2012 In a Nutshell

Back at the beginning of 2008 I was broken. I was heading to West Virginia after a business failure, a church closing (which I worked for) and the death of my music mentor and friend the Christmas Eve of 2007. The last thing I needed is all the ensued in 2008 because emotionally I just didn't care anymore. I just wanted a peaceful life. Not the press of "Church". I went to the International House of Prayer that year and something happened in one of the rooms. God showed up. Even the other people who were not staff in the room started weeping and praying over me. It was something I only shared with Freddy and may never share with anyone else. It was the truth that hit me to the core with a response from God I wasn't used to. This made me go deeper in the Bible to find out who God is for myself. This is what laid the foundation for 2012. The last few years have been years of healing for me. People will never fully understand what happened to me between 2005-2007. I'm just starting to understand myself. What has ensued is a stripping of religious ideals I just accepted from "authorities" in Christianity and never researched for myself. (We won't get into doctrine here.) Basically I had to rebuild my foundation on truth that was revealed by the Word and the Holy Spirit not by what  just accepted. (I am not against receiving from preachers but don't try to correct me based on what they say without getting that for yourself. ) I'm at a place where I don't even want to hear the heavy revelations or what to tae the message I got to hear. I want to know what is God speaking to you? We have an opportunity to have a relationship with the creator of the universe. He is speaking. We are too busy doing his work and not sitting at His feet. This year I switched ministries for a while and found myself in a small room doing monitors and weeping before God because I wasn't in a bad place i was just out of place. The core issue was happening again and you can't change people. I had to leave because I wasn't doing what God had told me to do i just took the position to accomplish something and it didn't meet the need anyway in the long run. I returned back and had to find my way again. Out of the flow I had to buckle down again and seek Him again. As the year ended I really realized that people wanted to use your talents for their goals and not just develop what's in you to the Glory of God. I'm not interested in building a throne, ministry or anything else. I'm interested in being obedient to God and doing what he wants me to do as He moves in the earth by His Spirit. Enough of how we've always done it. I want to do it the way God is doing it now. 

Gifts God Has Given (Scriptures)

Romans 6:23 ESV
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Eph. 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV)

James 1:17 ESV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Ephesians 3:7 ESV
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 

1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance ofknowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Kingdom Down (music video) by Daniel Johnson

Braille - Resurrect Me (music video)

One of those days I feel like this.

The Crusaders - A Healing Coming On

I remember being in the old Virgin Music store (42nd St.) way back when the dude in the Jazz dept. put me on to this Crusaders/ Donnie McClurkin collab. Was listening to it in my iTunes this morning and decided to share it.

COREY RED - HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

In case you missed it... COREY RED IS BACK! History of Christmas. This one is sure to spark some heated discussions this holiday.

Song For You with Jordan Rudess

The Procussions Indiegogo Update "NEW GOAL!"

Drawing... Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean

Braille - Shades of Grey (@rapzilla @braillehiphop)

Braille - Resurrect Me (music video)

A Quick Thought 11/14/12

Manna goes stale when you try to save it and don't use it. #Shamikisms

Hebrews 1

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
(Heb 1:1-14)

Just Some Random Thoughts I've Had Lately

One thing in life I learned is not to blame people for anything. You always have the choice to do what you want to do. Most people want to convince you this is not true. God even lets you do this in an obey or disobey dynamic but it's still there. Another thing I know is people move on without you. We all do. There are places you don't fit no matter how you and others want you to fit. I realize I'm a unique person in the aspect of my principles and ideals. I can't help thinking I'm a sellout when I compromise these and become unmistakably frustrated because I'm going against my character and purpose allowing myself to be manipulated by some circumstance. I just don't belong there even though my skill set is beneficial my purpose is not being fulfilled. The non-spoken undertones, rebellion and fights for position get to me really easy since I met that in ministry my teenage years. Everybody talks about how God wants me to do "great things" but now I realize I use a different measuring stick. My mind works a little different I  usually see things coming pat what people try to blindside you with. Some things I don't have time to do again. What I need to know really is what God is doing now and what do you want me to do. I know there in the midst of the storm I still have peace that passes understanding. My labor ceases. Obedience to God is the goal. We can hear from Him directly through the finish work of Christ. 

The Making of Away From The World: Part 2 - Belly Belly Nice

THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU.mpg

Lenny LeBlanc - We All Bow Down.mpg

Revelation Song.wmv

Pastor Lindell Cooley and Kari Jobe from 2005. Wish it didn't cut off the way it does. I lived here worship wise once upon a time. Need to get back.

In Honor of Marvin McQuitty

#MarvinMcQuitty  #RestInHisPresence

Fred Hammond -That Ain´t Nothing'

#MarvinMcQuitty #AllDay #RestInHisPresence

Marvin McQuitty Drumclinic at Dresden Drum Festival 2009

Marvin McQuitty is one of my main role models for drums being the drummer for Fred Hammond for many years. My prayers go out to his family and friends who knew and loved him dearly. Rest In His Presence brother Marvin you will be missed.

Marvin McQuitty Drumclinic at Dresden Drum Festival 2009

Marvin McQuitty is one of my main role models for drums being the drummer for Fred Hammond for many years. My prayers go out to his family and friends who knew and loved him dearly. Rest In His Presence brother Marvin you will be missed.

Stevie Wonder (Rock in Rio 2011) - Full Concert [Part 1/1]

Sojourn - All Things Considered

Eph. 5:15-21

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
(Eph 5:15-21)

Angelo & Veronica - God Wants to Heal You

Angelo & Veronica Interview

I never tell people what to think or believe...

…but I never want them to tell me either. I respect everyone and they can live their life however they want. But don’t say I hate something because I don’t agree with you. Hate is wrong no matter how it’s dressed up. But disagreement is a right we all have. I don’t try to stop people from making a living because they disagree with me. Tolerance can’t be a one way street or you will just have everything go back to how it was. Woolworth’s didn’t make a statement back in the days they just didn’t let blacks eat there. My dad was kicked down a flight of stairs during the first days of segregation. My friends were beat up by NYPD (they didn’t commit any crimes) behind the neighborhood supermarket. That wasn’t disagreement. 

Jon Gibson - You Gotta Love Somebody

Nat and Alex Wolff - Thump Thump Thump (Official Music Video)

A Little Honesty...

There are only a couple of relationships I haven’t run from. Those ended with me on the outside looking in crushed and thinking I could be with no other person. In reality it takes a lot for me to let people in my world. I was an outgoing child. Sadly my childhood church experience is what made me guarded. Being a very verbal and outgoing person by nature it’s strange to people that I have a hard time initially expressing my feelings. Past hurt and life experience has put the “beware of dog” poster up when serious relationships come into play. But my biggest letdown hasn’t been the challenges of infatuation as much as the challenges when someone has misrepresented themselves having me add more walls to my defense mechanism. Once you are getting to know me I don’t like to hide things in general even though I am still private with intimate things. You build up a relationship to the point they explode and hate things they said were o.k. and it’s frustrating. Why? When you’re investing time with someone the revelation you wasted time is disappointing. Everyone has flaws whether they believe it or not. A relationship isn’t secure unless it’s tested. Avoiding conflict by lying or just going along to later reveal it eats you up is a red flag in a relationship because it brings trust into question. When you say you love and want to be with them it’s the total package. I have dropped the ball with this myself and learned the hard way. When it happened to me I understood and apologized to who I hurt. (We all have lessons to learn.) When we look for a lifetime lover who we plan to spend the rest of our lives with honest communication is the building block for a great relationship. When we know what’s up it helps us see and make decisions quicker than when we have to start back at square one. For some of us getting into the relationship takes some time. Be honest so you can know what you’re getting yourselves into and not have the shock down the line.

Hiromi | Voice

Tom & Jerry: "Is You Is, Or Is You Ain't My Baby -Solid.Serenade" (1946)

:)

The day you stop trying to prove God to people and let God prove himself is the day you begin to realize he doesn’t need your help to straighten things out but rather your obedience to execute what he’s purposed before the beginning of time.

Breaking the Mold, Breaking my Silence...

From 2007 my life has been in an unstoppable whirlwind. Since I've desired to try and take ministry into a place I've personally never seen there has been a pressing from everywhere to conform. I hate it. In the midst of losing everything (not the first time) I have been forced into situations and continually told to "settle down" and "get with the program".  You know what? You all can do that crap. I'm tired of people trying to run my life and put me in a mold. I fit none. Maybe you haven't realized that yet. I'm as unique as my name. Though I have found there's another Shamik Jones walking the earth who is younger it is still not a common name yet. I find doing sound not even a challenge anymore. I care less about approval of peers about mixing, music, ministry and life. I spent my life afraid of expressing myself as I always wanted to. I know a lot of people I know won't get it. I don't care. So many things have transpired these last few days which tried to rip out my heart. I just lied about how I felt and let people go on. Why try to make them feel bad? They don't care. Self-preservation Judas moves have taken me to the cross. When you need people the most they remove themselves. What you have left is true friends and brothers. People flip the script, change the plan when you go through hardship or changes beyond your control. They use that excuse not to keep their word. They shift blame back on you. There is no honor or integrity. A friendship and relationship is altered forever. I can't say anything but "I forgive you." Now I move on to what God has for me not in a mold but outside the box of what is normal. Stay tuned.

HIROMI UEHARA - Place To Be

Just A Quote...

"Esau didn't leave his dad's presence to sell his birthright. Just being around doesn't entitle you to anything. Where is your integrity and commitment?"

-Shamik Hakim Jones

life and death is in the power of tongue 2 22 12

Yolanda Adams tribute to Whitney Houston - 2012 NAACP Image Awards (HD)

This is a tribute. #ThatIsAll

Amel Larrieux "Make me whole'

If GOD told you to do something or something was a certain way why would you go in another direction?

I have a friend (who will remain nameless in this post) who talked about how he was fasting and praying and how God told him not to marry someone because it would not work and he did anyway. He had kids and it didn't work. He is wondering why. It really boggled my mind. Didn't you just say God told you not to do it and why and it happened? With God's promises, directions and commands we need to learn to endure and stay the course no matter what circumstances look like. As my friend know all too well disobedience will produce things we don't want. It doesn't change God's love for us at all but he had to go through some things. Something  that's even scarier to me is that some believers don't even seek the Lord for important life changing decisions at all. God knows the end from the beginning you would think that's a given. God created you with a purpose and inserted a desire and passion to fulfill that purpose. He knows what's best for you and what's around the corner you can't see yet. Why would e not trust him? Faith in something comes by hearing and the Bible says we should be hearing the Word of God. Are we hearing so many other things that we believe that over God's truth. Just some food for thought. 

Trust

I really value relationships in my life but quickly trusting people and just letting them in my life is another story. I really don't like to move fast unless I feel a nudge from God for a divine connection or if something strikes me quickly. My early church experience didn't help. I was more outgoing and friendly before I came to church and got saved. Being in a legalistic setting where grace wasn't properly understood and applied really hurt a lot in my life. (Hindsight is always 20/20.)  Ocne I found trust and comfort in God I became leery of people who wanted you to trust them and to expel others out of your life for them. I hate manipulation with a passion. Over the years I've learned to put my trust in God and not anything sway or take it off of Him. All my hopes and dreams and visions He placed in my heart. My obedience to Him and His Word is what can shape my life into what He has destined me to be. As far as marriage I don't really want to fit but rather complete. My relationships I want iron to sharpen iron. I can depend on God for every nuance of my life and that's what I'm striving for. Anyone I walk with I want them to have a love of God and a desire to live beyond mediocrity. His spirit in that person will bring down the walls because indeed I am still trusting Him overall. Not that I won't be disappointed or that people won't fail me it's more that I won't depend on what people do or don't do. It's not being bound to a mindset or opinion. It's freedom in trusting the one who knows the end from the beginning. My faith and trust is in Jesus Christ. 

Where you have no authority your words are merely advice.

People who have no business speaking into your life really want you to model your life based on what they feel and say. Getting caught up in this is a trap. Basically God set up His order and a structure of authority for this reason. The almost non-existence of honor in our society has not helped this at all. David's honor of God showed honor to Saul being God's anointed and appointed despite his personal shortcomings. Society teaches flaws and mistakes as a reason to dishonor but God doesn't see it that way. All honor should be based on God and what He says. But society has through the media and other things have felt a mistake blemishes and takes away honor. This is an illusion since no man except Christ is perfect outside the sacrifice of Christ and His gift of grace. Now when somebody comes to shape or give you direction outside of this established authority it doesn't mean you have to dishonor them but it doesn't mean you have to heed what they say. Authority and order determines the weight of words. It is manipulative to try to establish this weight through emotion and persuasion . God's Word ultimate trumps everything and His commands but after that His order He has set comes into play. God will not speak to you what He has put in someone above you. We need to know what's from God and from people trying to evaluate with their limited minds and resources. If it's not from God's order it should be viewed as advice and handled accordingly.

What a wonderful world - LOUIS ARMSTRONG.