Why would you think as soon as you find the person you are to marry that your services are no longer needed. If you served in order for her/him to be noticed to date, why do you think it changes? This is more true of men then it is of women. Women know, seeing we are married we are to submit to our husbands and he is looking for her to be obedient to him. But what about his service? Is he not to love his wife as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25 AMP)? What does he think that means? Jesus served. He washed the feet of the disciples. He humbled himself (John 13:5-10 AMP). When a man speaks of his wife being submitted to him, does that sound humble? When reminding of his wife about submission, does that sound like what Jesus did with the church? Jesus said that He came not to condemn man but for him to have life and have it more abundantly (John 3:17 AMP). Does he have that same characteristic when he interacts with her? If he doesn't have it while dating, he won't be this way during the marriage.
I recall a young man telling me that his mother taught him not to be embarrassed when he had to go to the store to purchase his wife's feminine products. He also claimed that his mother taught him how to cook as well, just in case she would need for him to do so if nothing else for himself. He was pleased that he had all of these skills and knew it was a selling point to tell the woman of his desires for her to marry him. He did find a woman that appealed to him, yet when she asked him to do all of those things his mother had taught him to do, it was like pulling teeth from a brick. He found every excuse not to do it and called her lazy for asking him. It got to the point where he thought killing a bug was too much for him to do for her. His reasoning was, what if he weren't there and the children needed her protection? He said she needed the practice in killing bugs and spiders herself. Is it a wonder why she didn't feel affectionate towards him in a few years after they married? If she continued her service with a smile despite his services towards her, would there be consequences in his life? Is God in agreement with this man and his reasoning (Matthew 5:44 AMP)?
A young woman, not knowing until brought to her attention, looked at her husband in disdain because he found it difficult to keep a job. She could not respect a man that had her as a wife and family to support yet did not do whatever he could to stay employed. It became increasingly difficult for her to talk to him without bickering. She knew what her obligation to do as a Christian was, but for some reason, it was too much for her to be kind and loving to the man she promised herself to. Was it her fault? Because he cannot keep a job and is the head of her, could she lose her Christian principles? Did she have a right to be disrespectful towards him (1 Peter 3:2 AMP)?
A woman at her desk was called into her supervisor's office. The supervisor tells her that the work schedule is wrong and has made some changes that is more comparable to the order of things in the work place. The woman looks at the schedule and sees that all of her days that she has had for the last 3 years have been changed. Her supervisor tells her that this is the schedule that they agreed to months ago. The woman disagreed and told her supervisor it was a mistake. She continued that she never agreed to those changes. The supervisor claimed that the meeting with all of the employees at the beginning of the year never said anything including her. So it was the schedule agreed to and there is nothing she could do about it. The woman realizing she was fighting a losing battle gets up to leave. Just then she remembered that she had an email and it confirms what she had been saying, She sends the email to her supervisor. The supervisor sends a response, there will be no changes to the schedule. Is this a fight that needs to be taken to Human Resources? Would it be worth it knowing this woman would have to go back and work with this same supervisor? Can she come back the next day smiling ready to work knowing that her supervisor is less then honorable? Would God be pleased if she did or would He be more pleased if she quit (Ephesians 6:5-10 AMP)?
These are some of the things we go through as Christians and for some, these things are minute and elementary to deal with. For others, it is the reason your peace is troubled. It reminds me when I was a child. I have an older brother who used to tease me incessantly. He would be thrilled the more I shrieked for him to leave me alone. Sometimes we would wrestle and other times it would be physically fighting. I would be hitting him as hard as I could and he would just laugh. The thing is, we never crossed the line to pick up a weapon to hurt one another. There would have been serious and more than likely fatal damage if we had. My point is, when or why would anyone go beyond the boundaries that have been given to us (Galatians 5:16-25 AMP)?
We know who we are in Christ. We know what is expected of us. We know that if we don't pass these tests, the test will continue to come back until we do. When dating, people have silly ideas they need to do in order to see what is your tolerance level. Yes, this is a tt to. If anyone decides to do such mind games, walk away. He /she will continue to do so and it is a seed sown that you will have to suffer if you continue with the relationship anyway.
I originally wrote this entry for the Christian Singles blog. In it, it answers a Christian's need to find their own spouse or why he/she must be patient in waiting for God. This does answer that question to some degree. It also answers to the Christian single why he/she isn't comfortable with their choice. People have reasons for doing and living in the matter they choose. Some like their mess. That doesn't mean you have to wallow in it too. If they can find a reason to retaliate when Jesus says that the revenge belongs to Him, who are you to do otherwise? You have more reason to smile knowing that you have an ally that has your back (Hebrews 3:5 AMP).
Showing posts with label accountability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label accountability. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Saturday, October 19, 2013
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:
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.
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!
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.
Monday, September 17, 2012
What Is A Wife?
Coming to this conclusion, too many women have agreed to do some things different after processing other failed relationships in their minds. However, they don't realize that it sells themselves short of the treasure that women really are. Some women have agreed in many circumstances just to live together without some superficial paper stating what the two (the man and woman) have claimed to be in their own minds - married. This way, if it doesn't work out, each can go their separate ways without all of the red tape, lawyers and money involved (Galatians 6:7 AMP). Both have learned a lesson and the next time won't make those same mistakes. It works out perfectly and no one gets hurt. Right?
Here's the funny thing though, if it is just a superficial piece of paper why does it mean so much when the process begins? When celebrities that have lived together for years in harmony (supposedly) and then get married, why does that superficial piece of paper the reason for the demise of their union? Why is it that the difference between making those vows (promises) to do what the minister, clergy, or officiant, tells the two to repeat causes some to stutter, cry, or even pause at what is being said. If its so superficial, why get cold feet after all of the money has been spent, invitations have been sent, and the tailoring of all of the clothes have been done? Its the same person that you have been dating in front of the same people invited to come and celebrate with you just to get a simple supposedly superficial piece of paper (1 Corinthians 7:1-5 AMP). Right?
We hope that the two are mature enough to figure this out for themselves, yet the truth of the matter can be read in black and white as the divorce rate is anything but zero. The answer is not for the two to live together in secret and hope that it will all work out, God is not mocked. The answer is not for the two to live with the parents of the other so the parents can figure it out for the son; and then, if that doesn't work, the parents can send her on her way but the son is saved and she will have to pick up the pieces with her own family. Gee, how loving!
When the two receive counseling individually, then let the next session be together as they come to realize some things. Did she wish to work outside of the home? Did she wish to have children? How many, if she does? Did she realize that she is supposed to be the help to her husband? What does this help mean to her?Did she know that he will be the head of her (Ephesians 5:23 KJV)? Did she know that she is to reverence him (1 Peter 3:2 AMP)? Does she know what reverence means? Does she know that he is to love her as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25 KJV)? Does she know what that means? Does she know that she is to be submissive to her husband (Ephesians 5:22 AMP)? Does she know that the verse above that one is that they are suppose to submit to each other (Ephesians 5:21 AMP)? Does she know that arguing isn't healthy in a marriage or any relationship (James 1:20 AMP)? These are the things that are baffling to many people, even those not seeking to be married. These are things that are necessary to be known to have Kingdom Living (Romans 14:17 KJV). Without Kingdom Living in place, marriage will not be the catalyst that will give it to the individual or the couple.
To answer the question, what is a wife, one would have to find out what Jesus expected from the church then make it applicable to the individual. This can be different to each of us because we are assigned different tasks in the body of Christ. Be as it may, she has to know what it is that God has spoken in her heart to do. This way when the right man comes and asks for her hand, he is going to treat her as it is written. She will recognize the greater one on the inside of him because He is the same on the inside of her. They are equal and joy, peace and righteousness can continue and are all the more stronger for it. Selah.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Hey Preacher, You Said If I Did This Then...!
This is an entry that took time for me not to write from emotion but from the Word of God. I figured if I felt like this at one time, there had to be more then just me feeling the same way. The purpose in writing this is not to pacify the flesh, which would be the only reason for thinking that you are owed something for being a Christian and doing what is right in the sight of God, but for you to see the truth and to be set free from the obstacles that is keeping you from obtaining all that God has for you.
In going to the altar, or at your bedside or in your living room after hearing a message on television or where ever you were in accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior you were immediately put into the family expecting to go to heaven in the day of His return (Romans 10:9 AMP). You then realize (some sooner then later), that you have to know more of this life you just chose to live. What is expected of you? What is it that you need to change to be a true believer (Matthew 6:33 AMP)? What is all of the joy that other believers are talking about (Romans 14:17 KJV)? How can you learn more about this Jesus that now is Lord over your life (Mark 8:34 KJV)?
Weren't these the questions you had when first coming into the knowledge of the truth? There had to be more after you thought you were doing all that you were supposed to be doing only to find out that there was even more and then some more and then just a little bit more until you can get to where everyone else seems to be. When did you get fed up? Are you fed up now? What are your options? Are you tempted to go back out into the world? Do they (sinners) have it better then where you are now (Proverbs 23:17 KJV)? What happened? Where is the peaceful life in abundance that was promised to you (Colossians 3:15 AMP)? Did the preacher mean that's what was going to happen when you get to heaven? Well, what about now? Do you have direction now (Isaiah 32:17 KJV)?
It is a frustrating state of affairs especially when the whole reason acceptance into salvation was agreed upon was through fear. You know, the fire and brimstone message (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP). It is why there are so many that start to have a wondering eye (Proverbs 6:24-26 AMP). The message preached wasn't preached from the foundation of who God is - Love (1 John 4:8 AMP). There has to be love radiating from each message that a minister preaches otherwise he/she is on their own personal agenda to manipulate those that will hear. If it is not to increase volunteers, then it is to increase what is given in offering or to guilt those to go and witness to increase attendance. Without knowing why you feel like going back into the world, read the following and be encouraged. God sees you and His love is still there watching over you. Don't turn your back on Him because of the foolishness of men. Keep reading and guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23 AMP).
Why ministers preach what they do.
The textbook answer is, ministers have the assignment to feed the sheep of the Lord. Seeing that the Lord prepared the table in Psalm 23, the only way for the minister then to feed the sheep is through the Lord. The minister then must spend time in prayer, studying he Word, and getting to know the community around him/her in order to do the job by which he/she was assigned (Luke 2:46-49 AMP). This assignment has to come from the very One that prepared the table. If not then the so-called minister isn't there to feed the sheep what is needed. The sustenance would be tainted, fluff, and not nourishing. Why? Because it did not come from the Lord. How would the congregant (the sheep) know this? More on that later.
Why the message affects you the way it does.
God is omniscient, omni-present, and omni-potent. He sees all. He knows all. He is all. Because of this, He sees what you need and when you need it. When the minister, a true believer, accepts his assignment to do as he is called to, he receives the message from the Lord because of his obedience (Romans 6:16 AMP). When he stands at the pulpit to administer the Word, it is because he took the time in prayer and heard from God through Christ Jesus. That Word was specifically created for you. Those that hear will hear what God is saying specifically. It is the administration of spiritual food that the Lord prepared in Psalm 23. God sees your heart and what you are ready to receive. You receive more because you are obedient. This obedience equips you to get more (Luke 16:10 AMP). Blessings are abound and continually come as you mature in Him and are willing to not be a hearer only (James 1:22 AMP).
What you must look for in order for you to obtain what God has for you in the messages spoken.
Many people will listen to a sermon and assume that the message was specifically for him/her and they have to act immediately. They have this sense within. No one knows what this person is going through but that person and God. Some went to the extreme when thinking to act upon a given message. It fared well for some and not so much for others. Because of those that didn't fare well, this is why I am writing. The message specifically spoken for you has to come from the Word. It is the only truth we can trust. God will not ask us to do anything that is not written. Even then, you must have a sense of peace in order to act upon whatever you believe the Lord is telling you. If there is a question, go to Him in prayer (Proverbs 3:6 AMP). It isn't a sin to ask. If you don't believe you have the answer that you seek, seek Christian Counseling. There is no sin in this either. If you still don't have assurance, wait and allow for patience to have her perfect work (James 1:4 AMP). God will still be pleased because you are operating by faith through the Word of God (Hebrews 11:6 AMP). You also must be one who studies the Word. If you don't know what a blessing is, it doesn't mean that it won't come. In order for you to know who you are in Christ, you must study. This will not only enable you to recognize the blessing but it will also assist you in hearing a message and know which part was specifically designed for you to make changes in your life.
How you are supposed to come away from the church service attended.
The Word tells us that it is there for our edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV). To be edified is to realize that because of the message you know exactly where to make some improvements in your life. The instruction was clear and you have received direction.
To be exhorted is being corrected for wrong behavior. It may not have felt good but you know it was good for you and to your advantage to take heed and make those changes in your life.
Comfort would seem obvious; nevertheless, we already have the Comforter with us. It is who Jesus left us with in the form of the Holy Spirit. The comforting of the Holy Spirit continues when receiving messages from the Word of God. Its as if there was a cup that needed to be filled with water. Now that we have it, the message only makes the cup brim over (2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP).
Where the messages are coming from and how you can tell the difference.
People are people, as my children have told me. When led to a particular ministry to hear the Word of God, it is not unusual that the speaker may have had a trying day or night before preaching the message. It is not unheard of that there are those that have tests, temptations, and trials that have been passed or have failed. There are distractions and those calling themselves friends which have later proven to be an enemy. If this has happened in your life, why would we not think that the pastor, preacher, minister, evangelist, apostle, or bishop have not gone through the same things? Personally, I have believed that once entering into the clergy, I expected for these people to have overcome much more then I have to still go through. How else can they teach me to get out of it? Nevertheless, I have since taken people from the clergy off of the pedestal I hoisted them up on. We are called to be responsible to listen intently and not rush to do everything that is coming from the pulpit (James 1:19 AMP). We are to watch to see how often the scriptures are used and in what context. We are to ask questions and take the lesson in prayer to see how it applies and where to use it. If the sermon has no scripture reference, prayer is paramount because we know this minister is going through something or is about to receive a severe punishment (James 5:16 AMP).
When attending church services, be quick to listen. The singing of praise is intentional to wash all of that which was on your mind before entering the edifice. Once the praise service is complete, most ministries go into a worship service to enter the Holy Spirit in. By this time, most of us have our hearts and minds where they should be (Philippians 4:7 AMP). When coming to service late, this is what is missed. You would think that you could hear the Word and skip these vital portions of the service. The truth of the matter is, without worship and praise, it takes that much longer for you to get acclimated to receive what God has for you. Whether it is retained is another matter altogether. Worship and praise is a God idea in ministry (Psalm 111:10 AMP). To forgo it is like a small fox chewing at the sapling you are desperately trying to grow (Song of Solomon 2:15 AMP).
The message in of itself is the food by which all of us need in order to function in our day to day activities. It must begin, continue, and end with the truth in order for us to be truly set free. Testimonials solidify or make "real" the verses of scripture spoken for some of us and visual aids are a mark that the speaker really studied and considered who he/she would be speaking to. Interpretations of the Word can get sketchy and this is where prayer before coming to church is necessary. A woman expressed to me that the man or woman of God assigned to speak to the congregation has received revelation knowledge that the listeners or viewers aren't privy to. We must adhere to whatever is being said because of the gift they have in receiving this revelation knowledge. The problem with that sort of thinking is, that it sounds good and people pick that up and run with it believing it to be the truth. Yet in the Word, He tells us that the listeners are anointed too. We are led in the Spirit too. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth and tells us things to come too (John 16:13 AMP). So how is someone supposed to be getting something from God and it cannot be confirmed in His Word? I will tell you how - it is a lie, that's how. Revelation knowledge is knowledge that has been received from God and can be expounded upon through His Word. It is not confusing (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV). It is not anything to cause strife. It is not for the purposes of debate. It is soaked in where it has come from - the Prince of Peace. If you do not receive peace from it, it is not revelation knowledge to you. Let it go.
My youngest son called me yesterday because he was having a discussion with one of his co-workers about God and His Word. The co-worker asked a question that had my son in a quandary as how to answer it. It sounded good but was it? He didn't know what to say. He called me and asked me in such a way that I could hear how puzzled he was and I also heard why he didn't know the answer already. He could have been in a rush to get to work on time and skipped out on spending any time with the Creator of all (he knows better then that). I also heard in that question that his study time is lacking (he knew that as well). I answered his question in as few of sentences as I could. He had the answer, just needed reminding. My point being, once the message is received, we all have the responsibility to use that Word as a part of our daily lives. It is rhema. It is what removes the old for the new to exist. It is what we have when we turn from those wicked ways. We cannot keep coming to Sunday morning services expecting God to do what we won't do for ourselves. Make the effort to use the Word for everything and see the differences He will make in your life. God is good. Therefore the outcome has to be the sum total of who He is.
Weren't these the questions you had when first coming into the knowledge of the truth? There had to be more after you thought you were doing all that you were supposed to be doing only to find out that there was even more and then some more and then just a little bit more until you can get to where everyone else seems to be. When did you get fed up? Are you fed up now? What are your options? Are you tempted to go back out into the world? Do they (sinners) have it better then where you are now (Proverbs 23:17 KJV)? What happened? Where is the peaceful life in abundance that was promised to you (Colossians 3:15 AMP)? Did the preacher mean that's what was going to happen when you get to heaven? Well, what about now? Do you have direction now (Isaiah 32:17 KJV)?
It is a frustrating state of affairs especially when the whole reason acceptance into salvation was agreed upon was through fear. You know, the fire and brimstone message (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP). It is why there are so many that start to have a wondering eye (Proverbs 6:24-26 AMP). The message preached wasn't preached from the foundation of who God is - Love (1 John 4:8 AMP). There has to be love radiating from each message that a minister preaches otherwise he/she is on their own personal agenda to manipulate those that will hear. If it is not to increase volunteers, then it is to increase what is given in offering or to guilt those to go and witness to increase attendance. Without knowing why you feel like going back into the world, read the following and be encouraged. God sees you and His love is still there watching over you. Don't turn your back on Him because of the foolishness of men. Keep reading and guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23 AMP).
The textbook answer is, ministers have the assignment to feed the sheep of the Lord. Seeing that the Lord prepared the table in Psalm 23, the only way for the minister then to feed the sheep is through the Lord. The minister then must spend time in prayer, studying he Word, and getting to know the community around him/her in order to do the job by which he/she was assigned (Luke 2:46-49 AMP). This assignment has to come from the very One that prepared the table. If not then the so-called minister isn't there to feed the sheep what is needed. The sustenance would be tainted, fluff, and not nourishing. Why? Because it did not come from the Lord. How would the congregant (the sheep) know this? More on that later.
Why the message affects you the way it does.
God is omniscient, omni-present, and omni-potent. He sees all. He knows all. He is all. Because of this, He sees what you need and when you need it. When the minister, a true believer, accepts his assignment to do as he is called to, he receives the message from the Lord because of his obedience (Romans 6:16 AMP). When he stands at the pulpit to administer the Word, it is because he took the time in prayer and heard from God through Christ Jesus. That Word was specifically created for you. Those that hear will hear what God is saying specifically. It is the administration of spiritual food that the Lord prepared in Psalm 23. God sees your heart and what you are ready to receive. You receive more because you are obedient. This obedience equips you to get more (Luke 16:10 AMP). Blessings are abound and continually come as you mature in Him and are willing to not be a hearer only (James 1:22 AMP).
What you must look for in order for you to obtain what God has for you in the messages spoken.
Many people will listen to a sermon and assume that the message was specifically for him/her and they have to act immediately. They have this sense within. No one knows what this person is going through but that person and God. Some went to the extreme when thinking to act upon a given message. It fared well for some and not so much for others. Because of those that didn't fare well, this is why I am writing. The message specifically spoken for you has to come from the Word. It is the only truth we can trust. God will not ask us to do anything that is not written. Even then, you must have a sense of peace in order to act upon whatever you believe the Lord is telling you. If there is a question, go to Him in prayer (Proverbs 3:6 AMP). It isn't a sin to ask. If you don't believe you have the answer that you seek, seek Christian Counseling. There is no sin in this either. If you still don't have assurance, wait and allow for patience to have her perfect work (James 1:4 AMP). God will still be pleased because you are operating by faith through the Word of God (Hebrews 11:6 AMP). You also must be one who studies the Word. If you don't know what a blessing is, it doesn't mean that it won't come. In order for you to know who you are in Christ, you must study. This will not only enable you to recognize the blessing but it will also assist you in hearing a message and know which part was specifically designed for you to make changes in your life.
How you are supposed to come away from the church service attended.
The Word tells us that it is there for our edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV). To be edified is to realize that because of the message you know exactly where to make some improvements in your life. The instruction was clear and you have received direction.
To be exhorted is being corrected for wrong behavior. It may not have felt good but you know it was good for you and to your advantage to take heed and make those changes in your life.
Comfort would seem obvious; nevertheless, we already have the Comforter with us. It is who Jesus left us with in the form of the Holy Spirit. The comforting of the Holy Spirit continues when receiving messages from the Word of God. Its as if there was a cup that needed to be filled with water. Now that we have it, the message only makes the cup brim over (2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP).
Where the messages are coming from and how you can tell the difference.
People are people, as my children have told me. When led to a particular ministry to hear the Word of God, it is not unusual that the speaker may have had a trying day or night before preaching the message. It is not unheard of that there are those that have tests, temptations, and trials that have been passed or have failed. There are distractions and those calling themselves friends which have later proven to be an enemy. If this has happened in your life, why would we not think that the pastor, preacher, minister, evangelist, apostle, or bishop have not gone through the same things? Personally, I have believed that once entering into the clergy, I expected for these people to have overcome much more then I have to still go through. How else can they teach me to get out of it? Nevertheless, I have since taken people from the clergy off of the pedestal I hoisted them up on. We are called to be responsible to listen intently and not rush to do everything that is coming from the pulpit (James 1:19 AMP). We are to watch to see how often the scriptures are used and in what context. We are to ask questions and take the lesson in prayer to see how it applies and where to use it. If the sermon has no scripture reference, prayer is paramount because we know this minister is going through something or is about to receive a severe punishment (James 5:16 AMP).
When attending church services, be quick to listen. The singing of praise is intentional to wash all of that which was on your mind before entering the edifice. Once the praise service is complete, most ministries go into a worship service to enter the Holy Spirit in. By this time, most of us have our hearts and minds where they should be (Philippians 4:7 AMP). When coming to service late, this is what is missed. You would think that you could hear the Word and skip these vital portions of the service. The truth of the matter is, without worship and praise, it takes that much longer for you to get acclimated to receive what God has for you. Whether it is retained is another matter altogether. Worship and praise is a God idea in ministry (Psalm 111:10 AMP). To forgo it is like a small fox chewing at the sapling you are desperately trying to grow (Song of Solomon 2:15 AMP).
My youngest son called me yesterday because he was having a discussion with one of his co-workers about God and His Word. The co-worker asked a question that had my son in a quandary as how to answer it. It sounded good but was it? He didn't know what to say. He called me and asked me in such a way that I could hear how puzzled he was and I also heard why he didn't know the answer already. He could have been in a rush to get to work on time and skipped out on spending any time with the Creator of all (he knows better then that). I also heard in that question that his study time is lacking (he knew that as well). I answered his question in as few of sentences as I could. He had the answer, just needed reminding. My point being, once the message is received, we all have the responsibility to use that Word as a part of our daily lives. It is rhema. It is what removes the old for the new to exist. It is what we have when we turn from those wicked ways. We cannot keep coming to Sunday morning services expecting God to do what we won't do for ourselves. Make the effort to use the Word for everything and see the differences He will make in your life. God is good. Therefore the outcome has to be the sum total of who He is.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tell The Younger
We all have favorite scriptures. Whether it is because the verse has given us comfort in our time of need or it was the epiphany that we were looking for in answering a question - the verse is a favorite and something to remember in our quest with Him.
Then there are those verses that keeps a furrow in our brow wondering why it was in the bible at all or why doesn't anyone preach a message on such and such verse. Without an answer at the moment of asking, we leave it alone believing that it must not be for us to know right now (Proverbs 3:5 KJV). But what about the verses that aren't adhered to. I mean the ones that are so obvious to a 5 year old and still it is put on the back burner until....when? How long will it sit there? Doesn't it nag you? Aren't you concerned with how you will explain to God why it wasn't used? Do you not remember the parable of talents (Matthew 25:14-30 KJV)?
The scripture that I have meditated on over the years and have continued to come back to me only when I think about this teacher in high school. I have written about her before. She was the chemistry teacher that when asked a question that she didn't have the answer to, she would humiliate the student so that the child would not ask anymore questions. I did whatever I needed to do to avoid getting her class because I was such the student that asked questions until I understood the matter. As an adult, it bothered me because she was teaching the next generation to be as intimidating as she tried to be. How will the next generation know unless they ask? Here is the pertinent question, wouldn't you want them to have it better then you? Would you have them endure pitfalls if they didn't have to?
The chemistry teacher answered the question when it wasn't asked of her. What was asked of her pertained to chemistry and her reply was, "aw, honey child, you should have learned that in elementary school." She continued with (I am paraphrasing as it was said to me), I got mines, you have to get yours the best way you know how. She was referring to a college education. The grammar speaks for itself; nevertheless, she refused to make the class easier to understand for the students. If they passed then they were exceptional. If not, returning to that same woman to be berated in front of everyone was inevitable. Who willingly wants to get a beating? Would this encourage or discourage students to return to school much less her chemistry class?
The point is, there is a scripture that instructs for the elder woman to tell the younger (Titus 2:3-4 KJV). The purpose for this is so that the mistakes won't be repeated. This chemistry teacher will have much to answer to if she hasn't already got it straight before the Lord (James 5:16 KJV). Teachers are held at a higher standard then any other office in the sight of God (James 3:1 AMP). Would that you could be off the hook. Its the reason I meditated on the verse about teachers. There were several members in my family that pronounced over and over again that I am supposed to be a teacher. It wasn't something that I was willing to go into. I did not want to be in charge of a group of 30 (or so) children and keep them interested in material when they had so many other things that served as a distraction especially in these days and times. If it wasn't the dysfunctional family life, it was the opposite sex. If they weren't looking for something to fill the void of having a fatherless life, it was some new electronic gadget the parent bought to keep them from being bothered. Never mind the crack babies growing up, the children coming to school in their pajamas looking for something to eat, the 10 year old girls looking 16, and administration overwhelmed by the absenteeism calling the parent that couldn't care less. All of that still does not alleviate the responsibility of being a teacher. This took time before I could really understand it and why God continued to have me face that scripture over and over again to the point of tears.
There are people that are just jealous in his world. There is no getting around that until they accept Jesus Christ in their lives and walk in the principles that are mapped out in the Word of God. There are those that finally get certain concepts that have been drilled in their lives for years and now that they have it, they noticed how much time has passed and believe that it is too late for them. Well, if that's you, it still doesn't take away from giving someone else those lessons so they can have what you believe is too late for you. Why wouldn't you want to do for someone else and make sure that whatever you didn't understand due to you being distracted or not interested or the person just didn't connect with you in such a way that you could have caught on all the more sooner, it doesn't give you a reason to hold out what you have for someone else. My family members may have wanted me to be a teacher because of the way I express myself, but aside from the excuses I gave, I still didn't want to conform to someone else's rules that would have me stifled from what God intended in my life. I do teach and have accepted that responsibility. I understand that the words that I speak and my reaction to any action is influencing someone whether it be directly or indirectly. I understand whether I decided to take on the label as teacher or not, there is still an expectation in the eyes of the Lord for me to do what I know to do (James 4:17 AMP).
If you have accepted your role - congratulations. If you haven't, what are you waiting on? Are you the jealous one seeing the cliff at the end of the road, knowing where the children headed and aren't going to do a thing because of the scrapes the fall caused you so many years ago? How dare you! How dare you keep all of those talents and gifts to yourself when God gave them so freely. How dare you not use them for the benefit of others. How dare you try to blame anyone but yourself for being in the predicament that you are in. Selah.
Then there are those verses that keeps a furrow in our brow wondering why it was in the bible at all or why doesn't anyone preach a message on such and such verse. Without an answer at the moment of asking, we leave it alone believing that it must not be for us to know right now (Proverbs 3:5 KJV). But what about the verses that aren't adhered to. I mean the ones that are so obvious to a 5 year old and still it is put on the back burner until....when? How long will it sit there? Doesn't it nag you? Aren't you concerned with how you will explain to God why it wasn't used? Do you not remember the parable of talents (Matthew 25:14-30 KJV)?
The scripture that I have meditated on over the years and have continued to come back to me only when I think about this teacher in high school. I have written about her before. She was the chemistry teacher that when asked a question that she didn't have the answer to, she would humiliate the student so that the child would not ask anymore questions. I did whatever I needed to do to avoid getting her class because I was such the student that asked questions until I understood the matter. As an adult, it bothered me because she was teaching the next generation to be as intimidating as she tried to be. How will the next generation know unless they ask? Here is the pertinent question, wouldn't you want them to have it better then you? Would you have them endure pitfalls if they didn't have to?
The chemistry teacher answered the question when it wasn't asked of her. What was asked of her pertained to chemistry and her reply was, "aw, honey child, you should have learned that in elementary school." She continued with (I am paraphrasing as it was said to me), I got mines, you have to get yours the best way you know how. She was referring to a college education. The grammar speaks for itself; nevertheless, she refused to make the class easier to understand for the students. If they passed then they were exceptional. If not, returning to that same woman to be berated in front of everyone was inevitable. Who willingly wants to get a beating? Would this encourage or discourage students to return to school much less her chemistry class?
The point is, there is a scripture that instructs for the elder woman to tell the younger (Titus 2:3-4 KJV). The purpose for this is so that the mistakes won't be repeated. This chemistry teacher will have much to answer to if she hasn't already got it straight before the Lord (James 5:16 KJV). Teachers are held at a higher standard then any other office in the sight of God (James 3:1 AMP). Would that you could be off the hook. Its the reason I meditated on the verse about teachers. There were several members in my family that pronounced over and over again that I am supposed to be a teacher. It wasn't something that I was willing to go into. I did not want to be in charge of a group of 30 (or so) children and keep them interested in material when they had so many other things that served as a distraction especially in these days and times. If it wasn't the dysfunctional family life, it was the opposite sex. If they weren't looking for something to fill the void of having a fatherless life, it was some new electronic gadget the parent bought to keep them from being bothered. Never mind the crack babies growing up, the children coming to school in their pajamas looking for something to eat, the 10 year old girls looking 16, and administration overwhelmed by the absenteeism calling the parent that couldn't care less. All of that still does not alleviate the responsibility of being a teacher. This took time before I could really understand it and why God continued to have me face that scripture over and over again to the point of tears.
There are people that are just jealous in his world. There is no getting around that until they accept Jesus Christ in their lives and walk in the principles that are mapped out in the Word of God. There are those that finally get certain concepts that have been drilled in their lives for years and now that they have it, they noticed how much time has passed and believe that it is too late for them. Well, if that's you, it still doesn't take away from giving someone else those lessons so they can have what you believe is too late for you. Why wouldn't you want to do for someone else and make sure that whatever you didn't understand due to you being distracted or not interested or the person just didn't connect with you in such a way that you could have caught on all the more sooner, it doesn't give you a reason to hold out what you have for someone else. My family members may have wanted me to be a teacher because of the way I express myself, but aside from the excuses I gave, I still didn't want to conform to someone else's rules that would have me stifled from what God intended in my life. I do teach and have accepted that responsibility. I understand that the words that I speak and my reaction to any action is influencing someone whether it be directly or indirectly. I understand whether I decided to take on the label as teacher or not, there is still an expectation in the eyes of the Lord for me to do what I know to do (James 4:17 AMP).
If you have accepted your role - congratulations. If you haven't, what are you waiting on? Are you the jealous one seeing the cliff at the end of the road, knowing where the children headed and aren't going to do a thing because of the scrapes the fall caused you so many years ago? How dare you! How dare you keep all of those talents and gifts to yourself when God gave them so freely. How dare you not use them for the benefit of others. How dare you try to blame anyone but yourself for being in the predicament that you are in. Selah.
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