who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

what's keith WATCHING?

 

Selena is now the most beautiful girl in the world.

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

does keith HAVE #THATPOWER?

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

what's keith WATCHING?

what's keith's FAVORITE FOUNDATION?

 

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet +: A shine controlling, oil free, water-resistant, complete coverage liquid foundation.

What It Is Formulated To Do: Hide imperfections, even out skintone, and mattify with a non-oily, perfectly powdered finish.

Why I Like It:  It truly stands up to heat and humidity while providing full coverage.  I've worn this out on 100 degree weather days and it stayed put through intense sweating and all.  I use No. 80-Cognac, which is a little darker than my skin tone, and I apply it on the outer perimeters of my face and under my cheek bones (where I need the most coverage) for a sculpted look.  A little goes a long way. 

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith USING?

 

I'm sure that by now just about everyone has tried Neutrogena's Oil Free Acne Wash pink grapefruit facial cleanser and I am no exception.  I have been using this product off and on since its debut in 2008.  I would have to say that it is an exceptional cleanser with a nice lather and a very addictive smell.  It leaves my skin feeling clean and void of dirt and oil without overdrying.  There is one caveat though and that would be the packaging.  If not sitting upright the product will leak out of the bottom of the pump making this product unideal for throwing in your gym bag.  Otherwise, there's no question why it's an Allure Reader's Choice Award Winner. 

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

why is keith LAUGHING OUT LOUD?

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

what's keith WATCHING?

how does keith TAME HIS FLY-AWAYS?

why does keith GET SO MANY COMPLIMENTS?

I'm addicted to mouthwash and because of that my teeth are as white as snow.  The trick is to leave the mouthwash in your mouth for a few minutes.  I usually shower while doing so. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plus I make sure that I floss every night. 

 

Now if only I could stop eating so much candy, I wouldn't have as many cavities. 



what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?



what's keith READING?

WHOLE LOTTA LOVE

Say I like a boy who I know I shouldn't text but really want to--what would she suggest?  "What's your gut telling you?  That's the first question I'm going to ask," she says.  "Because what you want to do usually is what you should do.  Even if the path you're going down is like a sinking ship.  If you want to be on that sinking ship, you have to follow it all the way down to the bottom of the ocean, down into the sediment of it all, until you don't want to be on it anymore."

 

Elle March 2013

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

how can keith TAKE YOUR FUCKING ORDER?

So, I had to go to work yesturday afternoon, and when I got there I was assigned to the back booth, the first window one would come to when going through the McDonald's drive-thru.  Basically my job was to take orders and accept payment and you would never guess who drove up to my window.  It was the man that took my virginity.  He's a middle-aged guy named George (if that's his real name).  A month before my nineteenth birthday, he was the first guy to ever fully penetrate me.  When he pulled up to my window and while I gave him his order total, I thought this guy looked very familiar.  And then it hit me all of two seconds later.  It was George (if that's his real name).  I hand him back his change and then he asks if Mario was working.  I looked at him with a kind of inquisitive expression and shook my head No.  I remember thinking Noone by that name works here.  But then I thought about it and who he was really asking for was Marvin, an out and about gay co-worker. 

Luckily, George did not even seem to recognize me which is a good thing.  While he was my first, he's definitely no one special.  You see he's pretty successful--he owns an auto body shop.  The only problem is that he plays a lot of games and the only thing he's really after is sex.  And let's not even mention the fact that he's a closet case, although that's pretty understandable being as though he's originally from Africa.  I changed my phone number a good four years ago and I hoped I would never see him again.  I just used him for money or at least I tried to back when I was a freshman at Morgan State.  He never seemed to want to pay up though so I just let him go.  Good ridens.  Trust me when I say that Marvin is definitely a better fit for him.

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith WATCHING?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith USING?

From one of my most trusted skin care brands, RoC brings an anti-aging power duo--RoC Retinol Correxion MAX Wrinkle Resurfacing System.  Step 1 smoothes deep wrinkles while delivering a dose of retinol, while Step 2 helps remove the upper layer of dead skin without any irritation.  This system claims to erase the signs of aging and improve skin smoothness and tone among other things.  Well my take on this system is quite simple.  It is amazing.  I've noticed a slight reduction in wrinkles however that's not my main concern.  I have a problem with my uneven skin tone and this product works quite well and delivers great results.  By far this is the best night skin care regimen that I have tried on the market.  RoC never seems to let me down.  

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

keith, IS THIS SOME KIND OF CONSPIRACY?

Today was another one of those days.  I had the day off of work so I woke up pretty late--I'd say around 2:00 PM.  I hit up Security Square Mall to do one of my favorite past times--shopping.  I got home around 10:00 PM and that's when the shit hit the fan.  I saw that Richard wore a pair of my new shoes.  I was so pissed.  I called him and cursed hiss ass off and he was at his usual spot--The Drinkery. 

 

So when you know he got home it was on, right?  Right.  It was on like popcorn.  I yelled at him and he got in my face, spitting like he usually does.  So I got in his face and spit back.  He pushed me, I pushed him and it was on like we had twelve rounds in The Garden.  I grab the fire extinguisher and try to hit him with it as he's calling the police.  He's putting on a show for the operator.  I mean the whole nine. 

 

When the police finally show up all of a couple minutes later, I'm in the basement trying to clean everything up.  We got the dust from the fire extinguisher everywhere including on myself.  The police come downstairs with their guns drawn asking to see my hands.  They check me for weapons and then instruct me to go upstairs.  To make a long story short, I almost went to jail this morning.  I guess the few scratches I put on him made me out to look like the suspect.  Luckily Richard decided not to press charges but he did fill out a police report so he can always go and get a warrant out for my arrest whenever he feels the need to.

 

I'm so tired of this shit.  Here I am thinking my life is going pretty well and once again, I'm faced with some more drama.  The only reason I put up with this is because I really don't have any other place to go.  And as far as Richard and I are concerned, we are REALLY over.  I know I've said it a hundred times by now but it's just not working.  Now that I look back on it, I really shouldn't have gone off on him for wearing my shoes but he knew better.  Richard ultimately knew that it was going to start an argument which is kind of what he wanted.  He wanted a confrontation.  You see he claims he's been plotting my exit, if you know what I mean. 

 

I can't believe it though.  I'm so embarrassed and once again, I'm made out to look like the bad guy.  We got the other roommates involved this time.  It's just a mess and I look so stupid.  Plus that was the first time that I've ever had a gun drawn on me.  You should have seen the two officers come down the steps like I was some kind of criminal.  What do I do?

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what movie is keith RENTING FROM THE REDBOX?

2.5/5

 

Love makes time pass, but time is certain to make love pass.

why is keith LAUGHING HIS ASS OFF?

why is keith LAUGHING OUT LOUD?

how was keith's EASTER?

 

My Easter Sunday was pretty whack.  I worked--nothing new.  #IHATEMYJOB  On top of that, Richard's mother, Mary Neal, died that day.  The doctor's say that her body just shut down.  I honestly don't get it being as though she was fine when she was living with us.  She had dementia, but I just can't see her deteriorating to the point of death in all of a few months.  Who knew?

 

Today, I was off and I decided to do some retail therapy, so I caught the bus on over to Towson Town Center and hit up my favorite store--H&M.  Unfortunately, they didn't have much.  I guess shoppers bought all the good clothes right before Easter.  But you would never guess who I saw there.  And the funny thing was that I had some kind of feeling that I would run into him today.  Teon damn near chased me down the mall.  He spotted me as I was walking past the food court and he caught up with me on the steps at H&M.  It was so good seeing him.  We did our usual playful banter for all of four minutes.  He asked me if I missed him and I said that I did.  I guess I still got it because he couldn't keep his hands off me.

 

After standing in the bitter cold on the bus stop for all of an hour I got home around 08:30 PM.  Richard got home a little over an hour later and he came with his friend, Christopher Roane, in tow.  And he said that Chris will be staying with us for a little while.  And you know the shit hit the fan.  How in the hell are three people going to stay in one small room.  The room is too small for Richard and I which is part of the reason we fight all the time.  Plus I'm not even supposed to be living here, so how in the world are we going to induct a third party.  Where's our privacy?  How are the other tenants going to react?  This is fucking crazy and I just don't know how I'm going to manage.  In the words of Rachel Zoe, I die and not for fashion. 

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

what's keith WATCHING ON HULU?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith WATCHING?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith USING?

what's keith WATCHING?

will keith LOSE HIS DIGNITY?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

what movie is keith RENTING FROM THE REDBOX?



2.5/5

At some point you have to choose between life and fiction.  The two are very close but they never actually touch.  They are two very, very different things.

 

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith WATCHING?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith READING?

TRUE WORSHIP . . . . . Revelation 19:1-10 Praise is the heartfelt response to God by those who love him.  The more you get to know God and realize what he has done, the more you will respond with praise.  Praise is at the heart of true worship.  Let your praise of God flow out of your realization of who he is and how much he loves you. 

what's keith READING?

SEXUAL SIN . . . . . Revelation 2:20 Why is sexual immorality serious?  Sex outside marriage always hurts someone.  It hurts God because it shows that we prefer to follow our own desires instead of God’s Word.  It hurts others because it violates the commitment so necessary to a marriage relationship.  It hurts us because it often brings disease to our body and harms our personality.  Sexual sin has tremendous power to destroy families, communities, and even nations because it destroys the relationships upon which these institutions are built.  God wants to protect us from hurting ourselves and others, so we should have no part in sexual immorality, even if our society says it’s all right. 

what's keith READING?

 

ASK E. JEAN

?  How can I find my passion?  I'm so stressed about finding the right road, the only thing I'm sure is that I'm not where I should be.

 

! Here's the way: Run down as many paths--straight, winding, high, wide, narrow--as you can.  Get going, my girl!  Run!  Fly!  Try them all!  Take them all!  One day, you'll look down and see that your path is following you. 

 

 

January 2013

what's keith READING?

 

A TEST . . . . . 1 John 4:20-21 It is easy to say we love God when it doesn’t cost us anything more than weekly attendance at a religious service.  But the real test of our love for God is how we treat the people right in front of us—our family members and fellow believers.  We cannot truly love God while neglecting to love those who are created in his image. 

so what's keith BEEN READING?

Enoch Pratt Library Herring Run Branch

The Cartel 2 by Ashley & JaQuavis

The Cartel 3: The Last Chapter by Ashley & JaQuavis

145th Street: Short Stories by Walter Dean Myers

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang by Ashley & JaQuavis

The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

I Hate Everyone. . . Starting With Me by Joan Rivers

Snapped by Tina Brooks McKinney

The Celluloid Closet by Vito Russo

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Student's Life Application Bible

The List Continues HERE.

what's keith READING?

CUT DOWN . . . . . 1 Peter 3:9 in our sinful world, it is acceptable to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt.  Remembering Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), Peter encourages his readers to pay back wrongs by praying for the offenders.  In God’s kingdom, revenge is unacceptable behavior.  So is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done.  Rise above getting back at those who hurt you.  Instead, pray for them.

who's in keith's PHOTO ALBUM?

what's keith READING?

SAY WHAT . . . . . James 3:2-3 What you say and what you don’t say are both important.  Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but also controlling your desire to say what you shouldn’t.  Examples of wrongly using the tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying.  Before you speak, ask, “is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind?”

is keith TAKING ONE STEP AT A TIME?

Our Daily Bread Employment Center

It has been a little over a year since I have even stepped foot inside of the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Housing & Resource Center. Thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and my on again/off again boyfriend, Richard Hunt, I have had a warm place to lay my head each and every night. I'm taking control of my finances by waking up every afternoon and catching the 22 Bus to my grueling and tiring job at McDonald's.  I'm taking control of my health by taking my antiviral drugs everyday as prescribed.  I'm mending relationships old and new. I'm truly taking control of my life. I'm not perfect and I'm nowhere close to where I want to be just yet but I'm definitely headed in the right direction. All I can do is take one step at a time like Jordin Sparks and remain a humble and honest person. I'm putting all my trust in the Lord because I know that he has already prepared the way, I just have to take heed.

I recently saw the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith. It's been all of a few years since I've seen the film (I actually have the DVD) and it really struck a nerve more so that it did the first few times I watched it. I'm quite sure it's because I'm truly living the same experience. I've finally experienced a traumatic low point in my life where I really didn't see any sign of hope and miraculously and out of nowhere the holes in my life began to mend on their own. When I first saw The Pursuit of Happyness, I had no idea how it was to live inside of a homeless shelter and now I do and I've made it through to the other side. The end of this saga hasn't come yet and I have not been able to truly say that I've found happyness but I can say that I'm moving one day closer to my dreams. I just hope and pray that I stay on track this time.



what's keith WATCHING?

what's keith READING?

BE THERE . . . . . Hebrews 10:25 To neglect Christian meetings is to give up the encouragement and help of other Christians.  We gather together to share our faith and strengthen each other in the Lord.  As we get closer to the time of Christ’s return, we may face many spiritual struggles, tribulations, and even persecution.  Anti-Christian forces will grow in strength.  Difficulties should never be excuses for missing church services.  Rather, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be faithful in attendance.

what's keith WATCHING?

what's keith READING?

FORGIVEN . . . . . Philemon 10, 16 Paul asked Philemon not only to forgive his runaway slave who had become a Christian, but to accept him as a brother.  As Christians, we should forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:31-32).  True forgiveness means that we treat the person we’ve forgiven as we would want to be treated.  Is there someone you say you have forgiven, but who still needs your kindness?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith READING?

ARGUMENTS . . . . . Titus 3:9-11 Paul warns Titus, as he warned Timothy, not to get involved in foolish and unprofitable disputes (2 Timothy 2:14).  This does not mean that we should refuse to study, discuss, and examine different interpretations of difficult Bible passages.  Paul is warning against petty quarrels, not honest discussion that leads to wisdom.  When foolish arguments develop, it is best to either turn the discussion back to a track that is going somewhere or to politely excuse yourself. 

what's keith WATCHING?

why is keith BEING SUCH A HO?



Once again, I'm walking down Greenmount Avenue, on my way home from work, and someone offers me a ride.  I told the guy "I'm good," as he followed me down the street.  He proceeds to make a U-turn and called me over to his car.  It's raining cats and dogs outside, so I figure why not?  To make a long story short, he wanted the usual--a blow job.  And once again, I gave in.  This guy's name is Chris and he wasn't all that bad.  He's yet another DL nigga scoping the streets for some head, as he bluntly says.  We did the act in a back alley off of Bel Air Road.  He tried to fuck me but the condom broke so that was a No-Go.  Instead I gave him the head of his dreams as he came in my mouth.  Afterwards, he drove me home and I gave him my number.  Tomorrow, he wants to finish what we started, but we'll see. 

 

This is the second guy in a weeks time that I gave an oral transaction in the front seat of his car with no reciprocation.  I blew off and Indian by the name of KC who works part-time as a delivery man for Papa Johns.  He has called me a few times since but I refuse to answer. 

 

It looks like I'm just being a used, but in a strange way I don't mind.  I'm not getting any action anyhow.  I'm so naive because I keep hoping that one of these rides will hold my Prince Charming--a gentlemen, if you will.  But all I seem to get are thirsty DL guys, and once I get into their cars, I feel pressure to do whatever they tell me to do out of fear that I'll end up stranded somewhere.  I don't know if I'll ever learn, but what's wrong with a little fun for now.

what's keith READING?

RUN . . . . . 2 Timothy 2:22 Running away is sometimes considered cowardly.  But wise people realize that removing themselves physically from temptations is often very wise.  Timothy, a young man, was warned to run from anything that produced evil thoughts.  Perhaps you experience a recurring temptation that is difficult to resist.  Remove yourself physically from the situation.  Knowing when to run is as important in a spiritual battle as knowing when and how to fight.  (See also 1 Timothy 6:11.)

what's keith READING?

MONEY CYCLE . . . . . 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Despite almost overwhelming evidence to the contrary, some people still believe money brings happiness.  Rich people craving greater riches can be caught in an endless cycle that only ends in ruin and desperation.  How can you avoid the love of money?  Paul gives us some principles: (1) realize that one day riches will all be gone (1 Timothy 6:7, 1 Timothy 17); (2) be content with what you have (1 Timothy 6:8); (3) watch what you are willing to do to get more money (1 Timothy 6:9-10); (4) love people and God’s work more than money (1 Timothy 6:11); (5) freely share what you have with others (1 Timothy 6:18).  (See also Proverbs 30:7-9.)

what's keith WATCHING?

what's keith READING?

YOUR FAMILY . . . . . 1 Timothy 5:8 Almost everyone has relatives, family of some kind.  Family relationships are so important in God’s eyes, Paul says, that a person who neglects his or her family responsibilities has denied the faith.  Are you doing your part to meet the needs of those included in your family circle?  Even your little brothers and sisters?

what's keith READING?

INNER TUGS . . . . . 1 Timothy 1:19 How can you keep a good conscience?  Treasure your faith in Christ more than anything else and do what you know is right.  Each time you deliberately ignore your conscience, you are hardening your heart.  Soon your capacity to tell right from wrong will disappear.  But when you walk with God, he is able to speak to you through your conscience, letting you know the difference between right and wrong.  Be sure to act on those inner tugs to do what is right—then your conscience will remain clear. 

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith READING?

PERSIST . . . . . Colossians 4:2 Have you ever grown tired of praying for something or someone?  Paul says, “Devote yourselves to prayer.”  Vigilance demonstrates our faith that God answers our prayers.  Faith shouldn’t die if the answers don’t come immediately, for the delay may be God’s way of working his will in your life.  When you feel weary in your prayers, know that God is present, always listening, always acting—maybe not in ways you had hoped, but in ways that he knows are best. 

what's keith WATCHING?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith READING?

LOOK AT JESUS . . . . . Galatians 6:4 When you do your very best, you feel good about the results, and there is no need to compare yourself with others.  People make comparisons for many reasons.  Some point out others’ flaws in order to feel better about themselves.  Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well.  When you are tempted to compare, look at Jesus Christ.  His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your goals. 

is keith ON THE PURSUIT TO HAPPYNESS?

It has been a little over a year since I have even stepped foot inside of the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Housing & Resource Center.  Thanks to my Lord and Savoir, Jesus Christ, and my on again/off again boyfriend, Richard Hunt, I have had a warm place to lay my head each and every night.  I've even had a steady job for all of three months now.  I'm successfully contolling my HIV status.  I'm mending relationships old and new.  And I'm truly on the Pursuit to a better life.  I'm not perfect and I'm nowhere close to where I want to be just yet but I'm definitely headed in the right direction.  All I can do is take one step at a time and remain a humble and honest person.  I'm putting all my trust in the Lord because I know that he has already prepared the way, I just have to take heed. 

I recently saw the movie, The Persuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith.  It's been all of a few years since I've seen the film (I actually own the DVD.) and it really struck a nerve moreso that it did the first few times I watched it.  I'm quite sure it's because I'm truly living the same experience.  I've finally experienced a tramatic low point in my life where I really didn't see any sign of hope and just out of nowhere, the hole began to mend all by itself.  When I first saw The Persuit of Happyness, I had no idea how it was to live inside of a homeless shelter and now I do and I can finally say that I've made it through to the other side.  This saga has yet to come to a close and I have not been able to truly say that I've found happyness, but I can say that I'm moving closer to it each and every day.  I just hope that I don't take anymore U-turns, if you know what I mean.   

what's keith READING?

LOVE . . . . . Galatians 5:14-15 When we are not motivated by love, we become critical of others.  We stop looking for good in them and see only their faults.  Soon the unity of believers becomes broken.  Have you talked behind someone’s back?  Have you focused on others’ shortcoming instead of their strengths?  Remind yourself of Jesus’ command to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39).  When you begin to feel critical of someone, make a list of that person’s positive qualities.  And don’t say anything behind his back that you wouldn’t say to his face. 

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith READING?

THE POINT . . . . . 2 Corinthians 8:2 While on his third missionary journey, Paul was collecting money for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem.  The churches in Macedonia—Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea—gave money even though they were poor, and they gave more than Paul expected.  This was sacrificial giving; they were poor themselves, but they wanted to help.  The point of gibing is not the amount we give, but why and how we gibe.  God wants us to gibe as these churches did—out of dedication to him, love for fellow believers, the joy of helping those in need, and because it is right to do so.  How does your giving measure up?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

keith, WHAT IS LOVE?

If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.  (2) If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would I be?  And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody.  (3) If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

 

(4) Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful or proud (5) or rude.  Love does not demand its own way.  Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.  (6) It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  (7) Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

 

(8) Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear.  (9) Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little!  (10) But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.

 

 (11) It’s like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does.  But when I grew up, I put away childish things.  (12) Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.  All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.

 

(13) There are three things that will endure—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 

 

1 Corinthians: Chapter 13

The New Living Translation

what's keith READING?

THE BEST . . . . . 1 Corinthians 10:33 Paul’s criterion was not what he like best, but what was best for those around him.  There are several hurtful attitudes toward others: (1) being insensitive and doing what we want, no matter who is hurt by our actions; (2) being oversensitive and doing nothing, for fear someone may be displeased; (3) being a “yes person” by going along with everything, trying to gain approval from people rather than from God.  In this age of “me first” and “looking out for number one,” Paul’s startling statement is a good standard.  When we make the good of others one of our primary goals, we develop a servant’s heart. 

what's on keith's MUSIC PLAYLIST?

what's keith READING?

Ultimate Issues

AIDS: WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?         There are few more explosive topics in America than AIDS.  Conservatives believe AIDS is God’s judgment on certain sinners.  Gay rights groups and others scream just as loudly that this is a medical issue, not a moral one.  Who’s right?  And how should Christians respond to this overwhelming problem?      In one sense, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is primarily a medical issue.  The AIDS virus attacks the body’s immune system, making the body defenseless against the diseases a healthy person’s immune system would destroy.  AIDS is an “equal opportunity” NIGHTMARE—it affects everyone: young, old, male, female, gay, or straight.    If AIDS isn’t a punishment from God, why has it hit the male gay community and IV drug abusers so hard?  The answer is that gay men and IV drug abusers participate in activities that pass the virus from person to person very effectively.  God hasn’t singled out particular groups for special judgment; rather, those people engage in activities that are particularly risky in regard to the transmission of AIDS. God created the universe to run in accordance with NATURAL LAWS, like gravity, inertia, etc.  When your try to defy those laws, you lose.  You may not like the law of gravity, but jump off a building and you will—like it or not—encounter it.  There are natural laws governing human behavior, too.  One such law is that your body is not made for sexual promiscuity.  Violate that law and you RISK contracting AIDS or other diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, etc.).  Likewise, your body was not made to handle large amounts of drugs.  Continually inject them into your veins and you probably will experience a lot of physical problems—one of which may be AIDS.       So it’s not that God is using AIDS to “get” certain kinds of people.  AIDS simply is a natural—though terrifying—result of human behavior that goes against God’s design for our lives.  Those who believe AIDS is a special divine judgment simply don’t understand the reality of their own sin.  As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 143:1-2, “Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea!  Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.  Don’t bring your servant to trial!  Compared to you, no one is perfect.”       A cure for AIDS is still years away; but even if it weren’t, the only reasonable, Christian response is to follow God’s standards for sexual morality.  Sex is made for marriage only—to be kept in the context of a faithful, monogamous relationship between husband and wife.  Anything else is unbiblical, sinful, and potentially fatal.  Likewise, we must reaffirm God’s ownership of our body by not abusing it with drugs.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you? . . . God bought you with a high price.  So you must honor God with your body.”  Where we have failed to live up to this, we need to confess our sins, repent, and ask God’s forgiveness.

 

Many Christians also need to confess their judgmental attitudes toward persons with AIDS.  There is no room in Christianity for feelings of superiority or self-righteousness.  Jesus had strong words for those who were guilty of spiritual pride, of thinking they were better than others.  Our response toward anyone with this terrible disease should be concern, compassion, and a hand reaching out to ease his or her pain and distress.          Isn’t that how Jesus deals with people, regardless of their sins?

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what's keith READING?

Ultimate Issues

HOMOSEXUALITY       If you’re like most American teenagers, the day you get your driver’s license and can take the car out for a drive—alone—is a day you dream (or dreamed) of.  Before that, Mom, Dad, or the driving teacher rode “shotgun” to make sure you drove safely.  But now, with your license, you’re on your own.  The thrill or freedom and the increased sense of responsibility make you feel more like an adult.  No one will tell you when to stop or remind you to use your turn signal.  It’s up to you. Suppose you decide that, contrary to everything you’ve been told up to now, you want to drive on the left-hand side of the road.  (Remember, we’re talking about the U.S., not England or Hong Kong.)  You will quickly encounter serious opposition to your choice of driving style (like a head-on collision).  You can either learn from your observations and experiences, or you can insist that you have the right to drive however you wish, and whatever happens, happens.          When it comes to driving, it’s pretty obvious what the wisest choice is.  Here in Romans 1, Paul addresses and issue that seems equally clear-cut, and yet men and women have struggled with it since Adam and Eve were evicted from Eden.  The issue is homosexuality.        Paul argues that all people everywhere are without excuse in knowing that there is a God.  Proclaiming that nature itself reveals its Creator, Paul then begins a scathing rebuke against people who deny God and HIS PLAN FOR CREATION.  Paul has particularly harsh words for those who engage in the sins of idolatry and homosexuality.  These people, he writes, go against God’s design for human sexuality, and in so doing will experience drastic consequences for their behavior.  Like our fictional teenage driver, men and women who practice homosexuality experience tremendous oppositions—socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  Yet they ignore all these warning signs.  Sooner or later, though, they will CRASH AND BURN.    Two important messages need to be given on the subject of homosexuality.  One is for our society, which has lost any meaningful idea of sin, righteousness, holiness, and truth.  That message is that all lifestyles are not acceptable.  Some lifestyles—such as alcoholism, or materialism . . . or homosexuality—are wrong; they are sinful.  Those who engage in such behaviors should come to God in confession and repentance and ask for forgiveness and healing.      The second message is for the church (meaning all Christians).  What they need to understand is that while homosexuality is sin, it is not the unforgiveable sin.  God love homosexuals just as much as he loves other sinners.  Jesus’ death on the cross paid for the sin of homosexuality, just as it paid for the sins of lying, greed, lust, hate, and pride.  It has been said—and it is true—that the church is a HOSPITAL FOR SINNERS, not a showcase for saints.  It is a place where those caught in the sin of homosexuality can come to be freed and forgiven.  It is a place where believers who have committed the sins of hatred, prejudice, and self-righteousness toward homosexuals need to go to ask the Lord for forgiveness and healing.  Homosexuals, like all sinners, stand guilty before God.  If that were the whole story, there would be no hope.  The great message of Romans—and the entire Bible—is that there is hope for sinners of all kinds through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He is the one who will set us free, regardless of our sin.