What Is A Husband?

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post entitled, What Is A Wife? This would be the answer for what the women would like to know. There is balance in all things in Christ.

Most women have this image of what we would like for our husbands to be. If our biological fathers were wonderful in our childhood, the imagination doesn't have to go far. The only difference is along with that perfect personality it would be nice if only he doesn't wear his socks to bed, has washboard abs, a 6 figure income and enjoys it when his wife spends his money. I know, I know, then we have to grow up incorporate the Word and get real about the matter (Romans 12:2 AMP). Its the last part that many of us find difficult - the getting real part.

Getting real for some, especially if the wait is longer then anyone would have expected, is to settle and be flexible in not getting what we were hoping for. This isn't something I am guessing at but have seen, have done it myself, and have asked questions for the answers to be just what I wrote - settle. When making that decision to settle, it is because some other thought caused the original thinking process to change. The thought being that it is impossible to hope to gain such a person. It is the knight in shining armor, the gentleman that will not only be the ideal husband and father but will cause you to be the envy of all of the church ladies who married beneath them (Jeremiah 17:7 AMP). It is the not having to deal with flicked boogers, scratching himself in front of people, ear hair, belching, passing gas without  regard to whomever else is in the room, and so many other things men go through when they leave their 20's and 30's. I know, it isn't a pleasant thought; nevertheless, its better then being a spinster - right? Well, it is the end result in some of the thought processes with leaving the original hope that we can have all things too.

Why did you change from hoping for the best? Is it because of where you live? Is it because your environment is conducive of not creating men as described above? Is it because you don't feel you are worthy of better? Is it because you have been told it is better to marry then to be the age you are without a husband or children? Is the person you are with not someone who you are particularly attracted to? Have you already settled for Mr. Right Now? Is it too late to make the wrong right?

First, let's get some things straight about the original thought you had with the knight in shining armor or the wonderful characteristics you were hoping for. Remember when Jesus said that we should have the faith of a child (Matthew 18:2-4 AMP). It is because children only have innocent intent. Their thoughts are not bamboozled with negative words. Many times children have hopes that they keep to themselves because they would like to keep those hopes. Recall what happened to Joseph when he told his brothers what he had dreamt. His flesh and blood sought for his demise (Genesis 37:11-18 AMP)! Jesus also told the adults that it would be better for a millstone to be put around the neck of the person that offended the little ones and be thrown into the sea (Matthew 18:6 AMP). Why? Because the thoughts and faith of a child is what God has put in them. It is their vision, their hope of what they can have if they are diligent (Hebrews 11:6 AMP). Children know nothing of prejudice, hate, and malice unless taught by an adult. Keep your original hope alive and live it through all the way until the end no matter what has been told to you.

A minister assumed that I was interested in a particular man. I never said anything to him. Yet he took it upon himself to preach to me about who and what I am and if I am worthy of this man's interest. I wondered who did he think he was for telling me such things. He even got personal into what I looked like and if I could ever be worthy of this particular man's interest. I found the whole thing fascinating. Because I never spoke to this man or the minister in the first place, I never had to defend myself. I allowed God to be who He is (the Author and Finisher of my faith) and watched the show. Both individuals are no longer a part of the ministry where I was attending. That was God getting His revenge and it was so much sweeter then anything I could have ever done (Romans 12:19 AMP)!

I did learn from that experience. For the longest time I thought I had to be a certain sort in order for me to meet that sort of man. Yet Ruth was a Moabite and came to a place with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to meet Boaz (Ruth 1:22 AMP). Boaz was the wealthiest man in the area. Ruth had nothing. Esther came with her Uncle to enter a pageant to see who was it that would be chosen to be the King's new queen. Esther wasn't a queen herself until she was chosen to be (Esther 2:7 AMP). The minister preaching said that the man he assumed I was interested in was a prince among men. Then he compared who he thought I was to what he thought this man to be. He had no right. He didn't know me. He was dealing with his own insecurities and using me as his scapegoat. God showed him otherwise though.

In the dating process, there will be all sorts of men that will say whatever they can to gain your interest. He might be the knight in shining armor or a wolf in sheep's clothing. It is up to you to have your artillery at the ready (Ephesians 6:11 AMP). You have to be prayed up. In everything you do acknowledge Him. When you wake thank Him for the day and pray for what you would like to happen in the day. It might be such a small thing but faith starts off small too. Once you make this a habit, watch and see how God will change the course of your life and put you in an environment that is rich with all you need to gain all you had hoped for - originally. Pray for those that put those negative thoughts in your mind (Luke 6:28 AMP). Remember the verse about the millstone? Pray.

Finally, there is a verse that perfectly describes what a husband is. Most pastors don't preach this message (well, none that I have heard in the 30 plus years that I have been attending church services) much. I believe it is because they would have to answer to it themselves. Nevertheless, it doesn't make it not true. He must love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave His life up for her (Ephesians 5:25 AMP). This is a powerful statement. It says so much in one sentence. Is there such a man that can do what Jesus did for the church? If he didn't have the ability, God would have never put the verse in scripture. He (as well as you) can do all things through Christ which strengthens you (Philippians 4:13 AMP).

Let's make it a visual: If you meet this wonderful man and he has a good career and has established himself in the company where he is but you were given a wonderful opportunity in another part of the country, would he leave his job and go where you need to be? Or would he expect for you to leave the opportunity that you have to stay where he is? Here's another visual: If a man you are engaged to gets an inheritance of 6 figures and is thinking it would be to his best interest to have you sign a pre-nuptial agreement, do you think he had this epiphany from God or from his own mind and are you in agreement with what he suggests? The last visual: If while the two of you were dating and both of you were working at places that you both enjoyed, when you got married he decides that he would like for you to be a stay at home wife. Something neither of you discussed while dating. If it is upsetting to you, should he still expect for you to be at home? Yet these things have happened in the lives of married couples. The woman believes it is her duty to compromise every single time for her to be the help that her role is, yet, the man has not compromised anything. He is the head of her and expects what he wants. She is to be submissive to him and to do as he wishes. There is no compromise, yet the woman compromised with her original aspirations to marry such the man. Inner turmoil begins in such a union and spawns into something else that is not favorable (James 1:20 AMP).

The Word says that he who can find a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22 AMP). He would then have to make a search. Unfortunately, this has been preached to look at the outward appearance. Being under a new dispensation in Christ, we have to look deeper into that verse to see that he would have to find the wife from within. Does she have a heart to be a wife? If he finds such a woman, then he obtains favor from the Lord. He would have to rely on God for that. In so doing, he has favor. He doesn't get the favor unless he can do those things. Therefore, it would be in your best interest to note what he is asking and what he expects. If he cannot give up anything for you, then he is telling you the love for you is not there. He loves himself more then you (2 Timothy 3 AMP). There is no settling in that believing he will change eventually when you marry him.

Here's another visual: Whatever a man considers to be a part of his livelihood is what he has become comfortable with. He planned  for it. He worked for it. He is content with it. If it is compromised, he will do whatever is necessary to maintain to keep it. Enters a woman he hopes to be his wife. Which is more important? Would he give up his livelihood for this woman? He will obtain favor from the Lord with her. Does he already have favor from the Lord? How could he without a wife? Does he wish to obtain favor from the Lord? Would he give up his livelihood for that favor?

These would be interesting date questions. It is actually what the Lord asked the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-26 AMP). Look what happened to him. What kind of husband do you think he would have made? Selah.

Who Gets You In Trouble?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When The Money Is Funny, Then....

What? The world says when the money is funny so is the honey. I say, if the honey gets funny because of the money then there wasn't that much honey there to begin with. Why wouldn't common sense kick in if a relationship goes South because of financial difficulties? The question should be, why is there famine in the land and why is it affecting you (Psalm 91:9-11 AMP)?

In Christian circles, it is said, when the money gets funny its God trying to get your attention. Where in the name of all things decent is that written in the Word? Where did that understanding come from in translation? Which story, what chapter or verse, just show me and I will make my apologies for being so upset at believing this swill for so long.

Seriously, when my funds started dwindling and it seemed I was living paycheck to paycheck, I went before the Lord and asked what did I do, or what did I need to do? It is how I had been taught. It says in the Word that when your pockets feel as if there are holes in them for us to consider our ways (Haggai 1:5-7 AMP). It is what I was doing. I was studying the Word, I acknowledged God, I had volunteered in various auxiliaries, I assisted with the ministry of the church I was attending, I gave the tithe and offering faithfully, I considered my employer as I did what I was assigned to do, and I honor my parents. What did I leave out? Where was I disobedient? I didn't know and my finances continued to dwindle. It didn't take long before I went from asking God to worrying about what I did wrong (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP).

Why did I think this way? Because of what happened to Job. He was scared that his children was sinning so he made a sacrifice to atone for sins they never confessed to (Job 1:5 AMP). Because of these acts Job did, he lost everything - including his children (Job 1:13-17 AMP). After all was gone, Job spoke out from what he was going through and the reader could see, how he thought of himself (Job 9:21-30 AMP). When God spoke to him, to me it was as if being chastised (Job 38:4-39 AMP). The voice of God seemed angry. He said to Job, when did he ever do the kinds of things that God has done? I never wish to hear such questions presented to me because of what is on or in my heart. So I did as the Word tells us to do, I considered my ways.

There are times in all of our lives where we don't like the things that we have done, for one reason or another. I heard some call themselves stupid and even hit their heads against walls. Some have gone to the extreme with abusive acts such as cutting and some women have shaved their heads. In the bible, men covered their heads with sackcloth and threw ashes over themselves. Job cursed the day he was born. How many of us have ever done that?

God said that He knew us before we were formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5-10 AMP). When He created everything (including man),  it almost seemed that He paused marveling at His own works. His critique of what He had done, is that it is good. Would it be blasphemous for us to say anything different then what God said? He told us to speak good things. Was there an addendum when it came to our individual acts that aren't pleasing in our own eyes? If being the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus means that we are in right standing with Him, could the words we speak take us out of that standing?

The Word tells us that an indecisive man will receive nothing from the Lord (James 1:6-7 AMP). The abundant life has been given to us from the Lord. If we speak things that are not in agreement with what God says about us, is that being indecisive when we had chosen life to begin the process of salvation? With salvation being what it is from God through the acts of Jesus our Lord, do we still have it based on the derogatory words we spoke about ourselves? Jesus came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18 AMP). Do we set ourselves captives again by the negative words we speak on ourselves and each other (Luke 6:45 AMP)? The Word says, there isn't another salvation to occur; therefore, we are not to take so lightly what Jesus has done for us - ever (Acts 4:12 AMP)!

So the money is funny, what are you to do? The Word tells us that storms will come. The Word also tells us that Jesus was tempted of the devil and used the Word for the devil to flee. This tells me when things come about that are not in the plan of prosperity (or my success in Christ), then use the Word and continue to do so resisting the urge to worry or complain. For it is faith that caused Jesus to react. It is the Word that cannot return to God void (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). To use both shows how much you have matured in Him. He cannot help but to be pleased.

Got Trouble (part 2)?

In my training of being a "good Christian" I was told to hold the ministers in high esteem. How can you do this and not believe one word that he/she is saying? I kept that training (and even today) thinking that true believers think good things and would not wish any hurt, harm or danger on others because we all serve the same God - He is the entire definition of Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 KJV). Even writing that, I sound like the one that jumped off the turnip truck all wet behind the ears. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that God is love and that we are to walk in the Spirit to not fulfill the lust of the flesh; its just that people are not always going to do as you hope. They will not always stay fast to what the Word says even in times of trouble. We all have our days and go through tests. Whether we pass those tests or not is sometimes determined by what the day brings.

Plenty of people are angry because the day didn't bring what they hoped for and instead of assessing what they did, its easier to blame God or whoever is closest to the problem. Trouble is not stirred up from nothing. There has to be an action for the reaction. If you don't weed your garden, you cannot expect a healthy harvest (Proverbs 24:30-34 KJV). If you don't raise your children in the admonition of the Lord, you cannot be surprised when they don't honor their parents (Proverbs 22:6 KJV). If sweets and candy are the foundation of your diet, you cannot expect for God to miraculously rid you of obesity and diabetes (Psalm 141:3-4 KJV). The effort taken to resolve a problem has to be with as much fervor as was taken for the problem to arise.

I have written before about when I was raising my children. I made sure they were dressed well. They ate a hot meal before going to school and had vitamins daily. They attended church regularly and knew to respect their elders. If they ever got a cold, I never coddled them with it. I acted as if there was an intruder looking to steal, kill and destroy. My children stayed healthy. You see the action and my reaction.

In the offering portion of church services, the minister in charge of receiving the offering began with having the congregation to pray for an amount to give beyond the usual giving. He stated, "if you hear two amounts, give the largest one." The congregants laughed knowing the comedic personality of the minister. Though I understand now he knew that there were those who listened and adhered to that instruction simply because of him being a man of God. He doesn't know what other people have to do with that money and giving beyond what they normally give could put them in further problems then they already had. Yet, the general statement used when there is concern, "if you take care of God's house, He will take care of yours." Or there is another statement, "if what you received isn't more then enough, sow it into the church, and watch God do what He does." What does that mean? Where is the scripture for that (2 Corinthians 8:11-14 MSG)?

I listened to one of those sermons and to give what was coined as the "destiny seed". It was all I had in my purse to have gas for the next 3 days until my next paycheck. The instruction was to give this seed to the person the Holy Spirit is leading you to give the seed to. There was a woman right behind me that was searching through her purse. I thought she might be looking to get her "destiny seed" and couldn't find anything. I just knew she was the perfect person for me to give her my last $10.00. Now, there I was watching thousands of people giving to everyone else and I was waiting. God knew what was in my gas tank and what wasn't in my wallet. I just allowed faith to do what it does and as it started to calm down and people returned back to their seats, I refused to get discouraged. They must have not seen me sitting way over here. So I waited for church to dismiss and I sat still hoping that God would direct whomever He needed to over towards me. I went to the door to make it easier. It just didn't happen. I stayed so long the parking lot attendants were coming in. There was no one left! No one! Instead of getting angry, I decided to believe it was a seed that needs time to produce.

The following Sunday, the pastor preached about sowing seed into good ground. In it he surmised that sometimes the seed we sow is for the next generation and other times while we are waiting for a tiny bush, God will have us sow seed for a redwood tree. He explained that redwood trees take a while to grow but when they do, they last for hundreds of years. It wasn't one of those sermons that had people excited. They were more then likely thinking the same thing I was, "why didn't you say all of this last week with the destiny seed sermon?" It was sort of rhetorical knowing that if the two sermons were put together, there wouldn't have been the response that there was. That previous week was a tough one and I learned a valuable lesson. During the many services I attended and there was always going to be an offering portion, I already prayed before I got to church. I had my tithes all ready and what my offering would be for the entire week. There wasn't one thing any of those men or women of God could say that would move me from what was already established before I got there. Just as I prayed for the speaker to make sure all that listened would hear the message intended individually, I also prayed for myself and what God would have me to do. I may have been one of the few that didn't run around the church when the prosperity sermons would come up or the prophetic word came about for the New Year, what I did have is the peace that I use to struggle to find in the Word for practical application.

 The 23rd Psalm is one of the first passages that most of us learned in Sunday School. For some of us, it didn't mean anything but a means to make some adults proud that we could memorize and retain so much at our age. Nevertheless, once grown and meditating over each verse, there was one part that caused my brow to furrow. "The Lord prepared a table before me in the presence of mine enemies..." The table preparation is understandable. Its provision. Its giving what is needed for us in times such as these. Its the spiritual food we receive when we attend church services and hear the word that is applicable to enrich our lives even more. Some of it tastes better then other parts but its all nourishing - because it is the Lord that gave it. Him being for our good. Now the other part is the quandary. In the presence of mine enemies? Why are they there? Why would I dine in the presence of enemies? Should I be getting them out of there? Wouldn't the Lord have already done that for me? The Word says what communion hath light with darkness, so why are my enemies at the table (2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)? Who invited them?

In the ministry I was involved in, there was a 24 hour prayer line where I volunteered 1-2 days out of the week. One of those days there was a supervisor that gave me certain tips in shopping for things. We conversed and seemed to be getting along well. During the Christmas season many congregants get together and donate a basket of homemade products for the volunteers. I didn't know this and neither did the supervisor. A few minutes before shift ending the supervisor went to use the facilities. It was a pretty quiet afternoon with very few calls coming in. I was noticing all of the decorations around the room when the supervisor's replacement came in. He announced that the basket behind the desk was for us. In the basket was all of the goodies that were prepared especially for the holiday season. he said to take as much as we liked. As many of the different things that were on display, I choose a nicely wrapped cellophane bag of spiced pecans. Just then my supervisor who had used the facilities came back. She saw all of the volunteers with the goodies that were placed behind her the entire time she was working. She asked what was going on. Her replacement explained that they were gifts for us. My supervisor sucked her teeth in disgust and looked around at what we all had getting first choice, "I didn't know that. You mean I could have got something. All I wanted was the pecans. Who got the pecans?" She looked around and saw me about to open the bag. "Aww, I wanted them." I suppose I could have given them to her, but the whining was irritating me. Instead I asked, "would you like some?" I held the bag to her and she looked at me with a strange expression, "sure," she replied. She didn't take the bag from me nor did she motion for me to pour the contents in her hand, instead she took her hand and dived into the bag making sure I saw her touch each and every pecan before she retrieve a small handful. She smirked slightly putting one the nuts into her mouth and keeping her eyes fixed on me. I know she was either waiting for me to go off on her or reconcile to give her the entire bag. She just came from the bathroom. The other volunteers saw what she did too. They looked at me for a response. I smiled and gathered my belongings seeing that my shift was over. When she didn't see me respond the way she expected, she looked shocked.

In answering the question, who invited the enemies at the prepared table: they were already there. It is written in the last days, there will be many false prophets (1 John 4:1 KJV). The Word doesn't say that there will be many liars. Liars could very well be sinners and what would we care knowing that where that trait comes from (John 8:44 AMP). What we don't expect that the very people that is receiving the same training that we are, have also embraced or not released those old habits that should have passed away a long time ago.

I wrote about a man interested in me before. We had a wonderful first conversation and the second time we were on the phone, he asked what is my favorite sexual position. We attended the same church! His goal was to be a minister! His career was working with children!!! What sort of question was that to ask a Christian woman? I didn't call him or coerce him to call me. He asked me for my number and asked when was the best time to call. My pause spoke volumes and I wouldn't receive another call from him. Can you see what would have happened if I did? Can you see a desperate woman answering that question with him and the trouble happening afterward?

I suppose what I am writing isn't something that is said in any church that I have ever been in. What I am writing to you is for you to trust in God (Isaiah 26:3 KJV). There are many people going through all sorts of things. Just because they have the assignment to be at a pulpit doesn't mean they are always going to give wise instruction. It is why you must read the scriptures for yourself. A single woman, the head of the music department not only leading the choir but also a devotional leader, got pregnant. The congregants struggled on how to treat the matter. I watched them and saw the reaction of the devotional leader. We knew not to be judgmental and also to be kind. There was no need  in ousting her from the assembly by which we stand for love. In time, all seemed to be well again. Now what about all of those other girls that watched this devotional leader and have been influenced by her? What about the young men that wished for a wife just like her? Who encourages them? What trouble will they get into?

There are spots. There are wrinkles. There are stains. There is God, prayer, worship, praise, and love. God is looking for a church without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27 AMP). Stains come about when old habits are embraced and it isn't recognized. The stain remover has not been applied. Trouble comes when the Word isn't used. Trouble resides when it is not recognized as being what it is. Life has many decisions to be made. God told us that what we have before us is life and death and for us to choose life. Seeing that we have, the decision pressed before us has the same two choices - for anything and everything. Which ever one we decide will keep us on the path of life rather then lack, trouble, anguish, hardship, despair, irritability, aggravation, frustration and the like? We must maintain peace and joy in righteousness to have the abundant life that was promised - not trouble. Choose life for all decisions and be well.

Crap Can't Attach Itself

I was listening to a woman on her internet ministry giving advice to all of her listeners. She said something that I had an immediate response to. Yes, I do talk to screens and to anything else that is trying to give me life lessons where there is no Word to back what is being said. She had started off well, as with most messages. The listener relaxes believing that what is being said is a Word from the Lord; however, it is written for us all to watch and pray. Just as she was teaching that one must be "prayed up" for daily living, you still must have all of those prayers in order when listening to church messages. Because the next thing she talked about was going through spiritual warfare. I listened attentively for the verse to back that up. I didn't hear any and  therefore could not receive the message she was giving.

I had contemplated whether I was going to subscribe to her ministry because there are so few ministries that preach the Word of God online on a regular basis. I decided otherwise because of the message I heard. Did I judge her (Matthew 7:1 AMP)? No, I examined the meal that was placed before me. I don't like receiving a plate that I have to pick over to find the nutritional bits and pieces. If I have to pick over a plate, I am not going to eat from it. In deciding not to subscribe to her website was turning the plate she was offering back to the waitress. I was not interested in upsetting the peace I searched for. My Kingdom Lifestyle is fine without adding what she was offering into the mix.

I am a firm believer in the 23rd Psalm. It was the first passage I memorized. Even though I had no idea what it meant, in due time, when I could pick it apart to see all of the benefits that righteous has and there is no way I was going to eat anything different then what the Lord prepared. Everything He has for me is good and will sustain me until the next meal. Why pick up something that He did not prepare? If you don't hear the Word of God with the messages, it was not from the Lord!

Now, with that preface, take a hold of this example and apply it to your life where it fits: A woman, having the  position of a social worker for a population that is not used to the American culture, was given the task to find resources for this group of people. She had to make sure that all that was needed was in place for them to become American citizens. In so doing, she got attached to many of them and when their behavior was less then exemplary, she made excuses for them or defended them so they would not get into trouble. At times, this was admirable but when the people became residents for more then 10, 15, and 20 years, she was no longer their confidant but an accomplice. She continued to defend or minimize the rebellious behavior. One day, one of her clients had a disagreement with her. He became belligerent with her and threatened her life. For weeks he would see if she came to work and then threaten her. She believed his threats and the last straw was when he brought a gun to her office to intimidate her. She let the administration know what was happening and how she was being treated by this client. Oddly, administration listened to what she had to say and began to minimize the threat as being just a slight misunderstanding. The client continued to harass her and she was beside herself as to what to do. No matter who she went to, their answer was she couldn't prove it or it wasn't taken seriously. Eventually, she was placed in a cubical so her clients didn't have free access to her anymore. I found the entire matter extremely interesting and wondered if she learned any lesson. I did.

I understand that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities, powers and evil spirits in high places (Ephesians 6:10-20 KJV). Here is where is gets tricky. When you are doing what you are called to do, those evil things cannot come anywhere near you (Psalm 91:9-11 KJV). When Jesus said to seek the Kingdom of God first and all things will be added unto you, this was a command that has some necessity to it. It is a paramount act to gain the full abundance that Jesus came to give. There is a scripture that I refuse to place here because there has to be some effort on your part to seek what the Kingdom is. Spiritual warfare is a term that is not used in the scriptures. It is not in King James or the Amplified versions of the bible (as far as I have researched. If you find otherwise I will make a retraction). Jesus was around throngs of people that were seeking to kill Him; yet because of His calling, He walked right through them without being touched at all. Daniel in the Lion's den and in the fiery furnace - he was compliant to what he was called to do. It is why the lions didn't touch him nor did one singe of hair was burned on his head.

The fact of the matter is spiritual warfare is a religious term for trouble. When trouble happens it just doesn't come about out of the clear blue sky. It manifests because it was created by words and actions of the individual. Job created trouble for himself and his family because of his fears that his children were sinning even when they never went to him and confessed a thing (Job 3:25 KJV). David's son died because of his pre-meditation on having sex with a married woman and then sending for her husband so David wouldn't be saddled with a child out of wedlock and a product of adultery (2 Samuel 11 KJV). Solomon's blatant disobedience was what caused him to lose his reign and change his tone when writing Ecclesiastes (1 Kings 11:1-4 AMP). If all of these men were in right standing with God there wouldn't have been the trouble that was written about them.

Here is where believers state that it is what is suppose to happen in order for us to learn lessons and have maturity in Christ. I would really need the scripture for that. God doesn't give us trouble for us to learn lessons. Trouble comes because of disobedience. Why would Jesus come for us to have an abundant life and  have trouble included with it? That is not written. It wouldn't make any sense. We were in trouble as sinners! Being in Christ takes you out of trouble, out of sin, out of death, out of lack, out of poverty. If these are the things you are battling, you must with all diligence, consider your ways (Haggai 1:7 AMP).

Seasons

Have you ever taken the time and watched the seasons change? I mean really see the trees and the flowers go and come again? Does your mood change along with the seasons? Do you feel better or worse? Are you happy when the change happens or do you regret the change? Here's a better question that most can relate to, do you think of what could have been?

A woman who keeps a garden every year told me that when she picks her collard greens it is just at the beginning of frost. She said the greens are almost sweet when she waits for the time to come rather than being impatient and picking them just because they seem to be large and ready for the harvest. I had a garden too but I wasn't as experienced as she is and didn't take what she said to mean anything else but what she initially said, "don't pick the collards before the first frost." Fine, I planted spinach. It was a variety that grew hardy and very quick. It wasn't long before I had bushels in the kitchen ready to wash and have set in the deep freezer. I kept a bushel out for that night's dinner. I washed and prepared them as I would do any green leafy vegetable. Then I took a taste of them after been seasoned and cooked for the appropriate time. I expected one thing and the taste I received wasn't that. I couldn't even describe what that taste was. Bitter would be too tame of a word. They smelled good. Looked good. But tasted as if I didn't know how to cook. I tried to doctor them up... you know, try to remedy whatever was wrong. There was no use. As much as I detest waste, there was only one place for them. It was much later in life I recalled what that woman said about those collards. I realized it was true for all green leafy vegetables. Well, why didn't she just say that?

Actually, the whole ordeal proved to be a life lesson. When my husband and I divorced, I had to take my children and move back home. It was one of those rock and a hard place situations. I went back to school and finished my education so I could get a good job and get a place of my own for my children. Once I got the job, everything got in the way of me finishing my goal. Children have all of their needs met not to mention the expectations of the schools they attended. As hard as I tried including working double shifts, I couldn't get past living paycheck to paycheck (back then). When I saved, something happend and the savings were pilfered until there was nothing left. As much as I was still determined to find that home for my children, landlords weren't so eager to have a single woman with five children come and stay in their property. It was the most frustrating time in my life; and more than likely not a picnic for my mother either. I wailed during those years when I prayed and just when I got close to getting a property, something would jossle that landlord in his sleep for him to change his mind.

It took years before moving. I still can't think of those days and laugh, neither can my children - well, not yet anyway. During that time, I heard of a woman who attended the same church I was, had taken what little she had in the bank, packed up her children and left to go to a state where she had never been and had no family there. She prospered. I heard several stories just like that and as much as I tried not to look up and ask, I couldn't help myself.

After graduating I got a job that I really liked more than any position I ever had. I received an accomodation letter, people that trained me came and praised my work to my superiors, I was going to keep this job no matter what. No sooner did the thought pass my mind, trouble came with both barrels and a mixing bowl on the side. I was investigated and as much as the director stated she tried to find another position in the company, I was regretfully let go. The use of profanity, something I stopped soooo long ago came for me to use. It would have been so simple the choice words and phrases that for the most part I only thought about - I said, for the most part. My car got stripped. I got another car, it got a flat and then stolen. I had no money, no car, no job, and barely a place to live.

And then something changed. After 2 years and so many hundreds of resumes later, I got a job but it wasn't for the right person and I had no choice but to leave. I then packed what I could to see if I could do what that other woman did and leave to a state where I had no family just to start all over. It was one of the worst decisions I ever made. Before all of my money was gone, I moved back. Too tired to do any more wailing in frustration, I got quiet, got still, and waited.

God said we are like trees planted by the rivers of the living water (Psalm 1:3 KJV). Trees don't grow over night. I had to stop panicking and see what resources I already have and use them. Nothing else was working for me at the time. My anxious efforts weren't doing well (Provebs 12:25 NIV). I gained some insight from my neice who started making purses from simple materials. I knew I had other talents and once I became still, I drew from them and was able to gain other insights into other things I had allow myself to be dormant. One of those insights you see here with the art displayed.

The point is gaining the information to use in the best way possible. The woman with the collards had the information she needed. Whether she knew that same thing for all leafy vegetables was neither here nor there. She knew it for the crop she was going to harvest (Hosea 4:6 AMP). I didn't know the info for my particular harvest and because of that, I didn't have one.

The same is true for anything in life (Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP). There is time for everything. For some, it is the time for their skills in a particular company and once that time passes those skills are needed elsewhere. How do you find out where? Don't panic and wait on the Lord. He knows where you need to be better then you do. Fear will keep you from hearing that inward witness and if you maintain in that state of panic or anxiety (Philippians 4:6 NIV), the time will pass you completely and you will wait longer for the next season.

How long have you been waiting for your breakthrough? Did you ever wonder if God has forgotten about you? Have you contemplated going back out in the world? Is it taking too long for the frost to come? Know that Jesus studied for all of that time until He was in his 30's before he started His 3 year ministry. What are you doing in your time of wait? Aren't we following Jesus? Shall we do different than what He did? Can you still stand when the storm arises? Will trouble find you down and out? Can you count it all joy when divers temptations are all around you (James 1:2 KJV)?

Things

There are some things that must be expressed and adhered to above all else so that the believer can maintain the faith. Though faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 1:11 KJV) , it is as if we are establishing a wish list after realizing that the old has passed away and behold all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). With this new expression and attitude about life, because it is what we choose (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV), then the lifestyle must also change. We are no longer selfish but we love others as we do ourselves. We are patient and endure tough times (1 Corinthians 13:4 AMP). We no longer are unnecessarily boisterous just for being so but gently speaking in a manner that upholds righteousness (James 1:19-21 AMP). Knowing that our steps are ordered and delighting in the new path (Psalm 37:23 KJV), we have learned to seek those things that pre-destined for our health and prosperity (3 John 1:2 KJV). God would have it to be this way(1 Timothy 2:4 KJV).

So, with all of this in mind, why would we listen to messages, sermons, motivational lectures telling us that if we don't have trouble then we are living the abundant life wrong? Trouble comes because of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-10 AMP). Trouble comes because of the words of our mouths (Proverbs 18:21 AMP). Trouble comes because of adherence to lust rather than love (Romans 6:1-17 AMP). Trouble is there because of lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6 KJV).

Who are you (Romans 8:37 KJV)? God gave His only begotten Son so we could live. I don't recall Him saying to anyone else before Jesus that he is a son. Yet, after Jesus we all have the potential of sonship (Romans 8:14 KJV). Jesus walked right through troubled times without being touched. Should He have less than what Daniel could do? Certainly not. Jesus stood by a woman who was about to be stoned because of adultery. With Him being right where she was, was she ever stoned (John 8:1-11 KJV)? Was there anyone close to Jesus ever not healed, restored, or been made whole? So then, what troubles have you? Have not things been offered to keep you (Matthew 6:33 KJV)? What have you been adhering to and what things have you tossed away? In Him, trouble cannot be with you too(Proverbs 21:23 AMP).