Abundant Life and Suffering Too?

How do those 2 things come together? Many Christians chose life because what they were dealing with was much worse then what Jesus was offering them. Course, many believers chose life having no idea what they were doing until they did it. Yet, who made the decision to choose life and when finding out what that consisted of, decided to go back where they had nothing?

Choosing life as opposed to death consists of having a completely different life style (Deuteronomy 30:15-20 AMP). Yes, there are rules to live by on a regular basis but death has its own boundaries as well (Romans 8:8 AMP). Is it changing the life style that is scary to those that haven't made a decision yet? I find that interesting. Let's uncover the scariness to reveal why that emotion even comes about and in so doing we will also answer the entitled question: Abundant Life and Suffering Too?

Oddly enough, this topic came to me while I was whimpering about my hair. My hair journey consisted of both: abundance and suffering. Why? Because I didn't recognize the voice that was giving me wisdom. All I knew, at the time, was my hair keeps reverting in the humid weather. I need something to stop it from doing that. The products for me to achieve that goal, at first were weak and smelled like burning tires laced with cat urine. It took almost 6 months for me to stop using those products....well, along with people asking what's that smell when I would enter the room and remain for more then 10 minutes. Eventually, I found the products that did keep my hair from reverting. But then, there came a new elixir. It not only keeps the hair from reverting it also offer the hair to remain bone straight. Now, the word bone in front of straight absolutely has no purpose other then to emphasis to the consumer who wants straight and silky hair. Of course, I gravitated that way as if I was lifted from my feet and placed right in front of the product. I couldn't wait to try it. The results were amazing. My hair was glorious. It grew so long and was easy to manage. I could wear all of the different hairstyles with ease and envied by so many. Going to the hair salons, all of the operators asked to be the ones to do my hair. Many of them were scissor happy but it really didn't matter, it took a few short months for my hair to grow and be back where I was even before I met those scissor happy fiends. Seriously, I was in my own little world, skipping along this path with a knowing that I didn't need to use so much product and to lighten up on the heating tools.

"But its so nice and pretty", spoke louder then common sense. Over 2 decades of changing perms, stylists, heating tools with no rest in between took its toll. I was at work and one of my co-workers started brushing off my back. When I turned to ask, she said, "you must be shedding. It isn't much." Shedding? Animals shed. But every time I came to work, she or someone else would do the same thing. I then started to check myself closely by grabbing the ends of my hair and pulling downward. I opened my hand and there was a handful of hair. This is shedding? I kept grabbing the ends and pulling until there was nothing else in my hand. I looked in the mirror a little horrified. I calmed myself by saying over and over again that it was fine. It must have been dead split ends. A few more years passed. I looked in the mirror and saw the faint glimpse of my scalp looking back at me. I don't think fear is an adequate description of what I was feeling when I saw that which should have been hidden by thick, glorious, silky, and bone straight hair. I recall a slight whimper that sounded like, "oh no!"

Fast forward, I have drawers and a linen cabinet filled with different combs, brushes, natural products, cremes, conditioners, shampoos, essential oils, elixirs, vitamins, minerals, and supplements all promising to do this, that and the other for my scalp and hair. I have researched, bought books, clipped articles and continue to hope that one thing is either going to work or do a better thing then the other thing (Hosea 4:6 AMP). I have changed my diet, I drink more water, I brush my hair while lying down, only comb my hair when wet, but haven't relinquished the grooming tools entirely which was the advice from someone else who only uses her fingers. I have eaten spicy food because it's supposed to encourage circulation in the body and in so doing cause the hair to grow (I know, right?). I have a recipe that I used for almost a year of hair adrenaline where I seeped black tea with garlic, onion, cayenne pepper, 5000 milligrams of biotin (crushed) jojoba oil, olive oil, and coconut oil was supposed to be the thing to use. None of these things worked. In fact, I have learned that too much coconut oil makes my hair feel like straw, hot oil treatments need to be washed out thoroughly, co-washing is not washing your hair but adding more product to it, and vitamins are not for topical use. This experience and what I took from it lasted for the better part of 6 years.

In those 6 years, I began wearing a ponytail to cover the thinning of my hair. Covering the ends
helped the length to grow out but where the ponytail was positioned, caused for that spot to thin as well. I have retired that hairstyle and using heating tools about 8 years ago. I have allowed for the perm to grow out about 7 years ago and had to calm myself from being tempted to go back several times. I relapsed once. Last Autumn, I wore a wig in public for the first time. I hated it!!! It took too long for me to feel comfortable with it and all awhile I felt it was a matter of time before someone pulled it off of my head. After all, when I wore my own hair, people thought it was a wig and instead of asking me, they would come and pull my hair. When I screamed ouch, not one apology - not one. So why wouldn't I believe someone would do the same thing?

Last week, in what seems to be a regular thing, I was doing more hair research and came upon a video where a woman was losing her hair in patches. She was so distraught. She claimed that she was going to allow for her beautician to take over the task of doing what her doctor signed off as being a case of alopecia. The beautician proceeded to shave this woman completely bald. Afterwards, she gave her some products that she was trying to market. Within 6 months, the woman had an even amount of hair all over her head. She was so pleased; however, I was not moved to purchase yet another failed promise or cure all for one. I had enough. I spent too much and I am tired of it. What I did take from that video was to shave it all off and treat my scalp rather then the hair.

Is that prophetic? In the last days that there would be women having bald heads? My crowning glory...I asked what happened Father? Why has it come to this? Well, in my mind anyway. I knew and could see the framework that shaped this journey and I had no one to blame but myself. You see, its how we minimize what we do for the moment. Back in the day, it used to be said to live fast, die young, and leave a good looking corpse. The reasoning behind that was for the person not to be conformed by anyone else's rules. No regrets, take chances, and anything you want to do - go do it! The reasoning sounds good, but is it? Without wisdom, what sounds good can lead to hurt, harm, and danger. Who wants to be strung out on drugs seeing no light at the end...no goal in sight? Who hoped to be an alcoholic, drug dealer, gang leader, bank robber, extortionist, and/or executioner? Never are those positions written on a resume, neither has any child wrote a report on such aspirations in grade school; nevertheless, some neighborhoods wreak with the stench of them.

The analogy of my hair journey shows what many of us go through in our lives. The purpose for writing was for you to see where you are and to stop to go back to pull up that root system and sow better seed. Its going to take time for you to reap that harvest but it took time for you to get to where you are now. I knew when I began using all of those chemicals on my hair that I would have to stop to allow my hair to rest (just like my body), but as the years passed, I kept making the promise to myself and breaking it because I liked what I saw. It was only for a moment and now, I have to deal

with it (Romans 8:13 AMP).

Some of you liked the feeling of being loved for a moment (sex). The after affects weren't so nice (no relationship), and the end result didn't feel as good (disease). The responsibility of that decision didn't go away (unplanned pregnancy) and eventually you will have to answer some pretty tough questions (paternity).

Others went to a party for harmless fun. The gang was taking shots and your buddy gave you one (acceptance). Not even liking the taste of liquor, you did it because everyone else was doing it and you didn't want to be the one to put a downer at the party (compromise). Before you knew it, 1 turned into 20 and they said you were the life of the party (camaraderie). They had to tell you because you don't remember a thing until you walked outside to begin your day only to see your car in a mangled mess and blood on the fender (confusion). You call your buddy to ask what happened last night, he says he doesn't know but you can tell he does and he hangs up on you (rejection). The police pull up to your residence and asks for your name and if that is your car (fear). Because if it is, they need for you to go to the police station with them to answer a few questions (solitude).

Or a decision was made to make a little extra money and there was no other way you could see clear then to do a little drug run for some quick cash (problem). In asking around, you are introduced to a gangster from the old school. This isn't what you wanted (bigger problem). The dealer doesn't care especially now that you know who he is and where he works. He puts you through a test to see if you have the moxie to handle the course (problem is growing). He tells you to take some of his guys to a particular house to pick up his bags (mountain of a problem). There are 7 guys and they are all big (mountain with giants). They all talk as if they have your back. When you get to the place, you have to wait outside and the guys tell you what the job is about. They all pull out their guns from various places hidden on them then ask which one would you be more comfortable with (monumental problem).

You see, the suffering is choosing to do different from what your flesh would have you do (Galatians 5:19-21 AMP). Many times it will take work to do it. All the while your flesh will tell you to quit or give it to someone else to do. Your flesh would have you listen to foolishness and make you think it is a better idea then to do the right thing. Your flesh will justify laziness. The suffering is overcoming those ways, thoughts, and actions. Changing your habits by walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25 AMP). Along the way you learn when choosing life God is right there with you and will walk you through it. It won't feel good at first because you have to overcome what your flesh did. Its a lesson learned and one you are not soon to forget. Life is good. The problems are only tests that can easily be resolved when choosing life. That means when in doubt, ask God, find scriptures that are similar to what you are asking for. Speak those verses....activate those words. That's choosing life.

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.

The Fantasy of Abundant Life?

Really? I suppose its difficult for me to fathom that there are actual born again believers that say, text, or whatever means of communicating, that the life Jesus came to give is just a fantasy. So then what is that person's faith for? Is it just to have salvation from God's wrath? If one believes the salvation aspect of Christianity, why not embrace all of the benefits of the faith? What do you have to lose or don't you understand what abundant life is?

I have read articles and comments about how Christians are so against those "Prosperity Preachers", as they have been called. Yet, they don't wait to listen to what is being preached (James 1:19 KJV). What harm would it cause just to listen to see if what is being ministered is the truth or not? Not all preachers ministering prosperity are trying to take from the congregants, or speaking of money, or takes their role as a minister so lightly. Don't pile them all in one bunch. When you do, you place boundaries around God keeping Him from blessing you. Sounds impossible, continue reading.

Before man disobeyed God in eating from the tree of good and evil, man had all he needed. A place to lay his head, a vision, something to do, and everything he would need to sustain his life was already provided. All he had to do was be obedient to God. As man was doing what he was called to do, God looked at all He created and said, "it is not good for man to be alone." This one statement said to me that God has every intention for man to live a life that is full. He gave him everything! When God formed woman from the rib of Adam for him to have help, Adam immediately made her his wife. For Adam, abundance was completed.

When the earth was cursed, it was more then what most of us know about. The earth became hard. It needed to be worked to be softened in order for it to be good again to receive good seed and have good product from it. To do that would be HARD work (Genesis 3:17-19 KJV). Keeping with the analogy of seed and ground, woman was punished for being beguiled by the serpent. She was told that baring children would be in sorrow (Genesis 3:16 KJV). So when man implanted seed into her to have children, once it was time for the harvest of that seed, she would go through pain. It would be HARD for her to deliver children. Mankind also became hard as generations were born into the world. Just as the earth had to be toiled, so did the heart of man in order for him to receive the instruction from God (Genesis 8:21 KJV). We see the description of the heart of man in the Old Testament (O.T.) over and over again (Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21, Ecclesiastes 8:5 KJV).

God instructed for man to make a decision for him to have some of the remnants left of having a good life. He tells man to choose. He tells man what has been placed before him and in order for man to have those best parts, he needs to choose life. This one decision is what answers all decisions in life. Some men still think life offers so many choices, but all things as permissible as they are, are not beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23 AMP). So when we choose from all of those things, it must be with the same instruction. Which of those things will add LIFE to what you already have? To answer this question would require for you to do the very thing you have heard for years: acknowledge Him in ALL your ways and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:6 AMP).

Why would a god that loves you unconditionally, give you a means to have a better life, provide all that you need to sustain that life, then wish you hardship and anguish? He wouldn't....to believe otherwise would mean you are in error and have answered why nothing has been going your way (Hebrews 12:8-10 AMP). God defines good. You cannot have anything good without Him. There is no such thing as a good family, good relationships, a good business, a good job, a good spouse, good health, a good income, a good life without God. You have nothing if you do not have God. You are unequivocally fooling yourself otherwise.

I suppose those that have been fooling themselves have also decided to justify why their life is the way it is by stating that we must take the good with the bad. This makes no sense when God has told us to choose. LIFE is good. Death is bad (Proverbs 12:28 KJV). Where is it in the Word that we must take the good with the bad? I recall Job said such a thing when he was under fire from doing what was not pleasing in the sight of God (Job 2:10 AMP). When he did these things, God had a conversation with the devil. Why? Because what Job did came from fear. God did not give him this spirit, nor did God give him the idea to make atonement for his children's sins which were never confessed to him. Because of these acts, that which he feared came upon him (Job 3:25 KJV). Actually that and then some. Why so much more then he feared? Because the devil does the job God gave him to do: steal, kill, and destroy. God tells us all not to give place to the devil. This is a good directive.

The need for a Messiah came after Adam caused for the land to be cursed. You will notice, the life of man was being depleted from living for over 900 years to 120. For this reason, God gave again. One of the most popular verses of the bible is John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (KJV). If you don't already know, to perish is bad. Therefore, believing (synonymous with faith) that Jesus is the Son of God will give you not only the life discussed from the O.T. but everlasting life. Here's a question, would God have you living an everlasting life in turmoil and pain? Remember, He is good. Turmoil and pain is bad.

I know as you are reading this, it might sound elemental or pedantic, but that is not why I am writing it in the manner. Understand, there are all different levels of maturity reading this entry. The things I have read from believers saying abundant life isn't real are from those who have no understanding of who God is and why He does what He does. He defines good and love. He gave because He is good and He is love. He wishes above ALL things that you be and health and prosper even as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2 KJV). To believe or write that abundant life is a fantasy must be from one who has no knowledge. It is written, My people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6 KJV). Again, to perish is bad. God is good. What don't you understand?  

The Secret Stash

Its a little sumptin'-sumptin' just for you. Its not hurting anyone, you get some sort of pleasure by having it, and its not hindering your Christianity in anyway - right? Is God pleased with this stash of yours?

What's God have to do with it?

Interesting question, from a believer with an attitude thinking that this little stash is going to be something that God will have you give up. Maybe not. Let's see what that secret stash couldn't possibly be first.
You know it could not be:
- drugs
- alcohol
- prescription drugs (not prescribed to you)
- pornography
- extra-marital affair(s)
- old love letters
- old journals
- little black phone book (if married)
- pictures of broken relationships
- mementos given by past relationships

Some of these things are pretty obvious as to why a born again believer shouldn't have. If there is an issue giving one of the first 5 things up, seek personal counseling. The first 5 things will compromise your faith in God. The last 5 are more of a compromise with peace in your home, especially if you are married. People are peculiar. While one is secure with who they are and have no problems with his/her spouse's past, the other person is trying not to be jealous. In a couple of years the outcome of both of those people will be volatile or headed for divorce court. Why? People change.

Actually, it makes no sense to me as to why anyone would need to have this secret stash especially if he/she is calling themselves a well seasoned Christian trusting in God. In order for you to have a secret stash of anything is direct proof that you don't trust in Him.

A family member got married last year and during the wedding ceremony there were a few people in the bridal party that brought some booze. Why would anyone do this at a Christian wedding? It's disrespectful and undermining the foundation by which the couple was married. I watched as they tried to get the groom to consume the alcohol convincing him that it is a time of celebration and if he weren't going to cut loose now -then when? When, indeed. Later my sons asked what was the big deal? They went as far as asking me where does it say in the bible that it is a sin to drink alcohol. I got the distinct feeling that my innocent children were curious about what everyone else was having fun with and they have denied themselves for so long and for what reason. Understand, they have all been raised in church, I had to tread lightly in explaining why. They, unlike myself at their age, understand the Word. My son stated directly, "if you can show me in the Word, I won't ever drink." I was put on the spot. Something I didn't expect from them, but I understood where they were coming from having faced the same temptation (Proverbs 20:1 KJV, Isaiah 5:11-17 AMP, Isaiah 28:7 KJV, Luke 1:15 KJV, Ephesians 5:18 AMP).

A man with a young family had finally established his home. His wife had three children for him. Two daughters and a son. He was content with what he had and knew that it could only get better. Every Sunday, he would relax and it was the custom for him to go to the corner store with his son and purchase the Sunday news, a comic book for his son, and a magazine for his wife. Unless his daughters asked for something specific, it wasn't a big deal for them. It was only on the second week of the month would the routine change. He'd still purchase the paper, the comic book, and the magazine, but there was an added little pleasure that he would have for himself. It was the time for the new girlie mags of the month. Along with everything else, he would take his little secret pleasure mag and roll it up in the newspaper. For some reason, he thought he had hid it from his family and the only one that knew about it and didn't seem to mind was his wife. She saw it, but said nothing. After so many years, the marriage didn't work and the family was split apart with the man moving into his own place. As his only son grew to be a young man himself, he started his own collection of nude magazines. Where did he get this habit from? The children grew and moved out, getting married and having children of their own. One of the marriages from that family didn't work out. It was one of the daughters. She caught her husband cheating several times and didn't know what to do to salvage the marriage. She and her children moved back home with her mother. The daughter remembered what her brother use to collect and made sure to check the room that her sons would be sleeping in. It seemed to be cleared of any of the nude magazines. They unpacked and got settled into their new residence. As the boys moved about discovering all the different places they could play and hide, one of the sons found a picture torn from one of those magazines. She was posed provocatively with a man. The son that found the  picture was 7. He told no one of his new found secret stash.

I haven't quite got a grip in understanding why a married Christian man would need to have pornography magazines as well. It just doesn't make sense to me. He has a wife! If he loves his wife as Christ loved the church and gave his life up for her, then why would he have porn too. What does this porn make his wife feel like? Isn't she enough? If it is all for fun and no big deal, why not give it up? If it is no big deal, why didn't you tell her about your porn stash when you were dating? If it is no big deal, let your pastor know that you have it and hear if he thinks its no big deal in front of your wife. Seriously, if you have to hide it, its a big deal and what's worse - you knew it all along!

 Before Ted Bundy was executed for being a serial rapist, he confessed. He said that his ways stemmed from pornography. He made this confessions after he knew he couldn't get away with it anymore. His arrogance became bigger then himself when he decided to be his own defense - yet with as much wrong as he was facing, it was obvious where he was going to end up. He failed and just before he was about to leave this earth, scripture stood to do what it does. A verse or two came to mind at his confession - pride goes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18 KJV). How can that happen unless entertained and given place (Ephesians 4:27 KJV).

That list above is what some people use as a vice. It temporarily allows the user to escape from the journey chosen. The problem with that list, anyone of those things used on a continuum, will have that user more in lack then he ever thought he could be in - for it is written (Proverbs 24:30-34 KJV).

Its An Eviction!

I have never been evicted from any residence, I don't suppose that it is very pleasant. I have seen pink notices on doors before and could imagine that feeling coming home from work or looking for a job only to see a notice to add to the troubles that distresses a person. I have been fired from a job (or two) before. I recall once it was a relief because I just detested it so. I even thanked God when the three staff asked me to come with them. The other time, I was surprised and hurt. It felt rejected even after I did all of that work for the company too. Yet, an eviction is very different, especially the sort that is necessary to function in the manner God created.

First, comprehend some elements before the eviction occurs. A lease was signed with the understanding of the rules and guidelines given. Rent must be paid and the property must be as put together as it was when moving in. The landlord also knows that if there are any malfunctions within or around the property, he shall be there upon contact to make sure the problem or issue is resolved. The tenant and the landlord are agreed. It is a business partnership. Any deviation from this agreement will cause conflict. If there is still no resolve, legal matters are enforced and the landlord will have the right to proceed with  an eviction.

Would these proceedings also apply spiritually? You know what I mean. Like when there is warfare going on and the prayers of the righteous are doing what it is suppose to be doing. When the good fight of faith is in operation, would there also be an eviction proceeding (1 Timothy 6:12 KJV)? If so, how would one go about with that?

Jesus didn't talk to the throngs of people plainly even though they came in enormous numbers to hear what He had to say (John 16:25-29 KJV). Many of them practiced the traditional and ritualistic ways. Jesus was initiating something so different that it caused the people to become angry. The information didn't digest (in a matter of words) because of what they allowed to be their truth. Them wanting to crucify Him was the accumulated efforts of the undigested and rejection of the spiritual food. His disciples, however, asked questions after Jesus spoke. They seemed to hunger for more of what Jesus was giving. Why did that happen? What was the difference between the 2 groups other then the size?

Jesus chose the original 12 disciples. They were all doing something in their lives and none of them were strapped for cash. Notice when chosen, none of the original 12 questioned in following Him. Though they all had their own homes, they spent so much time with Jesus, it was said that they spoke like Him (Mark 14:70 KJV). It is what we all strive to do. How would that happen now when Jesus has ascended into heaven?

Jesus had a goal to complete on this earth before ascending to heaven. He is the Savior of this world. In order for Him to complete His goal, He was found in the temple asking the elders questions and He studied the Word (Luke 2:42-52 AMP). He was praying and getting to know more and more about His Father. When the time came for Him to start His ministry, He left His mother and earthly father to go out and see to His bride - the church. This is what is required of all of us as well. The Word tells us to meditate in the Word day and night, then we shall have good success (Joshua 1:8 AMP). The Word tells us that the prayers of the righteous avails much (James 5:16 KJV). This would then be your answer if wondering where is your blessing or why this and that is happening in your life. You had to give credence to something that isn't apart of righteous living. It has made a home in you and causes you to think the way you do (Ephesians 4:27 KJV). How does it have communion with righteousness (2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)? That is what you call yourself - the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus, right?

Recall when Jesus spoke to Peter after the last supper. He told Peter that he would deny Jesus three times before the cock crowed. Peter said he never would. He said he loved the Lord. He just couldn't believe he would do such a thing trying all he could to please Jesus in all things. Nevertheless, Jesus must have seen something in Peter that he also needed to see in order for it to be evicted. When Peter saw what was happening to our Lord and Savior, the people that was about to crucify Jesus, looked around for the disciples. Peter feared for his life. Because of that fear, when the people asked if he knew Jesus, he said he didn't. He said it twice and to prove for the third time, he cursed. Then the cock crowed and he was reminded what Jesus had said to him. Peter grieved (Luke 22:34-62 AMP).

How can the intentions of a believer, being so pure still have something within that isn't? When being confronted with wrong doing, I have heard people say, "well, God sees my heart." As if that is a panacea to continue to do wrong. I've spoken to an elderly woman for a little over three years on a regular basis. She loves the Lord with all of her heart, yet when she is upset about a thing, she is quick to use a little profanity now and again (2 Timothy 2:15-16 KJV). At first I was surprised with the both of us coming from the same ministry and receiving the same training. I expressed my shock to her and she thanked me. She did give an excuse for why she now and again says the things that she does, but ended with that she was going to stop doing it. I also noticed when I asked how she was doing, I was surprised that she would give similar answers to that question as those that didn't know the Lord as she does. We had a talk about that as well. It wasn't as often as she was doing, it just didn't stop as I thought it would. After three years, I stopped talking to her about her behavior that would be foreign to righteousness. I didn't sign off to her being elderly and didn't know any better, I signed off to her liking the attention it gave amongst the other elderly people so that they would have something to continue to talk about. She came to my office to speak to me, as it is her practice to do. She then proceeded to tell me of her ailments and I didn't speak. She paused before continuing to complain about this and that. Still, I said nothing. When I looked at her expression, I distinctly saw her looking at me at the corner of her eye. It was as if she were hoping to stir me up to chastise her about her conversation. I still didn't say anything. She then got up to leave.

It was as if my time was being wasted saying the same things to her over and over again only for her to keep saying what she knew not to say. I was getting annoyed with her because she knew just as I do that the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts must be acceptable in His sight (Psalm 19:14 KJV). How then can we speak anything outside of what God says we are. Even if every single joint in your body aches it doesn't mean, it is what one who believes in righteousness should say. The words that would be fixed in our heart and mind would be, by His stripes I am healed (1 Peter 2:24 KJV).

This past weekend, I went to visit my mother. She is being rehabilitated to move from the hospital back to her home. She was having respiratory issues according to the doctors. When I visited her, I came in the room slightly annoyed. There was the very woman that introduced my Lord and Savior to me! How is it that she is in this hospital bed - still? I began talking to her about the Word. She conveyed to me that she has been saying the Lord's prayer and the 23rd Psalm which has got her through for the most part. That is good. Then I said something that caused a reaction. I said, "well Mom, its time to get that thing out of here so you can go to your home." I started with that and continued to speak on the Word. I didn't see her facial expression react at all, but she reached to grab the alert button to signal to the nurse. I asked what was the matter. She was making a request for her panic attack medication. What? As the nurse left, I asked my mother, "God didn't give you a spirit of fear but love, power, and a sound mind. Why are you taking this?" Her expression changed and I didn't know what else to say but to pray.

The Word tells us that we all come short of His glory (Romans 3:23 KJV). This conveys that there are times where we make mistakes, failed tests, and have said somethings that we shouldn't; nevertheless, it doesn't mean that God has turned His back on us for doing, saying, or thinking these things that aren't of Him. He has the requirement for us to walk in love. It is what we can hang all of the law and prophets on. If we love Him with all of our heart mind and strength and love our neighbor as we do ourselves, we are doing well. It is that love factor that keeps us clean (spot and wrinkle free). We have studied, much like Jesus, so we know how to act and react to every situation. It is our goal in life in order to have the life Jesus met His goal to give to us. It keeps us free.

The Voice

The world has either a gut feeling or women's intuition. I have heard of warning signs and the proverbial red flags to tell them of danger or when to run. The world uses experimentation, process of elimination, theories, and hypothesis to establish some sort of sense in the environment by which they choose to live. If listened to long enough, I suppose one would think it could make some sort of sense. I recall not so long ago when the theory of evolution was just that - a theory! Recently, I heard a relatively seemingly intelligent woman have a discussion with a group of women about the fact of evolution and anyone believing otherwise is an idiot. I waited for rebuttal from the other women and it was more like mumbling amongst themselves rather than a loud voice as she felt assured to have her say. It was bothersome.

Not being of the world but in the world because we are a peculiar nation having chosen life, we know not to ask for signs to see that which we should have faith in (John 20:29 AMP). It is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). Asking God to give us a sign would mean that faith is just not enough and we need to see some evidence right now in order for our faith to be at work. That would be the antithesis of faith or don't you see that? Therefore, amongst other things, God has given us this inward witness by which we hear Him. Some say it is an audible voice while others believe it is an internal knowing. Which ever the case, it is necessary to know that it must be tested to know that what is being heard is actually the truth.

There are some basic truths we know in hearing His voice. It is our safe guard so we won't have to ask for signs to believe and won't be fooled by every wind of doctrine:
1. Whatever God tells us will not be contradictory of His word.
2. He would not give a partial verse for us finish it on our own.
3. He will not answer a question with a question.
4. His voice will exhort, edify, and comfort.
5. His voice will not compromise your ethics, values, morals, or Spiritual rectitude.
6. His voice will stand the test.

While some believers claim they don't have this inward witness that they have heard others speak of nor do they hear an audible voice, God still speaks. You just have to be aware where and when He is speaking to you. For instance, I wrote about a couple of women. One is my co-worker while the other is a resident at my place of employment. Both worked odd hours and had families to care for as well. With the schedules they had, everything else became the priority and their health was secondary. Neither of the women felt it necessary to stop and rest or have the time to take a vacation. They had mouths to feed and extended family members they had to care for. There just wasn't time. One woman had a massive heart attack while the other had a stroke. It took months for them to rehabilitate and get back on their feet. They took the time for themselves now. They get plenty of rest now. I heard the voice of God even though when both of the women told me their stories, they didn't tell it to me as a warning for me to slow down, yet the inward witness did. I heard their words and what they weren't saying was God speaking.

Another example was when I was in high school. My brother adored Science class and when he advanced to Chemistry there was this teacher where her reputation proceeded her. She expected the best out of everyone that passed through the threshold of her classroom... well, that's how my brother perceived her harsh manner of teaching. I heard one student asked her a question and her reply was, "aw honey child, you should have learned that in elementary school." She never did answer that student's question. Another time I heard her tell a class, "I got mine. you've got to get yours." The rumors intimidated me so I made it my assignment to do whatever I needed to in order for me not to have her class. I got through the entire four years without having her as a teacher. I would see her from time to time in the hallway and she would look at me as if she was wondering why she hadn't seen me in any of her classes. While I passed her in the hall, I would smirk. Later when finishing college, I thought about that teacher and the things she said. Why would a grown woman say those things to children? She went to school to be a teacher and make a difference not to be a bully. Then I realized that she might have been intimidated by them. What if she got a student that was brilliant and had a question that she couldn't answer? She had to lay the ground work of fear so that couldn't happen. What I heard without her saying it was that she didn't like her job. She didn't like children. She liked to be respected no matter if it was through fear. It was a life lesson for me to enjoy the full extent of my life and not to fall into complacency without an out.

There are comedians that make jokes so they won't get depressed over their many faults. We laugh at those jokes because the faults are familiar to us. Yet at the same time, it could be the voice of God showing you that you are not alone. The bible tells men to learn from their forefathers and for the older women to tell the younger - does that happen? Do you see a seminars, retreats, or forums for men and young women? No one is beating down doors to tell of all of their many faults for others to learn from them. No one likes to hear their mistakes over and over again yet God said to do it. I heard an elderly woman tell of her family and how her sons treat her. It was shameful yet my first thought was, "how did she raise her sons to be so cruel?" She didn't believe she was cruel to them nor would she believe that she raised them incorrectly, yet her telling me what her sons did, taught me without her knowing it. Another woman was caring for her elderly mother. She has one grown son and said to me, "I wish I had a daughter. Sons don't take care of their parents in their old age." She continued to tell me of all she has been doing for her mother in caring for the estate. She inadvertently let slip as well that she didn't expect her mother to live this long. She was about to be 93. Having four sons of my own I continued to listen and watch what she did for her mother. One day I caught her grumbling about how much money it was costing to care for her mother, yet her mother had invested this money for her old age. It wasn't as if the daughter was spending her own money she just expected a sizable inheritance. When the doctor made visits to check the health of the elderly woman I overheard the daughter ask for a DNR to be put in place. Would a son ask for such a thing? And if her mother invested that money for her old age, would she also have put a DNR in place for herself. The daughter looked at me when she finished with the doctor. She didn't think I knew what she requested. I continued to listen and watch the life lessons that was being played before me.

The Word tells us that in the last days men will be lovers of themselves. Men would become intelligent able to predict the weather yet looking over the signs of the Lord's second coming. Yes, there is a voice and He speaks to us everyday whether it is an inward witness an audible or watching the scenes from everyday life. Our jobs is to be aware, stay alert, and keep on watch. Test everything until you are absolutely sure that it is right (1 John 4:1-3 KJV). He tells all what we need to know and that which is to come.