!

2009-07-13T21:55:00.000-04:00

Thoughts on how there is an obvious difference in kid's behavior across races, and what we as a people can do to change the perception of our young black kids.

Call and request "Spiritual Intimacy"

2009-07-10T11:46:00.001-04:00

Heard a song of mine on the radio for the first time yesterday. Felt like the scene from the 5 heartbeats, lol. By the way the song "Spiritual Intimacy" is in rotation at Harvest Radio WKMB. Call in and request (908) 822-1515! Remember, the whole album is available right now at http://www.edmaestro.com/products.html.

Is Jesus Popular?

2009-07-08T12:23:00.001-04:00

Some thoughts sparked by some comments made on the Hezekiah Walker afternoon praise show on WLIB NY. Email folk, you know what you have to do to see the video :-).

On headship and a man's place...

2009-07-07T11:57:00.003-04:00

Just a couple brief thoughts that came to mind after hearing a radio broadcast on this matter yesterday. I'll go into more detail later on.

1. Every man is NOT the head of every woman. To say that every man is the head of every woman would mean that an 18 year old in the corner of Uganda somewhere is the head of a 45 year old single woman. That notion seems even more ridiculous when we consider that in some cultures a boy is considered a man as early as 13 or 14. The idea that having a penis puts you in charge of an entire gender is antiquated and chauvinistic. The Bible speaks of male headship within the context of marriage and family. That is why most (if not all) passages that speak on the man being the head refer to Adam and Eve and the fact that Adam was created first. Adam and Eve were the first family.

2. The husband IS the head of the wife.

3. Head = leader = one who bears the brunt/load of responsibility = one who puts themselves last to care for the ones they're responsible for.

4. Leading and controlling are two different things. Leading is done by example, humility, responsibility, and maturity. Controlling is done by force and fear.

5. If you need to control a woman (in the church, at work, at home) to feel like a man then you're not a man yet.

For more thoughts on what it REALLY means to be the head, please refer to What it means to be a husband...

Why do you hate us?

2009-07-06T13:26:00.003-04:00

I GREATLY commend this young lady for 1st of all seeing the foolishness on BET for what it is, and secondly having the courage to call them out on it. Taken from http://www.soulofaman.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161&catid=7:blogs

Ms. Janitra Patrcik: Dear BET, Why Do You Hate Us?

Dear Debra Lee,

I’m Janita Patrick, a 15-year-old African-American female from Cincinnati. Recently, I watched the 2009 BET Awards and felt the strongest urge to reach out to the program. My family is of the typical middle-class variety; both parents and four brothers. See, I’m a junior in high school (got skipped), so naturally EVERYBODY in my age group watches BET. I’m used to seeing the sagging pants, tattoos, lack of emphasis on reading and respecting women that makes up your videos. People in my class live this out everyday, while teachers tell us that we’re acting just like the people in your shows.

In your shows. That struck me as odd, because I would think that with your show being the primary outlet for black entertainers and musicians, and considering the context of blacks in this country, there’s a social responsibility factor to consider. I would never blame BET alone for the way a great deal of my classmates act and talk and dress. Everybody makes their own choices. However, if anybody is aware the power of television on impressionable minds, it’s the people running the television operations. If you are not aware, then perhaps you shouldn’t be running the operations.

Guess who watches your network the most? Not those who are intelligent enough to discern foolishness from substance, but those who are barely teenagers, impressionable and believing. It’s awfully cruel to plant seeds of ignorance in fertile minds. You know it’s really bad when the co-founder of BET, Sheila Johnson, said that she“really doesn’t watch it” anymore.

I am constantly fighting against the images and messages put forth on your program. What made you think that it’s okay to bring my classmates on stage to dance behind Lil Wayne and Drake to a song talking about boffing “every girl in the world”? Why does reality train wrecks have to thrown in our faces? Are you aware of the achievement gap going in inner-city African-American communities? A report from America’s Promise Alliance, a non-profit group started by Colin Powell, recently stated that 47 percent of high school students in the nation’s top 50 cities don’t graduate. This isn’t because of BET per se, but I don’t see any episodes on your show doing anything to counteract this disturbing trend. In fact, your show is a part of this cycle of media depicting us at our worst.

My older brother told me something about profit being the number one goal for every business. I’m not sure I understand what that means, but I do know that your shows have to be entertaining enough to generate viewers, which is how you make your money. But surely our culture is rich enough to entertain without anything extra to “boost” ratings; why the over-the-top foolery? I listen to classmates talk about Baldwin Hills like it’s the Manhattan Project. It doesn’t take much effort to produce a throng of degenerative reality shows, nor does it take much to eliminate socially conscious shows off the air. MTV isn’t much better, but since when does two wrongs ever make a right? It’s one thing for white television shows to depict us in a particular way, but for black television shows to do it is baffling.

Why do you hate us?

All of the values that my parents seek to instill in me and my brothers seems to be contradicted by a more powerful force from the media, and your show is at the forefront. Your network is the only network that features rap videos and shows exclusively to children of my color. I know that you have no control over the music that the artists put out, but you do have influence as to how you air these videos. I’m sure if a stand was taken to use the talent in your organization to actually crank out thought-provoking entertaining shows and videos, then artists will follow suit. Being that they need you as much as you need them.

There was one awkward segment in the BET Awards when Jamie Foxx singled out three black doctors-turned-authors, but the introduction was so powerless that many of the viewers had no idea who they were. Had they been introduced as Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, three brothers who overcame major obstacles to become a success without the use of lyrics that berate women, the sell of substance that destroy communities or through raps about loose gunplay, then maybe my classmates would have come to school talking about more than Beyonce, T-Pain’s BIG ASS CHAIN and Soulja Boy Tell Em’s hopping out the bed.

But they weren’t introduced like that. It seemed like a throwaway obligatory tribute to appease some irritated fans. It missed the mark. Big time. Ask Michelle Obama if she watches BET or encourages Sasha and Malia to do so. Ask President Obama. It’s a reason he is the leader of the free world, and it isn’t because of Buffoonery ExistsToday.

You’d be surprised how smart young black children can be with the absence of Blacks Embarrassing Themselves. If your goal is to deter engaged, forward-thinking articulate black minds, then consider your goal fulfilled. It’s hard-pressed to think that your shows are working to promote cultural betterment. However, it’s quite easy to conclude that the destruction of black children through the glorification of immoral behavior and rushed production is by design. Poison is being swallowed by every viewer who adores your network, and the worse thing is, these viewers - my classmates - are not even aware what they’re swallowing.

There is nothing edifying for black women on your show. I don’t judge people who do throng to your programs though; I mean, if a jet crashes in right in front of me, I’ll watch it too. That’s why I don’t flip by your channel…I don’t even want to be sucked in.

I have aspirations of acquiring a law degree and possibly entering the public sphere, so I can counteract conditions in my community perpetuated by the images on your channel. So I should thank you, because in a weird sense, your shoddy programming is the wind behind my back. And it is my hope that I can accomplish my dreams despite BET’s pictorial messages, because Lord knows it won’t be because of them.
Sincerely,
Janita Patrick

Do You Still Want It?

2009-07-06T12:45:00.002-04:00

A message preached at home (PFL) on 6-28-09. Have you been waiting so long that you've given up on what you wanted to see God do in your life? Be encouraged. God hasn't forgotten you. Do you still want it? (Remember, email folk have to come to the page to see the video).

I Love You Lord

2009-07-04T09:45:00.001-04:00

I HAVE to get permission to redo this song in the future. Classic Walter Hawkins. Now this is real Gospel music to me. Not the musical style, but the lyrical content. Styles change, but the message shouldn't. Gospel music should be about Jesus, for Jesus, to Jesus, or any combination of the 3.

Where Are You???

2009-06-21T22:51:00.000-04:00

This is a message preached at home (Premier Family Life Ministries) on Pentecost Sunday 2009. At least 6 were filled anew with the Holy Ghost and many were refilled. Have you received the Holy Ghost since you've believed?

Should Chistian women wear pants?

2009-06-19T11:56:00.003-04:00

The late Bishop Patterson's take on women wearing pants. Absolutely amazes me how many folk are being oppressed by stuff the Bible doesn't even say. (Email folk you have to come to the page (edmaes.blogspot.com) to watch the video)

Judge Not???

2009-06-17T13:16:00.002-04:00

This is a 3 part biblical breakdown of why we as Christians are required to judge things done publicly to see if they line up with the Word of God. Whenever you stand up and say something is wrong, the first thing you hear people say is things like "Who are you to judge?", "Judge not lest ye be judged!", and "He who is without sin cast the first stone!". Those scriptures apply to judging in hypocrisy, and judging the heart or secret things of men, NOT public words and works. I'll prove it in this 3 part video series. Folk receiving this through email, remember you have to come to the page to see the videos (edmaes.blogspot.com).

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Only What You Do For Christ Will Last

2009-06-13T21:40:00.002-04:00

Kim Burrell playing and singing one of those old hymns that I love so much!!! We need more songs today with lyrics that will still have power and meaning decades from now.

It's the God in you??? (Part 2)

2009-06-11T13:05:00.003-04:00

These videos show what the purpose of that song was, from the own mouth of one of the ladies from Mary Mary.

Part 1

Part 2

It's the God in you???

2009-06-11T10:42:00.004-04:00

Whenever I'm in convo/debate with people on message boards or forums, it never ceases to amaze me how many Christians use everything BUT the Bible to support their beliefs. It's high time we place the Word of God back in it's place as our top authority for discerning right and wrong. Please watch this whole video compilation about Mary Mary's song and video "The God in Me."

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

What is the Holy Ghost?

2009-05-29T12:32:00.003-04:00

Much thanks to Donna Richards for putting together this study on the Holy Ghost.

Ephesians 2:13-14 - . . . after that ye believed , ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Seal – a tight or perfect closure that prevents the entrance or escape of; a ring or stamp with a raised or engraved symbol or emblem that is pressed into wax in order to certify a signature or authenticate a document.

Promise - . . . the promise of the father
Luke 24:49 – And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Acts 1:4-5 - Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, 'Which,' He said, 'you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'"

“Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

The Holy Ghost is similar to a down payment or layaway. You have designated and set apart that the item belongs to you but you cannot take it home until you finish paying for it. God has placed a seal on us to mark us as his (Rom 8:9 . . . Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”) until the day that the trump shall sound and the dead in Christ shall rise up and our bodies are quickened by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:11 - . . . shall also quicken your mortal bodies by the Spirit that dwelleth in you.)

The Holy Ghost is the resurrected Spirit of Jesus Christ!
John 16:7 - Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you.

Christ had to be crucified and die and then be raised again before the Holy Ghost could come. It was not that Christ was going to Heaven and send the third person in the trinity down as if he was playing “tag your it”, IT WAS CHRIST HIMSELF THAT WAS GOING TO BE LIVING IN HIS PEOPLE!”

Jesus Christ is the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ is God!

Jesus said I and my Father are one. (John 10:30)

God wrapped himself and flesh and manifested himself in human form.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matt 1:21

The name Jesus in Hebrew is Joshua or Jehoshuah which means “Jehovah saved” or Jehovah (the God of the Old Testament) has become salvation.

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. 2 Cor. 5:19

John 14:26 (King James Version)
26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Jesus said once before that I will send him unto you. There is no contradiction, Jesus is God so he is also the Father. What is the name of the Holy Ghost? Jesus! The Holy Ghost is sent in the name of Jesus!

John 14:17 (King James Version)
17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
The same person that was with them was the same person that would be in them.
John 5:43 (King James Version)
43I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
The name of the Father is Jesus, the name of the Son is Jesus, and the name of the Holy Ghost is Jesus!

Acts 2:38 (King James Version)
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Why do you need the Holy Ghost? It is POWER, your Counselor, your Comforter, your Helper, your teacher - it will lead you and guide you into all truth.
The Holy Ghost is not just needed to go to heaven but needed to live on this earth!!!!!

Preach Kirk!!!

2009-05-28T10:28:00.002-04:00

I was very pleasantly surprised to hear Kirk speak out so passionately about this. I hope that it becomes a trend that he continues and others pick up. I also pray that we start seeing a reflection of what he said in the music that he and other Gospel artists who are known for mixing & sampling secular songs into their music produce.

Spiritual Intimacy Banner (Revised)

2009-05-26T12:36:00.003-04:00

Here is a better and smaller version of the Spiritual Intimacy Banner. Again, please copy and paste the code into your blog, myspace page, or website to help promote my new album Spiritual Intimacy. Here's a preview of what the AD looks like.

It's Here!!!!!!!

2009-05-24T23:03:00.004-04:00

Spiritual Intimacy Promo!!!

2009-05-23T13:40:00.001-04:00

And you SHALL recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost!!!

2009-05-18T23:10:00.004-04:00

Lord please bring us back to this place as a body where folk come out of the water filled with your Spirit! (email folk must come to the page edmaes.blospot.com to see these videos)

Bodybuilders Flee

2009-05-18T15:19:00.002-04:00

Now this is sad and flat out hilarious at the same time. Posted from www.espn.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/news/story?id=4175375)

Event canceled after competitors flee

Comment Email Print Share

Associated Press

BRUSSELS -- The Belgian bodybuilding championship has been canceled after doping officials showed up and all the competitors fled.

A doping official says bodybuilders just grabbed their gear and ran off when he came into the room.

"I have never seen anything like it and hope never to see anything like it again," doping official Hans Cooman said Monday.

Twenty bodybuilders were entered in the weekend competition.

Cooman says the sport has a history of doping "and this incident didn't do its reputation any good."

During testing of bodybuilding events last year, doping authorities of northern Belgium's Flanders region found that three-quarters of the competitors tested positive.

The Right Fragrance

2009-05-18T00:48:00.002-04:00

Email folk, you'll have to come to the page to see the video. This was preached on 5-10-09.

Un-Polluted Worship (M.A.E.S.T.R.O.Vision Episode #2)

2009-05-11T15:27:00.002-04:00

Part 1

Part 2

M.A.E.S.T.R.O.Vision Episode 1

2009-05-07T15:49:00.000-04:00

Your Love Is Like...

2009-05-02T23:20:00.001-04:00

Video from me singing at Promise Church of God in New Brunswick, NJ. God gave me this song the night before, and the band did a GREAT job of picking it up on the fly.

Animals Like Basketball Too!!!

2009-04-23T10:37:00.002-04:00

This was HILARIOUS to watch as it was happening!!! Posted from espn.com.

ATLANTA -- The Hawks' real-life mascot got a little flying time during the playoffs.

[+] Enlarge

AP Photo/John BazemoreSpirit, the Hawks' real-life mascot, got a bird's-eye view of first-quarter action.

Spirit, a hawk that flies down from the rafters during the pregame introductions, decided to hang around for the start of Game 2 against theMiami Heat on Wednesday night.

The bird, who resides at Zoo Atlanta, was perched atop the scoreboard at tipoff, refusing to go to his handler. Then he swooped around the arena while the game was going on, landing on a railing in the lower deck before he settled on the top of the basket at the Hawks' end of the court.

Spirit had the best seats in the house -- atop the shot-clock camera over the backboard. But not everyone was thrilled that a real, live bird of prey was taking in the action from courtside.

"Somebody has to get this bird out of here," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said to someone at the scorer's table at one point in the first quarter, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Atlanta's Josh Smith and Al Horford looked more shaken than anyone.

"You see Al Horford duck and run, I was like, 'Let me run for cover as well,' " Miami Heat starDwyane Wade said. "It was kind of weird having the hawk fly around. It's hard to play with your back to that hawk on the backboard."

When the players spotted the bird, they refused to go on. The game was halted with 8:28 remaining in the first quarter until the handler, John Elmore, finally arrived, luring Spirit to his arm and carrying him out of the arena to cheers from the crowd -- and several players.

According to the team Web site, Spirit, hatched in 1999, is a Harris hawk who makes about 250 appearances annually at Zoo Atlanta.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Sad

2009-04-21T14:44:00.004-04:00

This article is a sad but true reality that many women face. My wife and I know someone personally who went through this same kind of abuse. Guy jumps and shouts in church, is abusive at home, and the church refuses to believe it because he is a "Mand of Gawd". Sad. This is posted from http://www.breakpoint.org/listingarticle.asp?ID=11650.

AN UGLY SECRET

By Chuck Colson
4/20/2009

Domestic Violence within the Church

A woman I’ll call “Marleen” went to her pastor for help. “My husband is abusing me,” she told him. “Last week he knocked me down and kicked me. He broke one of my ribs.”

Marleen’s pastor was sympathetic. He prayed with Marleen—and then he sent her home. “Try to be more submissive,” he advised. “After all, your husband is your spiritual head.”

Two weeks later, Marleen was dead—killed by an abusive husband. Her church could not believe it. Marleen’s husband was a Sunday school teacher and a deacon. How could he have done such a thing?

Tragically, studies reveal that spousal abuse is just as common within the evangelical churches as anywhere else. This means that about 25 percent of Christian homes witness abuse of some kind.

These numbers may shock you—and they certainly shocked me—so you may be wondering if the studies were done by secular researchers hostile to the church. I can assure you, sadly, they were not.

Denise George, a gifted writer and the wife of theologian Timothy George, has published a new book called What Women Wish Pastors Knew. “Spouse abuse shocks us,” George writes. “We just cannot believe that a church deacon or member goes home after worship . . . and beats his wife.” Tragically, however, George notes, some of these men justify their violence “by citing biblical passages.”

Well, obviously they’re misinterpreting Scripture. In Ephesians 5:22, husbands are told to love their wives as Christ loved the church; beating wives black-and-blue hardly constitutes Christian love. First Peter tells husbands to live with their wives considerately. And the Bible makes it clear that the church has no business closing its eyes to violent men. In 1 Timothy 3:3, the church is told that when it comes to choosing leaders, they must find men who are “not violent but gentle,” sober, and temperate.

The amount of domestic abuse in Christian homes is horrifying, and the church ought to be doing something about it—not leaving the problem to secular agencies. But this is one mission field where the church is largely missing in action. And sometimes pastors, albeit with good intentions, do more harm than good.

George sites a survey in which nearly 6,000 pastors were asked how they would counsel women who came to them for help with domestic violence. Twenty-six percent would counsel them the same way Marleen’s pastor did: to continue to “submit” to her husband, no matter what. Twenty-five percent told wives the abuse was their own fault—for failing to submit in the first place. Astonishingly, 50 percent said women should be willing to “tolerate some level of violence” because it is better than divorce.

Advice like this, George warns, often puts women “in grave danger”—and in some cases, can be a death warrant.

Pastors need to acknowledge that domestic abuse in the church is a problem, and learn how to counsel women wisely.

Stay tuned for more on this subject—one the church has not said enough about.

Obviously, Christians must uphold the sanctity of marriage. But we should never ignore the dangers of violent spouses—men who use the Bible to justify abusing, and even killing, their wives.

Our Stage

2009-04-09T11:46:00.002-04:00

This site is really cool and it's a great resource for independent artists. It gives artists a chance to put their music out there, and it gives music fans a chance to randomly hear and judge music and artists they've never heard before. Check it out. Oh and while you're there, become one of my fans. lol.

And the body slips a little further from truth

2009-04-08T10:27:00.003-04:00

Please keep in mind folks, that this is a Christian university. It is so important that we wake up and be sensitive to the signs of the times. Remember, calling sin sin is not hate, it's telling the truth. It's not considered hate to say that murder is wrong. It's not considered hate to say that stealing is wrong. It's not considered hate to say that it is wrong for a grown man to marry a 13 year old girl (even if they both claim to be madly in love with each other). Homosexuality shouldn't be treated differently.

TCU will set aside some apartments for gays, lesbians

BY GENE TRAINOR

FORT WORTH — Texas Christian University will designate some on-campus apartments for gay students and their supporters, creating what may be the only such college housing in the region.

The DiversCity Q community will open in the fall in a section of the Tom Brown-Pete Wright apartments. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender students and allies — heterosexual classmates who support them — will have the chance to live together. Eight students have committed to the community so far, said TCU sophomore Shelly Newkirk, who applied to create the program.

TCU will also open two Christian-based living groups, another for fine arts and three other themed housing arrangements.

It’s all part of the university’s living-learning communities, designed for students who want to live with others who are like-minded.

"It’s a chance for students to be part of a unique experience," said David Cooper, TCU associate director for residential life. It’s also important to universities because students who feel a connection to their school are more likely to stay.

Options

Living-learning communities are common at universities in Denton and Tarrant counties, but none has an on-campus living program for gay students. A fraternity for gay and straight students opened in 1998 at the University of North Texas but had closed by 2001, UNT spokeswoman Sarah Bahari said.

Nationally, some colleges offer "gender neutral" housing to relieve what could be an uncomfortable situation for gay students. Such students are allowed to select a roommate of the opposite sex.

For example, since 2005 at Louis & Clark College in Portland, Ore., which has about 3,000 undergraduates, two or three rooms a semester are available for a gay male and a gay female to live together, said Vanessa Fawbush, college public relations officer. Students are interviewed to ensure that heterosexual students aren’t seeking a room together, she said.

"My understanding is that it’s nice to have the option," she said.

Mutual support

Cooper said TCU opens its living-learning communities to student ideas and sees "what they come up with."

This year’s groups include Leadership and Strengths Community for students who want to become leaders, the Green House for student interested in the environment and the Health and Wellness Community for students interested in healthy living.

Among the other groups for fall are one for patriotism in various cultures and a marine life group that will examine how the ocean affects the environment.

Newkirk, who is gay, helped lead the effort for the DiversCity Q housing area. She said her vision is that it will be a place where gay and straight students can interact and hang out.

She said she also plans to have programs for the general TCU community that will include speakers and maybe programs about gays in the media and gays in general.

Such programs offer gay students a way to offer mutual support and create a community, said Nancy Tubbs, director of the LGBT Resource Center at the University of California-Riverside, which also offers gender-neutral and a living-learning community similar to TCU’s. Because straight students can join the living-learning community, it’s not self-segregating, said Tubbs, who grew up in College Station. "I think it’s wonderful that TCU is offering this," Tubbs said.

Newkirk said she was bracing for criticism, given the largely conservative politics of many TCU students.

"Surprisingly, I found nothing but support," she said.

Cooper said he also has fielded no criticism.

Even if she receives push-back, Newkirk said, that can have its advantages.

"Sometimes those things can bring a community together," she said. "It doesn’t have to tear us apart."

The Curse of the Culture

2009-03-31T19:43:00.004-04:00

Here is Part 4 from G. Craige Lewis' Truth Behind Hip Hop series entitled "The Curse of the Culture". One of the biggest mistakes that people make is to nix off and discredit information without ever taking the time to earnestly investigate if there is any truth in the matter Biblically or otherwise. I urge you not to approach these Truth Behind Hip Hop videos this days. Just saying "I don't agree", or "that's not true" is not enough. Being that our source of knowledge(as Christians)is the Bible and the discernment of the Holy Ghost (which will always line up with the Bible), we are obligated to search the scriptures for truth.

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

PART 6

PART 7

PART 8

PART 9

PART 10

PART 11

Wisdom in Witnessing

2009-03-28T13:22:00.003-04:00

Some Jehovah's witnesses came to our house yesterday. Actually this was the second time they came. The week before we had a short conversation in which they scheduled to come back yesterday. Now of course, I know that their beliefs are different from those of my family (escpecially in regards to who Jesus is), but I wouldn't feel right just turning them away. Ya never knwo why God is sending someone your way. Anyhow, I sat with them at the table and listened attentively to everything they had to say, even read through a few scriptures with them from the Bible. Then I began to share our beliefs. I've never seen an old lady with a cane move so fast to pack things up and get out of some place. It reminded me of when after Stephen finished speaking the people stopped their ears up and ran after him. Geesh.

I said that to say this. Jesus commands us to share the Gospel wherever we go with our lifestyles and our mouths. The Bible also tells us that one who winneth souls is wise. This means that it takes wisdom from God as to how to approach people. We always have to remember that people are not just spiritual beings, but fleshly ones as well. That means that our presentation must be able to cut through the outter defenses of a person in order to reach their hearts. Not only that, but everyone that we encounter will not be devoid of their own religious beliefs. Because of that, there is no way in the world that we will win anyone by approaching them with the attitude that we are so wise that it is beneath us to take time to listen to what they have to say concerning their beliefs. We can't just run up on someone and shove our beliefs down their throat. We have to be willing to listen to the beliefs of others, first of all to be able to understand where they are coming from; and secondly to gain their trust and show ourselves friendly. Once we know where they are coming from and have gotten through their outter walls with kindness and respect, then we can effectively be lead of the Spirit as to how to share our beliefs and validate them with scripture.

The week before when they came to my house I took a track to read from them when they offered it. However when I offered to give them one to read they refused it, telling me outright that they would not read it. This week they were willing to sit and talk with me as long as I listened to their beliefs. As soon as I went to share mine they high-tailed it out of there. I pray that I was able to plant a seed though that will grow and cause them to come back to hear more.

When you behave that way it shows a couple of things. One, you have no respect for a person's right to choose a belief system that is different or even contrary to your own. Secondly, it shows that you are afraid. Many times when people refuse to even listen to someone elses view point, they do so because they are afraid that another view point will expose holes and flaws in their own. Many times we aren't fully convinced about what we say we believe, that's just what we were taught. Just because you were taught something doesn't mean that you believe it to be fully true. You could just be following it out of respect for the teacher (usually a family member). If what you believe is right and you're 100% sure of it, then listening to what someone else has to say won't sway you. Besides, how can you even know that what you belief is right, without testing it against the beliefs of others?

Exodus Into Egypt

2009-03-26T14:38:00.002-04:00

I strongly urge everybody to take the time to look at all the videos from this message entitled "Truth Behind Hip-Hop pt. 2, Exodus Into Egypt" by G. Craige Lewis. POWERFUL, truthful and eye opening teachings. Watch with an open heart and mind! Email folk, you know you have to come to the page (edmaes.blogspot.com).

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

PART 6

PART 7

PART 8

PART 9

PART 10

Is Jesus Your King?

2009-03-23T16:50:00.004-04:00

Here's the last message I preached at home. Remember email folk, you have to come to the blog page to be able to view the video. (edmaes.blogspot.com)

You Need More Power

2009-03-16T15:17:00.004-04:00

Here's video of a message preached on 3-1-2009. I pray it blesses and strengthens you.

Ed, m.a.e.s.t.r.o. on Songvault.fm

2009-03-13T01:22:00.002-04:00

Email folk you'll have to come to the blog page (edmaes.blogspot.com)to see this.

SongVault.fm - The Best in Independent Music

Spread the word. Make sure you listen to the songs and vote if you can.

You've got to be kidding me!

2009-02-27T09:54:00.003-05:00

This is from Thomas Weeks myspace page. Ummmm...no comment.

Compassion and Unmerited Favor

2009-02-16T09:42:00.002-05:00

Here's video of a message preached at home (PFL) on 2-1-2009.

My Life, My Love, My All

2009-02-15T22:30:00.003-05:00

The Voices of Life singing "My Life, My Love, My All" by Kirk Franklin.

God Wants A Yes

2009-02-15T22:22:00.001-05:00

Video of the Voices of Life singing "God Wants a Yes" by James Hall & Worship and Praise.

Write the Vision

2009-02-05T14:13:00.003-05:00

Habbakuk 2:2 says...

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

I'm sure that you are not a stranger to that scripture. It's a very popular text to preach and teach from when we want to inspire and encourage people to walk in their calling and go after the ideas and plans that God has placed in their head and hearts. I have found out though that writing the vision can be more difficult than we let on. In fact, writing the vision can be down right discouraging sometimes.

I was talking to Tee (the wife) a couple weeks ago and I was sharing with her that I don't know where I'm supposed to go from here (as far as work is concerned). I absolutely love my job and what i do (teaching means alot to me), but I always like to look to the future, because I know that without a vision you'll end up perishing. When I began to look to my future options I realized that I am completely content with the computer knowledge that I currently have, and I have no desire to go any deeper. At my previous job, one of my goals was to work towards an MCSE or MCSA ceritifcation, but I have since seen the deeper things of networking, and I have no desire to go there. This revelation brought me inevitably to the question, "So what's next?"

I feel in my heart that God is going to do something with me musically. This brought me to another revelation. I realize now that I really have no desire to be a part of the music "industry" machine. I was looking on youtube at footage of Gospel artists walking the red carpet at the stellars, and where those kinds of things used to excite me as a young artist, now the thought of me being there makes my stomach turn. I want to promote Jesus, not myself, and to be a part of the industry machine means to spend about 95% of my time promoting me. I have no desire to have someone else have control over my music, what's in it, who writes it, who produces it, and where it goes. I have no desire to parade myself in front of a panel of "idol" judges or label ceos asking them to validate my gift by giving me a deal. I want the ministry and artistry of music without having to participate in the industry gobbledegook that goes along with it. I realized that I would be completely content having the resources to produce, record, mix, master, press up, and release (sell) my own music, even if it was just to the community, cities, and state around me. I also realized that more than making my own music, I have a passion for helping other artists take their music to the next level. I hear so many stories of people who have music but can't afford to put it out there, or end up spending money to deal with folk who just slap something together for them to get paid. Which brings me to the whole point of this blog.

I have ideas in my head and a vision in my heart for what I feel God wants me to carry out musically. Over the past few days God has been challenging me to write down some of the ideas and things that I have, and even go out onto the web and start pricing equipment and what not. Now you would think that writing the vision would bring great joy and expectancy, and it has. But to my surprise, along with that joy and expectancy comes discouragement. Discouragement comes when you look at the wonderful vision that you have, and face the reality of what it will cost (financially and otherwise) to bring that vision to pass. You see it's easier to just mull things over in your brain because it's fantasy. All kinds of things run through your head every day that you nix off and don't give a second thought to. But when you start writing stuff down it becomes reality like, "man this is something I really want to do." That is why God told Habbakuk no just to think about the vision, but to write it down. Writing it down helps you to realize how great the task is ahead of you, and forces you to think realistically about how you're going to make it happen. But what it also does, is it forces you to put your vision in God's hands. God is pretty much always going to give you ideas that are bigger than you. When you write the vision and the cost of the vision, it makes you face the reality that you can't do it on your own, and that if God doesn't help you to accomplish it, it won't be accomplished.

It's easy to write and carry out the vision when you have everything together, but God always gives you visions that don't match up at all with your present state. He showed Joseph that he would be a ruler when he was just about the lowest on the family todem pole. He called David a man after his own heart when he was only a boy. He made Gideon get rid of hundreds of men and then sent him into a battle against an innumerable army. So I'm looking at what I have written down and the thousands of dollars it will take to complete it, and yet my family's finances aren't even where I would like for them to be yet, and that has to come first. That can be discouraging. But instead of being discouraged I've decided to rejoice and be encouraged. I'm encouraged because if God has given it to me, and if God is leading me to write the vision, then that means that he has resources waiting to help me to accomplish it.

What is your vision? What dream has God given you? What did he whisper in your ear that you haven't shared with anyone yet? I bet it's really big, and sometimes you even feel foolish and irresponsible for thinking about it because of how big it is. Don't run from it!!! Write it down. Face the reality of it, and then seek God's direction and timing. He will always provide a way for you to go where he's leading.

Ummmm....

2009-02-03T12:39:00.004-05:00

Ok this is an ad on a CHURCH'S (United Nation's Church...you may recognize the Pulling's from the Word Network unitednationschurch.org) website for their valentine's gala thingy. You may have to look close at the bottom of the ad to see what I'm talking about.

Ok...first of all I thought Dave Hollister and Coko were strictly Gospel artists now (have no clue where Intro stands), I mean that's what they said. Yet here they are not only advertised as being of the secular groups they were in, but they're gonna be performing their old songs. How does that work exactly? Are old things only passed away until the price is right (this isn't the first time they've done this)??? I tell ya man, the church just can't seem to let stuff go. We keep reaching back in the past and dusting off the old stuff that we used to do, like we're trying to relive some old memories. I guess that's what keeps the church "cool" huh? Sounds familiar though. In the Bible, everytime an evil King would come into power in Israel the first thing he would do was rebuild the old things that the Godly King had torn down. Paul put it like this in Galatians 2:18...

For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

Why do I want to sit up at a dinner with my wife and reminisce to songs that will remind me of a time when I was probably in love with somebody else, and most likely doing things that weren't pleasing to God. It's time to let memories be just that...memories. You start diggin under the blood and pulling out stuff, you may end up with more than you bargained for.

Be careful little ears...

2009-02-01T22:21:00.001-05:00

Now more than ever we need to be concious of the things that we listen to. I was sitting in the barbershop yesterday listening to the music they were playing in the shop (98.7 kiss fm) and it absolutely amazed me how raunchy and sexual some of the songs were. i mean this was like 4 in the afternoon and the contents of some of the songs seemed more suitable for 2 in the am at a strip joint. I'm a grown man and FAR from shy when it comes to sexual things, and even I was embarassed by what i was hearing. There is no shame anymore people, we are in the last days. If you have children, make sure you educate yourself as to what they are listening to. if you are grown, be careful to guard your ears. Remember, it is not just music.

The Importance of Obedience

2009-01-29T10:21:00.004-05:00

This morning Mr. Sea-Quon learned yet another hard lesson in obedience. After being instructed that his new cell phone should not leave his book bag when he left the house, he took it out anyway at the bus stop and proceeded to drop it down a storm drain. Ahhhhh well.

There's alot to be learned from this though as children of God. It's funny how we expect immediate, undebated, unwavering obedience from those we are in authority over, and yet many times we don't offer that same respect to God when he gives us instruction. I mean be honest...how many times have we gone left knowing that God specifically told us to go right? How many times have we waited and procrastinated on completing a task God had given us to do? How many times have we disobeyed God's instruction thinking we knew what was best, only to mess around and drop our personal cell phone down our personal storm drain?

From this day on, let's all make a conscious effort to obey the voice of God when he speaks. Can it be tough? Yes! Will we always understand? No! Will it always feel good? No! But will we be better off in the end? Ohhh Yes!!!

Uncloudy Day

2009-01-28T15:18:00.002-05:00

Maaaaan this brings back memories. I completely forgot about this song. I think either my mom or one of my sisters has an old recording of me singing this at home when I was like 5 or 6. This is Myrna Summers singing at Bishop G.E. Patterson's home going service.

How to Properly Bless The Table

2009-01-28T14:14:00.001-05:00

Video of Thaddeus Tribbett (Tye's brother and MD of SoundCheck) blessing the table. Hiiiilllaaaaaarious!!!!