Powering Through

Its the determination to do right in the face of opposition (James 4:17 AMP). It is the commitment a Christian makes when under spiritual attack and temptation rears its ugly head for you to choose to stay or go back out in the world (1 Corinthians 10:13 AMP). Its what ministers call holy boldness because you are more then a conqueror through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37 AMP). Yes, you can do this....YES, WE WIN!!!

It all sounds good, it makes for a dynamic sermon, and we leave feeling more powerful then ever. I have been there. Then I began to study and wondered about somethings...especially going through ministerial school. If you have been following the progression of this blog, you read about my experiences in ministerial school and the horrors that a couple of ministries can bring when you believe everything you hear rather then reading the Word for yourself first (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP). Been there too; it wasn't fun.

To give a synopsis of what I already wrote, suffice to say (write), that one of the first instructions that I received that caused a frown was not to tell anyone what I was about to learn. How was that possible when I am trying to be trained to minister to people (Romans 15:19 AMP). Alright, I thought and then they proceeded with a skit for the students to believe that while we are doing as the Lord told us, (obedience), we will now experience all sorts of turmoil (confusion). The children will act like they lost their mind, your job won't be the peaceful place it once was, your spouse will have issues with everything you are doing, and by and large you will think that you should quit ministerial school. We are telling you to power through. The skit continued in its comical fashion and for the most part we walked away thinking to be on our guard for the stuff they warned us would happen. That's right, we accepted the message and expected trouble (Mark 11:23. Romans 8:31, Isaiah 26:3, Romans 14:17, Matthew 11:30 AMP).

During those short months that I remained in the institution, my health was deteriorating with something I was not familiar with nor could I describe without sounding like I was on some sort of mind altering substance (which I wasn't, though I wasn't believed). One of my fellow class mates was rushed to the hospital and almost lost her life. Because of the faith of her husband, she pulled through and no one could tell that she had ever been through anything when it was over. There was another classmate that lost her job but continued in school without a hitch. She then lost her home and had to move back in with her mother. She called herself powering through as her wedding day approached and she was finishing her first year of ministerial school, when out of no where with all of the volunteer work she was doing in the ministry, transitioned home. No one was more surprised then her fiance. He couldn't explain what happened or why. He, like everyone else that knew her, was stunned.

How do you power through all of that? Where were the comforting words for the students that remained in the ministerial school because of determination? Even though they are hearing that God is doing all of this to His obedient children, they remained? For what? To find the strongest minister? To see who can stand in the face of opposition? So that in the end, you can be trusted to be on staff? Seriously, when do you pack it in because you realize the Word doesn't require this from anyone? When do you see that man has been manipulative with your mind and because your thinking is altered so is your belief system (Ephesians 4:27 AMP) ? Its enough to make a believer very angry...but God.

Anger is a powerful emotion. It can make you do some destructive things if you allow it or it makes you say something that you wouldn't normally say but needed to be heard. Which side of the spectrum would you like to be on? When you decided that life was the answer to a question asked so many years ago, it is the same answer to this question as well. I went on a campaign rage though it was all in letter form and was actually never mentioned or sent until now for the purposes of this blog. I was determined to send a letter to all of the ministries I had been supporting through out the years. I was going to send them the same amount of progressive letters (or lack thereof) as they had sent to me complete with an envelope telling them of the plight I was going through keeping a job, a residence, and finances due to the crap that was spewed on me while I was enduring ministerial school. I was going to send them a scripture as they do in the telethons and tell them that according to the numbered scripture and verse, that's how much money they should be sending to me for the year or two or whatever came to my mind at the time. I planned to keep asking for more and giving them pictures of my progress because even if on a smaller scale, what God has called me to do is a ministry too - right? That's what was ministered to me all of those times I came to church and listened to all of those sermons. Why couldn't I do the same thing that they did to me?

And then I calmed myself because God is still God and He saw all that I had been through because I adhered to what a man said and didn't test it out as God told me to do (1 John 4:1 AMP). Once I understood that, I was delivered. Once delivered, I could get up, shake the dust off, look for the plain path where I left Jesus, and get back with the race. Consequently, the test returns to see if you learned anything (Luke 11:20-26 AMP).

I didn't complete the course work in that particular ministerial school for a myriad of reasons. I did
apply elsewhere and was surprised at the curriculum with the course work being accredited. So excited to begin, I registered as a corresponding student. The first year was a little tough due to it being the first time as a correspondence student. It requires dedication and much more focus then it would be if I were in class. I made it for the first term without a hitch. The second term was a little more challenging and didn't go very well to the point of where I had to drop the courses. Suffice to say (write), every time I registered for another term, something happened. The company where I was employed down sized and the program that carried my position was one of the first to go. I had to seek employment elsewhere (3 times). My residence was broken into twice to the point of me not feeling safe where I was. I sought residence else where (3 times). My cars were vandalized, totaled, and stolen. I asked myself over and over again what was going on. I never realized that these things happened every time I registered for ministerial school....well, the realization didn't happen, until recently.

Common sense would tell me to quit and seek to have a career void of the ministry. Just the sound of that sentence was like listening to the explanation of human reproduction in Greek. What? I walked this challenging road with a co-worker who is also born again and terminated from her position. I listened to her as she was trying to find another job and a place to stay. Her griping because of what we both had to do at this time in our lives, made sense but it didn't progress us any further (Philippians 2:14 AMP). She expected for me to stay on the same road with her but it wasn't what God called me to do. No matter how difficult it appears to be, doing what compromises joy, peace, and righteousness is like giving the enemy the keys all over again. That won't happen in my life and just for that reason, I have to power through.

Healing: Obtain It, Maintain It, Sustain It!

Working in a senior community, I often wondered if the residents enjoy being sick more then living healthy. I watched as they had family coming in and out of their apartments. The ill residents were hardly ever seen...well, until they stopped getting visitors. Hmm, mystery solved.

There was one resident in particular that fascinated me. He didn't have much family but plenty of neighbors and friends that cared about him. He wanted for nothing (Proverbs 19:4 AMP). When he became ill, he was surrounded by scores of friends. He complained that he couldn't breath and needed further medical assistance. The ambulance was there in a few minutes. When they asked what the matter was, he kept gasping but never answered them. They left for the hospital. He was admitted and stayed for over a week. When he returned, the neighbors and friends took shifts to make sure he had round the clock care. After some time, they insisted for him to get up and walk around. He claimed that he couldn't. They urged for him to do some menial tasks for himself. He retorted that he wasn't well enough yet. So they suggested that he might have to return to the hospital. He paused before rejecting that suggestion as well. It was about then that they felt imposed upon and stopped taking shifts. They no longer answered his calls. When he did got visitors again after some time, they weren't surprised to see how well he did for himself. In fact, he was even ready to go outside for a walk which used to be his regular routine (Proverbs 17:9 AMP).

As Christians, don't we have a different belief system? Do you remember how we spoke the mantra, "name it then claim it"? What happened to that? It was going to be the title of this entry, but then I wondered if I would get any readers. That very mantra was a discussion in a Christian group on one of the social networks. It became heated and I had to leave wondering what happened to our values. Believers have become so angry with God because they have lost family members, friends, and members of their own bodies because of sickness and disease. Alright, we can get angry, but let it be justified. Let there be a legitimate reason for it and not waste time when you could be doing something more constructive. God tells us to state our case (Isaiah 43:26 AMP). Make it plain and make sure you are reminding Him of His Word so you can get your facts straight. By the way, don't forget to add faith in there (Hebrews 11:6 AMP). Don't tell Him what you saw and how you felt...you'll only make Him angry and then it will be awhile before you get any answers (Hebrews 11:1 AMP). Don't believe me? Click on the references and read for yourself.

From my perspective, I know what I have overcome and what I still have to do. As a child, I hated household chores. It took away from the fun I could have outside with my friends. Even when I was allowed to play first, I knew when it was all over, the chores would be waiting for me. If I didn't do them, I would be punished. As a grown woman, not cleaning your own house spills over into other things. Being disorganized at your job, brain fog, and an overall sense of depression. Having this understanding, puts some things into perspective and therefore cleaning for your own physical, emotional, and mental health made sense to do and maintain (1 Corinthians 13:11 AMP).

Because of the training I received as a child having both parents retired from the military, it was unheard of to have an unkempt home. When they divorced, dusting and vacuuming wasn't a priority. Keeping it emotionally together was. Not knowing that, made everything difficult to do. Blame was placed and the focus on serious matters were displaced. Sickness was waiting to get a stronghold...but God. In spite of the long journey ahead, Mom kept us in church. Eventually, we got it some of those things together, first by understanding why faith and then we could use it. It was the habitual practice of what God says to do that kept us strong to be who we are today. We understood why the need to have a healthy diet, exercise, and a well kept home didn't mean anything without rest in God. Some things are better understood then others and the journey continues, but we aren't where we used to be.

Gnats like an unkempt house. Actually, all sorts of bugs do as well. As dust settles on and around the occupant, he/she begins to cough. A cough that seems to last longer then the average cold. More dust settles and becomes thicker - like a blanket. The cobwebs don't look like spiders made them anymore. The dust starts to hang like grey weeping willows in a forest of ick. After awhile, even the house knows that it is no longer being cared for and one thing after another starts to break down. If not the roof, then the plumbing, if not that the flooring is loose, or the railing, or one of the shingles fell off. If these matters aren't tended to, then it isn't long before vermin accepts the invitation for residency; and not just the 4 legged kind. There are vermin that we can't see that manifests itself in other ways. Those that have been treated for ringworm and other skin diseases got them from someone who has issues with cleaning their house. Watching the show, Hoarders, if nothing else, can teach lessons on having the desire to keep a home clean - always!

Now look at your house - that is, your physical body. It is the temple of the Lord. The Lord being the Prince of Peace, the way maker, the life giver, the healer, the miracle worker. He is the greater one on the inside of you. Why would you have any sickness or disease on or around you? It doesn't make sense, does it? You are needed for a time such as this but can't do what God has called you to do because you aren't feeling well? What? Why? Have you asked (James 4:2-4 AMP)?

The common thing to do for Christians is pray first then go seek medical attention. Yeah, yeah, there's nothing wrong with that. The suggestion here is why not add one more step to what you already know to do. Ask God, in your prayers, why. What happened? What did you say, do, or think that would cause for this to come upon you? You must have this understanding to keep sickness off of you. We understand that the generational curse is broken (John 3:17-19 AMP). We understand that God desires for us to be healed (Matthew 19:12-13 AMP). We understand that if it has a name it must bow to the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10 KJV). Now, understand it so that it is a habit and not something that you take out every once in awhile. Healing belongs to you. You have not because you ask not. Now that you know, lets put the hospitals out of business!!!

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?  

Who Gets You In Trouble?

I have listened to many ministers online, on television, on radio, and on tape (DVD and CD). I have been disappointed at some of the messages I have heard and have wondered why a minister that is supposed to be thoroughly knowledgeable in the scriptures, see the change in men because of the Word; and will still say things that have no reference to scripture. The truth as we know it is in the Word. Why would any pastor, preacher, minister, apostle, prophet, teacher, or evangelist speak anything different from what the Word tells us to do (John 17:17 AMP)? It makes no sense to me especially after the successful speaker has established a large following. That large following is there because of his/her initial belief in the truth. Any deviation from the Word will eliminate the large following. God is not mocked. God is good (Matthew 19:17 AMP).

This morning I turned the television on to listen to a pastor that I have heard time and time again. Usually most of the pastors that have had a television program like to use a by-line to grab the attention of the listener before he/she contemplates turning the channel. It is a marketing strategy that is used in most media. The thing is, the attention grabber has to be something that cannot be the same for the unbeliever that spotted the headlines of a newspaper. In the gospel media, no matter what the intent, the attention grabber has to be within the scope of the Word, otherwise it is deceptive. Deception is the definition of a lie. God has nothing to do with that (1 John 1:5 AMP). This morning the attention grabber was, "doing God's will doesn't mean you won't have trouble." He continued to expound on the trouble rather than God's will (1 John 2:16-17 AMP). Because of what I know in Christ, the speaker lost my attention. This was my second (or more) chance I gave to this speaker. A few days ago in trying to catch this speaker's program I heard a portion of the message: "the devil wants you to believe...." and then he expounded on the devil's wants rather than the will of God. Again, the speaker lost my attention and I either switched the channel or turned the television off disappointed with the lessons.

From that disappointment I thought about the listeners in the congregation, on the internet, and those that download messages to hear over and over again believing it to be the truth (James 5:19-20 AMP). There were, no doubt, steps to take to continue on in such denial of what the Lord says to do (Luke 6:46 AMP). First, when hearing something any clergy says, it must be positive and in the direction of the life that the Lord came to give us all (John 10:10 AMP). Listen to what is being emphasized. If it sounds more like the embers to a pity party rather than the supplies to an all day victory celebration, you must make the decision if it is in your best interest to stay in that ministry.

Second, if any speaker starts speaking about the devil, his antics on what he can do, and the fear that comes with those antics, please listen for the balance in that message. Know that the devil doesn't do anything that he isn't directed to do (Job 1:7-10 AMP). The devil cannot come unless there has been disobedience somewhere. The devil cannot disrupt the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The devil cannot infiltrate the anointing (Acts 10:38 AMP). The enemy is the enemy because of righteousness. The opposite of righteousness is unrighteousness. Confess your faults and righteousness is resumed (1 John 3:8 AMP). This is what must be stressed over and over again. Enough with the devil already (James 5:13-16 AMP)!

Finally, doing God's will maintains peace. He is a good god and would not have you to perish. He would that all men come into the knowledge of the truth. Why? Because it would be to the benefit of all men (2 Peter 3:9 AMP). If a speaker tells you that he/she will have trouble in listening to God, why then would anyone wish to be Christian? How would an unbeliever then wish to hear anymore that is being said? The truth is, if one experiences trouble when he/she is doing all that he/she knows how to do in Christ, the trouble experienced isn't trouble at all but the flesh trying to resurrect (John 6:63 AMP). If you recall in the Old Testament, Jonah was swallowed by a whale because he refused the will of God. Jonah wished do his own will. Another familiar book is with Sampson. He was blessed of God. When he stopped listening to the instruction of his parents, his troubles began. He found honey in a carcass and ate it also offered the honey to his parents. He then told the secret of his strength; as a result, he was held as prisoner and was made blind. With this same topic, we cannot forget Joseph. Joseph carried the blessing of God with him, how different or free from trouble would his life been if he kept the intimate details of what God gave him to himself? From being left for dead to being accused of rape, Joseph had trouble along with Jonah and Sampson. Was that because of God's will or their own will?

God gives us instruction to do what is good and acceptable in His sight. In being a man-pleaser, we open ourselves for trouble to come. Man might give that temporary praise but is the one who created man pleased? Will there be consequences for that action. The Word tells us that there is (Ephesians 5:6-17 AMP).

With sound instruction comes maturity. Maturity is a process as a baby learning how to walk. The baby falls now and again but never gets to the point of not wanting to continue. The bumps and falls along the way are necessary lessons learned even at that age into what not to do. The baby has a goal to stand upright and walk without falling. He/she wishes to hold his/her head up and be upright. Once the practice of walking is secure, the baby is no longer called a baby but a toddler. He/she doesn't wait to learn that walking is just the beginning. Running is the next level. Most toddlers are not satisfied until that level of running is met as well. These stages of natural development is also seen spiritually.

Spiritually, our baby steps are the 10 Commandments. We learn them and then tests come for us to apply what has been learned. God becomes real to us all when we pass the test (1 Thessalonians 2:4 AMP). Trouble comes when we resort to the natural skill we had before coming into the knowledge of the truth. From that trouble comes a trial (James 1:2-4 AMP). If the Word is still not used, then punishment is the result (James 1:13-16 AMP). Jesus is Lord and our defense (Psalm 94:22 KJV).

Keeping these things in mind and using them as a part of our daily living gives us all things that is described in the Word (Matthew 6:33 AMP). God's will is for us to live, to the full, and in abundance. The tests are good. Sometimes babies and toddlers fall. Trials come and they are good too. If we believe, we will receive and get back up, dust ourselves off, to maintain the faith. We have to get to the next level. Just like a natural baby or toddler, we seek what the next thing is for us to conquer. Once we have moved from the milk of the Word and can chew on the meat, we entire into liberty that Jesus spoke of. He said that the lambs can come in and out of the gate (John 10:1-9 AMP). This means we are so saturated in Christ, that no matter what we do, because of righteousness we will always be in Him. We cannot be influenced to be anything else but Christian (1 Corinthians 8:9 AMP). This by no way mean, once save always saved. God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7 AMP). If one believes that God will continue to see acts of disobedience as unrighteousness and confession is the cure - do not be fooled. God's tolerance of belligerence and disregard of the faith is documented over and over again. Ministers that preach otherwise - be warned (Matthew 7:21-23 AMP)!

Favorites

There is a reason we all have favorites. It is so that we can tell others. There is just something in having a favorite this or that. Does it change over the years? Sometimes depending on what that thing is. Some of us have a favorite  food and when we have eaten it so much, the fondness of it sort of changes to the point of wishing that particular food never existed. Some have a favorite color where friends and family notice such things because it is either in the car he/she drives, in the entire home decor, or what is worn most often. Whatever the favorite is, it makes us feel good and we enjoy having something we can call - just ours.

With people, there is a difference. We cannot have our favorite people around us all of the time even when we hope they could be. This is stalking and can get a person in some serious trouble. As parents, it is a dangerous thing to have a favorite child because what will the other children do to compete for attention or did we all forget the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors? We can have a favorite speaker in church, only won't that cause us to judge all of the other speakers that the pastor invites to teach? We can have a favorite in friends. We call them our best friend because he/she knows us so well and is there to support us no matter what the endeavor. Those friendships we cherish and hope to have through out the rest of our lives - only those relationships are too few and far between with as many people there are on the earth. If only I can get through this post with the glass completely full. Right now its sounding pretty bleak.

I was thinking about the subject matter wondering what the verse meant that God is no respecter of person (Acts 10:34 AMP). What does that mean? He loves us all just the same? So why does it seem that some people have more favor then others?

You mean that God has absolutely no favorites? Then why is David called a man after God's own heart? Why was Pharaoh's heart hardened when the scripture states that God can turn the heart of a king? Why did Job lose everything when he was a priest and could have received instruction to have a different outcome? Is there favoritism in the scriptures in God? Was Jesus the favorite? 

Speculation would have people thinking all sort of things, but there is only one way to get the real answers. It is in the bible.

If one was really interested to know if God has favorites, one would have to do some serious investigating into the Word. He is not a man that He should lie nor a son of man that He should repent (Number 23:19 AMP). Therefore, we would have to rely on the verse that He is no respecter of person as being the truth. It just doesn't have to stop there. We know that it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6 AMP). In order to receive, we have to believe. Now, if I were to answer the questions above based on faith, we have our answer. Can you see it? David wrote most of Psalms and he was noted as one who was a keeper of the sheep. As he was out in the field guarding what he was assigned to, he studied, thought and meditated on God and wrote poetry and song with Him in mind. Who else did that? Who does that now? Was it favoritism that David became king or was it the blessings of God because of what David did secretly (Matthew 6:3-5 AMP)?

Pharaoh was not a believer. He had idols and expected answers from stone, wood, or metal. Moses was assigned to do a task and had many excuses as to why he couldn't do it. This sounded much like Adam blaming the woman for the fall, the woman blaming the serpent, and the serpent had no one else that could speak. Did God need to be reminded of that? Wouldn't it tick you off just a tad even when you brought your child out from disaster over and over again? Where is his faith? Ah, can you see it now?

Job expressed fear much like Moses. Only Job being who he was in the community as he reminds his friends, he thought he could do something about the unknown iniquities of his children even before they do anything. He then began atoning for sin that was never confessed. It was an action based on fear. This action caused him to lose everything he had. God originally blessed him and Job's action of fear rather then faith caused him to lose it all.

As I studied to see what is pleasing in the sight of God, I pondered over the prodigal son. The youngest son squandered his inheritance while the older son stayed and did what he was told. When the younger son returned after realizing his mistake, the father commanded for a festival to welcome him back. The oldest son seemed jealous that his obedience was never celebrated. As many times as I heard this preached and I have read again and again, I still sympathized with the oldest son. I understand the celebration, it is what all of heaven does when there is one soul saved. It is written that the good shepherd will leave the ninety-nine to get the one sheep that left the fold (Matthew 18:12-14 AMP). Its that same jealousy of the older brother of the prodigal son that caused Joesph to be sold into slavery. Its the same jealousy that shows immaturity in the Spirit. Its jealousy that keeps us from getting all that God has for us. While the oldest son could have been pleased for the return of his brother and have fun in the festivities, he more then likely sulked.

If we would keep our entire focus on God, we should then find the things that would be pleasing to Him. We know its impossible to please Him without faith. Did you know that He receives pleasure in the prosperity of His servants (Psalm 35:27 AMP)? Why then would Jesus tell the rich young ruler to sell all he has in order to follow Him (Matthew 19:16-24 AMP)? Wouldn't He have been pleased at the young man's wealth? Question is, how did this ruler get his wealth? Was it by the instruction of God, by his own hand, or given to him with no effort from him at all? Let's test it. Sell all you have. If you know how to obtain wealth, you will get it again. He was rich and young and more then likely was given an inheritance too soon. If he has the faith, then there would be no problem with giving all he had to the poor (Proverbs 19:17 AMP). If he asked to follow the Lord, then he would have no issue in doing what the Lord told him to do. He did have issue with it, for he went away grieved. It is one of the saddest parables in the bible and still one of my favorites to use.

Those that study and believe in the power of prayer have favorite scriptures to use. Why are they favorites? The Word has different things to different people. We don't all go through the same things at the same time. While the 23rd Psalm is what people used as children to memorize in an Easter pageant, it still has impact to a senior citizen born and raised in the church pews. Personally, I cleave to the verses that have practical application. I like the suddenly impact. In studying about following my Lord and Personal Savior, I couldn't help but to see the similarities with His ministry and the things that David did when he was assigned to care for the sheep. Do you see where I am going with that idea? So in answering if Jesus was the ultimate favorite... I would have to see that God called Him His only begotten Son and He said David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22 AMP). He blessed Abraham as the Father of many nations and used Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. He told Joshua to be strong and courageous and said to Saul that he was head and shoulder's above the rest. Mary is favored as well as Esther. All of these people are in the lineage of Jesus and if you believe to receive, you are as well. So I would think that if you wish to also be pleasing in the sight of God with an adjective that would have you beaming for the rest of you life - why not just ask? He's waiting to hear from you.

Process of Elimination

I noticed that in the past posts I made mention of much applicable scripture and even used hypothetical scenarios to make the scripture more plausible. I try to keep my business my own but when  you have your own testimonial, its when the Word really becomes real for some people.

I woke up this morning thinking of you and those that read this wondering about the faith by which believers live and the faith that is necessary to be obtained (Hebrews 11:6 AMP). For many of us faith is faith... either you have it or you don't. Yeah, I thought that too. Like I wrote, I woke up with this on my mind.

Some years ago, I attended ministerial school where the appointed minister teaching a faith class had said something that wrinkled my brow from the moment he said it. He spoke about all he wanted to do and actually mentioned a few things that he desired to give to the pastor of the church as a gift. One of those things was a Lear Jet. He said he had to grow up into that though, he just doesn't have the faith to do it yet. Why not, I thought. Why wouldn't he have the faith to believe that God would give him something that was so self-less to give to the pastor? So after class, I asked him. He said, "I just don't have the faith for that yet. You might, but I am not there yet." What did that mean? After all, he was the one sitting in the teacher's chair. How can he sit there to teach me something that he didn't have?

When my husband and I separated, there was such a transition to be single again and with children, I knew I couldn't do it without the support of family, friends, and the church. I leaned on all of them when  times got really hard and all of them were not so supportive when I had to go to court, go back to school, get a job, minister to my children what they needed - so forth and so on. These people have lives of their own and was hoping I could bounce back quicker then I did. I can see that now. Then, I thought I had to learn to choose better friends. In that bouncing back process, I also had to learn to separate myself from those that didn't understand the complexities of raising children, didn't see the vision God gave me, and couldn't keep a positive word in their mouths. Once I did, my faith increased to do what was necessary and to lean more on God, the only one that changes not (Hebrews 13:8-9 AMP).

Trying to get a degree with children wasn't a part of my plan originally, but I had to go back to where my peace wasn't troubled and work it out from that point. It was when I was in school. As I dealt with the egos of the professors, I also had calls from the schools my children attended. There were teachers making accusations about my children that had no foundation. I don't mean my children are the best and would never get in trouble. I mean teachers out of the nowhere deciding to suspended my daughter, for instance, because she defended herself from a boy's constant attacks on her. Upon my own investigation, the very teacher supervising the class admitted in front of her own administrator that she saw the whole thing. She saw the boy attack my daughter and by all accounts they both should be suspended, she said. Never mind the language I used and my actions upon that discovery. Just know I had to shake those experiences off to get my mind focused in obtaining the goal. It seemed one thing right after the other happened, and then after all of it... no more classes... I received in the mail, a bill for some fees at the college and could not get my degree until those fees were paid. I used a student loan! What fees? Once that was sorted, I received a call from my academic adviser. She said I had a withdrawal on my record that needed a grade before I could get my degree. I cannot put into words the frustration I felt trying to finally finish what I kept my focus on for so many years and all of these obstacles appearing out of nowhere. I went to clear up that misunderstanding as well. When it was all finished and I could make arrangements to walk the aisle in cap and gown along with my fellow colleagues, I opted not to. I couldn't be pleased smiling with the scholars that put me through so much. I waited to get my papers through the mail. It was a long wait. So long that by the time I received that white package, I wondered why would anyone be sending me anything. Yet the dance I never had the steps to do before, was exhilarating and worth every drop of sweat and aggravation. I am reaping the benefits of all of that hard work now as I see my children having the drive to get their degrees.

Had I known that what I need to do was go through all of it to get a piece of paper in order for me to establish my career, would I have done it? Honestly, I don't think so. Would I clearly see the joy I am experiencing now to give me the drive to continue on? No, it would take faith and it is the things we hope for and the evidence not seen (Hebrews 11:1 AMP). I went through it because the choice I had not to do it was worse. I had to do it for me and to be able to make a living to keep my children. If I hadn't, they would have done what they needed to to survive and for children to make their own way, is never good (Proverbs 22:6 AMP). I had to use faith, I got angry with God, I made demands, I had to forgive myself and ask for forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32 AMP). I had do without and eat many plates of dry and tasteless humble pie. But I did it! I acknowledged God in the paths I took and there were times I didn't stay quiet when the path taken wasn't as leisurely as I would have hoped. Maybe all of those things were means of punishment for not listening in the first place. The journey was, to say the least, very interesting.

Was that the faith that the minister was talking about that he didn't have? He is a minister! He had to go through something too! So what was he thinking? In order to do something for someone else, you really had to go through something? The Word does say, to much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48 AMP). Look what Jesus did for the world (John 3:16 KJV). Would it then be the same for us to do something for someone else? Would it take much from ourselves to do? Is it worth it? How renewed is your mind (Ephesians 4:22-24 AMP)? If you knew that the road ahead would be a jagged one but at the end of it was a sure treasure, would you travel the road? Where is your faith?

When asking is that all there is to life, why not make an assessment of the decisions that you made in yours? Were all of your decisions to only benefit yourself and no one else? I recall a pastor of a church making a statement I know I have written about before, he literally said to his congregants, "new level, new devil. That's okay. I am happy right where I am. I have the right sized house. My children are happy and healthy. My wife is good. I don't need anything else." I saw that video of him stating this some years ago. I wonder how his faith fared him? Yes, I prayed for him because he still has to live in this world, if he wasn't called home. He has those children and wife of whom has a mind all of their own and will not be still to do nothing. They will make decisions that will affect him. If he thinks that sitting still doing nothing will keep his world like it is, he is mistaken. Naturally, that way of thinking doesn't happen. Scientifically, that way of thinking doesn't happen. And God... hah, if you call yourself a Christian, that definitely will never happen or don't you recall the parable of talents (Matthew 25:15-30 AMP)?

Faith

The way I was introduced to faith was too scary for words...at the time. I refused to go up for alter call to get "saved". It wasn't explained to me for a better understanding and I didn't trust the preachers. After services and later that night, I had a dream. I was 12 years old and I recall seeing myself at the edge of a cliff. Below the cliff were jagged rocks, stones, thick roots resembling branches, and I couldn't see the bottom of where I would land. I heard a voice telling me to jump because He will catch me. Of course, I didn't do it, I knew I had much to learn. If I recall correctly, it was dark outside (I capitalized He because I assumed it was God. I didn't know any better). Every now and again I think about that dream and instinctively know how far I have come and where I will never be again. I thank God for all of the tools He has shown me over the years (once I received Him) and the power given by the Holy Spirit through Christ Jesus can never be taken away.

I began this blog because of those times when we look at where we are and wonder, if this is all there is? Those feelings of frustration and discontentment while being in righteousness have to be addressed so that when or if they return, you understand why. Because of the understanding, frustration is obliterated and discontentment will have to find residence elsewhere.

Frustration comes when you think your will is better then God's and what you would like to do isn't being done when you want it to be. We then usually get on our knees (because of training and for answers) and we ask God, "why, why, why?" Have you ever heard yourself saying this? Have you ever heard children asking their parents this? It is a special parent that listens to every why question from a child and answer each and every one for the child's satisfaction. Does it end though? Is the child ever satisfied? And what becomes of such a child that has so many questions? Private Investigator, Reporter, Research Specialist, Scientist, Surgeon, Doctor - these are some of the careers that are ideal for such a child that needs to have the answers right now. Nevertheless, listen to yourself saying why three times. Do it. What does it sound like? If you still don't know, do it again. Make the last why linger a little. Now, what does it sound like?

Babies instinctively will never be still if they are wet, hungry, thirsty, needs to be burped, sleepy or bored. They like for their environment to be a certain temperature. They like what they want when they want it. And as much as we would like to believe that we are the heads of our manors, we know when there is a baby in the house, everything changes. Its just that when the baby gets to be of some age, things slowly with each year, will get back to normal. Children cannot and should never be able to have run of the house. They have no idea what they are doing and all that entails in keeping a house to run smoothly. Why? Because of inexperience. It is why God entrusted certain people to be parents. This would also be true for babies in Christ... and then we grow up.

Satisfaction comes as we learn more about ourselves in Christ, just as Jesus did when his parents went looking for Him and was found in the temple. He answered them that He has to be about His Father's business (Luke 2:48-50 KJV). He was reading about Himself and asking questions of the clergyman. He gained an understanding of His calling as He read more about the Word. It is what we are also called to do. To be discontent is a sure sign of what you are not doing in Christ and therefore your questions of why have been answered.

Knowing that it impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6 KJV), He, being a good Father, answered all of our whims way back when. We didn't know any better, but each day as we drew ourselves closer to Him and finding more about Him, He showed us our faults and we changed what we could while He did everything else. We are willing and obedient. That's how we got as far as we have. When I recall that vision or dream on the cliff, if I ever see that again, I know what to say and do. First, I would no longer be in the dark. Second, I know that the Holy Spirit leads me away from danger. And third, if ever a voice tells me to do something that I would question the sanity of it, instead of just venturing forth as some have preached, taking that huge leap of faith and it could be to my death, I will whip out the many tools that my Father has given me to test that voice to see if it is from God (1 John 4:1-6 AMP). Because even though, it was a dream, one thing that God will do in those dreams is speak to us. If it isn't a warning then it will tell something about ourselves that we need to get straightened out. Still having the questions of why with all that we have to do means you decided not to do what you were told.

The time is coming sooner then we know. We have been warned ever since coming into the knowledge of the truth. God is still seeing when the bride is ready without that spot or wrinkle. I declare being a part of the body of Christ daily. I try to make sure there are no cob webs in my closet by renewing my mind daily, checking the cleanliness of my heart, and the death of the flesh. My walk in the Spirit has been tested more then I can count and when the voice of the Lord is quieter then usual, I know I am still going through one of those tests again. I wake in the middle of the night and pray because He has trained me to do so. When I hear people talk I am more apt to listen then make a reply (James 1:19 AMP). There have been times when the conversation was so juicy, I had a load to add, but had to remain quiet to learn those lessons- life lessons or deal with the consequences later. It is much easier to listen then it is to gossip and easy is the path we are supposed to be on anyway (Matthew 11:29-30 AMP).

Watch. Pray. Listen. What's hard about that?

The Flesh Has Its Own Affections (Part 1)

Just when you think that you have arrived in the faith and call yourself mature, the Holy Spirit enlightens you with some stuff that has kept you still lingering in the wilderness. The mere idea that the wilderness isn't at all a pleasant place tells you of how much flesh you still have to conquer or crucify depending upon how mature you truly are. Let's deal with the wilderness concept first before tackling the main focus- the flesh.

There are plenty accounts to choose from in the Word to understand the concept and to pin point where our maturity level is. If for whatever reason you read this and cannot see where you are in this whole scheme of getting you where God intended, then your time in His presence is lacking. To put in perspective, I use to think that there is no one on the face of this earth knowing who God is would ever act like the children of Israel when coming into the Promise Land. I mean, He was so active in their lives to the undeniable point. No one could ever convince them that it couldn't be any other and still all of the complaints (Exodus 16 & 17 KJV). It was as if there wasn't ever a time they could be satisfied. Yeesh! Shut up already and just be content... oh wait, we never did anything remotely close to that - right?

Back to the scriptures, David ran to the wilderness to get away from Saul who was trying to murder him and the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. In both cases, if given the opportunity to choose either sets of shoes (sandals) to be in, which would it be? Yet, in reaching a certain level of maturity, the wilderness is inevitable. In the wilderness, things don't happen the way they use to. The trying of your faith, testing, patience, and contending with the feelings of having a temper tantrum await you. Friends start acting different, it seems like everything is against you and your prayers are like mere words that you can understand rather then your Spiritual language you were practicing before the change of your immediate environment (the wilderness). Because the circumstances didn't change, you, of course, start to believe that what you have been doing must change as well. Why? It is what men have preached as of late: "You cannot believe for better if you keep doing the same thing." My answer to that is, heaven and earth will pass away but the Word shall remain (Matthew 24:35 KJV). God tells us to state our case and remind Him of His Word. His Word cannot return to Him void. So when you have done all you can - stand therefore. It is that standing allowing patience to have her perfect work that is contending with what you truly believe. How long have you been in that place waiting for answers?

How long did David run asking Saul why? David could have sliced Saul in two instead he showed him a piece of his garment that he cut while Saul slept. David was trying to convince Saul that he was not the problem (1 Samuel 24:9-11 KJV). The woman had a 12 year issue of blood and spent all she had to physicians, yet when the opportunity to touch the hem of Whom, she believed has the answer, she went for it (Luke 8:43-47 KJV). 12 years she waited to get her issue resolved, yet she had to be at the right place and at the right time to get what she was looking for. Jesus was led into the wilderness where the enemy made his attempts to take Jesus in the realm of fear. Yet Jesus maintained using the Word and resisting any urge to do anything other then being the task of Lord and Savior for us all. That's three examples of wilderness living that could have gone so wrong but because of commitment and submitting to what God has called of them, they were able to come out from the the trouble, issue, and temptation.

Though the wilderness may not be literally a dessert land, it may very well feel as if it is depending on your  social, financial, and spiritual status. Someone who use to reside in a 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom house that has to downsize to a 2 bedroom apartment could be the upgrade someone else is hoping for. God looks to see if you can still be joy filled in a place of abase or abound. Can you still speak of His praise when matters don't seem praise worthy. God told the children of Israel when they come into that place of plenty for them not to forget Him. When they have wells that they did not dig and those houses that they did not build to remember Who it was that made those provisions (Deuteronomy 6:10-12 KJV). To come out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death is being satisfied knowing that God is the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).

Jehovah-Rohi

He is God. He is the One who heals those who believe (Exodus 15:25-26 KJV). Even with Him that is doing the healing, it doesn't take away from His character of who He is. He chooses the way He will do the healing (Psalm 25:4 AMP). All that is required of us in the way that pleases Him and what will cause Him to move is faith (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

When the woman with an issue of blood decided to go see Jesus, she crouched down low so not to be noticed but also to get through the throngs of people. She had done all she knew to do and still the issue of blood plagued her (Luke 8:43-48 KJV). In the Old Testament, there is a passage of a man going to a physician for healing and died anyway because he sought help from a man rather than putting his trust in God (2 Chronicles 16:10-12 KJV). It wasn't the same for the this woman. It couldn't have been. She didn't all of a sudden have faith for Jesus to heal her. She had to have her faith at work or the same result would have occurred with her as it did with the man seeking the physician. Why then wasn't she healed in any of those previous 12 years? Why did God choose at that moment for her healing to take place?

A Christian woman was diagnosed with a number of chronic physical problems, sought God to be healed. Her condition got worse, according to her, and to add to her troubles, her family was experiencing the loss of a loved one. It was much for the woman to bare. She prayed crying out to the Lord for some peace or at least a reason why. One day she was slowly progressing through her day, she was about to have a meal with some people she knew. One of those people saw the food she ordered and made a private comment to her knowing her condition and that certain foods would only exacerbate the problem and cause her discomfort. The woman replied, "What? It's my favorite and the doctor said it was fine." What more could the person say to her if she was determined to do as she pleased?

There is healing in practical study. Whether it is in the scriptures or in textbook knowledge. God will choose how He decides to heal. What we must do is have the ears to hear (Mark 4:23 KJV).

Why be annoyed or irritated in accepting knowledge from someone younger if it is to assist in getting you to where you would like to be? If modern medicine isn't helping, is it insanity to keep using it and not change certain habits? If one has smoked cigarettes for years and is diagnosed with emphysema, why keep taking the meds while still smoking the cigarettes? It doesn't make sense!If bleached food items are the culprits to some diseases, why keep eating them? If carbonated drinks have no nutritional value, why drink them? If eliminating caffeine from a diet will cure migraine headaches, why not do it? Why does one choose to be in discomfort when Jesus left for the Comforter would come (John 16:7 KJV)?

Examine yourself (2 Corinthians 13:4-6 KJV). Being annoyed or irritated with someone for giving practical advise could be something you must eliminate and fight through to get to the healing you seek. It could be as simple as watching a comedy, so you can laugh (Proverbs 17:22 AMP). Pray about it and seek peace so there can be marrow to your bones and health to thy navel (Proverbs 3:7-8 KJV).

Apologize!

Would it just be me if I write that I don't understand why people do what they do? I mean I can understand that if you give the enemy place then sin will take you farther than you ever thought you would go. After all the enemy is going to do what he is assigned to do (John 10:10 NIV). Its just that if you believe to receive in order to have and we walk in the spirit so not to fulfill the lust of the flesh, knowing that God sees all then why when we see our faults and know what the results of the consequences are, won't the behavior also change? Really? Is it so much easier to ask God for forgiveness and not do the same to the person(s)who experienced the offense? Is not the greater One on the inside of him as well?

The catalyst for this entry was realizing how the last generation kept so many secrets and would not tell what they should have. In fact they taught their children to do the same. I have family members who took family information to the grave and it would have been beneficial for us all to know what happened. Its just that we are born again believers and in the Word (the truth by which we base our faith) tells us to tell the younger generation of what our forefathers have done (Job 8:8-13; Nehemiah 9:13-36 AMP). The purpose of this instruction to the children of Israel is so that they could live righteous lives and not make the same mistakes over and over. Why would that instruction be different from today? To do otherwise, I would have to question if the love of God is in you at all? Is it more important for pride to be in tact then it is to help someone out of turmoil (Proverbs 16:18 KJV)?

Oh puh-leeze, this isn't just isolated to family but if you are to behave one way with those that are closest to you, wouldn't you do the same - if not worse to those who don't have an invested interest in your welfare? Doesn't charity begin at home (1 Corinthians 13:2 KJV) ? And isn't charity euphemised love (1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV)? Why then when pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and/or apostles tell an entire group of people his/her translation of the Word or the revelation knowledge they believed God told them (without proving) (1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)but finding that they made a mistake won't come back and apologize for making such the faux pas? Don't they realize when some people write those things down, they actually study and live it based on what the pastor taught and so why wouldn't the listener believe it as truth? Would that a pastor (or anyone from the 5-fold ministry)have one child of God led astray (Matthew 18:6 NIV)? Is that one person expendable? Does pride really have such a strong-hold on the lives of spiritual leaders?

There is this humongeous oil spill in the gulf. It is the fault of someone. We see the industry of those who depended on that income be destroyed. We see natural wild life being destroyed because of the oil. We see people voicing their frustrations because of a skipped step in procedure. People are even blaming the President, who didn't have anything to do with the industry's mistake. We waited for weeks to hear or see someone step up from the multi-billion dollar company say a few words of remorse... something! But it didn't happen. The President made a speech last week voicing his anger and the consequences the oil company will have to endure because of their costly mistake. I just don't think it will stop there, but how much difference would a few words made had they been said. Angry people will speculate and say, "not much!' If that at all. Hind sight in this case, isn't 20/20 without the Word. I believe there would have been an out pouring of assistance from our society. We just won't experience that because no one seemed apologetic for what happened.

But we are not of the world and I write for my brothers and sisters in the faith. What will it take for the meek to inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5 KJV)? Oh, I know... to be meek. Pride is not one of those ingredients in the meek department(Psalms 10:2 AMP). Pride is in the specific recipe of giving the enemy place (Proverbs 11:2 AMP). Would that you lose it all before saying, "please forgive me?"

Choose Life!

I know this seems like an elementary thing to write about. We already did this, it is why we are called believers. However, it still comes to my attention when I hear that life has all of these choices for us. It has been described as this virtual smorgasbord of things we can choose from. We tend to think that it is the abundant life that Jesus has offered to us and it just isn't at all.

That smorgasbord is a type of thinking that the world has. You know that broad way. But we know where that broad way is going and I don't mean the one in New York. We all know that the view and the path we take has been narrowed, so why are we broadening our horizons, looking at the big picture, and seeing the world from all of the different perspectives?

I heard this a speaker tell a collesium full of people to do it afraid if you don't know what to do. I have written about this before. It just isn't the thing to do no matter how it sounds, it just isn't in the Word of God. If it isn't the Word is just isn't right.

First, let's make it as clear as possible when listening to men and women of God who is suppose to be teaching His Word. You must read it for your self to be truely set free. You must have an understanding of what it means so that it can be digested and become a part of who you are. Trying to get an understanding is what the teachers, evangelists, pastors, prophets, and ministers are for (Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV). But if there is a glich in the system of reading, hearing the Word taught, and studying then we must find that cog to get the system flowing again.

You must be mindful who is the one teaching. If the person doesn't walk the walk or talk the talk in his/her own personal life then there is no way they can take you to where they have never been. It is why the scriptures have guidelines for Bishops and Deacons. Those positions are very different in the dynamics of ministry. Therefore, between a Bishop and deacon, there are other positions. God would not have those other positions do anything less in than He expects of a Bishop or a deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13 AMP).

Those who teach the Word already knows that God judges them by a completely different standard (James 3:1-4 AMP). They move people in one direction or another based upon what people will and won't believe. It is a highly honorable position and should not be taken lightly. However, people are people. Some hear the voice of God to be teachers and not the rest of the instruction. So they are teachers without the training to do the task. Eventually, I believe they find out later when they see what they must do to maintain the anointing. It still doesn't diminish the responsibility of the student. You must study day and night. It is the step needed to be set free.

In that time, here are some other matters that you should be aware of. Notice when being taught, how many scriptures are being used. If there is only one scripture during the soliloquies and it doesn't have anything to do with that scripture but what is being said is holding your attention, you know you are going to be responsible for what you ate and how it is faring with your life. If there is a barrage of scriptures being said but no message - actually the same result because you could have done that on your worst day. Nothing was taught. But if there is an average amount of scriptures and some seemed like it corresponded with the message and there was a little added something else, what do you think that little something was?

When I asked, a woman said it was the revelation knowledge that God gives to the speaker. Well, hey, I am all for that except here is the thing about revelation knowledge; God is not going to go against His own Word!!!Even if it was somethig symbolic, the teacher must make it plain enough for the hearer to understand. If the hearer doesn't understand, the teacher did not do his job.

Have you ever went to a service and left more confused than you were going in? Why do you still attend those services?

Life is what Jesus gave. That's it!!! There is no humongous choice of other things. Its just life. If there are two choices given and you don't have a clue, you say, "I choose life." The other people may not know what you are talking about but God does and He will give you the right one to choose from. The Holy Spirit leads you in all truth and shows you things to come, there just is no doing anything afraid nor is there so many decisions to make. You know Jesus and what He has done. The path of the righteous has been made plain. Be confident and assured that you cannot be led astray with Lord on your side. Seeing that it is impossible to please Him without faith, keep fear away from you (James 4:7 KJV).

Desperate Times Call on Desperate Measures!

Where in the sam hill did that saying come from and why would a born again believer repeat it?

For a faith walking man/woman of God, when is there ever a desperate time? Before answering that, recall what you have been delivered from and your weaponry in Christ (Ephesians 6:11 KJV). Now answer.

When you are making a decision based on pressure that has suddenly come upon you, remember that God tries the hearts of men (Proverbs 17:3 AMP). If you don't find His Word in the midst of those wrong feelings, He will find no pleasure in you. For it is impossible to please Him without faith (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

With that being written, we can see clearly why when a person is desperate to marry (for whatever the reason) there will be trouble in hot pursuit to come against the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:28 AMP). The struggle isn't because of the finances, or the lack thereof, it is because of the mindset of the individual.

If there is ever a desperate time and you cannot focus on prayer or God's Word, call on the elders of the church (James 5:14 AMP). The bible says to do this when someone is sick. For a believer to state that he/she is desperate, he/she must be sick. What would you call it?

Not Bad At All

The economy, good or bad, never really had an affect on me. When it was at its worst I was too young to care even with people onm the highways with work to eat signs. I saw them but didn't know why they couldn't find a job. My parents were working was the myopic view of my world. Other times, when old enough to understand that if the elite rich weren't shopping it changed the financial environment drastically. Still, even then I had a job and was doing fairly well. I thanked God for the provision and blessed where I was led to do so.

This go round with companies' answer to the drought in the shopping sprees, was to down size. Many people felt the push of "your services are no longer needed." Signing that "at will" termination contract never looked to be a good idea for those doing the work so the elite could shop (that sounded sour). I felt the pinch then. I didn't panic, at first. I knew the education, skills, and faith would take me to a new place of employment. God will provide, I kept saying to myself.

The weeks soon turned into months and panic was knocking. I went from searching for jobs in my field of expertise to looking for flipping burgers or cleaning office jobs. I found jobs that were available but no one answered my inquiry, resumes, applications, phone calls, or the taps at their office windows (I can see you in there!). It was like the Twilight Zone comes to reality. I answered the door to panic when I was given an aptitude test to work at Subway and froze in trying to answer what seemed to have been questions about polynomials! It took me forever to finish. I knew when handing that test in, I wasn't going to be called back.

I search online everyday - eight hours per day until I just gave up. It had been over a year without a paycheck. I always had a means to purchase whatever I needed but now with this change, I was at a loss as to what to do.

I stopped with all of the ideas that seemed to go nowhere in getting employment. I stopped looking for jobs on the internet. I stopped inquiring about positions I applied for and just got quiet. What was I doing? What did I need? Why was I in that emotional state?

God provided for me in the past when the economy had dropped before. He made a way for my parents to where I didn't feel any financial drop from what they had always done before. Why should now be any different?

I went back to studying the Word and praying like a normal Christian instead of the pleas and wailing to God as I did. When my Peace returned I was called in for a very odd sort of job. I would be the emergency contact for the Jewish elderly if they needed help calling 911 or some domestic problem in their apartments. It sounded easy enough. The strangeness was that in lieu of a paycheck, I would receive and apartment with utilities and cable paid for. I agreed.

It felt odd at first. No paycheck? But what would I need it for? God provided again as He always does. The shopping I do is minimal and when I look around, my barns are full (closet, cabinet, and refrigerator) and presses are filled with new wine (I am over joyed). I am in want for nothing. It is the M/O of the Good Shepherd.

It wasn't too long ago that I saw a verse in the bible of which I must have read over and over again but it wasn't as appropos as it was when I saw it this time.

"8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,

9 Lest I be full and deny You and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor and steal, and so profane the name of my God."

Proverbs 30:8-9 Amplified.