Byron Jones

Canton Jones, Lecrae, Da T.R.U.T.H. 2012 Stellar Awards Full Performance

2012-02-13T00:39:00.001-08:00

What is a Christian

2012-02-08T04:29:00.000-08:00

"A “Christian” is not a person who has said a prayer, or walked down an aisle, or been raised in a Christian family. While each of these things can be a part of the Christian experience, they are not what “makes” a Christian. A Christian is a follower of Christ; a person who has, by faith, received and fully trusted in Jesus Christ as the only Savior" - gotquestions.org

- acts 11:26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
- luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Salvation... a Relationship

2012-02-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

"This is about salvation
The spirits restoration
The constant deliverance from the penalty, power, and presence of sin so that you may come into a relationship
More than an affiliation this is Communion
More than the drinking of sacred wine eating of the body and being baptized two and three times
This is the partaking of a sacred vow by first believing in your heart then confessing with your mouth that our savior rose in order to establish
That. Relationship" - Byron Jones

- Rom 10:9-10 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Mrs Charlene Jones. A woman of incorruptable beauty and godliness. Not to mention an amazing physical appearance!!

2012-01-30T15:16:00.000-08:00

1 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

- 1 peter 3

What, then, is your place in the ministry? Moreover, WHO is your foundation?

2012-01-26T04:52:00.000-08:00

5 ... We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I (Paul) planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.

10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

- 1 Corinthians 3:5-11Live on PURPOSE

Humbled in Christ

2012-01-24T05:10:00.000-08:00

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

- 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Concerning Street Evangelism

2012-01-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

....since many of the tactics I’m familiar with is the "fear of hell tactic", If there was no promise of heaven OR hell, would you still follow Jesus?

Tony Campolo

An inspiring, musical mesh of MLK speeches

2012-01-16T03:38:00.000-08:00

2011-12-06T01:55:00.000-08:00

One cannot submit to God without humility. Therefore, having a humble and submissive heart is a choice we make. That means as born-again believers we daily make a choice to submit ourselves to God for the work that the Holy Spirit does in us. That work is accomplished by choosing to apply ourselves to the Word of God and to learning about the provisions that God has made for us in Christ Jesus.
We have to choose to submit to God for the process of learning in order to grow spiritually. It is a process begun at salvation and ongoing with each and every choice that we make to submit ourselves to God. This process will continue until the Lord comes again or He calls us home.

"submit yourselves to God..." James 4:7
-Gotquestions.org

(R) Poetry for (I) A superStar (P)

2011-12-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

It is often pondered
"if a tree falls absent of man, does it make a sound"
but what of the stars
those beautifully positioned moons so intricately stationed amongst the heavenly
those, who shimmer so brightly that they are viewed and adored even at light year distances
and what of their sound
those intimately strung chords and strings that sing glory and hallelujah in such a harmonious manner they fog the souls windows
their melodic medley soothing even the spirits marrow
but what of their sound
when their seasons have blossomed full bloom
and they are spontaneously set ablaze and paraded for all of existence to admire
and when their time has wound full circle and they no longer flicker amongst the super novas
their light no longer shines throughout space and mortality
do they make a sound
did they make a sound
as we remain, basking in the glory of their song
are we yet able to hear as they sit on the cusp of infinity and serenade the ears of God forever more
it is often pondered
"if a tree falls absent of man, does it make a sound"
But what of the stars

A Closer Walk with Thee

2011-11-30T05:47:00.001-08:00

There was a time when I didn’t make the Bible a priority in my day. I didn’t read and pray. Thankfully, that’s not the case now. There’s a new grace, a new determination to keep God first in my day.

Mali Music releases new track "Go" and explains being signed with Akon..

2011-11-28T02:08:00.000-08:00

Mali Music Signs with Akon!!

2011-11-22T01:09:00.000-08:00

The BET Music Matter artist preps new album after signing with Akon.

After making his national debut at this year’s 2011 BET Awards, Georgia-bred singer/songwriter Mali Music stopped by 106 and Park to premiere his new video, “The Job Experience,” off his upcoming sophomore effort, Mali Is. Accompanied by mentor and international megastar Akon, who stumbled across the Savannah crooner’s music at a recent BET Music Matters showcase and signed him up to his KonLive imprint shortly afterwards, the young singer says the union of the two artists is an invaluable learning experience, a blessing and a dream come true.

“For me to be able to have all of his experience and not only that, but his counsel, his support and belief in a God-centered and faith-based movement is just unreal,” says Mali Music, born Kortney Jamaal Pollard.

Soon after the release of his critically acclaimed 2009 album, The 2econd Coming, the inspirational songwriter’s rise to the spotlight has been a steady climb. Reluctant to classify himself as a traditional gospel artist, the passionate entertainer says the blueprint of gospel music is changing.

“I do believe that my music is bigger than gospel,” Mali says. “I’ll never deny the core of it, but that was just the platform that was available in the time frame that I came out, but I do believe that a new platform and a new genre is being created and built as we speak. I do believe that it's bigger than gospel but, for now, I’m okay with it being under gospel and inspirational category.”

The fresh new face of a new-age gospel era says that plenty more innovative material can be expected from his new album. With a suspenseful, action-packed and emotional first single, one can’t help but marvel at the well put-together lyrics and melodies. In addition to making his own waves on the music radar, the gifted singer managed to grab a guest feature song called “New Life” off Akon’s upcoming album.

This isn’t the first time Akon has bought forth peculiar artists with distinctive talents and star power. Case in point? T- Pain and Lady Gaga. Hopefully the inspirational maestro can make his guru three-for-three.

Mali is will hit stores in January 2012.

By Dan Reagans

what is 'real' LOVE??

2011-11-07T05:32:00.000-08:00

Official Mali Music Job Experience Video

2011-10-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Mali Music - The Job Experience [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO] from Anthony Brooks on Vimeo.

WOW!!!!

2011-10-24T03:04:00.001-07:00

Praise God!!

Just Beautiful!!

2011-10-16T21:48:00.001-07:00

the divide between historical black churches and gospel-centered theology

2011-10-14T05:06:00.000-07:00

traditional church or "reformed theology." are we really getting all that we need from these methods, individually or collectively??

Theological Imperialism and the Black Community from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

Gospel Centered Hip Hop. How can or does it impact you?? do you believe in it??

Gospel-Centered Hip Hop from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

Whoaa Beyonce isnt prego?!?

2011-10-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

Lecrae at BET awards cypher

2011-10-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

I am one hundred percent proud of the way this dude represented for all of Christianity and gospel rap.

Would you seriously die for Christianity

2011-09-28T03:23:00.000-07:00

Iranian pastor refuses to recant, could be executed

A Christian pastor in Iran has twice refused to recant his faith in court and could be executed within days, which would make him the first since 1990 to be put to death by the government for apostasy. Yousef Nadarkhani, who leads a 400-person house church movement, refused in court on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26 to recant Christianity and was scheduled to get two more chances on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28, according to the British-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), which monitors religious freedom. If he refuses the next two times to recant, he will be executed, CSW reported.

Cat of Nine Tails

2011-09-24T05:01:00.000-07:00

A whip that Jesus encountered before the he got crucified. It was called cat of nine tails because there were 9 strands and on the end of those nine strands were bits a pieces of glass, metal or bone. This were placed there so it would dig into the skin and ripping it. We know from the bible that Jesus got whipped 39 times.

PRAYING...

2011-09-13T02:09:00.000-07:00

new gospel!! love this dudes flavor

2011-09-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

2011-08-20T03:19:00.001-07:00

Good judgement is usually learned through experiences, much of which are a result of poor judgement. Live and learn, then grow thereby.

THE KID IS BACK!!!!

2011-08-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

so looking fwd to this dudes newly revived ministry.

2011-07-18T04:59:00.000-07:00

"you got the power to let power go?"

2011-07-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

"I just needed time alone, with my own thoughts
Got treasures in my mind but couldn’t open up my own vault"

Kanye West - Power

Forgiveness

2011-07-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2: 1-2

Mali Music - "The Job Experience" what you didnt see from the 2011 BET Awards performance

2011-06-30T04:45:00.000-07:00

2011-06-25T03:15:00.001-07:00

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Matthew 22 36-38 nkjv

Love this pic and these dudes

2011-06-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

2011-06-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

Wise Up!!!

2011-06-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom!!!

Get Wisdom, get understanding… Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all ya getting, get an understanding! …don’t forsake her, love her and she will keep you! Exalt her and she shall promote you!

2011-06-13T03:50:00.001-07:00

Misfit Ft. Da T.R.U.T.H, Ambassador, Mali Music

2011-06-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

I'm loving what ambassador and truth are putting out now. their errors have caused them to rise to even greater heights than before. i once saw these guys as rappers for the church or christian community alone. but now it's as if their callings have expanded; stretching beyond the walls of the church and reaching into the belly of the pavement and the bush as they take to the highways with their new tours and albums. praise God for grace forgiveness change and growth!! Stay Wrapped in Him!!!

Love this ministry!!

2011-05-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

"I came across this unique ministry by an illustrator and an MC. I think what they do is awesome. Travis Settineri and Jerrel Johnson are unknown to the Christian hip hop world, at least as far as I know. They haven't promoted an album, cd cover, music video or even a mixtape with us ever before. Today, I recieved their ministry video and wanted to share it with everyone. This is what we are looking for here at DaSouth.com. Give us more ministry videos! Tell us what you are doing in the streets, show us your works so the world and the church will know that we truly practice what we preach!" - Tre9

Beyonce is ripped for copying her Epic performance from another artist... but not really.

2011-05-26T03:31:00.000-07:00

"That’s no coincidence, nor is it a rip-off. Rather, Beyonce acknowledges the direct influence...

“My makeup artist showed me the performance of Lorella Cuccarini a year ago, and it inspired me so much,” Beyonce tells AOL Music, exclusively. “I then met with the talented people who worked on it. The technology and concept were so genius. Thank God for YouTube or I would have never been exposed to something so inspiring. I never worked so hard on anything in my life as that performance for the Billboard Awards.”

it pains me to learn that so many black women endure this..

2011-05-26T03:02:00.000-07:00

A message of true forgiveness and redemption on this one!!!

2011-05-19T00:22:00.000-07:00

Fervent Love First: A Great Mountain Burning with Fire

2011-05-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Fervent Love First: A Great Mountain Burning with Fire

Lecrea gets respect from The Clipse's Malice and Bun B. Says "I'm authentically Hip-Hop."

2011-05-16T02:45:00.000-07:00

Charlene Spittin

2011-04-12T11:08:00.001-07:00

dreaming

2011-02-28T01:28:00.000-08:00

Dreaming....

She emerges, smiling. Her eyes, a ray of hope in a world of pain. Her small pale fingers extend. peace is in her palm. She whispers "follow me"

Two blinks and a second look and Hes backing toward the light. Beautiful. A statue of perfection, smoothly whispering the right words and promising to love forever but...

What is it? Where am i?

A faint plea screams from beyond "dont leave me" saddened, it continues "please, come home."

I turn again to see perfection crumbling as its true light shines. So dark and cold that it shakes me.

Frightens me... awake.

feel this Chris(tian)

2011-01-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

classic!!! JayZ and Eminem performing Renegade on Lettermans Rooftop

2010-07-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Trip Lee (Feat. Jai) - The Invasion. This joint is Mad inspiring!!

2010-07-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

cassidy rockin it for Jesus!!

2010-06-11T08:16:00.001-07:00

2010-05-26T04:10:00.001-07:00

its going to be a great day. the best of 2010 has yet to appear.

Stay Wrapped in Him!!!

John Legend and Anderson Cooper on Race

2010-05-22T08:31:00.001-07:00

upcoming events

2010-05-12T09:30:00.001-07:00

for the street fighter fans

2010-05-10T13:00:00.001-07:00

Poetry About Rocks

2010-04-24T03:28:00.001-07:00

a friend, who teaches 6th grade science, called and asked if id write a poem using their current vocabulary list. excited about the challenge i gladly accepted. this isnt my best work but i think its a pretty good story for the allotted time.

Three kings are formed in a time before time
where mineral meets chemical to compose and combine
igneous sedimentary and metamorphic, divine.
through magma and great pressure these rocks crystallize
some above the surface, extrusive keep rise
some beneath the earth, intrusive doth lie.
Priceless ore gems, their stories fossilized
Due to rock cycle We are all diversified

2010-04-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

AFC Drill Team at the Children of Incarcerated Parents Natl Conference

2010 MCP Conference Coverage

The Ambassadors For Christ boys drill & step team was formed in Fall 2009 for the purpose of teaching the basics and fundamentals of military style drill commands and expressive step movement. The students are challenged to positively express themselves and reflect on their own life experiences through call and response drills and creative dance steps. The drill and step classes are designed so that the students can develop the necessary skills to confidently give voice to original ideas, as well as respectfully embrace the ideas of others in a team setting. As a result, participants tend to develop a sense of willingness and personal motivation to listen and respond positively.

Byron Jones, a native of Natchitoches, Louisiana, has formed and worked with drill and step teams for over 12 years. He moved to College Station Texas in 2003 and later moved to Houston where he has resided for the last 2 years. Byron continues to share his skills and talents in his church where he serves as the youth worship coordinator, and throughout many local schools where he is the drill and step team coordinator for Ambassadors For Christ Youth Ministries

For more information please contact Sherrie Young, ED Ambassador’s for Christ syoung@afcyouth.org or 281-536-5475.

Guy Rules

2010-04-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

found this post on a friends page. awesome!!!

Now here are the rules from the male side .
These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered "1"
ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We nee d it up, you need it down.
You don 't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon
or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport.
And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one :
Subtle hints do not work !
Strong hints do not work !
Obvious hints do not work !
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a Problem.
See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact , all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you won 't dress like the Victoria 's Secret girls, don 't Expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are .
Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one .

1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched.
We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don 't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear .

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really .

1. Don 't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation,
or golf .

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

2010-03-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I was in the midst of storm. I repeatedly asked God to change my circumstances. The uncertainty of my situation frightened me. The prayer of my heart was "Lord, save me!" Rather than giving me immediate rescue, God gave me strength to get out of bed in the morning, imparted wisdom so I could answer my children's bewildered questions, and supplied patience so I could avoid rash decisions. God also infused me with forgiveness as I battled bitterness and rage.

As my confidence in God's ability to meet my needs grew, the storm of fear inside me subsided. Eventually, the waves of my circumstances began to calm as well. Jesus' disciples' responded in fear because they did not truly understand who he was. Neither did I. Now I know Christ better, and I trust him more.

Denise Loock (New Jersey

2010-03-24T02:53:00.000-07:00

take one man
Plant one seed
thru one mind opening conversation of one kind
Speak of one faith
one baptism
and one life surrounding one triune God
Teach that one soul of
one death
one burial and one ressurection
And how his one belief in mind
and hearts confession leads to one solid salvation
Just Save One

2010-03-24T02:07:00.000-07:00

Many of us go through life determined to do everything ourselves. In our family, at work, and perhaps especially as we age, we are determined to go it alone and not to be a burden. However, God has created us to live in fellowship with one another. Over time our roles change. Sometimes we are the ones who help, and sometimes we are the ones who receive help. This is the beauty of fellowship in God.

Jennifer Lowell (Virginia, USA)

New stages in our spiritual journey offer new chances to learn and to serve. -Upper Room Devotional

Stay Wrapped In Him

2010-03-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

A place of worship may be functional and plain, or it may have inspiring art on its walls, elaborate decoration, candles on the altar, and more. Is the right decor enough to please God? No.

God wants relationship with us -- to share our burdens, to guide us in times of trouble, to rejoice with us.
Carolyn Wilker (Ontario, Canada)

check Diggy (rev runs son) doing his thing. a true mc indeed

2010-03-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

Diggy - Made you look Freestyle (Flow Stoopid) from Diggy Simmons on Vimeo.

christian rap at its finest. awesome message over fiya beat and hook

2010-03-11T03:13:00.000-08:00

fresh new track from DJ Official and others

2010-03-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Streets Of New York

now is the time

2010-03-05T01:03:00.000-08:00

"go to sleep 20 years old and wake up 50" - old Cliche

James 4:14 (New King James Version)
14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

be careful not to make plans and promises for the future while delaying salavation. Matt 25:13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

if you are here. you are breathing and of healthy mind. now is the acceptable time of salvation. simply confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). its literally that simple.

Stay Wrapped In Him

2010-03-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

"Jesus gave two commandments: love God and love one another. (See Matt. 22:37-40.) Love is stronger than opinions.

I sometimes hear people in church who complain about those whose political perspective is different from theirs. Dialogue might bring healing and understanding. Love could heal separations. Giving others the same right to an opinion that we want for ourselves can take the place of creating walls. When we refuse to fall into the mindset of "us" and "them," we have a better chance of coming to the truth. - Richard Woodard (Washington, DC)

Lord, help us to set love above politics, race, nationality, or anything else that can separate us from one another. Amen.

one of my favorite artists right now Mali Music

2010-03-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Drawing Closer To God

2010-03-01T01:17:00.000-08:00

As we try to grow closer to God, remember that God is already reaching out to us. God is the one who gives us the desire to grow. We just keep showing up, even when we dont particularly feel holy or loving or eager. And we can trust that if we do so God will show up too. - Mary Lou Redding

Daily Devotion: a word of change

2010-02-28T04:50:00.000-08:00

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. -Hebrews 13:8

In a nostalgic moment, I sifted through some of my old journals, pausing to read entries from about this time last year. Speaking to me from those pages was the trustworthy answer: I am not the same. The story doesn’t change: we do. The heart that I had bared in last year’s journaling bears little resemblance to the one which pours out from my pen this year.

Only because of the constancy of the backdrop of seasons could I see the transformation that had occurred. What is new is the me that I bring to the stories of the season. I had moved in God’s direction, surely by God’s design. What better promise could I ever have for the future? For forever?

Wendy Rilling LeBolt (Virginia, USA)

Almighty God, thank you for the seasons and for your promise to be the same today, tomorrow, and forever. Trusting this, may we be transformed into the new creations you want us to be. As Jesus taught us, we pray, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."* Amen.

2010-02-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

what do you know about a break dancing ice skater?!?

Fonzworth Bentley puts a torch to our generation with new song "Fireside Chat"

2010-02-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

2010-02-18T14:34:00.001-08:00

heres the latest from the phenomenal group known as REMNANT. with the help of SCAR theyve managed to create a really soulful/laid back sound. enjoy The Remnant "Know This" feat Scar.

Far Away

2010-02-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

so.. since the very massive and most devastating earthquake in haiti theres been an incredible coming together and supporting of the country by peoples of all nations and wealth. the gospel rap community also contributed to the relief effort by hosting an event benefiting the cause. out of the event Reach Records released a Haiti relief song entitled "Far Away" by Lecrae, available from iTunes right now. All the proceeds from the sale of the track will go to Haiti relief, specifically Churches helping Churches which aims to empower the local churches in Haiti to be centers of relief and hope in Jesus for their community.

The Reform

2009-11-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

catch @Purposedband ministering at Litarodi's "The Reform" album release. hosted by @awalpro 3m Solutions.

Beautiful and inspiring video

2009-11-09T16:54:00.000-08:00

@Wired: A Multimedia Explosion of Poetry, Song, Music and Image

2009-11-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

@Wired: A Multimedia Explosion of Poetry

2009-10-26T19:12:00.001-07:00

Envision a small, poorly lit room complete with makeshift stage, uncomfortable plastic chairs lined in rows and scattered attendants, mostly the poets themselves, looking predictably forlorn as they listen and wait.

You know, not all poetry-related events have to follow the same humdrum formula. Unlike contemporary poetry, where words now run amok, zigzagging across computer screens, the poetry reading has yet to push the boundaries of performance art and dabble in new forms.

Well, until now.

Local poets Radames Ortiz, Lupe Mendez and Byron Jones have joined forces to bring Houston @Wired: A Multimedia Explosion of Poetry. @Wired is a revolutionary approach to exposing the literary masses to a new type of poetry reading. By incorporating social media, music, song, imagery and technology to enhance their poetic performances, @Wired seeks to reconstruct the poetry reading and to engage local creatives to actively participate in making a unique event even more special.

@Wired will be presented 8 p.m. Friday, November 13, at the Rudolph Projects Art Scan Gallery, 1836 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098-3510

(c) brigitte zabak (your name[here]media)

i just wanna be successful

2009-10-22T02:10:00.000-07:00

When King David was about to die, he gave his son, Solomon, the following advice: “Do what the LORD your God commands and follow his teachings. Obey everything written in the Law of Moses. Then you will be a success, no matter what you do or where you go” (1 Kings 2:3 CEV). Notice that David didn’t tell his son to build up his kingdom with great armies, or to gather wealth from other lands, or to defeat his enemies in battle. Instead, his formula for success was to follow God and obey Him. When Solomon became king, he didn’t ask the Lord for wealth and power, but for wisdom and discernment in order to lead God’s people. God was pleased by this request and granted it, giving Solomon a wise and understanding heart, more than any man had ever had before. He also gave Solomon the things he didn’t ask for—riches and honor among men (1 Kings 3:1-14). Solomon took his father’s advice to heart, at least for most of his reign, and reflected on it in his writing in Proverbs: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:1-4 (ESV). (excerpt from GotQuestions.org)

flu prevention

2009-10-22T00:07:00.000-07:00

for those of you who are unable or not at all interested in partaking in the flu shot (h1n1), here is a Flu Prevention Checklist to help avoid the disease.

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In
a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into to
contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so
much of a problem as proliferation is.

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official
communications).

2. "Hands-off-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part
of the face (unless you want to eat, bathe, or slap).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't
trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/
nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple
gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the
same effect on a healthy individual as Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't
underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once a day with
warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very
good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a
day and swabbing nostrils with cotton buds dipped in war, salt water is very
effective in bringing down viral population.

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C.
*If you have to supplement with Vitamin C, make sure that it also has Zinc
to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much warm liquids as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has
the same effect as gargling, but in reverse direction. They wash off
proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot
survive, proliferate or do any harm.

The Great Debate

2009-10-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

so there's a big thing about love songs in the gospel music community.
there are emerging Christians believing it ok and their right to sing about love; justifying themselves by the scripture and belief that "God is Love" (1 john 4:16).
on the other hand, there are others totally against the whole idea. and they are justified by the scripture and belief that "one cannot serve two masters" (mat 6:24).

here's an excerpt from the CNNs "Faces of Faith" featuring Tye Tribbet and PJ Morton.

Where do you stand in the matter? what say ye??

good people

2009-10-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

so, a friend recently asked the question "why do bad things happen to good people? why does it seem that the good die young?" i thought about his question for a moment and replied with a question.. "in Gods eyes, who is to be considered a good person?"

lets be real. we were born into sin and therefore are of sin; and as men we're constantly falling short of His Glory. so if we are all sinners capable of the gravest of sins then who is to say what a good man or woman is or isnt? there is a list of scriptures that reminds us of our imperfections. look them up or get at me or your spiritual guide for help.

so, crazy enough, a better question would be.. "why does God allow good things to happen to bad people?"
in my opinion bad things happen to people of both good and bad intention alike. it seems, to me, like those "good people" have a tendency to complain about the "unfair" happenings more so than the others because they feel theyre undeserving of the bad things.

but those are my thoughts. what are yours?
respond to this post, hit "the spot" or email me:byrondurandjones@gmail.com.

becoming a witness

2009-09-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Good morning world

so i decided to take a brief break from the social networking to pursue a greater study of Christ, and his passion, and stronger faith in God. But in that break i thought.. "how selfish of me!" the whole point of the matter is to witness; to spread the gospel. and with that thought, i will, from this moment forward be sharing those lessons that i encounter with you. that you may, if you so chose, learn and grow with me.

so here is a lesson on how to become a more effective witness.

A “witness” is someone who attests to a fact, so in order to be an effective witness for Christ, one must have first-hand knowledge of Him. John the Apostle speaks of this in 1 John 1:1-3, when he says, “That . . . which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at, and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life.” Today, we who have experienced new life in Christ give an account of His love and forgiveness, both verbally and in the way we live our lives. This is witnessing. To be effective in our witness, we should remember several basic things:

1) the THEME of our witness is Jesus Christ. Paul defined the gospel as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). If we aren’t explaining the sacrifice of Christ, then we’re not really sharing the gospel. (See also 1 Corinthians 2:2 and Romans 10:9-10.) An important part of this theme is the fact that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, not just one of many ways. “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, emphasis added).

2) the POWER of our witness is the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who transforms a life (Titus 3:5), and a transformed life is evident to all. As we witness, we should spend much time in prayer, appropriating the Spirit’s power so that we are enabled to let our light shine in such a way that others will recognize the power of God in us (Matthew 5:16).

3) the VALIDITY of our witness will be shown in how we live our lives. Philippians 2:15 sets this goal for us: “that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” The effective Christian witness will live his/her life above reproach in the power of the Holy Spirit, whose fruit we exhibit when we remain in Christ (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23).

Perhaps most importantly, we must be familiar enough with the Scriptures to be able to accurately and coherently present the gospel to others. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Always being prepared means diligent Bible study, memorizing Scripture, and praying for “divine appointments”—God-given opportunities to share with those whose hearts have been prepared by the Lord to hear His message of salvation.

this message was brought to us by the good folks at gotquestions.org
i pray it helps to strengthen your walk
Stay Wrapped In Him

2009-09-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Purposed

2009-09-01T19:14:00.001-07:00

im a poet. spoken word artist. i, normally, form and control the rhythm with words. im accustomed to the melody being birthed from every syllable escaping my mouth.

soo.. when i had my first performance with a band on aug 30th at the Jet Lounge in Hou tx. i found that it was not as easy as i first assumed. in fact it was as uncomfortable and unfamiliar as my first poetry performance. it was exciting and terrifying all at once. i had massive troubles just holding the mic!! lol.. the whole time i was on stage my friends were scolding me about how to hold it. crazy!! but it was cool. because the "purpose" for our being there was far greater than my jitters.

picture..the atmosphere dark and foggy. dj playing slim thuggas latest mixtape. people chilling at the bar with drink in hand. thugs, proudly tatted and grilled up, get high on the outside then walk inside with mug on mean. Rappers on stage threatening to fight and or kill for drugs, money, and streets they dont even own, while bragging bout all the B's and H's they got doing whatever they want. then suddenly, there we are. a three piece band consisting of drums(Ro), keys(B.Cole), and bass(ADub,godStar), and myself. we step to the stage and Dub announces. "We are not Gangstas.." then goes into this smooth melody singing "all i wanna do is rock for YOU." i follow him with a poem that in so many words say that i spit it for the ministry.

It was freaking AMAZING!! there we were in the heart of the secular world rep'ing our savior. talk about being in the trenches; about going to war and being in the heart of battle. we were there. this wasn't the usual church meeting where all the saints gather and talk about the trinity. nah, this was a band of brothers being bold enough to stand up and, instead of continue preaching to the choir, take what they learned from those bible meetings to the streets. with songs like "Thank You" and "i live my life for you" followed by chants screaming "we do it for Him" we became the example.

it was at that very moment that i came to understand that what we were doing was far greater than being comfortable, or doing anything i had done before. we had become as John the baptist speaking Gods great news in the wilderness. we were Paul on his missionary journey. we became evangelists, preachers, fishers of men, true men of faith and godly valor. call it what you want but i say we simply strapped on our armor and went to war..becoming soldiers.

"i spit this to educate every man about a messiah and his disciples who chose to leave all they know to become fishers of men instead of the sea. letting their lights so shine that they became the beacon of hope that guides every willing man to a heavenly oasis" "i spit this for a love of people, a passion for ministry, and a dedication to a risen savior. We Are Purposed!!!"

dudes like this be the future of gospel rap

2009-07-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

interview with GOATtv.com

2009-07-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

remembering/learning purpose

2009-07-14T01:32:00.000-07:00

sometimes we grow weary in doing the right thing or working to live "the right/christian way." sometimes the straight and narrow path is lonlier than others. there are even times when "the heavy load," that we so proudly bear, seems to be more than we can handle.

but its in those times that we are to get to ourselves, our secret places, and seek God for peace, strength, and purpose. here is an execerpt from gotquestions.org to encourage your faith walk.

The Bible is very clear as to what our purpose in life should be. Men in both the Old and New Testaments sought for and discovered life’s purpose. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, discovered the futility of life when it is lived only for this world. He gives these concluding remarks in the book of Ecclesiastes: "Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Solomon says that life is all about honoring God with our thoughts and lives and thus keeping His commandments, for one day we will stand before Him in judgment. Part of our purpose in life is to fear God and obey Him.

In Psalm 73, Asaph talks about how he was tempted to envy the wicked who seemed to have no cares and built their fortunes upon the backs of those they took advantage of, but then he considered their ultimate end. In contrast to what they sought after, he states in verse 25 what mattered to him: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you" (verse 25). To Asaph, a relationship with God mattered above all else in life. Without that relationship, life has no real purpose.

The apostle Paul talked about all he had achieved religiously before being confronted by the risen Christ, and he concluded that all of it was like a pile of manure compared to the excellence of knowing Christ Jesus. In Philippians 3:9-10, Paul says that he wants nothing more than to know Christ and “be found in Him,” to have His righteousness and to live by faith in Him, even if it meant suffering and dying. Paul’s purpose was knowing Christ, having a righteousness obtained through faith in Him, and living in fellowship with Him, even when that brought on suffering (2 Timothy 3:12). Ultimately, he looked for the time when he would be a part of the "resurrection from the dead."

Our purpose in life, as God originally created man, is 1) glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him, 2) have good relationships with others, 3) work, and 4) have dominion over the earth. But with man's fall into sin, fellowship with God is broken, relationships with others are strained, work seems to always be frustrating, and man struggles to maintain any semblance of dominion over nature. Only by restoring fellowship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, can purpose in life be rediscovered.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 (NIV)

Stay Wrapped in Him

2009-07-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

if i haven't already, allow me to introduce the love of my life.

my son
Micah Hollis Jones 1yr.

Warrant for Worship

2009-07-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

Quinton Lasker and Byron Jones, LaNes. doing what we do in Christ. shouts to Spirit Groove Austin, Tx. Catch them Every 1st Friday hosting a christian open mic.

be encouraged

2009-07-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

"This is a year of completion. Whatever you have been working /laboring for whether knowingly or unknowingly throughout the course of the years its a full circle; Speak to the situation by faith and see what the Lord is capable of doing.

Your mouth is a weapon, speak and it shall be .surround yo’self with positive people, those that are there to build you. Just amazing. I am speaking to my circumstances and You Speak to yours. You got the power!!

I know I took too long now back to my awesome journey..Waaasup hope you are still with me yeah!!

Remember my main aim of writing is to encourage you in whatever way i.e. to feel you can do something and even tho’ it seems like a little it is worth the time."

these words are from a great friend. they helped me in a dark time and i pray they will help you too.

p.s.

for those who follow me regurly i promise to get back to the weekly posts.
love you
stay wrapped in him.

artistry of art

2009-06-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

WANDERLUST
Painting by Ryan Geiger
Poetry by Byron Jones

There are no thoughts for my condition
my being, drained
countenance- Lackluster, void, blank
I am empty
Internally hollow
an elixir pumped directly from the heart, whether magically or spiritually empowered,
maintains this…this… existence
this shell, of a man.
Lost in himself
Trapped within his nightmares
he longs to escape this somehow self imposed
imprisoned state of being.
Suddenly, a star appears
Now a sensation
a twitch
or perhaps a pulling on the exterior
my once lifeless lower extremities somehow altered
strengthened
a starling now guides my dreams
directs my path
as it tugs at me
each touch brings about a change
a transformation
as my arms extend and become winged
I become free
No longer wanderlust
I take flight
Grabbing hold of my freedom
I become that which freed me.

having fun

2009-05-29T02:27:00.000-07:00

Glorifying God in death

2009-05-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

"Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me!" (John 21:18-19)It is a sobering thing to be told by your Master and friend that you will die in his service. It was oblique, but Peter probably got the message. And who knows what look was on Jesus' face when he said it. But such is the price of following Jesus Christ. -John Piper

Wow... I often pray, "Lord, be glorified in my life" "that the work I do and have done would speak for me." we're even taught as youngsters that all we do is for the glory of God and the lives we live should represent Him. but when are we asked "what kind of death would glorify God?" and when does one stop to ask themselves this question?

We read and hear tales of amazing people giving their lives for what they believe. Martyrs, Both adults and children, gladly stare in the face of death in the name of Christianity. Even converted muslims risk being killed daily for their dedicated belief in the Christ.

But what about me? Or you? What about those of us who, our entire lives, have known no other lifestyle than that of Christianity? Was taught, in depth, about no other God than the father of Jesus the Christ?

How will you glorify God in death??

are we for God or Show

2009-05-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

see we dont do it for the fame nor the recognition/ but we do it for God/ vowing to live and die for the call/ we are pilgrims marching through this barren land/ evangelizing and teaching, enriching the souls of man/ even when alone and shattered we hold fast to our confessions of faith/ leaning not to our own understanding but learning to be content in whatever state/ stiring the gifts within us/ unconcerned with the traditionalists stance against us/ for weve come to minister to the lost/ give word to the unlearned by any means necessary!! -Byron Jones

i am most assured of Gods love and power when someone comes to me testifying of His saving grace through our ministry. when we can, through christian rap, spoken word poetry, even dance, reach out and touch those who are otherwise unimpressed or uninterested in God or His word, then we have truly accomplished the said and thought to be impossible.

whatever a mans reason for reping God, that one soul he reaches out to and helps to save at any given time is accepted in the Kingdom with rejoicing.

We are not a lost generation!!!

(this blog was also shared with the http://www.reeltalk.org/ family. become a member of a christian community focusing on the needs of YOU. amen)

ministry

2009-05-08T07:52:00.001-07:00

I was a part of a growing ministry. a church with a very bright future. I was a youth leader, a member of the drill team, over a successful mime ministry, in several choirs, and at age 22 I was elected the youngest deacon in the churches 280yr history. but I wasn't growing spiritually. I was stagnant in my ministry.

Being a devout man of God, I refused to give in. I wanted to soar in my walk with Him. so I prayed and prayed and sought after direction until one day I heard the voice of God speak to me as clear as blue skies after a storm. He told me to "move." that's it, "move." but I can't just leave, I thought. This church is everything to me. Its my home, my friend, my family. The pastor was like the father and mentor I never had and I loved him as such. How could I leave? But the more I thought about how comfortable id become the more I came to the realization that it was time to "move." still afraid, I continued going to church, praying, and worshiping God until I could no longer run from the ensuing command. After counsel from a neighboring minister I found the courage to do as I felt I was being commanded. I moved

I left my home church in search of a closer walk with God. But in doing so I never stopped to think about what consequences would come from this action. I was lied on, talked about. It was said that I was chasing a woman rather than Gods spirit. I was said to be gay. My pastor, the man I would call daddy, called asking for the certificate of ordination. Saying that if I wasn't apart of that church, I wasn't apart of the brotherhood. I didn't fight it. I returned the certificate to the pastor who then looked me in the face and stated sternly that I would never be successful in anything. This, again, was a man I called daddy. He didn't wish me luck, he didn't try to change my mind, he didn't try to advise me in any way, he didn't even pray for me. He instead wish death on all I looked to accomplish.

I was crushed. I felt betrayed, let down, alone. I left my apartment walking. I walked and cried and walked until I came to a familiar church having a service. I went in and fell at the alter. I prayed and cried and asked God for the strength to carry on my mission to be closer to Him. Now, after 6yrs, a lot of prayer, and much soul searching, I find myself ministering to more people than most pastors. And I do it by the grace of God through poetry. Talking about amazing!!

God took me from not going to church, to having a part in growing a youth ministry, to becoming so comfortable in that ministery that I had to be moved and severely broken in order to find a higher calling traveling the states ministering through poetry.

What did I learn from it all? That my time is not Gods time. That my plan for life is not to be compared with His overall picture. That my suffering is never in vain and if I am just brave enough to hold on until the end I will arise in a greater peace, a complete joy, and a greater purpose in God. Ive learned that my greatest purpose came from my deepest pain.

Glory to God.

2009-04-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

My name, is son
and yours, is of faith
and together, we are "V"ictory

Stay Wrapped in Him