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.

Hey, Those Are My Kids!!!!

Alright, so we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior and have learned some things that we expect should be happening in our lives on a constant. A little skeptical at first, but He has proven Himself over and over again to be true. There were plenty of things we can say, that if it weren't for the Lord, the outcome of many circumstances would have been a lot worse then they were. Thank God for Jesus! Phew!!!

Now as much as you would not like to complain about your life (because you know better then to do that), you have these thoughts. No matter how much you rebuke them and try to think of more pleasant things, the entertainment of these thoughts, you can't help but to admit, how true some of them are. Stuff like:

It was so much easier when you didn't know as much as you do about Jesus.

You had more friends when you didn't know about salvation.

You use to be the "cool" parent.

What's a little drink with co-workers after work? It doesn't have to be alcohol.

You can dance to "old school" music. What's the harm in that? Yeesh!

So you venture forth reasoning that you should be able to be happy too. There can't be an issue doing any of those things. True, you haven't been doing them in a long time because you hadn't had a desire to do them since coming into the knowledge of the truth, but it wasn't an issue before. What's the big deal now? Besides, you were asked by a few of your friends and they haven't been around in awhile. Why not? Its just a little fun, and you deserve it.

That is the attitude I had and have heard while on this Christian journey. I have seen some hard times and have wailed before the Lord, "What have I done to deserve this punishment? Tell me, so I can turn this thing around!" I went before ministers for help and they had no clue. I went to different ministries and expected to hear a more clear message just for me because I was visiting. It didn't happen. I forged through those times of which I remember and wince at the aggravation, frustration, and even questioning if I really received salvation. Because nothing changed and it didn't seem my question was being answered, I stayed to myself and continued to pray and study the Word. 

Did you think I was going to write that I gave up and went back out in the world? Ha! I know better. There is nothing for me out there no matter what turmoil I was going through at the time. I knew enough to know that God gives us tests for us to use the new material we have learned attending services regularly. There is a reason in bringing that notebook and taking notes. I went through the messages for the last few months. I had nothing in my notebook to keep me encouraged with all of the crap I was going through. Sure, I could keep saying the same verses that the ministers gave me over and over again but would that give me a clear understanding what this was? I kid you not, one minister I saw in the hall of the church on a weekday, stopped me. I thought he had heard from the Lord and was going to give me the answer I had been looking for. At first, he thought I needed to hear compliments. This was only irritating me. Then he said a scripture that I didn't hear from the other ministers. I suppose he saw the look of relief on my face and then quoted a few more verses. No, not the actual scripture like the Lord said, this or that. He was stating a specific book of the bible and the numbered verse where the scripture would found. He had a monster list of verses. He asked me if I had a paper and pen and continued on. I wish I had not seen him while going out of the door. When I tried to leave he said, "I'm not finished." He sat at the edge of the window (nowhere near the door I was trying to get out of) and got himself comfortable. He sighed, looked up at the ceiling and rattled off verse after verse for me to list on the back of my notebook.  At the time, I didn't see God's sense of humor. 

When I  got to my car, I wondered what that minister thought I was going to do with that list. I went home and began looking up some of the verses hoping that I would get some relief in what I found. He just rattled off verses. None of them had anything to do with what I was going through. I then thought about the scripture in Proverbs where it says there is safety in a multitude of counselors. Did I need to see more? So I did. It didn't get any better. What to do? What to do? I prayed....fervently....habitually.....with expectation.

Oddly enough, it took years before I got an answer. Why oddly? Because God doesn't work like that. So

why was it years rather then hours or a few days? Because its not Him - its us. We say, think, and do a myriad of things that we believe is normal. We have been trained in it for so long, we don't see the harm. But there is. I have written this message before in much detail. The reason I am writing this again is for the simple fact, its been years and you might be going through something that some minister gave an arbitrary, pedantic excuse for it. Do you know I had a female minister tell me that God is busy right now but He will get to me as soon as He gets the chance to? Uh, what?

There has to come a time where its just you and God and no one else can see you through the stuff you put yourself in. No one else will understand it. No one else will seem to care. God is calling you to Him. The relationship needs to be stronger. He would like for you to spend more time with Him. You need to. You are called to do something great and in order for that to happen, you need to spend that time with greatness. There is no one else greater. No one else. Realize that!

Now look at the title of this entry. You were drawn to the title because it sounds like you. But in reading the contents, you think that could be the voice of God protecting His own. You were right the first time. God would never call you His kid. As much as I have heard and said myself, I am a King's kid, it was wrong and God saw no pleasure in us saying such things. Let's break this down biblicily.

There will come a time (if it hasn't already begun) where God will begin to separate the goats from the sheep.

It is depicted in the parable of the wheat and the tares. The servant tells the farmer that the devil has planted some tares among the wheat. Problem is that the tares look like the wheat and it takes an experienced farmer to know the difference. God's wisdom and infinite mercy shows us Himself where the farmer tells the servant to allow the tares to grow. This will show which is which. Tares don't produce fruit. Tares will be pulled up, bundled together and burned. This is also illustrated when Jesus came upon a fig tree and saw no productivity on it. The tree was cursed to the root. The disciples marveled at how fast this happened.

We call our children kids not thinking that we are essentially marking them. God doesn't see your children as kids. He sees them as seeds of righteousness. Lambs, not goats. Baby goats are called kids. You do not wish to separate them yourself when God has no intention of doing this. You are creating your own chaos. You see that now, don't you? Let the Words of your mouth and meditation of your heart be acceptable in His sight. He's listening to you.  

Comfort Food

I enjoy cooking for my family and for those who can appreciate the flavors as well as the labor of cooking from scratch. The style of cooking for me isn't specific to one type. I like fresh food where the flavors merry well and when one has finished the meal he/she isn't looking for more 10-20 minutes later. The meals I serve are satisfying.

Satisfying an appetite is so different then trying to comfort someone with food. I recall as a child coming home from school distressed because the bully antagonizing me in the 4th grade happened to be my teacher. Eventually I would tell my mother while we were out shopping. As I was telling her, she took me to an ice cream parlor (as they were once called). Was it intentional? I have no idea. Whether she had her childhood issues resolved that way or it was something she read, it seemed to have worked out for the best, though it wasn't the ice cream and I knew that. Nevertheless, when the term, "comfort food" was introduced, I had come into adulthood. Without defining the term, instinctively it seemed all that heard it, knew what it meant.

Over the years, "comfort foods" have developed into a style and is now a part of pop culture. Having its roots coming from the 40's and 50's, we understand that the food was mostly made from carbohydrates and fat. The food was created back in that fashion to fill a family to satisfaction. Today it is not something we consume daily due to the high fat content. Still, with relationship problems, distresses on the job, and daily issues with life, people tend to gravitate towards what will make them feel full, content, and satisfied like Momma use to make. There is a universal understanding that these foods are filling a psychological void; however, instead of getting the help that's needed, the calories still mound.

Now that the casserole, candy bar, cheeseburger, carton of ice cream, or whatever makes that sustaining feeling come about, is gone - did problems get resolved as well (John 4:13-14 AMP)? While shoveling those calories down, did some food fairy come along and make issues go away? As believers, I would like an explanation as to why food has been a comfort to you? Have you ever used the term? In using those words, would it be grievous to the Holy Spirit whom Jesus left to comfort us (Ephesians 4:29-30 AMP)?

We know that which the world does is not in the mannerisms by which we have been taught (James 4:4 AMP). We have been set aside as a peculiar nation (Deuteronomy 14:2 AMP). Embracing the peculiarities, we acknowledge that we also have a means to sustain us. We also have food by which we do get comforted. It does not cause us hurt, harm, or danger which the aforementioned could, if consumed in excessive amounts. The Word of God is life. We are made the light of the world and salt of the earth because of it (Matthew 5:12-14 AMP). We are content and satisfied because we know that in Him, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26 AMP). In Him it is already done. In Him we have the faith to keep us so not to complain or run to some means that will either be moth eaten, spoiled, or rusted through. We have a Comfort that is a constant (John 167-8 AMP).

Granted, with the babes in Christ, still on the milk of God's Word, they may have the tendency to reach back to that which is supposed to be dead. That is only because the babes in Christ have not learned anything new to replace that old (1 Corinthians 3:1-4 AMP). It is why the encouragement to keep going to church services and read the Word for yourself is paramount (Joshua 1:8 AMP). The children of God have learned more and will try his/her spiritual teeth on some of the meat but it still has to be repeated again and again in order for the child to sustain the new as good habits (Hebrews 5:11-14 AMP). Yet, the sons of God have skills and exercises their power in Christ. They have used the gifts that have been given and have no identity crisis at no time. The meat of the Word has been our sustenance for a long time and we have established ourselves as friends of God (James 2:21-24 AMP). Understand, these are levels of maturity in the faith. Macaroni and cheese doesn't come close to what we have in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP).

38 Years!

Seriously? What takes 38 years to do?

I was thinking on this particular scripture while getting ready for work and got so irritated at the man waiting at the healing pool for the angel to come and stir it up for him to be healed. I wondered about that man sitting there day in and day out for his moment. When was his moment about to happen? Thirty-eight years, he's had this affliction While some ministers would take this message and run with being diligent in the process of patience, I just don't see it that way. What was this man doing in that time that he was by this pool? He had to eat during that time. He had to sleep. He had to maintain with bodily functions. How did he do that? So why didn't he fight for his position? Aside from that, there were others that came and saw him year after year. He told Jesus that every time he would try to get in the pool, someone would jump in before him. So why weren't any of those people considerate enough for this man to have his turn? What was he thinking during that entire time? Did he get discouraged? Did he complain? Did he talk about others that passed him by? What was his attitude during that time?

I ask these questions because God is good. He would not frustrate His children. The Word tells us this over and over again. If your father in his evil ways would have good gifts for his children, how much more so would your Heavenly Father (Matthew 7:11 KJV)? The Word tells us that God tempts no man to evil (James 1:13 KJV). To complain would not promote righteousness, therefore it is evil and not of God (Philippians 2;14-15 AMP).

A woman bought a house and claimed it as "a starter home." She believed God for her dream house when the time was right. During some years, the neighborhood changed and the woman continued to wait on God  for the house of her dreams. Over 30 years passed. She became frustrated when anyone asked about her dream house. Her reply went from, "God will provide" to "I just don't care anymore." In all of that time as the woman continued to reside in that "starter home" she blessed others when it was befitting of her. She faithfully gave her tithes and her offerings. She thought of herself as being diligent with the small things God gave her to do. She would even go through other neighborhoods and watch the various houses that she would like to eventually reside in. Funny thing though, she never went through the same effort as she did when purchasing her "stater home". She never contacted a Realtor, did the research for the marketing prices of the homes, never looked into better locations, as she did when getting "the starter home". If the wait is extraordinarily long, the problem isn't what is God doing, its the consistent efforts in the one waiting.

What are you waiting for? What perfect work is patience doing for you (James 1:4 AMP)? Did you ask? The Word tells us about a farmer. He has patience for the seed sown to sprout up for the harvest he is employed to care for. The farmer is fully aware of the kind of seed sown and the state of the earth the seed was sown into. He is aware of the best conditions in which to sow the seed, otherwise his time of employment would have been for nothing. He expects for his harvest to be great. He has every reason to. He studied. He did the necessary research for his expectations to be met.

I have a number of things that God has called me to do. I was taking a certain amount of classes and other matters were doing well for me and then without warning - things came to a screeching halt. I didn't know why and it was extremely unnerving for me. I went before the Lord in prayer and what I believe I heard in my heart was about these two textbooks. These books were from a class by which the professor teaching didn't go over line by line nor had the students read for lecture or assignment. At the end of the term, he said for the class to read the books on our own and it would be to our benefit. Then he expected for all of the students to say in unison that we would. I felt like a child in Sunday School. We all said it and moved onto to the next semester. Still, Christian teaching isn't like secular especially when you are called to do a work. There isn't any such thing as skipping steps and making short cuts. The one called needs every single morsel to be effective in the calling. I kept looking at those 2 textbooks on my book shelf considering on reading them through eventually. Only, the next semester for me was like trudging through spiritual sludge. I had the worst time getting the classes and materials for the next semester and even when I did, it was the wrong things. I expected a full refund because classes had already begun and expectations were already assigned to the students. I was so behind. Not to mention that favor with men, governments, and on my job was at a stand still. People who normally treated me with high regard were now being disrespectful. Still with all that was going on, those books were not upper most on my mind. I missed the next semester. Money wasn't what it could be for me to attend classes. It was pretty rocky the semester after that and after that until I was seeing those that had no education were not only getting their degrees, they also completed their graduate courses. Now, I was getting not only frustrated but angry. I went before the Lord because it had to be somebody's fault and I know I was doing all that I knew how to do to be right. So if it isn't me or anyone else I know... then Lord....what's going on? I wouldn't get an answer but so happened to open my eyes from prayer and looked directly at those same 2 textbooks. When was I ever going to honor the answer to the question that anointed teacher asked of us all? I had to break the spine of that material to get back on the path I was assigned to.

This blog is to answer the questions that many of us have over the years of our own personal Christian walk. We either have come to a cross road and wonder which path to take or we have taken a path and wonder why there isn't as much blessing as there once was. We have made mistakes and don't realize how simple life use to be until much later. In asking the question: what happened, Lord? Or, is this all there is? Or, what's taking so long? The answer will invariably be something we did from habit or not thinking that it was too big of a deal to even consider. What we do know is that those small foxes that spoil the vine will cause production to ceased. That man at the healing pool frustrated me because all that he needed was right there and he waited for so long without doing anything. He could have built a fortress, devised a way to keep people from going in before him, he could have been right at the edge so that when there ever was a stirring he was automatically first. He could have thought of anything to do but just sit there for 38 years. He found a way to eat, sleep, and to have shelter. The same is true for my situation. All that I needed was right there. It was in front of me. All I had to do was open the book and read it. How simple was that?

The Word tells us that we are like trees planted by the rivers of living water (Psalm 1:3 KJV). The water is right there for the trees to have as much sustenance as the roots can hold. There is no need for the trees for anything. Fruit should be plentiful because of the provision. The Word tells us we also know a tree by the fruit it bares (Matthew 7:16 AMP). If the water is there and the tree continues to stand, what fruit should we see coming from you? Is the fruit obvious or are you waiting on the Lord to do what you can do for yourself? At the cross, Jesus said, it is done. The Lord is expecting a harvest. That sounds like the next move is on you. Selah.

Suddenly ! (part 2)

Being a domestic violence counselor of a fairly large sized Social Service Company, I was content - even enjoyed my job by giving advice, providing resources, and essentially helping people in whatever that was needed.

One afternoon the company called a staff meeting. The director announced the events to come and made everyone aware of the budget restraints but affirmed that no one would be losing their jobs due to the econmy. "The recession wasn't going to touch us," she made us believe and we reciprocated with applause. Earlier, I had received an accomodation for my work and the trainers from the city's capital came to the company to tell the director about how impressed they were of me. I was elated; and then it happened.

My suddenly was a phone call from a disgruntled client who was trying to milk the system. She got a "no" from me so she went to the director. I wasn't afraid but SUDDENLY I was terminated. What?!! The director seemed to scramble for the words. It still doesn't make sense even after the accomadation, her affirmation, the trainers? What else could I do but look for another job?

It rained one day. I was driving through an under pass where the water collected. A woman and her 3 children were stalled. I slowed down and waited for her. Looking in my rearview mirror I saw a pick up truck behind me that didn't seem to be slowing down. Then SUDDENLY, BAM! His bumper moved my trunk closer to me.

Shortly after recuperating from the accident, I was driving home when SUDDENLY I felt the car shaking. Pulling it to the side, I got out and saw the tire was completely flat - like blow out flat. I walked to my mother's home which wasn't far. I called another relative for assistance. When I got home the relative called asking where was my car? I gave specific directions. I was driven to where I parked the car and there was no car there. I had no car?

Walking and taking public transportation seemed to be test of my endurance. SUDDENLY pain like I never experienced before made itself known. I needed transportation. I needed a job; without either, it was seemingly bleak. On my way home with gritted teeth, I tried to be optimistic, unlocking the front door my children greeted me in the dark! The lights were out - not so suddenly. The other utilities were also following suit.