Okay So Who Am I?

I am not who you say I am! If God says I am successful, then I am successful. If God says I am righteous, then I am righteous. If God says I am loving, then I am loving. If God says I am wealthy, then I am wealthy (not the world’s definition of wealth) God’s wealth is defined as good health (that leads to a quality of life), love (God’s love is servitude, gratitude, and seeks the good in all people and all things) and joy (God’s joy keeps your mind and heart in a state of, “What is good about this day, instead of focusing on what went wrong - and meditate on that more than the other! It’s a good place to be!

I will give you a scenario of how we allow a negative thought to consume us. For example, “It’s hot in this room”. Now if you keep telling yourself it’s hot, it’s hot, it’s hot, it’s hot - yep, I know you are saying, “Okay, I get it! It’s Hot! Before you know it, you become irritable, touchy, and even angry. Whereas, you have a mind set that it is hot and there is no relief. 

Now let’s flip the thinking. Picture this in your mind, it’s summer and the temperature is 85º outside. Oooooh is right! Now that’s hot! BUT - we are happy about it being hot outside; because it’s perfect weather to go swimming, boating, picnicking, or even just sit on your porch with a glass of ice tea, enjoying the panoramic view. That type of heat and image brought joy to your heart. Being outdoors in 85º weather, the choices are limitless! Well God is a limitless God, who brings joy into our hearts daily when we seek and focus on the good rather than the bad. 

Now I am going to recall that hot room you walked into that ignited an unnecessary attitude over a simple fix. What are your options? If there is a fan, turn it on. If you are wearing two shirts, take one off. If the room has air conditioning, flip the switch on. If it’s winter season and the heat is on, turn it down to a comfortable temperature - or if necessary turn it off and get to work. These are simple solutions to what we magnify into a dilemma or problem just by meditating on, “It’s Hot” - that stoled your joy!

Yes, I went a little off track, but I’m back! God’s Word tells me who I am. It is written, “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 AMPC)

His Word heals me and slays Satan so no trace of Satan’s residue will touch or defeat me from being who God says I am!  Therefore, there should be no doubt or concern of what you see in me or tell me I’m not. It’s like this, “God said it, I believe it, and so it is”! I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!

For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]. (II Corinthians 5:21 AMPC)

Where you "Lead" I will follow!

God we have lost our way in this world, running around in the dark, not sure where our steps are taking us - so we grab hold of others who we feel can lead and guide us! "Others" do not know in which direction they are going either. 

Luke 6:39 AMPC

"He further told them a proverb: Can a blind [man] guide and direct a blind [man]? Will they not both stumble into a ditch or a hole in the ground?"

Imagine holding on to someone in a dark place who can't see what's up ahead as well. One false step could take you over a cliff; with no turning back, yet we put our trust in that person, following their lead.

Those who live in "safe mode" fear going out in deep waters and perhaps never experienced God's love and power and those who are in constant chaos and turmoil repeatedly stay in that environment - only because it's familiar and fear God because nothing in their life has changed for the better. So both parties stay stagnant, not realizing if the environment won't change, then they shall make a change. 

"For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. (Hebrews 4:15,16 AMPC)"

We have a financial problem, a difficult relationship or child; or perhaps an unexpected illness. All of these feelings and situations are dark places! But as described previously, that friend or neighbor who still lives in fear regardless of the circumstances, cannot tell you how "Good" God is themselves. They cannot offer you something that taste good if they have not tasted it themselves! 

My Nephew relaxing after an intense labor of wrestling practice! 

"For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own. 

Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell] (Hebrews 4:10, 11 AMPC)"

As bad as it seems to us, no situation is hopeless! We can't lose hope, just because your neighbor, friend, or family member tells you otherwise. The only One who knows the beginning from the end is God. 

"This was so that, by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [us].

[Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it—a hope] that reaches farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil,

Where Jesus has entered in for us [in advance], a Forerunner having become a High Priest forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:18-20 AMPC)

Looking to our left side or our right side complicates the situation more. We run away from God, instead of to Him. "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always" (Psalm 105:4 NIV) 

Foggy Day impairs our vision to see clearly!

When we look up, our focus is only "One" way not two; and the blurry view (or fog) you previously had, subsides! It becomes clear enough to gain that sense of, "Every thing is going to be alright", back. That "Hope" (Jesus) who cares!

Matthew 11:28-30 AMPC

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]

Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.

For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."

Jesus, is gentle with us as well as sincere. He keeps His Word and His Promise, that penetrates within our hearts and minds to keeps us on the path of righteousness that ALWAYS leads to VICTORY!

"But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:33,34 AMPC)"

Did you know that anxiety affects your lungs and breathing; whereas if it is severe enough, it mimics a heart attack - although you are not actually having one. In additions, it lowers your immune system; which allows your body to be susceptible to diseases and other disorders in the body that deteriorates your quality of life! 

Now the opposite of anxiety is joy, peace, and trust in God that keeps the heart and mind at rest with no pills, side effects, or health issues. Because, those who keep their minds stayed on Him, He will keep in perfect peace!

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. (Isaiah 26:3,4 AMPC)

Peace (Rest in Jesus) is your goal to seek today! 

My Heart Speaks Beauty!

There's this beautiful cream sweater I have had my eye on for the past two days that caused me to be in "Awe" of the design and beauty of it! I did not purchase it as of yet; however, I did pray to God, if I should buy it. Well, as of today, I have not received a resounding yes or no; but I did receive something more powerful and impacting that caused me to truly meditate on what the scripture in I Timothy 2:9-11 AMPC is truly saying . It reads as follows: 

"Also [I desire] that women should adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and sensibly in seemly apparel, not with [elaborate] hair arrangement or gold or pearls or expensive clothing,

But by doing good deeds (deeds in themselves good and for the good and advantage of those contacted by them), as befits women who profess reverential fear for and devotion to God.

Let a woman learn in quietness, in entire submissiveness."

Although these verses are connected to how, as Christians, we are to adorn ourselves with a pure heart that illuminates within us from spending time with God in His Word and prayer; people who are in doubt of the divine Word will develop a false message of what a Christian is and fade away from coming to God. 

Yes, I can purchase the sweater, but I put  my faith in the sweater to bring out the beauty in me more than I did God! I viewed the sweater initially; with the thought, "This is a beautiful sweater and I can wear this out and look sharp"! The sweater is only an outward adornment; whereas, true beauty is within - and God knows our hearts ( good or bad) that is the only adornment that speaks who we really are and who we truly serve! Amen 

We ALL know that clothes fade , decay, and lose their value and style after wearing them a few times- God never goes out of style, fades, decays, or is invaluable to anyone, unless we reject His Love ~ That is incorruptible and unconditional! 

The next time you see any "thing" that (in your mind) will make you feel good about you because you want to please the masses and be viewed as beautiful, well dressed, and wealthy (money); Thank God for His Love that outlast "ALL THINGS", and affects and infects your life that pleases Him (Who is the ONLY one that matters) and you will illuminate and draw attention, not because you are adorned with elaborate clothing and deceived that God is pleased with your money (Money does not please God; whereas He created Heaven and Earth and ALL it's inhabitants); but you are adorned with the Light (Jesus) that stands out in dark places that people can't help but notice ~ and draws others towards you!

John 1:3-5 AMPC

All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.

And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].

You are My Passion!

No one or nobody can take away my Love! Yet many feel deep abhorrence towards me; only because they do not know me. If they would only come to me no matter the circumstance or the suffering they are currently experiencing; they will experience freedom, peace of mind and heart, and a friend that sticks closer than a brother!

Romans 5:1-11 (NIV)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
⁹ Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! ¹⁰ For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! ¹¹ Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

 

I'm all in "Knots"!

As I have observed having babies out of wedlock, there is a separation that is causing destruction between the child, and parents. The Mother is complaining she is not getting enough child support or any at all, the Father is complaining he has to pay child support and can't live comfortably because it's taking all his money! The devil is busy! He puts things in other people's heads that is not true, and we as a society jump right in line and do what Satan describes over what God has laid the foundation of what a family should be.

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:9-10 AMP)

Satan says, “Have sex, nothing will happen”! God says, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord”. (Psalm 27:14 KJV)

This is not God's plan for us to be in strife ALL the time! This is the works of the Devil. Now think about it! You have no peace, no help, no security, and no money – well some have little money, but still it's not enough to keep the bills going and take care of the household.

I am divorced and have reaped the devastation of a single income verses two incomes. When I was married, there was NEVER NOT enough. We worked as a team, bills were paid, car notes were paid, and mortgage was paid. I have to say, I knew in my heart that it was going to be a struggle, so I didn't get a divorce until my children were almost out of the house, and even then, I have struggled financially, and it has affected my children also. So if you think I am speaking from speculation, think again. It's not a walk in the park to continue to have babies and everyone, including you suffers because of carelessness and selfishness of a mishap that could have been prevented.

 

As I have mentioned, I was married and we had two children from the union. What women are doing now is devaluing themselves and accepting mediocrity. YES, it is way less than God's best for you. I know I didn't have the talk from my parents of how valuable I am to God and how much He loves me enough for me to wait for God to place that right man in my life, as well as molding that right man for me! Nor did I have that with my children; but they did have a biblical foundation. And what I mean by that is they were brought up reading the bible, as well as going to church; because I was their Sunday School Teacher for ten years!

Now that I know and understand God's ways is the best way and how much He does bless a marriage and the children, I will have that talk with my Grandchildren or at least instill it in their parents to have it with them. I want to share a message in the bottle I was very blessed to read and hold dear to my heart from the Author, Pastor Levi Lusko that he told to his daughter:

Hold out for honor. You are worth more than you know. You are created in the image of God, and your value exceeds that of rubies or diamonds.

 

You are loved, and you are lovely. You are appointed and anointed to rule and reign with God as royalty. You are the head and not the tail; you are from above and not beneath. You are a leader, not a follower. Don't rush, don't hurry, and don't settle! Let God prepare you, and believe that He is also preparing someone for you.

 

No matter what is behind you, from this day forward, embrace God's plans for you. (Swipe Right: The Life and Death Power of Sex and Romance by Levi Lusko)

 

I am still single and knew from my divorce that I needed to heal spiritually, physically, and mentally, and I am holding out for honor, as well as letting God prepare me for someone as well as preparing someone for me!

Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor; For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie down together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone? And though a man might prevail against him who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 AMP)

Here We Go Again!

There is not much many of us know about the Zika Virus, other than it is transmitted by an infected mosquito carrying the virus. This virus can also be transmitted through sex, blood transfusions, and animals. It is primarily affecting the fetus of a pregnant woman that causes the brain to stop developing as well as the head. Whereas, the baby's head is considerably smaller than the rest of it's body, causing it to be deformed! We also know there is no cure for it at the moment either.

I'm sure many are thinking, “God why is this happening?” The first thing that came to my mind is, “God is telling us something and we are NOT listening”! Sex has become a pandemic in this world; whereas, people are having too many sex partners and feel it's something to brag about. Men are fathering children through sex, but not actually being a father; and women are having babies by at least four to five different men and are not married to none of them. Pornography is over a million dollar business at the expense of young women and men being chained and beaten to perform sexual activity that numerous people are supporting the industry by purchasing the magazines, videos, and tapes. I know this is infuriating many who are reading this, but before you become outraged, begin a Bible study and a relationship with God to understand His hurt and pain by our bad behavior. Sex was created by God to be pleasurable and powerful between a husband and wife. But the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)

Anything God creates for our pleasure, Satan steps in, deceives us, and causes destruction. Yes, I'm talking about the Zika virus, but when I saw sex as a way of transmitting the disease, and you have to have sex to become pregnant, it sparked a big “SIGH” in me! We as a “human race” are still going around this mountain of affliction; and have NOT understood why we are in this circle of affliction and bondage to diseases that keeps them awake at night wondering if they will catch something by being sexually active to many partners! When you are sexually active to only “one” partner throughout your lifetime, you have pleasure, peace, and health that is placed upon you and your household by God! His blessings are forevermore and through eternity!

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over. My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. (Proverbs 4:18-27 NLT)

Before you say, "I Do"!

So you are planning a wedding. Making sure all of the logistics are in place, as well as the venues to hold the reception party, the photographer and possibly a honeymoon to follow. Weddings are a must in our society, but marriage is a Holy Matrimony between a man and women made from God to share a life partnership together that Serves God together, governs together, pro-creates together, and educates their children together.

 

 

It is a partnership, unlike a business partnership, where the two are the knot that should not be broken or undone by little things in life that can destroy the union ~ if you allow it to! The vows do say, "Let no man put asunder"; which means separate you. So why is the marriage institutions under attack today by Satan? Is it because we have all strayed away from God? Is it we try to be God? Or can it be we feel we can do it alone without anyone!

 

Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.

 

And out of the ground the Lord God formed every [wild] beast and living creature of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them; and whatever Adam called every living creature, that was its name.

And Adam gave names to all the livestock and to the birds of the air and to every [wild] beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs or a part of his side and closed up the [place with] flesh.

 

And the rib or part of his side which the Lord God had taken from the man He built up and made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

 

Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man. 

 

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

 

And the man and his wife were both naked and were not embarrassed or ashamed in each other’s presence.(Genesis 2:18-25 AMP)

 

 

Whatever the reason is, feel free to elaborate on those questions, but I know from my experience working with brides, they become too caught up in the planning, instead of focusing on the marriage. The event is one day; whereas, the marriage is a lifetime. I have seen many engagements break up before the actual wedding because of the disagreements that came about in choosing things that truly were not that important to flare up about. It could have been a good reason also; because neither one was truly ready to begin a healthy and lasting relationship or mature enough to work together in the planning.

It is necessary to the relationship to receive spiritual counseling before any marriage takes place to ensure the man and wife "to be" can disagree in love and still come to an agreement that is beneficial to both. If one is adamant about living in Chicago and refuses to listen or allow the other person to talk who wants to live in Boston; there is still work to be done; don't get married. If one wants one child, and the other wants three, don't get married; because one of you will be disappointed and unhappy in the union.

 

Marriage was and still is sacred in the eyes of God, so before anyone wants to argue the fact, have a talk with Jesus before you comment; because He is still on the throne and ready to give you the answer, in love, of righteous and just living among a people who have severely gone astray, causing a generation to develop that is in jeopardy of receiving the Kingdom of Heaven!