If You Have an Itch....Well?

In writing for Christian singles one would think that this topic has been misplaced. Not so, especially during this age when many men have decided to be alone no matter (Genesis 2:18 AMP) what.  Because of the age and man's decision to be single, it affects the other half of the population whether it is her desire or not. Dating then becomes secondary but maturation in Christ holds the priority. People still have to function and maintain Kingdom Living (Romans 14:17 KJV). How can this be when these two factors are out of place - remaining single and being mature in Christ?

While pondering that question, here is a link to one of the most popular entries in the Christian Single blog, Making It Plain. It is entitled, The Lower Nature where I have written about this topic before; however, recently a question was posed in a Christian group on Facebook. The topic of masturbation was simplified as being something that has become a necessity. The statement (paraphrasing): if one has an itch, one scratches it. If one is hungry, one eats. If one is thirsty, one drinks and so forth implying that masturbation would also be well fitted into that reasoning. Personally, it sounds plausible yet this would also make sense to a sinner. That by itself  was a cause for me to find a definitive verse in the Word that would unequivocally satiate the believer but disturb the sinner. Why? The believer and sinner will never think alike (2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV). There is no commonality in the two other then what once was but has since passed away. The sinner will pacify himself with wrong doing, wrong thinking, and will try to influence others to make the act socially acceptable disregarding absolute truth.

With the media having a powerful impact on how people construct their lives, I refer to a movie There's Something About Mary, which was released as a romantic comedy, starring Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz. In it, Ben Stiller's character was given advice about how to control his sexual urges so that the conversation could be normal and he not ruin the date by directing the conversation toward the two of them having sex. The advice given was for him to masturbate just before his date so that he would not have sex on his mind. Presumably, before agreeing to do what was advised, he thought how he felt afterwards in the past and therefore decided that the advice was sound. Unfortunately, his timing was off and so what some might have guffawed, I winced and kept my stomach from being upset by changing the channel. Nevertheless, I recognized the same antics from this advice in other skits and spoofs different from the aforementioned movie. Its purpose was to get the viewer use to what has once been considered taboo.

Let's try to make some sense as to why something so exclusive and private would have ever be thought of as taboo. Honestly, if Jerry Seinfeld would have never made fun of the sexual act in his sitcom, would we be as cavalier with the use of it now? Commercials for products designed to enhance the performance are being produced without protest. Boutiques carry battery operated devices that sell well in an industry that is booming. With so much social acceptance and has been labeled as something that everyone is doing or has done before, why should Christians be concerned? Would it keep a believer out of heaven?

The next day after the young woman asked the question in the Christian group on Facebook, Joyce Meyer, Dr. Creflo Dollar, and Bishop T. D. Jakes also delved into it all on the same day. It was amazing! Well, they used the term self control while I answered the question using the word, discipline. It is not something too many Christians rally to know anything about. Discipline and self control has as much edge of the seat, riveting, genuine interest as a believer asking God for more long suffering and patience; yet all 4 of these traits with 5 more are necessary for Jehovah's harvest to be what He expects (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP).

Shall we continue even further or do you have an understanding where this is going?

While I understand why the question was asked, the only way any believer reading that question can truly be set free is through the Word of God. When hearing other sermons on the matter (too few to get into depth), the scriptures used were on fornication and lust. The speaker would group those two subjects in with masturbation and leave the listener not quite content with having the actual question answered. Would God be so specific about those two subjects and not be specific about something by which He knew would be an issue in these last days? With Him being a Good Father and the supplier of all of our needs, He also would be specific in this matter as well.

As a disciple of Christ, this means one is disciplined. Can you see how the two words are similar? In the discipleship, one accepts the responsibility of being consecrated in Him. He/she allows for the Holy Spirit to have full control of the will. In so doing, one's purpose in life becomes clear or is confirmed. Jehovah-Jireh has sought and supplied our needs. We have a healer, deliverer, a comforter, a supplier, a peace giver it is all good all of the time. If our hearts and minds are stayed on Him, why would there be a need for anything else? If urges arise and we are not married, wouldn't that be a clue that there is something we have fed our hearts and minds that is not of Him? It would have to be, don't you see? He has supplied EVERYTHING!!! Why would there be a need to gratify self (Galatians 5:16-25 AMP)?

MOVE! Your In The Way!!!

In trying to make sense of what it is we are looking for in the long scheme of things, I believe I was led to write this blog. As you have read, there are times we haven't been satisfied with the waiting and as a result start to ponder silly matters such as the meaning of life and your purpose, when if you were really honest with yourself, you already know what it is. So in reading the many entries, hopefully this blog aids in giving specific insight to those minute details we might have missed in our particular journeys (Psalm 1119:105 AMP).

In those journeys, where many of us have learned to take the scenic route to enjoy every tid-bit of what life has to offer, we have been distracted by giving assistance to others when we believe it is why we saw them there in the state that they were in. We thank God that we could be of assistance, receive their heartfelt thanks, and then we continue on with what we were doing before the distraction got in the way. Would there ever be a time when God would tell us not to be of assistance to someone? Do we make more of a nuisance when God is trying to get the other person to do something that they refuse to do? Have we stood in a gap when the gap was made by the other person in attempts to do their own will?

You see, meditating in the Word sometimes there are more questions that allow us to get deeper into seeing who God really is. It is written that He is a good Father, yet, do we know what that means? After all, His ways are higher then ours (Isaiah 55:8-9 AMP). We strive to be more like Him and there is no better way then to study what He does and ask loads of questions. For instance, Jonah refused to do as God told him to do and decided to run away to a place he thought would be better for him. As they were sailing on the boat, the other passengers could tell something was wrong and immediately asked Jonah what has he done? The boat was being tossed and it was as if a storm was brewing. Because it couldn't be controlled, Jonah knew and jumped off of the boat for the safety of the other passengers and the crew (Jonah 1).

Another part of the scriptures where pondering over why a man would do such a thing is Job. How does a priest receive an education to be a priest and then is dumbfounded as to why his family becomes a part of his punishment? He is after all, a priest! If it wasn't taught to Job that a priest (pastor, preacher, prophet, apostle, minister, evangelist) has more then one title and one of them is a teacher, then he could not have been listening. For it is written that a teacher is held at a higher standard (James 3:1 AMP). So if a priest receives a harsh punishment - there is a good reason for it. God is good.

The last example used here is Abraham. There he is with his wife and family coming upon a kingdom by which he says because his wife is so beautiful, men will want her and try to get rid of Abraham so they can marry her (Genesis 20:2 AMP). With him believing his own lies, he convinces his wife to go along with it. In so doing, upon entering the kingdom of Abimelech, they believe Abraham's lie. It doesn't take long before the king notices that his wealth is drying up including the wombs of his wives and concubines. He blesses Abraham with things and sends him on his way once he finds out the truth and his kingdom's wealth is returned (Genesis 20:9-18 AMP).

How does this have anything to do with our lives? Look over those scriptures and see for yourselves. Jonah debated with God as to why he shouldn't have to go to Tarshish. Why would anyone think that they know more then God? Of course, the arrogance is deserving of a punishment. What if the crew, having compassion for Jonah, refused to allow him to jump ship? Would they all perish? It is written, My people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6 AMP).

Job knew where his children were and what they were doing. Why would he determine in his mind that they were doing anything other than enjoying the company of their wives and family? Because his children stayed on their father's land, they were subject to anything that the father, who is a priest, had done. They enjoyed the fruit of his title. Because we do not see the hearts of men (this includes our parents), it makes more of a reason for us to move into places of our own, once we are able to be independent, doesn't it?

Abraham learned life lessons along the way. He needed to move from his kinfolk to be delivered from their bad habits. Recall, Lot and his daughters are related to Abraham. Lot's wife liked the lifestyle of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is why she was turned into a pillar of salt. Still, he lied and brought the consequences of lies with him. When the kingdom started to dry up, do you think Abraham noticed it and realized as to why Sarah had not given birth in all of those years?

We live the life that is given to us. In so doing, the previous generation is supposed to be teaching the new generation what to do and not to do so our lives would be better (Titus 2:3 AMP). Because of that action, we win and Jesus returns. Only, we don't always do as we are supposed to do. Perfect examples are like the ones given. For whatever the reason we try to keep our own agenda not asking any questions especially not to the One that created all and is all. There is no good reason behind that, only stupidity. My point being, there has to be a sensitivity of the Holy Spirit for us to have the success we would all like to have. I believe some punishment received is fall out because of someone else's nonsense and we are in the way of what they deserve. If Job's children knew what their father was doing while they were in their own homes but on his land, would they have stayed? If the crew knew that Jonah defied God would they still welcome him on their boat? If King Abimelech knew that Abraham lied before coming into his palace, would he have welcomed him with open arms?

Could any of these things (and there are others) be your reason for having the troubles that you are going through? What lies have you believed? Who do you know that has disregarded God's instruction? Who is following their own agenda believing they have a better plan then God? If you know who these people are that are around you, you have also found the toxic element in your world. Clean it up. If they belong to God, bless them and send them on their way. This is not wrong because you are the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus and He has called you to peace. Selah.

Can We Get Really Real For A Moment?

Times are changing and no matter how hard you try for them not to, they still continue to do so. That can be a good thing - if you have been waiting a long time for your blessing (James 1:4 KJV). Nevertheless, you are also changing; this is also a good thing. In growth, we all change. We learn new things and change from where we were to where we are. It might not be where you would like to be right now, but its better then where you were. If it isn't, I implore you to consider your ways!

That would be a warning. There have been warnings across the pulpit for years and because we didn't see those things happen before our eyes, we wiped the sweat from our brows, thanked God for His mercy and continued to do what we were doing before the warning. Did you change from your wicked ways (Acts 3:26 AMP)? For how long? Did you attempt to go back to the old way and didn't feel anything was wrong with what you are doing so as long as you aren't hurting anyone, why not keep doing it? Is that how you have been thinking (Romans 7:15-20 AMP)? You haven't heard any warnings lately, so its all good right? All is well?

Understand when someone says, it is well...first, find out if that person is a Christian. If you know he/she is, then start praying. Remember in scripture when that phrase was said over and over again. The woman's son was dead and she was looking for the prophet. She had to keep the faith and press on until she found a man of God who hears from Him to do what is necessary for her son to live. Others didn't have the faith to do anything but say what she did not want to believe is true. Until he did what she believed for him to do - then all became well. It took faith to actually manifest itself (2 Kings 4:8-37 AMP). How is your faith? How is the faith of those around
you? Still the size of a mustard seed or have you planted it and believing for something yet?

I was watching a married couple have a disagreement. She had been married to him for 20 years and knew him 5 years before they married. She had done everything he wished for her to do and she wasn't happy. He was frustrated with her and all she could still be doing, but won't. It was later revealed that they had a threesome. Apparently, this once never spoken taboo is more socially acceptable these days. Now, I had a better understanding of their disagreement because before all of the bickering was petty and childish. When asked about the threesome, he sheepishly bowed his head in shame but admitted to it. How does he expect for there to be peace in his house when he makes a suggestion for their marital bed to be defiled (Hebrews 13:4, Psalm 119:1 AMP)? In accepting the suggestion, she has welcomed the enemy residence. Does light and dark commune? Jesus is peace. So if there is no peace in your house, does this mean Jesus has left the building?

I was looking at one of the housewives shows. One of the women had a birthday party for her father at the Museum of Sex in New York. I never knew there was such a place. I went to do some research on it to see what would be the exhibit without being labeled as a peep show. Interestingly enough, there were many prints and documents showing the history of condoms, the chastity belt, various art works displayed and where pornography originated. These museums were not isolated in New York but in London, Amsterdam, Sweden and other parts of America. As I continued to watch the documentary, I noticed the hardship man use to have trying to print cartoons of sexual images in various precarious positions. No matter how difficult the task, he did it. After the few pages were printed, there would be a man at the top of a building waiting for his buyer to come see the product and quote a price. These images were printed only for the elite or upper class. But the times changed and photography was invented. Getting beautiful women to pose nude used to be too difficult to do as well as expensive. So they settled for peasants on the street for a few pence. The response to purchase the pictures were less then stellar. Fast forward, to today because we know what has happened since then. The sex industry has no economic slump in it so far and the documentary went back for more then 100 years! Continuing with the film, a woman decided she was going to beat some record. I didn't know if this act was going into Guinness or what. I saw no purpose in what she decided to do. She came into the room dressed in a yellow damask and gold trim gown. She wore a mask and spoke while hooked up to a microphone. On one side of the room was a man with a flip score board. She walked slowly down the aisle. Her audience were only of men. When she got to the platform and onto the stage, a table was waiting for her. The narration: she was going to have sex with more then 200 men - right then and there. The men sitting in the audience, stripped down and got in line. Why, why,...WHY?!!!

The common answer would be, sin (Romans 6:12 AMP). Yet, I wonder; in these last days...do you really think there are over 200 men coming together for that, never heard anything about Jesus? Nothing?!! Do people really choose death when they have the option before them? Did God really have to tell us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV)? I thought of this when listening to that woman dressed in the yellow gown and beckoning to the 200 men in line, "don't keep me waiting!" She completed her assignment. She reached her goal says the narrator. What do you suppose those men had to endure when the cameras were off?

Times sure have changed but the acts that people have done that are supposed to be shocking the viewer are actually quite old. Its been done before - decades and some hundreds of years ago. While watching the documentary, I thought I would be mortified but when allowing the information to start at the beginning, you can see what has happened was/is inevitable (Galatians 5:17-21 AMP). Though the acts and the outcomes were not correlated, people filmed in the documentary had their moment of fame and those that didn't died, look haggard and/or under the delusion that they are still young and vibrant.

Another show I watch is Intervention on A and E. I am fascinated with the root of the problem and how Sandy abused drugs and alcohol. She had been through so much and her children were frustrated with what they could do to help. Her husband was also an addict but sobered up. He didn't know what else to do either. He lost his job, his home, the respect of his children, his wife and when they all convinced Sandy to go to rehab, he sought a divorce. This didn't help her sobriety. She violated the rules of the treatment center by purchasing mouthwash to substitute for the vodka. At the end of those 90 days, Sandy stayed sober long enough to attend the weddings of her daughters. After the events were over, she passed away. It was the first time I ever saw the passing of the focused addict on the show - she died? There was nothing in her life strong enough or more important then the Vodka she consumed daily. Even when most of her pancreas had been removed, that wasn't enough to quit. In essence, she made her choice. The outcome was inevitable. The counselors deal with the addict because of that root. Sometimes, the root is so deep, the counselor doesn't know what to do. Other times, the rehab facility is at a loss. Last night, a rerun was showing about the addict. It should serve as a reminder, what not to do.

What about you? Do you really need to be shocked to know how much God wishes for you to live? Is it really as hard as you think it is, to do what's right? Even being a Christian, are you really tempted to go back in the world? Who is stronger (Luke 11:21-26 AMP), the world or your faith in God? Times might be changing and if you read you bible, you know change for some will not be good. God, never changes. He loved you yesterday, today, and forever. As much diversity there is out there, how are you handling it? Who do you hear calling you? No matter what, tell Him about it. He said, He will never forsake you.

You Will Never Feel Happy....

... until you try. That makes sense, doesn't it? You can go through the motions but unless you know what happiness is and desire to be happy, you will never have it (Proverbs 23:7 KJV)!

In the place I reside and happen to work, there is this woman that came to the building. I will call her Grace. Grace happened to be a relative of one of the residents and took it upon herself to strike a conversation with me. I listened to her while she went on about this or that. Then Grace told me who she was related to. The person she mentioned is a recluse and is only seen to get her mail in the wee hours of the morning. Every once in awhile her relative would have something to say; unfortunately, those things would usually be in the form of a complaint. Whether it be the weather, her furniture, or the way her big toe felt that morning, it was never good, she was never happy, and she made everyone around her feel as unhappy as well. Grace said she wasn't like that. She told me, she liked people and is always uplifting if she could be.

Interesting. Why couldn't she be uplifting? What did that mean, "if she could be"? She kept talking and it wasn't long before my question was answered. Grace,  much like her relative, liked to be unhappy (2 Corinthians 9:7 AMP). Why else would anyone complain? Does it change the circumstances? If someone changed those circumstances for the person to be happy, does the person change and is happy or does the person see that the complaints change things and keep complaining? I noticed that Grace was usually alone until she found someone that also complained. It was odd that the both of them had so much to say to each other...well, at least for awhile until the resident decided to stay in her apartment to receive her meals for awhile. Not even Grace's relative would come to join her. Hmm, is that a lesson (Philippians 2:14 KJV)?

This particular blog answers the question a Christian might have while going through their Spiritual walk, "is this all there is?" For a Christian to ask such a question sounds like doubt and wondering if there are any loop holes to act unbecoming of righteousness. Why not be satisfied? What could there be that you would like to do but can't? If your answer has anything to do with any actions that would cause you hurt, harm, or danger - isn't that self-explanatory? You must be happy with who you are and know who you are in Christ. This can only happen by spending time with your Lord and Savior. He is the One that sacrificed His life just for you.

The title to this blog is also a lyric a song I heard while watching a couple dance. They were introduced on a video as a married couple when it came across my Facebook page. I don't know who sent it, but I like synchronized dancing; I had to click it to see. Their dance was a fun and happy one but what resonated the most was the ease of their dance. In the video you are about to see, the couple is dancing while their fellow colleagues or students are the audience. They are apparently critiqued by them and when they are finished, they visually shows their appreciation. The look on the couple's face is priceless at the reaction. Its as if they are surprised. All they are doing is dancing. Its so simple and what they both obviously enjoy.

Can you imagine a marriage like that? Where two people come together doing the same thing together and enjoying it (Amos 3:3 KJV). Their conversation can be about anything because the thing they enjoy doing they do it - all day. No stress because they are so compatible. Yes, that's what their dance meant to me. Also I watched other videos under the same company. The reaction the audience has with this couple and anyone else dancing is very different. Could it be because they are married? Could it because they are happy? Could it be because their confidence is strengthened by their union? Hm, lesson learned.

Evil For Evil

Have you ever felt like doing something like that? You know, revenge (Romans 12:19 AMP). Of course you have. Whenever you asked God to turn back the clock for you because you finally thought of something you could have said when someone capped on you. Do you know what capped means? Not being shot. It means when someone said something witty and mean to you and you didn't know you were insulted until minutes or hours, if not days, later. Then you think about what was said and now know what you could have said (Mark 13:11 AMP). Once you get a really good enough thing to say, you've missed the opportunity to say it.

Have you ever asked God to give you that chance again? Or have you ever asked God to give you something to say that is better than the cap that was made on you? Why is it that we never think of the scriptures that we need to say (Philippians 4:8 AMP) ? Why not bless that person so much that everyone says, "oooh" because of what you did? Does that sound weird? If so, why do you think that is?

I remember someone said something to me and I thought of what to say back months later. That's right, months. I couldn't believe that someone that looked like she ate corn through a knot hole in the fence had anything derogatory to say about me. And when I thought what I could have said, it was way too late. There were so many times that moment kept floating through my mind. I never thought it was necessary to do anything other then shrug it off as a learning moment and let it go. Oddly, it kept showing up. The very same thing over and over even when it had nothing to do with anything that was actually going on. Was I going crazy? No, I wasn't going crazy but I had to recognize that still, small voice. My deliverance came when I heard the lesson and was able to teach someone else so not to make the wrong turn through this journey we have claimed as life (Deuteronomy 30:19 AMP).

Is it crazy to ask God to do something for you when He tells us to do the very opposite? Yes, it is crazy! If you think about it rationally, would God give you an insult to hurt someone? In order for God to do this, He would have to tell the devil to consider you like He did with Job. Job's actions and requests were from fear. When we ask God to do something that opposes righteousness and holiness, you receive from the one that holds those attributes - your enemy. Do you need to be in a field scraping your open sores? Then don't ask God to do anything oppositional then what He tells for us to do (1 Peter 1:13-16 KJV).

Be good. Think good thoughts. And despite the stupidity of others, kill that nasty spirit with kindness. This is being more like God rather than your old self that should have passed away. Amen?

Hey, Those Are My Kids!!!!

Alright, so we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior and have learned some things that we expect should be happening in our lives on a constant. A little skeptical at first, but He has proven Himself over and over again to be true. There were plenty of things we can say, that if it weren't for the Lord, the outcome of many circumstances would have been a lot worse then they were. Thank God for Jesus! Phew!!!

Now as much as you would not like to complain about your life (because you know better then to do that), you have these thoughts. No matter how much you rebuke them and try to think of more pleasant things, the entertainment of these thoughts, you can't help but to admit, how true some of them are. Stuff like:

It was so much easier when you didn't know as much as you do about Jesus.

You had more friends when you didn't know about salvation.

You use to be the "cool" parent.

What's a little drink with co-workers after work? It doesn't have to be alcohol.

You can dance to "old school" music. What's the harm in that? Yeesh!

So you venture forth reasoning that you should be able to be happy too. There can't be an issue doing any of those things. True, you haven't been doing them in a long time because you hadn't had a desire to do them since coming into the knowledge of the truth, but it wasn't an issue before. What's the big deal now? Besides, you were asked by a few of your friends and they haven't been around in awhile. Why not? Its just a little fun, and you deserve it.

That is the attitude I had and have heard while on this Christian journey. I have seen some hard times and have wailed before the Lord, "What have I done to deserve this punishment? Tell me, so I can turn this thing around!" I went before ministers for help and they had no clue. I went to different ministries and expected to hear a more clear message just for me because I was visiting. It didn't happen. I forged through those times of which I remember and wince at the aggravation, frustration, and even questioning if I really received salvation. Because nothing changed and it didn't seem my question was being answered, I stayed to myself and continued to pray and study the Word. 

Did you think I was going to write that I gave up and went back out in the world? Ha! I know better. There is nothing for me out there no matter what turmoil I was going through at the time. I knew enough to know that God gives us tests for us to use the new material we have learned attending services regularly. There is a reason in bringing that notebook and taking notes. I went through the messages for the last few months. I had nothing in my notebook to keep me encouraged with all of the crap I was going through. Sure, I could keep saying the same verses that the ministers gave me over and over again but would that give me a clear understanding what this was? I kid you not, one minister I saw in the hall of the church on a weekday, stopped me. I thought he had heard from the Lord and was going to give me the answer I had been looking for. At first, he thought I needed to hear compliments. This was only irritating me. Then he said a scripture that I didn't hear from the other ministers. I suppose he saw the look of relief on my face and then quoted a few more verses. No, not the actual scripture like the Lord said, this or that. He was stating a specific book of the bible and the numbered verse where the scripture would found. He had a monster list of verses. He asked me if I had a paper and pen and continued on. I wish I had not seen him while going out of the door. When I tried to leave he said, "I'm not finished." He sat at the edge of the window (nowhere near the door I was trying to get out of) and got himself comfortable. He sighed, looked up at the ceiling and rattled off verse after verse for me to list on the back of my notebook.  At the time, I didn't see God's sense of humor. 

When I  got to my car, I wondered what that minister thought I was going to do with that list. I went home and began looking up some of the verses hoping that I would get some relief in what I found. He just rattled off verses. None of them had anything to do with what I was going through. I then thought about the scripture in Proverbs where it says there is safety in a multitude of counselors. Did I need to see more? So I did. It didn't get any better. What to do? What to do? I prayed....fervently....habitually.....with expectation.

Oddly enough, it took years before I got an answer. Why oddly? Because God doesn't work like that. So

why was it years rather then hours or a few days? Because its not Him - its us. We say, think, and do a myriad of things that we believe is normal. We have been trained in it for so long, we don't see the harm. But there is. I have written this message before in much detail. The reason I am writing this again is for the simple fact, its been years and you might be going through something that some minister gave an arbitrary, pedantic excuse for it. Do you know I had a female minister tell me that God is busy right now but He will get to me as soon as He gets the chance to? Uh, what?

There has to come a time where its just you and God and no one else can see you through the stuff you put yourself in. No one else will understand it. No one else will seem to care. God is calling you to Him. The relationship needs to be stronger. He would like for you to spend more time with Him. You need to. You are called to do something great and in order for that to happen, you need to spend that time with greatness. There is no one else greater. No one else. Realize that!

Now look at the title of this entry. You were drawn to the title because it sounds like you. But in reading the contents, you think that could be the voice of God protecting His own. You were right the first time. God would never call you His kid. As much as I have heard and said myself, I am a King's kid, it was wrong and God saw no pleasure in us saying such things. Let's break this down biblicily.

There will come a time (if it hasn't already begun) where God will begin to separate the goats from the sheep.

It is depicted in the parable of the wheat and the tares. The servant tells the farmer that the devil has planted some tares among the wheat. Problem is that the tares look like the wheat and it takes an experienced farmer to know the difference. God's wisdom and infinite mercy shows us Himself where the farmer tells the servant to allow the tares to grow. This will show which is which. Tares don't produce fruit. Tares will be pulled up, bundled together and burned. This is also illustrated when Jesus came upon a fig tree and saw no productivity on it. The tree was cursed to the root. The disciples marveled at how fast this happened.

We call our children kids not thinking that we are essentially marking them. God doesn't see your children as kids. He sees them as seeds of righteousness. Lambs, not goats. Baby goats are called kids. You do not wish to separate them yourself when God has no intention of doing this. You are creating your own chaos. You see that now, don't you? Let the Words of your mouth and meditation of your heart be acceptable in His sight. He's listening to you.  

Sabotage

The sacrifice we do for others is in hopes that the others will make better choices to be placed on a better path with less obstacles is something most Christians gladly do. We know this is pleasing unto God. We automatically make those sorts of sacrifices for our children and possibly for some of our family members. Yet, with what we know in Christ, are volunteers and philanthropic characteristics on the rise (Proverbs 21:3 AMP)? Would we still be so kind to sacrifice our time to assist in helping a stranger to understand Christianity and then follow up with where he/she attends services or the very least, pray for their spiritual growth? Do you wake up extra early to make that sacrifice in prayer for someone else (Proverbs 15:8 AMP) ? If not, are you sabotaging your own spiritual growth and success?

An attractive woman, recently divorced and raising her 4 children, establishing a home of her own and a career, she had been approached several times by men interested in dating her. Instead of having to continually reject their advances, she decided to make herself less attractive by wearing a silver wig, large framed glasses, no make up, and homely clothes. She barely looked like herself but the interest that she was receiving from so many men, stopped. She continued to obtain her education and advanced in her career. In reading this, one might think that this woman did nothing to impede her own progress. She got what she desired. Didn't she? Was it God's will? Her children grew and had independent lives while this once attractive woman who practiced being unattractive sits alone. She wishes to date now, but she isn't the same woman. God fashioned a woman to present to Adam (Genesis 2:21-23 NASB). There were specifics that God put in her for Adam and no one else. How this woman looked and behaved was a deliberate training. If her first husband could not see those attributes - oh well, he missed out. She was meant for someone else, but how will she know this now? It is so important to acknowledge God before making even the smallest of changes (Proverbs 3:6 KJV).

Would anyone make a conscious decision in destroying all of the good created? You would think not, yet doesn't it happen all of the time? Why would anyone take drugs with all of the information there is not to? Why does a grown woman have multiple sex partners when she has children fathered by several different men? Why does a thief run from the police then cries for mercy when the judge finds that he is a habitual offender? Why have children that you don't wish to raise? Why speak poorly of your child's mother/father (Proverbs 14;1 AMP)?

Sinners, well, that's their choice to be blind (Ephesians 4:17-32 KJV). For a Christian its insane to work against progress. In counseling, some women allow for me to gain some insight about their faith in God. When they do, the counseling strategy changes. A particular woman professing Jesus as her Lord and Savior has one child and her recreational activity is smoking dope while her child is in the car with her. One of my tasks for her was to find housing. When I did, management requires for this type of housing that the residents are drug free. A urine test is given on the spot. As I was filling the paper work, the test came back positive. The administrator reported that the positive reading was a hard positive; meaning, that the client had a few hits just before taking the test. No matter how many sessions and trials to gain free housing - the results were the same. How? Why? She manages to pass the drug test to gain employment; nevertheless, she consequently sabotaged her own success in the program and had to be excused.

This isn't exclusive to women. Men have their dirt to clean as well. A man is in a hurry to marry. When  he does, he expects his wife to be the woman his mother never was to his father. She cooked and cleaned for her new husband. One would think he would be pleased with her efforts. Instead, he would spill a drop of red soda on the floor daily just to see if she would clean it. Day after day. Month after month. Year after year until she couldn't take it (Proverbs 21:19 AMP). His actions served as fodder for arguments until the new couple sounded just like his parents (Proverbs 17:1 AMP). Oddly, he was content. She eventually left him. His parents divorced at the same amount of years married as well.

Yeah, you can blame the enemy and to some degree that would be true; yet, if you know better, why not do better? Why not practice what the Word says so the enemy is never allowed a strong hold (Luke 11;21-26 AMP)? Is that too much trouble to do too?