Can We Get Really Real For A Moment?

Times are changing and no matter how hard you try for them not to, they still continue to do so. That can be a good thing - if you have been waiting a long time for your blessing (James 1:4 KJV). Nevertheless, you are also changing; this is also a good thing. In growth, we all change. We learn new things and change from where we were to where we are. It might not be where you would like to be right now, but its better then where you were. If it isn't, I implore you to consider your ways!

That would be a warning. There have been warnings across the pulpit for years and because we didn't see those things happen before our eyes, we wiped the sweat from our brows, thanked God for His mercy and continued to do what we were doing before the warning. Did you change from your wicked ways (Acts 3:26 AMP)? For how long? Did you attempt to go back to the old way and didn't feel anything was wrong with what you are doing so as long as you aren't hurting anyone, why not keep doing it? Is that how you have been thinking (Romans 7:15-20 AMP)? You haven't heard any warnings lately, so its all good right? All is well?

Understand when someone says, it is well...first, find out if that person is a Christian. If you know he/she is, then start praying. Remember in scripture when that phrase was said over and over again. The woman's son was dead and she was looking for the prophet. She had to keep the faith and press on until she found a man of God who hears from Him to do what is necessary for her son to live. Others didn't have the faith to do anything but say what she did not want to believe is true. Until he did what she believed for him to do - then all became well. It took faith to actually manifest itself (2 Kings 4:8-37 AMP). How is your faith? How is the faith of those around
you? Still the size of a mustard seed or have you planted it and believing for something yet?

I was watching a married couple have a disagreement. She had been married to him for 20 years and knew him 5 years before they married. She had done everything he wished for her to do and she wasn't happy. He was frustrated with her and all she could still be doing, but won't. It was later revealed that they had a threesome. Apparently, this once never spoken taboo is more socially acceptable these days. Now, I had a better understanding of their disagreement because before all of the bickering was petty and childish. When asked about the threesome, he sheepishly bowed his head in shame but admitted to it. How does he expect for there to be peace in his house when he makes a suggestion for their marital bed to be defiled (Hebrews 13:4, Psalm 119:1 AMP)? In accepting the suggestion, she has welcomed the enemy residence. Does light and dark commune? Jesus is peace. So if there is no peace in your house, does this mean Jesus has left the building?

I was looking at one of the housewives shows. One of the women had a birthday party for her father at the Museum of Sex in New York. I never knew there was such a place. I went to do some research on it to see what would be the exhibit without being labeled as a peep show. Interestingly enough, there were many prints and documents showing the history of condoms, the chastity belt, various art works displayed and where pornography originated. These museums were not isolated in New York but in London, Amsterdam, Sweden and other parts of America. As I continued to watch the documentary, I noticed the hardship man use to have trying to print cartoons of sexual images in various precarious positions. No matter how difficult the task, he did it. After the few pages were printed, there would be a man at the top of a building waiting for his buyer to come see the product and quote a price. These images were printed only for the elite or upper class. But the times changed and photography was invented. Getting beautiful women to pose nude used to be too difficult to do as well as expensive. So they settled for peasants on the street for a few pence. The response to purchase the pictures were less then stellar. Fast forward, to today because we know what has happened since then. The sex industry has no economic slump in it so far and the documentary went back for more then 100 years! Continuing with the film, a woman decided she was going to beat some record. I didn't know if this act was going into Guinness or what. I saw no purpose in what she decided to do. She came into the room dressed in a yellow damask and gold trim gown. She wore a mask and spoke while hooked up to a microphone. On one side of the room was a man with a flip score board. She walked slowly down the aisle. Her audience were only of men. When she got to the platform and onto the stage, a table was waiting for her. The narration: she was going to have sex with more then 200 men - right then and there. The men sitting in the audience, stripped down and got in line. Why, why,...WHY?!!!

The common answer would be, sin (Romans 6:12 AMP). Yet, I wonder; in these last days...do you really think there are over 200 men coming together for that, never heard anything about Jesus? Nothing?!! Do people really choose death when they have the option before them? Did God really have to tell us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV)? I thought of this when listening to that woman dressed in the yellow gown and beckoning to the 200 men in line, "don't keep me waiting!" She completed her assignment. She reached her goal says the narrator. What do you suppose those men had to endure when the cameras were off?

Times sure have changed but the acts that people have done that are supposed to be shocking the viewer are actually quite old. Its been done before - decades and some hundreds of years ago. While watching the documentary, I thought I would be mortified but when allowing the information to start at the beginning, you can see what has happened was/is inevitable (Galatians 5:17-21 AMP). Though the acts and the outcomes were not correlated, people filmed in the documentary had their moment of fame and those that didn't died, look haggard and/or under the delusion that they are still young and vibrant.

Another show I watch is Intervention on A and E. I am fascinated with the root of the problem and how Sandy abused drugs and alcohol. She had been through so much and her children were frustrated with what they could do to help. Her husband was also an addict but sobered up. He didn't know what else to do either. He lost his job, his home, the respect of his children, his wife and when they all convinced Sandy to go to rehab, he sought a divorce. This didn't help her sobriety. She violated the rules of the treatment center by purchasing mouthwash to substitute for the vodka. At the end of those 90 days, Sandy stayed sober long enough to attend the weddings of her daughters. After the events were over, she passed away. It was the first time I ever saw the passing of the focused addict on the show - she died? There was nothing in her life strong enough or more important then the Vodka she consumed daily. Even when most of her pancreas had been removed, that wasn't enough to quit. In essence, she made her choice. The outcome was inevitable. The counselors deal with the addict because of that root. Sometimes, the root is so deep, the counselor doesn't know what to do. Other times, the rehab facility is at a loss. Last night, a rerun was showing about the addict. It should serve as a reminder, what not to do.

What about you? Do you really need to be shocked to know how much God wishes for you to live? Is it really as hard as you think it is, to do what's right? Even being a Christian, are you really tempted to go back in the world? Who is stronger (Luke 11:21-26 AMP), the world or your faith in God? Times might be changing and if you read you bible, you know change for some will not be good. God, never changes. He loved you yesterday, today, and forever. As much diversity there is out there, how are you handling it? Who do you hear calling you? No matter what, tell Him about it. He said, He will never forsake you.

Its Not What I Expected!

This friend that was telling me what financial strain she was in. She said the Lord told her that she was supposed to be receiving some money from a certain couple that happened to be ministers. She waited patiently thinking that any day now it was supposed to happen. It never did and I never inquired about her thoughts on the matter. Personally, I figured she got her signals crossed and didn't do the test to see what voice was she listening to (1 John 4:1-3 AMP). After all, a person can be so desperate inviting insomnia to have place (Ephesians 4:27 KJV). Once there is an invitation, all sorts of voices could be heard and if it sounds good, he/she will claim its God hoping for this spectacular outcome. Not to say that God wouldn't work through our mess - just make that test an accurate one.

I prayed for this person, as we are all supposed to do when hearing a fellow believer in dire straits (James 5:16 KJV). Another thing to do, if you can, anonymously pay the bill. This way the believer doesn't think you are the source and can praise God for his/her prayers being answered. Is that giving the person a false sense of faith? Well, doesn't He live big on the inside of you (1 John 4:4 KJV)? Do you know what the Word says about giving a stone when your neighbor asks for a crust of bread (Matthew 7:8-11 AMP)? Then God used you as the servant to fill that request. The thing was, at the time, I was unemployed, and prayer was the extent of what I could do.

So now thinking of the matter on a larger scale, I was wondering, what do all of these pastors, preachers, and teachers that receive these huge offerings do with them? The congregants give because it is what they are called to do, but what happened to the giving of the ministry? I see ministers that have this calling to preach and the anointing is on them so strong and at the end of the message you can tell that they have fulfilled their assignment. Fast forward a few years later when the money has rolled in and their living conditions change. I am sure they rejoiced for the blessing of the Lord has made them rich...but would the blessing of the Lord make them wealthy? There is a difference and would a minister know what that difference is?

You see, I recall before everything went digital, I was studying the Word and read a passage in Proverbs where it says to obtain the Word but sell it not (Proverbs 23:23 KJV). How can that happen? One must purchase a bible. How can this be done without someone selling it? What about those in the ministry that have become authors? The millions of books explaining various verses for the student to understand. Those products have been bought and sold. Were we wrong for doing this? Tapes, CD's, DVD's over the years of different messages where the pastor has encouraged those sales to pay for the utilities and other means within the building. Was that all wrong? When the networks went digital, I recall some of the Christian stations sending out a service announcement that the viewers should send a letter to congress for them to allow the Christian stations to remain local so the viewers shouldn't have to pay to see it. When things went digital, I didn't hear anymore service announcements. I didn't hear about how many letters were received. I didn't hear about anyone fighting for the Christian stations to stay local. It took a little time for all of the Christian channels to become digital, but it did happen. The cable company has them and the viewers have to pay to hear the Word? What is the matter with this picture?

The pastors of well known ministries are well known because of the people of God gave. The life style of those pastors have changed because of the people of God gave. So while all of those ministers have set aside all of those monies, why haven't they pooled those funds together and bought a network that can be localized for the people of God? Why do ministers think that money is for them to live better then the people of God that gave the money? Those tithes and offerings are for the betterment of the saints and not for the increase of the individual minister! How dare you tell any of the congregants that we all should be living in mansions and driving luxury vehicles when our assignments isn't for the up lifting of self (Matthew 18:4, Matthew 23:12, James 4:10, 1 Peter5:6 AMP)! Don't you remember Solomon? Its why people have not come to church as they should because the messages have been laced with self preservation rather then love, give, and doing the work. Oh, I have heard the messages but haven't seen the one preaching the message do what has been preached.

That friend waiting for that couple to do what she thought they were supposed to be doing for her, I personally believed she was losing it. But then I see what other ministers do and what they won't do. They don't testify about their struggles until they have been humbled to be delivered from them. Why haven't they figured out why they went through them in the first place? Why do ministers tell the congregants to sow a seed to meet every need but the ministers don't. Do they sow among themselves instead of the people of God that gave for the ministry to be what it is? Its kind of convoluted, isn't it? Who would be the author of that (1 Corinthians 14:33 AMP)?

An Apple a Day...

I woke up one morning thinking of all I had to do before the end of the day. I do this most mornings.

Oddly, a feeling of dread came over me wanting to just stay in the bed. Now this part is going to sound strange. In my mind, I have a list of what I need to do. In my heart, I know if I don't do half of the list, I won't like the remainder of the day...and still that feeling of staying in the bed, when it has no part of my personality was looming. What was that? Where does it come from and why was it anywhere around me?

Some people think to forge ahead and do what it is you have to do while others think its God and they will stay in the bed. What I do is investigate so I won't have to deal with this thing again. I whole heartily believe what Jesus did was for my good and anything that is not good must be kept away... like that looming feeling for me to stay in the bed. Many days, I have to deliberately make up my mind to keep to that list in order to reach my short and long termed goals. Those times can make for a busy day but when making a list of all of those things to be done and spreading them throughout the week, at the end of the month ( a new list every Sunday) I am pleased with how much I have accomplished. I gather the lists at the end of the month (and year) and find how much closer I am in completing the goal or rejoicing that it is done. This is also true in other matters.

Have you ever worked or lived near a community of people that spoke a different language then the one you are use to? Sometimes you feel they are talking about you especially when you know they could speak your language if they wished to. Did you ever think about learning that language too. You know, in your spare time. If you learn one word everyday for a year, that's 365 words you didn't know and a few steps closer in being able to understand what is being said and actually have a conversation right back with them. It rids you of confusion, speculation, and most of all - error.

Why not? Why won't we make that effort? We do it when it comes to our health...well, most of us do. We take vitamins and minerals for prevention. We exercise and control our diets for optimization of health.  We take medications that have been prescribed so we won't return to ill health. So why not make an effort to do other things that can give ourselves more of an advantage? Its not like we can't do it! And actually, these days, people see those that speak more then one language as being super smart. Its not that hard, All it takes is discipline.

Wait is that the culprit? When I realized that the Word of God is the key for the abundant life He offers to those that believe, I was all over it learning all I needed to about my Lord and Savior. Just when I think I got it down, I hear another portion of a sermon and am surprised at how much more there is. Yet, its always refreshing. Its like a treasure trove that hasn't been tapped into yet. How do you think I get all of this material to write? It took some doing to change habits for me to pray and study the Word. The flesh would have me to be an illiterate....but God. It wasn't as hard once I made up my mind to do it and isn't that the definition of a disciplined person? Now all I need to do is harness this same discipline to get my waist back into the 20's again.

It used to be said when I was a child, that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Later, I heard to remember the ABC's and you will stay healthy. Those ABC's being, apples, beets, and celery. If juiced and consumed every morning, one would either stay healthy or maintain health. Could this be true with spiritual health and the Word? What are you believing for? Have you found the corresponding verse in the Word of God? Have you said it everyday? Why not try saying, God loves me everyday, before you leave your home. After 365 days, there should be a change within you or around you. How can something so simple do so much? Comment on the changes you have experienced below this time next year.... that is, if the Lord tarries.

As for that feeling of dread looming the moment you try to get out of the bed, I had to ask myself, "did I rest anytime this week?" When I know that I haven't, I answered the original question of why. Being the righteousness of  God through Christ Jesus and it being one of the ingredients to Kingdom Life, I know dread has no part of that and has no business being around me (Romans 14:17 KJV). So it has to be something I have done or have neglected to do. Even under a new dispensation, as Christians we are accountable for our actions. We are presenting these bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1 AMP). God tells us to be thou holy for He is holy (1 Peter 1:16 AMP). How holy is it for us to work 24 hours a day - 7 days a week when He didn't do it (Genesis 2:2 AMP)? Do you see yourself greater then God? To what purpose are you working so hard? Those efforts will cause you ill health and without asking for forgiveness or changed behavior, deliverance waits. All of your efforts in working so hard will be for nothing.

There are 52 weeks in a year. 52 of those days out of that one year are meant for you to rest. If you find it difficult to do at the end of the week, take 4 days off at the end of the month or 24 days off at the end of 6 months. There are means for you to be pleased with completing goals while keeping your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. This will keep dread away and continued satisfaction in the Lord.

Sometimes The Good You Do Don't Do You Any Good?

I actually heard someone say this. I thought about it for a moment because a moment is all I needed to realize that as quick as it rolls off the tongue, a person not being knowledgeable in Christ, could think that statement is profound. Sometimes the good you do, don't do you any good. Really? Does that type of thinking go along with the saying, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions"? When I heard the person say the title of this entry, I had that moment. But when it came to writing material based on it, I couldn't even come up with a testimony. Hey, I don't get writer's block!

Going back to the mission statement for Kingdom Living (written at the top of this blog), the material for me to write started to flow again. In defining good, you already know, that's God. Jesus said it to His disciples (Luke 18:19 AMP). Now when accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we also agree to be followers of Him. It is the definition of Christian. We desire to be more like Him. So when we do things that are pleasing in His sight, it is without malice, grumbling, or with an ulterior motive. We do so because we are blessed and continue to be while others either don't know who they are in Christ or haven't yet chose the abundant life. Twisted statements, like those mentioned above, makes sense to them. To them, it is profound, sound, and words to live by. The road to hell statement, has been said often throughout my childhood.

When we do good for others, we do so for others to be well off. We do so, because we have been provided for. We do so also out of obedience in Christ. He did it, so we do it too. How can this not be good for you? How can this lead you to hell (3 John 1:11 AMP)?

When you are doing something for someone else because you owe it to him/her, do you feel frustration because you don't wish to pay back the debt, or you might have issues with the person that hasn't been sorted out, or you could be thinking that this good thing you are doing is going to advance this person even higher then he already is (1 John 5:1-3 AMP)? Thoughts like that could worry a person into an early grave. Why? Because it is what the enemy does. It might have started out as a test to see if your heart is as good as you would like it to be. The test shows you what God sees and what you need to rid yourself of. If you don't use better words to push out those negative thoughts, then you are what I like to call, "feeding the beast." The more you grumble, complain, or look at what someone else has and compare it to what you don't, the beast gnaws away at the blessings you do have until the only thing you have left is your health. The ease Jesus came to give, you have opposed it - hence comes disease. So if this defines, that road paved to hell - well, I guess it would make sense. But it would also show that your intentions weren't good, which then becomes biblical and the truth (Proverbs 21:27 AMP).

I was going to write an entry on why a Christian would be bored. I had a hard time getting material on that too. Then I saw a banner on facebook. It said: only boring people get bored. Which in a sense is scriptural. Christianity is a faith walk. We walk in the spirit so not to fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16 AMP). The Word also says that faith without works is dead (James 2:20 AMP). Its as if you can have as much faith that God will do this or that for you, but without any effort from you (the ability God has put in you), would He be a good Father to do it all? A man can guide his children to assist them to walk, but if he walks for them, they will never try to walk themselves. If man assists a baby bird to come out of his shell because the baby bird seems to be struggling so hard to get it off, he kills the baby bird. He might have had good intentions in the assistance, but the bird needs the struggle to get his lungs activated. Because of human assistance, the baby bird never gets that necessary struggle to breath appropriately and eventually dies. God is good.

Some seeds might be a good snack and that's all they will ever be. Other seeds can do more if planted in good soil though it has a process to go through even in the dirt to get to where it needs to be and produce fruit. There is an outer covering that has to sloughed off otherwise, it won't grow. Water and the minerals in the dirt gnaw away at the outer covering to get to the inside. When the minerals do,  along with heat from the sun, the seed then germinates and grows. This is also what happens to a believer. The serpent, when cursed after the fall of man, was told by God that he would eat the dust of the earth for the rest of its days. The dust of the earth was also used to create flesh (man). The struggles man goes through is first because of the curse. Then we find the Lord who came not to condemn man but to give him life. Without Jesus, man would continually be cursed, having good

intentions based on his own definition and still going to hell. God allows man to go through what he does so he can not only live the life he has chosen but an abundant life having produced much fruit (1 John 5;10-12 AMP).

Understanding this basic concept can move a hum-drum life into the stratosphere. But it is up to you. Can you still do good and be content or have you turned to the dust once again (2 Peter 2:20-22 AMP)?

Boys Make Excuses Men Make Changes

In watching shows like COPS, JAIL (cops spin off), and Women Behind Bars, its comforting to know that the police have been doing what they were hired to do. Initially, some of the convicts could tug at the heart strings and viewers might even believe each perpetrator going through the process and tries to turn his/her situation around to be seen as a victim. How can they look so believable?

Coming fresh out of college and ready to change the world, I know I'd hear each story and find credibility with them all too. Its called being naive, gullible, immature, and easy prey. Working from the socio-economic perspective that I was placed, many clients were an act or two away from starring in one or more of the previously mentioned shows. Still, in trying to change the world, I came up against a brick wall too many times. I had a specific allotment of days with each client; therefore, I had to make the most it. After prayer and gathering all of the information, I went to work making sure each family or individual got the resources he/she needed and was equipped to meet the goals that had been discussed. I could without a doubt say that each case was well armed and at the ready to conquer whatever necessary to complete the goal. After so many months, it was required of my assignment to do a follow up to see how each case fared with the tools given. Because I was still so pleased with the vocation given to me in helping people, I couldn't see what my clients were doing. There were too many of them that found some thing to complain about (1 is 1 too many). Too many had reasons as to why they couldn't maintain where they were placed. Hardly any of them stayed the course to complete the goal they established for themselves. Still green, I would pull out the case file and go over all of the material to remind them what the prize was when finished and how important it was for their own mental health to do it. They would smile and seem to understand the words that were coming out of my mouth but their actions dictated otherwise.

Sixteen years later, I decided to make a career change because of a specific verse in the bible never made more sense to me until I could stop and consider my ways.

On one the shows previously mentioned, an inmate was about to be released. He had been a repeat offender and warned several times before landing the sentence that he just completed. As he told his story, I heard how he learned the court lingo, the correction officers jargon, and how the inmates use acronyms to communicate. In his time of lock up, he completed his GED and had a certificate from learning a trade. He said he was incarcerated at the age of 22 and he is getting out at 35. He looked hopeful and pleased with himself. His words showed that he has a bright outlook on life. In walking out of the exit he concluded with, "boys make excuses, men make changes. I won't be back. It took 13 years for me to be able to say that." He then turned from the camera to leave. As he walked away, the camera stayed on him while the narrative was from the correction officer asking him the questions in the interview, "yeah, I hope he does make it. Odds are, he won't." The released inmate turns the corner and then it fades to black. The show was over without anything to let the viewer know that he made it or any follow up. Did the optimistic ex-offender make it or did the pessimism of the corrections officer come to pass?

I made a career change after so many years of hearing adults make excuses for bad behavior. From a 38 year old woman who has been cheating the system of thousands of dollars since the age of 16 and teaching her 12 year old son to do the same to an educated woman with a good career and a broken arm contemplating on returning to her live in abusive boyfriend, it was getting to be a bit much. I wanted for them all to change and be better people. I wanted for them to get all they could from what life has to offer. I wanted more for them then they wanted for themselves and it was depressing at the discovery. They didn't teach this in any of the college course work I took.

First, the Word tells us to not to cast your pearls on swine (Matthew 7:6 AMP). Swine are animals and have no idea what to do with treasure. I didn't consider this verse very much in my work because most of my clients professed to be Christian and I used that confession in gathering resources for them. Yet, that verse began to make more sense to me when coupling it with the verse describing an immature Christian unable to eat the meat of God's word. It is the same with the optimistic inmate. He has the tools to make a better life for himself. One of the rules with a probation officer is for the ex-offender to move away from his old neighborhood and not to be seen with his old friends. It is the acquaintances that will have an ex-offender back in prison. Like an addict, he/she must stay completely away from what caused the behavior in the first place. Yet, when the inmate walked away and turned the corner, he did so shoulder to shoulder talking with another ex-offender leaving the facility.
Hebrews 5:11-13 AMP:
Concerning this we have much to say which is hard to explain, since you have become dull in your [spiritual] hearing and sluggish [even ^[a]slothful in achieving spiritual insight].

12 For even though by this time you ought to be teaching others, you actually need someone to teach you over again the very first principles of God’s Word. You have come to need milk, not solid food.

¹³ For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]!

Appearances are deceiving. Just because he/she looks grown up and talks a good game doesn't mean that he/she is grown up. Where is the fruit? What have you done for the Lord lately? Though this entry makes a good post for Christian singles, it can also serve as to why some of us aren't where we should be. Grow up!

Venting

A vent is placed in a building or house for air to circulate. It keeps the house or building from being stuffy - assuming that the vent is open to fresh air. That same circulation can work against in keeping the rooms stuffy if there is smoke or a bad smell in one room or another - it begins to circulate and is in the entire building or house.

The terminology venting came from the world. It is used supposedly for health reasons so not to suppress feelings and issues that need to be let out and dealt with. Holding it in and not letting anyone know what the trouble is causes mental anguish, resentment, tension headaches and a host of other problems that no one would like to deal with. So once done, we are told that we feel better that the burden was discussed, resolved, and lifted off of the shoulders of the one carrying it. It felt so good that why not speak it out every single time an issue arises so mush so that there aren't any issues anymore? Sounds wonderful doesn't it - only even that becomes an issue. Why? Because of the attention that having an issue got. You've met them before. The kind that fabricate, or embellish stuff just to be a part of a conversation.

What is it called when the vented issue is resolved and it still needs to be mentioned? Isn't that complaining?

I thought that instead of venting to others about what bothered me, I could talk it over with Jesus. You know how the song goes, "talk it over with Jesus; tell Him about your troubles..." It did me the world of good when I was finished. I didn't have to say anything to anyone else. God handled it and that settles it. I began talking to the Lord about everything. I got so use to it, I decided I didn't have to go through the formalities of prayer, just having that alone time and letting it rip. Oh, there was so much that people would do that just got on my last nerve... and on and on and on and on. Phew! What a friend we have in Jesus. It just felt soooo good until I realized something. As much as I didn't like to nag to my children - they knew I would give them instruction and expect it to be done. There wasn't any reason to micro-manage. I trained them well, yet here I was sounding more of a nag in my venting to the Lord. What happened to my prayer life?

Well, what was I going to pray about? How such and such irritated and me and give them a clean heart O God? Or should I tell God how someone else needs this, that or the other and bless them Lord so they will stop asking me to pray for them every time they see me? Doesn't God already know these things? So there, I can go back and have my venting sessions. After all, its good for my mental health and there is some Spiritual happenings going on there too - right?

There is this resident in the building where I am employed. Every now and again, she comes to the office and tells me how she doesn't like a certain person in the building. It is over some mundane asinine reason, but I listened to her. Again and again she would tell me as if I didn't hear her the first time. That woman didn't open the door to the building when she was standing right there. Why didn't you have your key, I would ask. And she would say, "I had my key. That's not the point, she was right at the door and wouldn't open it!" Just get over it, I would say to her. I validated her point when she said it to me the first couple of times, but when I asked how long ago was that she said, "years ago." YEARS! I screamed in my mind. I just couldn't hear it anymore. Why come to me and tell me this over and over again? Wouldn't it be better to just forgive and forget it? No she wasn't having any of that. Oddly enough, the other woman with whom she was referring felt the same way. I asked them both to forgive the other or else how can God forgive you? The had no answer when put in that manner.

As time went on, short as it was, one of the women passed on. The other that used to come to the office to complain, found something else to complain about. Something completely arbitrary of her yet with the same intensity as she had with not being let in the front door. I asked her about the woman that passed that she complained about before. Her voice softened and she answered, "well, she wasn't so bad." "She wasn't so bad! SHE WASN'T SO BAD!!! Do you know how many times you complained about her to me much less to anyone else. I asked you to forgive her and you refused. Do you know how much she would have appreciated hearing you say a kind word to her? Why now when she can't hear it? Why say anything nice now?" "Well, she sheepishly began, she wasn't all bad." That's it! She had nothing else to say about the deceased woman. She would have rather complained about a person that says nothing to her and minds her own business.

How patient should I be to hear such foolishness? How long does one tolerate the words of others when you know they are wrong. When is there as much correction as there is foolish words and when does one just walk away leaving the person there to deal with their own mess?

God listened to me. He never left all the time while I went on and on. I had some one to listen to me and not interrupt with all of their issues. He heard everything I said and it felt so good to tell it without it coming back to bite me in the butt. There were no embellishments, there were no vague ambiguity, no nonsensical advice. He listened. Sometimes when things just were too frustrating to put into words, He gave me peace about it and Wisdom to overcome the situation. It was just so nice even with the faintest whisper of my confession or the prayer that I was to continually be in. I just like the talking all the more.

So why would I be frustrated with this woman (2 Corinthians 9:7 AMP)? She was only doing what I was doing to God (Galatians 6:7 KJV). Her issue seemed just as important to her as mine was to me. To God it is all nonsense unless spoken in the Spirit where we aren't using the lusts and affections of the flesh (Galatians 5:24 KJV). We like to hear our own selves talking. Not such a delicious thing to do when we don't understand what we are saying.