Growing in Christ; Maturing in Life

I woke up with the flu this morning and knew that it would be an issue to compile notes over the next few days, so I've recorded an episode about how my day has left me questioning why I have faith in God...Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we have a brief look at genealogies in the Bible before I clarify on my statements, regarding Will and Jada Smith, on how men create environments for women.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we look at the manslaughter of Cain and the falling away from God by society as a whole, with women forced to become barren and the worshipping of God profaned.  We also look at the thematic, as opposed to sequential structure of Genesis 1-4. We wrap up with a small thought on Jada & Will after the debacle at the Oscars.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we look at how and why Cain killed Abel and the punishment that he faced.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we take a final look at this pivotal chapter and look at the curses that Adam, Eve and the serpent brought on themselves due to the events at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we discuss relationships. We also look at the emotions and the feelings that Adam and Eve must have experienced for the first time as they prepare to face the consequences of their actions.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we begin to take a look at the fall of man.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we discuss what the garden of Eden was like and what Adam's role was in the garden. We discuss the need for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life. We also discuss the creation of Eve and the beginning of human relationships.I finish with a brief personal testimony of how seeking forgiveness from people I had hurt in the past gave me a new feeling, with guilt being removed from my life.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we move on to Chapter 2 of Genesis, looking at the Sabbath Day and how God's Spirit, being breathed into Adam, made Adam different from the other living things that were created.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we take a look at the creation of Adam.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we look at the creation of sea creatures, birds and land animals. We also take a look at the difference between the usage of the words "make/made" and "create/created".Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In this episode, we look at days three and four of creation.Support the show

In this episode, we look at days one and two of creation and take a look at our first character, God.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Before digging into our Bible journey, I use this episode to explain why it is I choose to believe the Bible.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

I've been away for just shy of a year now. This brief episode is to give a small explanation of where I've been and why I stepped away, followed by what can be expected of this podcast going forwards.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Breakdown of Genesis 1:1Support the show

On today's Weekly Musing:1. Everyone should have counselling2. Is London better than NYC, Philadelphia and Tokyo?3. Have you written anything new?4. Do you miss me?!5. Do you wanna collab?!6. Did you eat with silverware?7. What was your home made of?8. Did you cook food over an open fire?9. Will you own a dog?10. Thoughts on passive streams of income.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Moses wrote the book of Genesis.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

On today's Weekly Musing...!1. I'm in a relationship!2. What is the difference between spirituality and religion?3. What started me on the journey I'm on now?Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

We are about to start an overview of the Bible. Something I expect to take a pretty long time.In today's episode, I discuss my intentions behind doing this and why I believe the Bible.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

On today's musing...1. I'm writing a book2. I'm attending counselling, in order to become a complete man3. What is the craziest food I ever ate?4. Is racism worse in the UK or the US?Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

I apologize for the change in advertised broadcast. However, I felt the need to share what I believe to be the correct way that Christians should behave in the face of protest of civil unrest. This is in light of the lives lost during this week's protest in the State Capitol of Washington, DC.Support the show

In today's episode, subjects addressed:1. The protesters currently storming the White House2. Do I think COVID-19 is a hoax?3. What would I do if I had $1M4. Do I like anime?Support the show

Prayer and aggression. The soldier Paul describes does not have a javelin.Prayer is our lifeline between us and God. It's how we get our instructions to utilize the armour, that we have been provided, in order for us to maneuver correctly on the battlefield. We are called to pray for our fellow soldiers and our leadership.The only time a soldier would not have his javelin  is when he was advancing on the enemy. Paul has clearly given us the description of a soldier at war, indicating the urgency of this message. Support the show

In today's episode, I answer the following questions:1. Do you prefer the UK or the USA?2. How do the politics differ between the UK and the USA?Also, a little thought on the stimulus package.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

The helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.We discover that the helmet isn't actually salvation but, rather, the defense of the mind.  We also learn that it is imperative to handle the sword of the spirit with responsibility.Working in tandem, these are the last two items to look at in the armour of God.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Monday Musing!Only 2 questions answered today:1. Is British food better than American food?2. What regrets do you have? What can you do to change them?Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

The shield of faith.To have faith is to be persuaded and to seek the Lord diligently is how we please God with our works, which support our faith as evidence.A relationship with God is 100% vital when on the spiritual battlefield. This is why Paul tells us that we need to take it on "above all".Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

On today's Monday Musing... I answer your questions!1. How to prevent burning out as a Christian2. How to recover from brokenness3. Why aren't we God?4. What time of my life would I love to revisit?5. What do I miss most about London?Feel free to connect with me on YouTube, Instagram or Facebook to pose any questions you'd like answered. You can also email me: growinginlifematuringinlife@gmail.com. All questions catered to. This was fun! LOL! More next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

The sandals. Having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.The way can be long and the press of the battle can be severe and bloody but, with the Word of God founding you and directing your path, as you present and demonstrate Jesus Christ, you can, and WILL, trample the enemy under foot.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBVbrnyc3NiNXqDEZ6bStjwSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

I had to remove someone from my life this past week. Sometimes we have to do this in order to attend to our callings. It is a 100% trusted method for removing any Judas from our circle. We spot Judas as being the one who always wants to be in and around the circle but never part of the mission or vision. Watch out for them!Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

The belt of Truth, that is Jesus Christ and the breastplate of righteousness, which is the demonstration of truth. The one cannot work without the other.Ultimately, a soldier that is ill-equipped isn't fit to serve, remembering that to serve is to love.Support the show

Monday Musing! Muse and News you may be able to use!1. Diego Maradona passes away - Like 2020 just rolled up with a hit list2. Monolith in Utah - Oh, wait! Now it's in Romania!3. 400,000 seafarers stranded at sea, due to COVID - They want them home for Christmas4. US Coast Guard assist in rescue of Florida man, lost at sea - Plus a container ship called "Angels"!5. Microsoft file patent for system that reads facial expressions and body language - But we don't do Communism, do we?!6. Encouragement - This week, seek gratitude and forgiveness from 3 people.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Our enemy is not in the physical realm but, rather, in the spiritual. If we can grasp this reality, we can greatly improve our social navigation, with love for everyone.I feel that verse 12 doesn't give us a hierarchical structure of satan's army but, rather, a description of the army's system. I explain my view.Paul wants for us, having done all we can in battle, to establish ourselves as victorious and explains that, utilizing the armour of God as intended will see us obtain victory over our real enemy.Support the show

Monday Musing! Muse and news you may be able to use!1. A friend making moves, Christien Gerrick - @gerricklabel (Instagram)2. My sister making moves, Charlotte Browne - @truetwine (Instagram)3. The Lord closed one door - I didn't make the cut!4. Then he opened another one - Pastoral Internship Course5. Thoughts on pastoring.6. Be thankful in this season by sharing what you are thankful for with those that don't have.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

A short share today, focusing on verses 10 & 11. The "who", "what" and "how" of Paul's closing comments, to the church at Ephesus, surrounding the armour of God.It's important to understand, whether you are returning to Christ or deciding to follow him for the first time, that the wiles, or methods, of the devil will be ever-present. The last thing he wants is for us to demonstrate our first love for God instead of him.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Another Monday Musing. Muse and news you may be able to use! LOL!Paula White - The bufooneryTelevangelists - Can't stand them...Lewis Hamilton - 7th World Formula 1 title - Dream the impossible!Des O'Connor - Another celebrity lost in 2020.Brothers doing well - Marcus and Asher.Questions!1. Why do I not like the idea of "spirituality"?2. What do I do when my belief doesn't match my religion?3. Why do I believe that God is external?A brief thought on how monetary interest is wrong.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus was one of urgency and still remains relevant today.The church had fallen away from its passion, as shown in Revelation 2:1-7. Paul urges them to get back on track by taking on the armour of God.In this installment, I have a brief look at the background of the church at Ephesus and the letter to the Ephesians. The key issues they faced and why they were where they were.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Barely made Monday Musing this week, starting recording at 2358 on Monday night! Had a late finish at work and then my train broke down - Joy of joys! LOL!This week:Apologies for no Sunday Sharing.My friends visited - Great times and belly laughs!Numerology - I couldn't give a Sunday Share on the topic, so just a brief opinion.The Presidential Election - Time to change an antiquated system and time to move on from following individual parties like football teams.COVID-19 - Just a few weeks after the media told us the disease had mutated, Pfizer have apparently found a vaccine that's over 90% effective. OK then...Sunday Sharing - Going to spend a few weeks looking at the Armour of God, in Ephesians 6. Didn't do the subject justice with YouTube videos, distracted by my shiny forehead on the camera! Time to revisit.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

The first installment of Monday Musings, where you basically get to listen to me ramble on randomness for 30mins! LOL! Muse and news you can use!This week: Sean Connery died, man! Good innings, second-favourite Bond.Friends visiting this week. YASSSSS!Drivers I can't stand. @ me!A book I'm reading.Oh, yeah. The Presidential election... It's about responsibility, not winning.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

It's sad that such a necessity has become mere cliche, man. It took me going through my own situation at work, and putting the statement into actual practice, to see how powerful a thing it is. It was a feeling of absolute relief when the problem was dealt with, after over a year of stress and worry.If you are in a long term problem, you must be part of the problem. God can only deal with the problem when you are removed from it. Let go and let God.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

It's so important to learn, for ourselves, what comes from behind a pulpit.Aged 40, I've just verified, for myself, that God said it's fine to consume alcohol, and that wine was a normal part of life in ancient Israel. Warning was never given to NOT drink alcohol. The warning was against drunkenness. There are circumstances, though, where I see alcohol is best left alone. Circumstances like mine.My Aurora PD background is finally complete and I'm booked in for my Job Suitability Assessment, November 13th. Please remember me in your prayers.Also, THANK YOU for the contributions I received from Carl and Rita. Got a decent microphone!Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

After battling cancer for 7mths, Ben was taken from us. This world will be a darker place without him. Yet, there is legacy in his passing, and a good one. I hold this man on a par with Sidney Carton, from A Tale of Two Cities. Indeed, he was a key motivator in me starting down this road of YouTube and padcasting. He's gonna be greatly missed.I also discuss the endgame for the podcast in this episode and would greatly appreciate any support offered.Please feel no pressure to donate.paypal.me/Darren552Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

There is a difference between attending church and having a relationship with God.Being a smart, curious 7 years old boy, in "black church" caused me to to confront a social construct that left me believing I was worthless. Especially after the "exorcism", which was nothing more than child abuse clothed in religious ignorance.Broken, I left church for the last time aged around 21. It wasn't until I was 33, and still broken, that I decided I wanted to try again, this time focusing on the relationship with God, as opposed to attendance at a church.I'm now in a genuinely happy place and encourage everyone, believer and non-believer, to allow themselves to be shaped by God's word, as opposed to cherry-picking his word to support where we are currently at. Try him. I promise you won't be disappointed.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

When I was younger, I had a very abrasive relationship with my mum. As a result, I became a man that hurt women. When I was in my early 20s, I finally gave myself to a relationship, only to be dropped and cheated on.These things, compounded with coming from a broken home and being rejected by the church I was attending, put me in a position where I carried these rejections into my relationship with God.I didn't realize at the time but, coming across Psalm 51, and learning to actually surrender to the relationship, in order to get to know God's character, set me on a trajectory where I now know what is needed in order for me to be free of the hurt of past rejections.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

In 2016, I was instructed, by the Holy Spirit, to pray for a man who was dying of cancer. Specifically, I was to tell the cancer to leave, in order for Joe to be healed and for his family to be saved. I never followed through as I was supposed to and Joe died, quickly.It haunts me to this day and I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage someone to hear what God has to say to you, acting accordingly, for your own good standing and for the standing of those that God wishes to work on through you.Also, I passed my Aurora Police Department fitness test. The application is going well so far. Plus, after much deliberation, I submitted my application to enter into my church's Pastoral Internship Program.Shalom.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

A good friend of mine posed the question, "What is the difference between belief and faith?"Initially I thought they were one and the same. However, I discovered that they are different entities, requiring each other's presence to develop our relationship with Christ.Support the show

PSA - I will be switching to a once-a-week schedule, as I learn this new world of podcasting. Bible studies will be shared on Sundays, beginning with this coming Sunday, 9/20/2020.The Apostle Paul tells us, in Colossians, that we should do everything heartily, as unto the Lord. He goes on to tell us that, in doing so, we can expect to reap the rewards of our inheritance.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Reading through Luke 16 and the story of Lazarus and the rich man, I asked myself if I was really happy with where I'm at. Given the date, I realized that many who left us, in the 9/11 attacks, would still have been with us if they were living lives they were passionate for, as they would have been in a different place at the same time.It's so important to chase the lives we are passionate for. Worrying about relationships, after a life of success and riches, will see us doomed as the rich man from the story.Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)

Well, this is it!We all have to start from somewhere and this is my beginning in the grand world of podcasting. Thanks for having me!This episode is simply to introduce myself, explain the channel somewhat and encourage you today to be a blessing to someone else.God bless!Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/Darren552)