Who Is It?

There is a peace that surpasses all understanding, a warmth that covers your whole person (Philippians 4:7 KJV). There is an indescribable knowing that clears up all confusion - it is undeniably God (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV). Most Christians understand that description and can't help but to smile remembering when the love glove encapsulated each one of them for the first time.
Every experience that involves God will remove yokes, remove burdens, cause peace, reveal joy, and/or will show where we got off of the path of righteousness. If none of these things happen in what you say, hear, or do, it is unequivocally not God!

One Sunday morning I arose to make my son and I some breakfast. While eating, I heard a scream and then a wailing going on outside. About half a block away, there is a church in a the middle of services. Apparently, the praise and worship service overwhelmed a congregant to the point of not being able to contain himself. So instead of disrupting services, the person stood outside of the building and wailed. Wailed so loud that he could be heard at least half a block away with windows and doors closed. I suppose it is acceptable behavior. My question, is it God? Is God pleased with you disrupting an entire neighborhood with your praise?

Have you ever used the search engine to look up "the Holy Spirit" dance? When you watched it, did you sense the Spirit of God being in that? Was it the Spirit of God that told the person to video tape it and post it online? If you think it was, why would He do that?

There is a show about pastors on cable. I watched a few episodes wondering if it was another scripted

"reality" show or if there is a premise of truth to draw more souls to Christ. One of the pastors divorced his wife, opened a church in another part of the country, living with a woman he wasn't married to and expecting a baby The church of past would have frowned at this man and signed him off as a devil worshiper. Truth be told, I was frowning too especially finding out that his father is a bishop...but...(and I seriously can't believe I am writing this) God has given us all allowances so that we could apply what we know from the truth. I cannot fault him for following in his father's footsteps nor can I fault him for following the call God has on his life with his music. With that understood, what about all of the other dirt? Well, what about it? Is the plank out of your eye yet?

Look, I don't like it either when scandal is attached to the name of someone belonging in the clergy especially after all of those sermons for the congregation to live a better life. What can he/she speak about after that? Its just that in the show, there is that pastor that put it all out in the open. Is it arrogant or just being honest? Can he preach about not sinning or would he be a hypocrite? I don't know, but the Word is clear when it comes to deacons and bishops (1 Timothy 3:1-13 AMP). Is there more slack for a pastor? if there is, who do you follow and how would you know? Still, it's in the Word. You cannot follow God and mammon. It's as simple as that.

The voice of God is clear, concise, and it doesn't waiver. There are no loop holes in His instruction. People might not like hearing the truth because they know that they will have to change (John 8:32 KJV). Change for us is inevitable. God will forever remain the same. By now, you know the voice of the Good Shepherd (John 10:27 AMP). Disregarding Him in this day and age is just foolish!

Getting To Heaven

In this life as a Christian, we have one purpose. This may astonish some of you because you have been walking down a path that has not taken you to where you thought you should be (Proverbs 3:6 AMP). There is a good reason for that and it also answers as to why you have been asking God, "Why is this happening to me?" Psalm 84:11 AMP

When I was a Social Worker, I asked a woman who was a survivor of domestic violence, what was it that she needed in order for her to be happy. She paused for a moment and answered, "I would like a job in a factory." The residents in the shelter knew that I had a reputation of getting resources for my clients in order for them to have the tools to be successful adults. The effort was up to them. So in asking this woman the question, I assumed she had this information and was thinking on the resourcefulness level rather than the actual thing that would make her happy. I explained myself. Her answer was the same. She had no idea what she could do other than work that could cause her more enjoyment. I had to meet her where she was and didn't prolong the agony any further. I then thought about the rest of us. If God has given us all that would make us happy but we don't recognize it, who's fault is it (Hosea 4:6 AMP)?

When going to church, what is it that we are looking for? Are we there for spiritual support, motivation for the rest of the week, to be seen, or just to say that you were there for church attendance? It is what I found with some of the members volunteering. The purpose is to assist the pastor with the vision God has given him. In so doing, we have prayed to make sure God places us where we can do the most good. The pastor doesn't even have to know you exist. The supervisor just needs a body in position to do the task. Unless it requires for you to talk or God has told you otherwise, why say anything? Think of the human body. The fingernail has a purpose and doesn't substitute itself to be the mouth piece for God. The toe is assisting the other toes. It doesn't just decide to become a knee. So then, where are you supposed to be? What are you supposed to be doing to be pleasing unto God (Ephesians 5:1-14 AMP)?

You see, that is the real purpose for any of us in this world that we temporarily reside in. It is not to be seen in the latest fashion only to throw the outfit in the bottom of the closet because it was already worn. No one cares. It is not to show off how many dollars have overwhelmed your money clip. Once that money has been spent, who cares? It is not to show off your new car that loses its value the moment you drive it off the lot and if someone keys it or bumps it with a shopping cart, what is it worth then? No one cares. Joe Cool in high school lasts for less than 4 years. Josephine the Queen on the stoop lasts for as long as all of the neighborhood children grow up and have successful lives of their own and the queen is still on the stoop telling the same lies (James 5:1-6 AMP). What have they done with their lives? Where are they fitting in the body? Is God pleased?

There was a woman in the ministry I used to attend. I have mentioned her before. She volunteered for everything in the church. When  the announcements were shown on the big screen, there she was in almost every auxiliary. She worked so hard. I wondered what was she hoping for. I volunteered too. I didn't know where to work in the ministry only where they needed someone. It wasn't until later did I try to find my specific niche. There was nothing available in writing and so I resorted to pray for people on the 24 hour hotline. That same woman told me later that she was trying to be seen for ministry. She desired to preach. Not having that calling, I could not advise her either way only that I knew doing absolutely everything in the church was not the way to go (nor doing nothing). A few months later, she lost her job. She then lost her home. She went to the ministers on staff for prayer. I don't know what they told her only a few weeks later, she passed away. Who saw that coming? Did she build to get to heaven? Was she on the road in pleasing God? What did those ministers tell her? Was their information straight from God or did they encourage her to continue working like a Hebrew slave in the ministry? Clearly, she stated what her motivation was. Would she go against the very ministers she needed in order to obtain the position she was seeking? Selah.

The people of Babel began building a tower. Their purpose was to literally get to heaven. Together, they were in agreement and fixed on obtaining their goal. Do your realize how much work and ingenuity had to go into that plan? They had to make brick by hand, the bricks had to dry and then carry them to the next level in order for the building to reach the height they were seeking. The science of their building wasn't going to work simply because the base had to support the height of the structure. Eventually it would sway and the builders would come to their death. There was also the lack of oxygen every time in making the trip higher and higher. Would the workers make it or the trip back down? Was God pleased with all of this effort in getting closer to Him? You would think so; however, the outcome was that they were struck not understanding each other and could not continue making the structure because there was no longer in agreement. When there is no agreement, there is no peace. How could God be pleased with that (Genesis 11:1-9 AMP)?

When Jesus was teaching the disciples, He commented on Peter. He said that the church is founded on a rock. The rock spiritually as well as literally is a sound structure. It can withstand any height that is built. Spiritually it is the hope that we are all in agreement that we continue to build getting closer and closer to God (Matthew 7:15-28 AMP). Stretch and make it without limits. Do the best work you can. You will sense God smiling.

Picture this, the rain forest is called what it is because of the structure of the trees. It is its own ecological system. The seed that is not used for food is allowed to burrow in the soil and grow. The trees are already well nourished because of all of the algae and constant moisture all around. The only thing the tree needs is sun. It maneuvers around other trees to get the maximum sunlight that it can. Some have twisted its branches around others just to get that light. Finally, the forest is covered with leaves and though there is warmth, it is difficult for the other trees to get the height that it seeks. A storm comes and those roots that are secure withstands the elements while others have been ripped from the earth. When the skies clear, the little ones get the chance to see what all of the other older trees were drinking in. It is the sun. Understand?

Fleecing The Flock

I listen to John MacArthur on the radio while driving to work. His focus for this week was love. I figured this topic has been taught to pieces and if born again believers don't have a clue by now, its just not going to happen (1 Corinthians 3:2 AMP). But his perspective had me sitting in the parking lot and considering what  I have been doing in being the "salt of the earth" or "the light of the world" according to the scriptural reference.

How many of us  have instead of saying anything derogatory of a topic would rather stay quiet and pick his/her battles? In fact it became my mantra. The reasoning was: why waste so much energy on a topic that meant little to nothing. Why not use the emotion and passion on something worthy of the debate?

Says who? Where is the measuring stick in the scriptures? 

Its menial to you because you know better. Remember, God gave you wisdom liberally and upbraids it not (James 1:5 AMP). Now there are all of these others that has relied on what man has done for them. They think they have the correct answers but you know otherwise and you don't think its worth your time or trouble to make the truth known to them. Really (Matthew 24:14 AMP)?

I am employed in a Jewish elderly community. There is a Jewish woman that came and moved into the community about 5 years ago. She had some diminished learning capacities but claimed to love the Lord with all of her heart, mind, and strength. She always spoke kindly of others, as far as I knew, and made those around her aware of what she went through in her past. Around her neck she wore a gold star of David and a gold crucifix. The Christians never asked her why nor had issue with her attending services every Sunday while still going to temple every now and again. However, her own community asked why would she wear both around her neck. She tried to explain to them but their would reply was for her to choose. Her concern was that she didn't wish to offend anyone. Recently, she was honored, along with a group of others, for her service as a volunteer. That weekend, suddenly she passed away. In the Jewish community when someone dies, the family and friends sit Shiva. I was told her family never came and sat in the community where she resided. The ones who came and sat were the Christians from the church that she attended and was welcomed.

At her funeral, there were 2 people in particular that came. These 2 elderly people talked about her behind her back and loud enough for her to hear what they said. All 3 of them are of the same ethnicity. She had never done anything to them, but those 2 charms around her neck spurned the intolerance they had for her. When she passed, those 2 people came to report their findings of the funeral. They even mentioned how when it was time for the pall bearers to move the casket, none of the family budged. The women considered getting up to do it themselves when a few of the males stood to do the task. I listened and wondered why did those 2 go to the funeral at all. I was told that it was to pay their respects. Payment is null and void.

Respect to who? Respect for what?

I thought of this when John MacArthur was speaking. He used the scripture, if you have done all of these things without love, it means nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1 AMP). It was a waste of time. Who are you going to tell of these things you have done; and then what is supposed to happen if you have not gained anything in heaven? A trophy? A car? A new suit (James 5:1-3 AMP)? What will all of those things prove when God says, depart from Me, I know you not?

I also thought about the church and how it has changed in the last 10 years. I have listened to a number of pastors. I have seen their children walk in the footsteps of their fathers and others do what ever they needed to get away from the church and everything they believe it stands for...including marrying spouses that aren't saved. I watched men state that they have been raised in "holiness" yet could not keep a position of authority in ministry until all of their unruly children were grown in houses of their own (1 Timothy 3:12 AMP). I have seen men leave the church because the rules were too strict and those men start their own ministries to do as they pleased and call it in the name of Jesus. What has happened? What are we doing? Where is the faith? Has our capacity of learning been diminished? Has our ability to know the truth and walk in it been compromised?

A divorced mother listened while her grown children reminisce of their childhood. All of their memories were not pleasant and at those times, there were pauses of silence before they continued on with something else. The mother in the past would interrupt her children and try to justify why she had to work 2 shifts or had to allow their father to share custody even though their father believed in corporal punishment most of the time. Those interruptions were always met with intensity and ended with hurt feelings or regrets of harsh words spoken. However, this time when the reminiscing began, the mother said nothing. The children would start again and still the mother had nothing to add nor made any excuses for what she had to do in order for the family to have clothes and food. She remained silent. Then one of her eldest sons asked, why. The mother closed her eyes and sighed before replying, "forgive me." For the first time, her children were at a loss for words but oddly enough -  satisfied.

Could this not be a lesson to many in the clergy who have taught things that had nothing to do with the scriptures or preached from anger when the Word tells us to be angry and sin not (Ephesians 4:26 AMP)? Teaching anything that did not come from the truth is a sin - in case you didn't know. We can all justify our actions but when we have learned what the right thing is, how many of us have asked for forgiveness and make that wrong thing right? Too much pride? You know what God says about that too (Proverbs 16:18 AMP).

I challenge anyone reading these blog entries. Many times I have written things from anger but I try to keep it in the Word to make applicable changes in our lives. If there is anything you find that doesn't, please let me know. I do not have an issue with apologizing. I know how much that little statement can do. I will never with hold an apology especially if some action I have done is keeping that person from developing in his/her fullest potential. What about you? Pastors, are you feeding or fleecing us?

Confused?

This is the beginning of 2016. Like many people, this also commemorates when resolutions are being declared like a promise to never be unfaithful to God. Good intentions but without knowing what all there is out there and God at the helm - futile. You and I both know at the end of 2 weeks all of those promises made to self rarely sees December of the same year. If you have read this blog for any length of time you already know what I think of resolutions.

Wouldn't it be nice if we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, could keep fast to principles we learned way back in Sunday School (Hebrews 5:12-13 AMP)? For instance, we know that we have power in the words we choose to speak on others and ourselves (Psalm 19:14 AMP). We know that not only should we think good things but speak those good things as well (Philippians 4:8 AMP). The world has been taught from back in the day, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." What happened to that age old lesson? The thing is, I have been hearing in the last 365 days a saying that doesn't seem to perk anyone else's ears. A saying that certainly must have Jesus wincing and God cringing. I have no idea why the righteousness in God through Christ Jesus would allow such words to escape from their mouths. It truly makes my stomach queasy.

Are you confused right now? About what? You don't know what I am referring? Would that make you actually confused? Really? So you don't know up from down, right from wrong, good from bad - right now, as you read this? Because that would be confused and destined for hell. No? That doesn't describe you? Then why, why, why, have you ever said it....ever?!! WHY?

Let's break it down for the newbies in Christ. I use newbie affectionately and not to be offensive. I would think babe or novice would be insulting especially if you think otherwise...as I did, even though I was still wet behind the ears (1 Peter 2:2 AMP).

Confused (sigh), its the new fad saying that started in 2014 (or that's when I first heard it). As Christians we know God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV). So that would make our enemy the author of confusion. By saying you are confused means you now identify with something you have no relationship with. Picture it. When Adam went against God by disobeying Him, God returned to walk with Adam and asked, "Adam, where are you?" Unrecognizable? Adam was the only man on earth. Adam was the only one He created when God said, "let US make man." This only 3 part being was now unrecognizable to God? Its a scary thought.

No? How about the verse, "depart from Me, I know you not." If you are confused, then you can relate closer to something then what God has for you. He said, the Holy Spirit will lead you into ALL truth and shew you things to come (John 16:13 KJV). He said, "...in ALL of your getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7 KJV)." He said, My sheep know My voice and the voice of a stranger they will not follow (John 10:27 KJV). So...are you still confused? Does it sound scary now?

Its not a play thing. I have heard ministries take the Word and flip it to make it convenient. The sayings the world has is used in sermons to make it relate able. But God doesn't need for the world to be infiltrated in His word. He asked for pastors to do 1 thing. Feed My sheep. Its the only thing that is needed. The Lord already prepared the table. Why, why, why is it necessary to doctor up what the Lord has prepared? You do not know better then GOD!!! The Word is plain and easy to understand. There is nothing confusing in it....unless you aren't HIS. Understand?

The Crass-ness of Christmas

I tried not to post anything negative especially during the holidays. People are going through enough not to hear my ranting about what I think this holiday has become over the years. I don't really need to write about it too ? You see it too - right? Where is the love? What has happened?

My whole life Christmas has been a day to market simply everything. If there is not one commercial after another then its hearing your relatives go on and on about what they want rather then finding out what more could they give. If that's Christmas for them, then fine. What more can one say? Hearing that Jesus is the reason for the season has become as cliche as Jingle Bells.

I woke yesterday morning saying, "Happy Birthday Jesus", knowing what the day held for me. There was cooking to be done, I had 2 afghans to finish crocheting and all of the conversation from my children and grand child. Its family. Its what the holidays bring and what some yearn for. The dinner was nice but not as huge as Thanksgiving. I made that decision a few years back. I finished 1 of the 2 afghans and everyone seemed pleased with what they received in the form of presents. That always makes a parent happy. So if that all went well, I wondered what happened to the joy of Christmas for me.

To and from work for a solid week, I listened to nothing but Christmas music. It got to the point that by the time Christmas got here, I was thoroughly tired of Christmas hymns and carols. Maybe that's it. Before Halloween was over, Christmas decorations went up and I could hear them bleed Christmas music in the stores. I didn't really mind it much a few years ago, but if you listen to more then a few weeks of the same music, what happens? My mother used to say when using perfume, "a little goes a long way and too much stinks." Is that what happened to Christmas?

I noticed the nights were coming closer and closer. I saw that it was taking longer for the sun to rise. Was that normal, I kept asking myself. And what came to mind was the scripture where Paul says, you are able to tell the weather but not when the Lord is coming. That didn't make me feel any better.

My mother passed away last year around this time. Maybe that's what was making me feel so...blah. Holidays will never be what they used to be without her. This is true, but the Word tells me that there is a time for mourning and a time when mourning is over. Am I still mourning?

I work for a predominantly Jewish agency. For the most part, they really try to incorporate all faiths...well, as much as they can tolerate. Nevertheless, in looking over that attitude they have about Jesus, I have tried my best not to offend (no matter how much they offend me and what I believe). Am I tired of holding back or is it all culminating around me to the point of needing a vacation?

I suppose this is what many people go through in the holidays and too many times people have this panacea answer that's supposed to wash over you and make it all disappear. Well, in Christ, I always thought it was supposed to and if it lingers that's the fight of faith the Word tells us about - isn't it? We are wrestling not against flesh and blood. So if all of those who don't know Jesus and those who do and don't care what they say, are the ones we are to influence for them to inquire about Jesus, I guess we are failing miserably. With all of the crap that's going on, it is possible in losing sight of what the holiday is all about. If the Holy Spirit never gave us that unction, we would be writing Merry X-mas or saying Happy Holidays like everyone else. I said Merry Christmas to a few people because I was surprised how many days had passed and I had not heard it once. You would be surprised how long it took before the grunts stopped and the hesitations came to order before I heard the greeting back.

Still, God has been good to me. I am here and in good health along with my children. I pray for those who spitefully use me and for those who still have not accepted Him as their Lord and Savior. In this way, Christmas remains what it is: Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

Scuds and Duds

This blog was written for those Christians that wonder where is the abundance they heard so much about? Asking the question, is this all there is? Or wondering if they are doing the Christian thing right because it isn't at all what they expected (Romans 7:15-20 AMP). Never did I think that I would ever be writing with ministers, preachers, or even pastors in mind. But, as a dean of a Christian college said, aren't we all ministers? I had to think about that for a moment. I suppose once we have established that relationship with God as Jesus did by studying, it is what we all become... in one form or another. So now, I am grouping clergy with the rest of us because we all have to walk this path (Psalm 119:105 AMP). What I am finding is a title is only a title. It doesn't give more wisdom, it doesn't put more anointing on a message, it doesn't show more love, its only a title. Understand?

Every Sunday, I get comfortable and ready myself to listen to one of my favorite pastors on Christian television. The reason I get so into certain ministers is because they seem to know exactly what I am going through for the week and the message pinpoints what I needed to hear (Luke 8:8 AMP). Usually, its the kind of message where you have to take notes and go back to them for reference because you are making those words meat for your spirit to live by. Its good food (Hebrews 5:12-14 AMP). What I would call a scud missile; eradicating the enemy right out of its comfort zone and back to the dry abyss where he belongs (Matthew 12:43-45 AMP). Who doesn't love those messages? Its as if God was watching you and told the minister, evangelist, pastor, or speaker to say this right to you for the time such as it is. You have to just love that!

Well, that Sunday while I was all into the message, it went a little left. When this happens, I sort of

lean in thinking that this is gonna be one of those deep sermons where I might have to go back in the Word and look to see what he is talking about for it to be applicable to my situation or for future use. But then he mentioned the devil and then again, and then he did it again. He said that the devil is organized. Huh? Well, let me wait to see where he was going. I listened and didn't like the neighborhood, so I changed the channel. The sermon was almost over for that episode. How long does one wait before doing something to keep your heart guarded (Proverbs 4:23 AMP)? Now where was my spiritual sustenance for the week? Should I keep tuning in or stop because that one sermon was a dud?

What I am noticing is that ministry is cyclical. Honestly, everything God does is cyclical. In sowing seed: seed in soil, water, sun, plant raises, fruit, harvest. The seed is in the fruit and the process continues. Man and woman meet, marriage, sex, child is born, child grows, meets spouse and the cycle continues. God gives talent, blessing, and gifts to His children, we minister to others, their lives change. God gives to them and the cycle continues. Its a well oiled machine. In studying the Word, one can see this same process in all things. God shows love and gives love. If you operate in fear, you decided not to accept His love, so the opposite comes to collect. The enemy. This happens every single time. There is no getting around it. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. Operate in love, its what you will receive. Operate in kindness, it is what you will receive. If deception is your means of entertainment, then you cannot be upset when those around you lie, steal, and cheat to get what they desire. God's harvest is what He has sown. He will not gather deceit, frustration, laziness, malice, and anything else that is not of Him. Be thou holy for He is holy. Its as simple as that.

Ministers standing before a congregation have accepted the assignment to be the mouthpiece of God. When anything other then His Word is being spoken, there will be consequences. You see the congregation is not only there to receive what God has for them, but to pray for the minister who is speaking. Hopefully, he/she realizes that the pulpit is not the place to embarrass or to humiliate others. It is not the time to get revenge (actually, its never the time) and is never a place to focus on your own agenda. There is a cycle in ministry as well. The minister prays to hear from God. He studies to hear from God. He continues to do so until he is confident that the message is from God with scriptural reference. If there is no scripture used, there is no truth in it. If there is no truth in it, then the message did not come from God and this minister will need much prayer. He will receive consequences for feeding God's people food that was not prepared at the Lord's table.

The Word is clear on this matter. Let every man have a good report (Philippians 4:8 KJV). Why? Because this man is doing the will of God. God is good. The cycle is working. Teachers will be held at a higher standard (James 3:1 AMP). If ministers don't think they are teachers, this information is a rude awakening. We already made a decision when we chose life. Life then becomes the answer to every other question where we have to make a decision. If you still don't know, ask God. He sees where every decision will lead you. His intention is for His harvest to be full and abundant much like the life Jesus promised when God sowed His only Son into the earth. Now, that was a one of a kind scud missile!

There Is A Problem

Before delving into the Word, please forgive me for not being as diligent as I would have hoped to have been this year. I am in the process of making a career and change in residence. All of my personal belongings have been packed and I resort to going to the library to write in my spare time. I do thank you for your patience and supporting this blog by checking in and reading those entries that may be new to you.

In studying the scriptures, when God recognized a problem, He resolved it. Problem: the world was void and without form. Solution: God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:2 KJV). Problem: God created the Garden of Eden so big there was no one to feed it. Solution: God created 3 rivers to nourish the garden (Genesis 2:10-14 AMP). Problem: It was not good for man to be alone. Solution: God created woman (Genesis 2:22-23 AMP). Now that last problem is a powerful statement seeing that God epitomizes what good is and created all. There was a problem and His solution was to create a woman. Selah.

Here is my question: How is it that man, God's creation, thinks he can create a better solution then the one God made? From having a dog as his best friend to marrying the same sex, how are any of those things better then the what God said and concluded that it is good (Genesis 1:31 AMP)?

Understand if you choose to do anything outside of what God has created as good, that's your right and you have the freedom to make that decision (Proverbs 18:21 AMP). Only, you can't then complain and expect absolution when crap happens. This is basic Christianity 101!!! You, whether you believe it or not, created a bigger problem by going outside of what God calls good.

I just learned a few weeks ago, one of my favorite speakers of all time passed away last year. The way I came about this information was surfing the channels on youtube and finding his face on a few of them. He had been out of the public view for a few years and I was surprised to see him back. But upon closer scrutiny, the channels were commemorating his passing. His name is Arch-Bishop Veron Ashe. He was introduced by Pastor Carlton Pearson way back in the early 90's and was regarded as one of the most dynamic and anointed speakers in the Christian circuit. He went on to be seen on the Potter's House and in various parts of the United States and Europe. I know when it was announced that he was anywhere in Michigan, I was there. In his sermon, he mentioned several times that he was married to the church and had not been married to anyone. Personally, I found that strange but not unheard of because speakers of the clergy like to use Paul as an example for not being married and still being anointed to do as God called them to do (or so we think).The problem here is that we were
never required, taught, or told to follow Paul. Fast forward: Veron Ashe passed away destitute and alone, according to the article linked here. It wasn't until later did I find that he is the grand child to Mary Kay Ashe, the multi-million dollar business mogul of Mary Kay Cosmetics. How much sense does that make?

My son is single and 30 years old. He has been talking to a pastor who is also single and in his mid 50's. The pastor claims that he believes marriage is a ministry and he has not been called to it. I warned my son to guard his heart and be watchful when listening to this man preach (Proverbs 4:23 AMP).

Another pastor had an uncle about 20 years older then himself. The pastor marveled how his uncle could keep himself celibate for so long and maintain holiness in Christ (his words). In his late 70's, the pastor made the declaration that he is ready to be married. The problem was the pickings were so slim, that no one was interested. Eventually, instead of him looking, he went back into the nature he was used to - single life. By his late 90's, the pastor told him it was high time for him to let go of his independence and come and reside with his nephew and wife. He did. One night when all of the other occupants were busy with their lives, the uncle tripped on a stair and fell tragically. He passed away - alone. What could anyone say, but to feel sad.

I just wonder how anyone can question the quality of their lives when they refuse solutions God has created and has freely given. Are you afraid? He created a solution for that (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP). Are you apprehensive because you have no example of a happy marriage? There is a solution for that (1 Peter 5:7 AMP). Do you love your stuff more then sharing it with anyone else? God knew and created a solution for that too (Matthew 6:1-20 AMP). So you see, there is no excuse or special privilege to those who truly wish to have their lives better off then what it is. Its really up to you.

Trust, when God says its not good to be alone- it really and truly ain't.