Russian Roulette

"We all make mistakes" has become a catch-phrase for everything done wrong to someone else that has been confronted. It is a phrase I have grown tired of hearing. It cannot be the excuse for everything a person ... a believer does when caught in a compromising position and he/she doesn't wish to apologize. Did you know there are those in Christ that never simply ask for forgiveness? How can that person be in Christ? It is the beginning of salvation. Salvation doesn't exist for the individual without asking for forgiveness first (Matthew 6:15 AMP). Saying, we all make mistakes is not an apology, it doesn't show remorse, and in a nutshell...its kind of arrogant.

This blog initially was created for the more mature Christian that seems to have done all that has been asked of him/her and is dissatisfied with the results. He/she then asks, "is this all there is?" Thinking that God was supposed to give them all that is asked on a platter with little to no effort on their part (2 Thessalonians 3:10, James 2:14-18 AMP) . To summarize, it is to show all who believe we have arrived in God, how much more growing we still have to do. What made me think I was qualified to write such a blog and continue to do so? Arrogance? Huh, as hard as that maybe for me to swallow, I think so. I had to ask forgiveness for that but still I keep the mission statement up because we have all been there. There is also another generation growing up and the direction I have seen some going isn't a place they need to be in.

Pastors and ministers of yester-year are going home to be with the Lord. Who is left teaching the next

generation have made some changes in their style of ministering God's word. The new pastor didn't wish to be known as one who is now walking in the shoes of the pastor that has transitioned. He desires to make his own mark. But was that what God told him to do or were these his own thoughts of fame and glory? It comes out in the preaching (Proverbs 18:20 AMP). A man with the ideas of doing what is on God's heart will have a prosperous ministry (Proverbs 13:2 AMP). He will draw more souls to Christ rather than trying to audition for a television pilot. This minister will see the direction the people are headed and avert them back to the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14 AMP). This is what the pastor of sheep do....feed and watch over the flock. So what happens when the sheep aren't being watched over (Matthew 9:36 AMP)? What happens to sheep that are hungry? Shall we see this from a natural perspective and then bring the analogy where its supposed to be?

According to farmers of sheep, they know that sheep feel protected when they are in groups of 5 or more. Sheep are highly stressed when separated from their pack. Rams or mature male sheep can lead a flock if there is no shepherd doing his job. Rams are very aggressive. If petted on the head, the ram will see this as an act of assertion and will react to it. There is an article about a ram leading a flock of sheep into a ravine. Because it is the nature of sheep to follow; 1500 sheep were jumped that day. No shepherd was around. Is it necessary to put this in terms of what can happen to a congregation if not taught well?

I have been to the ravines and was practically dancing on the edge of it along with others. If it wasn't for the Lord, I could be a statistic right now. Was the placement of my own doing? Definitely. Would I have been there had I not been told/taught to be there? Definitely not? Understand, I have the responsibility to read the Word for myself. I cannot count on men, ministers, or pastors to do that for me. I don't know what they have been through or going through. I don't know if they prayed that week or studied or if he is angry with the Lord for not doing what he desired. It is why the congregants have the responsibility to pray for their pastors. Responsibility is a big word for children. It is why sons of God are expected to accept the task and move onto promotion.

In Russian Roulette, sinners take a gun and place a bullet in the chamber. The chamber is then spun before closed. Each person takes the gun, places the barrel on his/her temple and then pulls the trigger. If the person gets a click rather then the blast of the bullet, the gun is passed to the next person. As each one lives to pass the gun, the odds for the next person gets worse and worse. The barrel continues to move with each click. It isn't spun again. Those that have decided to participate in such foolishness have essentially chosen death. In Christ, does this happen within the church and if so, how?

As I have written in this blog over and over again, when we know better therefore, we do better. God has not changed. He is the same God that told Jonah to go and preach at Nineva and when he didn't wish to, he got swallowed up by the whale (Jonah 3:2 AMP). He is the same God that allowed Sampson because his anger caused him to be rebellious. (Judges 15:1-4 AMP). He is the same God that caused Samuel to choose Saul as king, direct Saul what to do and not to do; but when Saul was disobedient, He told him that he would lose his reign (1 Samuel 13:1-14 AMP). There are more accounts of God doing what He said He would do if we choose not to be obedient; especially when we have chosen life. We are His children. He is a good Father. He will not tolerate acts unbecoming of righteousness.

So why play the foolish game of Russian Roulette? Why dance on the side of death when God has provided all you need? All you are required to do is ask. When you don't ask, its as if you began spinning the barrel of the gun. Why smoke when you know it will cause physical illness?Another day passes and the Lord hasn't returned yet (click). Why drink strong drink when He has told you to stay away from it? Another day passes and the Lord hasn't returned yet (click). Why have sex with whomever when the Lord said to flee fornication? Another day passes and  the Lord hasn't returned yet (click). Why teach a message that didn't come from the Word when you are angry because you didn't get what you wanted? Another day passes and the Lord hasn't returned yet (click). Why treat another believer with disdain because you think he/she is more blessed then you? Another day passes and the Lord hasn't returned yet (click). Why choose to live any sort of way thinking this isn't the day of the Lord's return anyway? The day is coming. Not knowing when isn't the excitement you think if you are caught on the wrong side. Its His grace and mercy that has allowed for the clicks instead of the final bang; however, remember that God is not mocked. In that day when you see Him, He will have a question for you. When He asks you why, saying, "we all make mistakes" just won't cut it. BANG!

Deck The Halls!

Its that wonderful time of year again. Its the time when all religions come together whether they believe in the reason for the season or not, and do what we are all supposed to be doing all year. Its the time when all people recognize and acknowledge that there needs to be peace on earth and good will toward all men. Its when joy is abound and giving is the foundation for all. Though unbelievers say when they give, its not for the holiday, yet they aren't giving at any other time with as much happiness. I love this time of year!

For believers, we waffle with whether to decorate the house, home or even have a tree. I did the same thing. It was lousy not having a tree. It was only lousy because I was so use to having one. The reason I didn't put up a tree that one Christmas was from what I read out of the scriptures. I saw that the tree was idolized and decorated as a thing to worship. I then equated what I was doing must be insulting to God. I felt guilty and repented. I was so young in Christ back then. I laugh at that behavior now.

You see, what people did in the Old Testament they did trying to recuperate from the disobedience of Adam. They were under the old covenant law of which they had to abide by or die. Being a new creation in Christ, gives us the liberty that the Old Testament Christian didn't have. The Word is clear about abiding under the law (Galatians 3:10 AMP). You must do all that is required to maintain righteousness. This includes animal sacrifice for atonement of sins. Though some think this act is unreasonable, how can you (in your state of wrongness) pick and choose what to and not to do, not knowing what is right unless you are taught? Who is doing the teaching? Is it someone who fared well in making excuses for not abiding under the whole law or
has God been merciful to you too?

Believing in Christ is much more then just enjoying Christmas. His birth is what the children of Israel had been waiting for. They called on the Messiah and He came. Born in a manger with the very animals that were used to sacrifice for atonement (Luke 2 AMP). His birth in of itself is a message to all who had been bound under the law. The stirring of those who had been waiting came to see the miracle of His birth. The 3 wise men traveled for miles being led by a star. Through the weather conditions, the outside elements that they might have come against, with all of the other stars shining, those 3 men presevered to get to the Messiah (Matthew 2:1-12 AMP).

This is the image I think of when I trim my tree every year. All of the twinkling lights represent the stars in the sky. This one tree is representing all of the other trees that the wise men had to go passed to get to the manger. The ornaments represent the outside elements that may have or not served as obstacles for them. And at the very top which God is the Head of it all, is His guidance leading them through to get to their destination - the star. The presents, isn't it obvious?

In keeping with the theme of this blog, wondering why life is treating you like this or that, could it be what you have done to yourself (Galatians 4:1-7 AMP)? Could it have anything to do with believing a lie when on the inside you would like to celebrate the Savior's birth too? Its alright, enjoy Christmas, it was meant for you too. By the way, have a Happy New Year!

Hmm, A Substantial List - Why Sub-par Results?

There is this expectation of quality when Christians ask God for anything. There is this expectation of quality when God hears requests from His children (Isaiah 43:26 AMP). Who do you believe will have their expectation first (Matthew 6:10 AMP)?

There is an entry in the Christian singles blog (Make It Plain Lenora) with some similarities as this one. Some believers think without any effort with their own lives, they are to receive this prince or princess and live happily ever after. Actually, in the Christian singles blog, there are several entries that refute this fairy tale theory with scriptural references. Click on the subject listing for all of those entries on the topic. Still, I believe this subject matter is apropos here because even though a mate may not be the focus, a lack of effort or a compromise of expectation and the results aren't anything you would like to praise God for.

Just pause for a moment. This issue is about to get a resolved but there is going to be a fight and we'll have to wrestle with that twist that was made in the truth when this lesson was taught (Ephesians 6:12 AMP).

Ready? "Ding!"

This topic is not new to this blog either. There is a subject listing here too. Check it out and click on the topic to your right in the middle of the blog.With each entry there is another nuance added due to the reasoning of those trying to hold onto that which has passed away (2 Peter 2:18-22 KJV). I hope those entries will make this one more clear for you.

I introduced this title in the group created on face book, Making It Plain. One of the comments were, "most people make lists, It is only normal (or something to that effect)." Having been guilty of doing this as well, I pondered over the comment made. As I thought about the scripture to correspond, the resolve being that there is a different expectation for a man then there is for a woman.

First, let's make it clear, if you can write a list of all of the qualities you would like in a mate, please make sure you can mirror or are able to state that you have all of those qualities as well. As far as asking God for some material wealth...how have you taken care of what you already received (Luke 12:48 AMP)? A teenager would love for his parents to purchase him a car the moment he has passed the test to receive his license. But has that same teen made his bed consistently? Has he done well in school? Is he respectful to his parents and those in authority? If not, how then should he be rewarded with a car? The same is true for a believer of Christ asking for what he/she cannot obtain him/herself. What have you done for God lately?
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Second, ladies for you to make a list must be in order for you to recall  not to compromise with what God has promised (Numbers 23:19 AMP). Bad relationships have come and gone. At the end of each one, we say never again. Just know that once you rid yourself from the fear of being a spinster, lonely nights, and the bong of your biological clock - you will have no need of a list (1 John 4:18 AMP). Your heart will then be set back in the right place (Isaiah 26:3 KJV). Your focus returns to serving God and for Him to say, "thou good and faithful servant, well done." Once you have formed that habit - the presentation happens. You know, what God did for Adam before the fall of man (Genesis 2:20-22 KJV).

Finally, gentlemen it is you that can create a list of what you need  from your good thing. The outward

appearance, education, skills, experience, finances, home owner, and so forth and so on. These are the qualities you are expecting for God to bless you with in a wife. Are you as accommodating to God? He has a list for you as well. Can you fill it? He expects for you to have practiced the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24 AMP). He expects for you to be living enveloped in the 2 major commandments by which Jesus said you can hang all of the law and commandments (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV). He expects to hear your prayers for someone who has done wrong to you and you are asking for this person to be forgiven and blessed (Matthew 5:44 KJV). He expects to hear your praise and thanksgiving when what you have asked for has not been immediately given to you (Philippians 4:6 AMP). He expects for you to never be without the garment of praise, without being clothed with thanksgiving, or without the whole armor. Wow, that's a pretty hefty list. What does yours look like?

To Serve Is To Love Him

I was watching Joyce Meyers this morning. Her message was about walking in love and to serve others. She used a wonderful example of washing others feet. She demonstrated how Jesus wrapped the servant's towel around his waist and then proceeded to wash the feet of the disciples. She continued that when He wrapped this towel around His waist how they must have gasped at the sight of the Son of God being a servant to others. Joyce then reminded her listening audience that ministry is just that - serving.

There aren't that many ministries that I know of that keeps this practice alive. I know of one ministry that I attended for more then 9 years. I never had washed anyone's feet before, but when Joyce had literally wrapped the towel around her waist, I was immediately reminded of my time in that ministry. We all did this as well - only the women were washing the feet of the women and the men of the men. I recall watching what everyone was doing and the elder women in the church directed the others to tell me what I needed to know. I didn't have an issue with it way back then because I was learning. But when I became familiar with it, I cringed at the idea. Well, it was much like when Joyce started talking about family and having to serve them as well. She always makes things seem so comical but if listening there is a lesson behind the humor that can be practically applied. There I was every quarter (every 3 months) knowing that the pantyhose had to be removed and the towels were at the ready to serve. I learned that it is best to be at the beginning of the line then at the end. It's also better to partner up with people that you know or that at least liked you. This was rare that I got at the beginning of the line. I had my children to get ready and make sure that my husband had socks on without holes and his toenails clipped. By the time all my family and I got to church, the towels were already dispersed and the elderly women that could not get down on their knees were waiting to be served. There was one that still could and was usually who I partnered with. She would hurry to wash my feet without changing the water from the other 9 or so people that were before us. The water would look so murky and I didn't want to put my feet in it. I would offer to get clean water for her, but it was always a reason why I couldn't. Too many in the bathroom, she couldn't be on the floor for too long, she got someone else to wash her feet and didn't need me anymore - so I endured the murky water by gritting my teeth as we sung hymns to finish the task. I remember one time washing the feet of someone that I thought liked me. She let me know she hadn't bathed and the warm water would be so welcoming to her skin. I thought she was joking until I came back to her with a clean tub of water and she immersed her feet in. Within seconds, the water looked as if I hadn't emptied it and got clean. She then began instructing me to literally wash her feet, "Oooh yeah, get in between the toes too." I never had an issue with feet until that day. It seemed like forever as I completed each toe and the instruction to dry each toe as well. "I'll empty the water", I exclaimed when I was finished with her bath. She replied, "What for? You just got the water."

Because its filthy. Father, in the name of Jesus, do You see this? Ewwww! 

There was a ring around the wash basin and I watched what was floating in the water swirling in a circle as if waiting for me. 

Before I could take off running, she grabbed my foot and put it in the ick. I screamed inside as it tried to splash around my ankles. She didn't give me anywhere near the treatment I gave her - and I appreciated that between the yelps I was having in my head. After the feet were washed, the women retired to the ladies lounge to put back on the pantyhose and any other under garments. Between the smells of all of the different perfumes, it was all I could do not to sit on the front lawn to put my hose on out there. After washing our hands, we then all got in line to receive communion, listen to the evening service, fellowship, and be headed home. As much as I didn't like going through the whole ordeal, its funny, I never missed one of those services.

Was it because I was some sort of sadist to keep doing that to myself. I am a grown woman! I make my own rules! I didn't have to go to those services. Why did I attend so many of them? Why didn't I just stay home and dealt with whatever came of it. No one can make me do what I don't want to do! 

Nevertheless, I realize now that without humbling myself to do what I did, I couldn't be the person I am. I didn't know what my purpose was in life when I attended those services. I had a family to manage, a marriage, and I knew I had to finish college - I just didn't know what I was going to major in. Before learning about washing feet, I recall having a conversation with one of the women in the ministry. She was married with children and well into her career. She was asking me, what I was planning to do. I didn't know specifically what it was, I just knew I wanted to be in the corporate world. I told her about how I was going to grow within a company and I didn't care how I was going to get there - even if it meant that I had to step on someone else's throat - I was going to get there! She tried not to show her shock, but it was difficult when gritted teeth, a gruff voice highlighted the intention and I even made the motion with my foot. I couldn't tell you why I spoke like that, the realization of those words weighed on me while I thought about how to get them back (with the expression and gesture). I suppose it really was a hard pill to swallow having that conversation in the vestibule of the church right after services. Apparently the message had no affect on me!
However, as I continued to be faithful in that ministry with serving where ever I could, volunteering in other ways, and still going to those foot washing/communion services, I was being changed from the inside.

It took sometime before I knew what I was called to do. Once there, it seemed like a warm blanket waiting for me. I became a better parent, not thinking that I was a bad one before, until I got where God would have me to be. Patience, love, favor, mercy, grace, blessing was waiting for me there as well. I didn't sacrifice what I wanted to do. I could have stayed home and watched television or something that would have been just as unproductive, but it wasn't a thought to do. I attended services like I would brush my teeth or make up my bed - it was a habit. Attending church was something that just had to be done. Because of this, God met me right where I needed for Him to be. It was so simple, once I got past myself and my will.

I never got to the corporate world, and I don't think I ever want to. As you can see in my profile what my career choice has been for the last 20 years. I have been promoted several times without having to push a stiletto into anyone's digestive tract. God is good.

Love

Its not like this is a new concept. It is what we base all of our faith on. So why would it be necessary to even post a blog about it? I guess it is because I was thinking about this sermon that was preached some years ago. I couldn't believe the simplicity of it  and I don't mean it in a good kind of way. It use to take a whole lot for me to gather myself to get up and get ready for church services to leave and get there at a decent hour to get the seat I would feel the most comfortable in to get the spiritual food I have been looking forward to all week and then with all of my expectations at the ready, the minister comes to the podium and says, "God is love and He loves you." Instead of making the incredible-oh-you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me face, I wait to see if she is going to hit me with some rhema. But then she says it again and again. Nothing changed for that message except the inflection in her voice. I couldn't believe this was it! For an entire 40 minutes, it was all she said, again and again!
I cannot even describe how upset I was after the message was over. I expected the pastor to come and say, "what was that?" But he didn't. In fact, he was actually a little blown from what was said. I even watched the other congregants and they acted as if they just heard something for the first time. "Wow, that was so good, wasn't it?" One of the congregants said. As I walked towards the door I kept hearing that same thing over and over again. What did they hear? Frustrated as if I had a Sunday School lesson and was dismissed for the week, why didn't I get what they got?

The following Sunday Service another of the ministerial staff was assigned to speak and the equivalence of that message was the same as the week prior. What was going on? This time when people left there was a slight stagger as if the power of the Holy Spirit came and sat on us all. Why was I not feeling this? I prayed for the expectation and believed to receive. Its how I have been trained and what has always worked for me. When the minister announced that there was a sweet spirit in this place, it was way too obvious and completely unnecessary to say - for everyone else. I was looking around to see if anyone was feeling the same way I was or if there were a couple of folks that just decided to pretend to be going through the experience as well. Nope - seemed like it was just me!

Has any of these things have ever happened to you? Did you ever ask why or why you seemed to be left out of the loop? Knowing that there are many members in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12 KJV), all of those members having different functions and different experiences in their own personal walk, I can be a testament of my experience and hope that it is rhema for those who read this entry. I believed that week was a great week. I spent much time with the Lord and studying His Word. I received such insight in the many things that I had no clue of before. When the mid-week service or Sunday service approaches, I pray for the speaker and the service as a whole. Many times I have been in my car and received a Word from God. The message was confirmation of that Word or the mirror image of what He gave me the entire week of study. I recall sitting in the sanctuary after services in complete awe of Him. I received so much during the week and I looked forward for the church services not only for the confirmation but for that...you know....I just can't describe it but what it is described on the day of Pentecost - that rushing Mighty Wind.

It was just so simple to receive it. All one has to do is spend time in prayer and study. The sincerity of your heart does everything else. Then watch God! So if I received all of this without having to be around all of the assembly, why then couldn't I be pleased when they received a fraction of what I got? I don't know. I figured it was okay for me to be greedy when it comes to the blessing of God. For it is written to covet the best gifts (1Corinthians 12:27 KJV).

But what if it became a common practice to study and pray or worship and praise, would you ever get use to the outcome of that? If everyone senses that sweet Spirit in the sanctuary, but what if you sensed Him all of the time, would you look around to wonder what everyone was referring to or be glad that they finally got what you have had all along?

I recall when I first came to a particular church service, I contemplated on being a member there or not. Though I sensed the Holy Spirit at the entrance of the building, I was still watching to make sure if this was the ministry for me. A few weeks later, my sister and I came and was seated closer to the front. We were ecstatic to get a place so close and right behind the ministers. While waiting for the services to begin, the pastor's son came in the sanctuary and laid his bible down in the row in front of us. Before he got to the seat, we both leaned back in ours and said simultaneously, "whoa"! Not because he was a good looking man but because the Holy Spirit was on him so thick that it pushed us like a wind would. He looked as if it were just another day. Everyone was smiling up in his face. It could have been because he was the pastor's son or they were experiencing what my sister and I did. We didn't know who he was and asked one of the ministers in front of us when he chose to sit elsewhere. I recall that he didn't stop and close his eyes as if God were speaking to him or even react as if there was a sweet Spirit in the place. He was looking for the right seat to sit in before services began. It was as if, he became acclimated to the Spirit being on him all of the time. Shouldn't we all be like that or don't we believe that He is the greater one on the inside of each and everyone of us?

These days when children are having children and that generation has grown with little to no structure, there is a sense of believing that no one cares - because actually no one has. Structure and discipline show children that there is someone who loves and hopes he/she becomes successful. Can you imagine when a number of that generation comes to church services and becomes saved, there they are actually coming to the realization that there is a Heavenly Father that has been watching all of this time and now are experiencing His Love. It makes sense that a simple Sunday School lesson could cause a generation of people to stagger. We have to watch not to take something that is so easy for granted. We have come such a long way. I know I am not where I use to be or could have been. I won't forget and am so appreciative of Him. What say you?