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.

You Will Never Feel Happy....

... until you try. That makes sense, doesn't it? You can go through the motions but unless you know what happiness is and desire to be happy, you will never have it (Proverbs 23:7 KJV)!

In the place I reside and happen to work, there is this woman that came to the building. I will call her Grace. Grace happened to be a relative of one of the residents and took it upon herself to strike a conversation with me. I listened to her while she went on about this or that. Then Grace told me who she was related to. The person she mentioned is a recluse and is only seen to get her mail in the wee hours of the morning. Every once in awhile her relative would have something to say; unfortunately, those things would usually be in the form of a complaint. Whether it be the weather, her furniture, or the way her big toe felt that morning, it was never good, she was never happy, and she made everyone around her feel as unhappy as well. Grace said she wasn't like that. She told me, she liked people and is always uplifting if she could be.

Interesting. Why couldn't she be uplifting? What did that mean, "if she could be"? She kept talking and it wasn't long before my question was answered. Grace,  much like her relative, liked to be unhappy (2 Corinthians 9:7 AMP). Why else would anyone complain? Does it change the circumstances? If someone changed those circumstances for the person to be happy, does the person change and is happy or does the person see that the complaints change things and keep complaining? I noticed that Grace was usually alone until she found someone that also complained. It was odd that the both of them had so much to say to each other...well, at least for awhile until the resident decided to stay in her apartment to receive her meals for awhile. Not even Grace's relative would come to join her. Hmm, is that a lesson (Philippians 2:14 KJV)?

This particular blog answers the question a Christian might have while going through their Spiritual walk, "is this all there is?" For a Christian to ask such a question sounds like doubt and wondering if there are any loop holes to act unbecoming of righteousness. Why not be satisfied? What could there be that you would like to do but can't? If your answer has anything to do with any actions that would cause you hurt, harm, or danger - isn't that self-explanatory? You must be happy with who you are and know who you are in Christ. This can only happen by spending time with your Lord and Savior. He is the One that sacrificed His life just for you.

The title to this blog is also a lyric a song I heard while watching a couple dance. They were introduced on a video as a married couple when it came across my Facebook page. I don't know who sent it, but I like synchronized dancing; I had to click it to see. Their dance was a fun and happy one but what resonated the most was the ease of their dance. In the video you are about to see, the couple is dancing while their fellow colleagues or students are the audience. They are apparently critiqued by them and when they are finished, they visually shows their appreciation. The look on the couple's face is priceless at the reaction. Its as if they are surprised. All they are doing is dancing. Its so simple and what they both obviously enjoy.

Can you imagine a marriage like that? Where two people come together doing the same thing together and enjoying it (Amos 3:3 KJV). Their conversation can be about anything because the thing they enjoy doing they do it - all day. No stress because they are so compatible. Yes, that's what their dance meant to me. Also I watched other videos under the same company. The reaction the audience has with this couple and anyone else dancing is very different. Could it be because they are married? Could it because they are happy? Could it be because their confidence is strengthened by their union? Hm, lesson learned.

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.

Service With A Smile

Why would you think as soon as you find the person you are to marry that your services are no longer needed. If you served in order for her/him to be noticed to date, why do you think it changes? This is more true of men then it is of women. Women know, seeing we are married we are to submit to our husbands and he is looking for her to be obedient to him. But what about his service? Is he not to love his wife as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25 AMP)? What does he think that means? Jesus served. He washed the feet of the disciples. He humbled himself (John 13:5-10 AMP). When a man speaks of his wife being submitted to him, does that sound humble? When reminding of his wife about submission, does that sound like what Jesus did with the church? Jesus said that He came not to condemn man but for him to have life and have it more abundantly (John 3:17 AMP). Does he have that same characteristic when he interacts with her? If he doesn't have it while dating, he won't be this way during the marriage.

I recall a young man telling me that his mother taught him not to be embarrassed when he had to go to the store to purchase his wife's feminine products. He also claimed that his mother taught him how to cook as well, just in case she would need for him to do so if nothing else for himself. He was pleased that he had all of these skills and knew it was a selling point to tell the woman of his desires for her to marry him. He did find a woman that appealed to him, yet when she asked him to do all of those things his mother had taught him to do, it was like pulling teeth from a brick. He found every excuse not to do it and called her lazy for asking him. It got to the point where he thought killing a bug was too much for him to do for her. His reasoning was, what if he weren't there and the children needed her protection? He said she needed the practice in killing bugs and spiders herself. Is it a wonder why she didn't feel affectionate towards him in a few years after they married? If she continued her service with a smile despite his services towards her, would there be consequences in his life? Is God in agreement with this man and his reasoning (Matthew 5:44 AMP)?

A young woman, not knowing until brought to her attention, looked at her husband in disdain because he found it difficult to keep a job. She could not respect a man that had her as a wife and family to support yet did not do whatever he could to stay employed. It became increasingly difficult for her to talk to him without bickering. She knew what her obligation to do as a Christian was, but for some reason, it was too much for her to be kind and loving to the man she promised herself to. Was it her fault? Because he cannot keep a job and is the head of her, could she lose her Christian principles? Did she have a right to be disrespectful towards him (1 Peter 3:2 AMP)?

A woman at her desk was called into her supervisor's office. The supervisor tells her that the work schedule is wrong and has made some changes that is more comparable to the order of things in the work place. The woman looks at the schedule and sees that all of her days that she has had for the last 3 years have been changed. Her supervisor tells her that this is the schedule that they agreed to months ago. The woman disagreed and told her supervisor it was a mistake. She continued that she never agreed to those changes. The supervisor claimed that the meeting with all of the employees at the beginning of the year never said anything including her. So it was the schedule agreed to and there is nothing she could do about it. The woman realizing she was fighting a losing battle gets up to leave. Just then she remembered that she had an email and it confirms what she had been saying, She sends the email to her supervisor. The supervisor sends a response, there will be no changes to the schedule. Is this a fight that needs to be taken to Human Resources? Would it be worth it knowing this woman would have to go back and work with this same supervisor? Can she come back the next day smiling ready to work knowing that her supervisor is less then honorable? Would God be pleased if she did or would He be more pleased if she quit (Ephesians 6:5-10 AMP)?

These are some of the things we go through as Christians and for some, these things are minute and elementary to deal with. For others, it is the reason your peace is troubled. It reminds me when I was a child. I have an older brother who used to tease me incessantly. He would be thrilled the more I shrieked for him to leave me alone. Sometimes we would wrestle and other times it would be physically fighting. I would be hitting him as hard as I could and he would just laugh. The thing is, we never crossed the line to pick up a weapon to hurt one another. There would have been serious and more than likely fatal damage if we had. My point is, when or why would anyone go beyond the boundaries that have been given to us (Galatians 5:16-25 AMP)?

We know who we are in Christ. We know what is expected of us. We know that if we don't pass these tests, the test will continue to come back until we do. When dating, people have silly ideas they need to do in order to see what is your tolerance level. Yes, this is a tt to. If anyone decides to do such mind games, walk away. He /she will continue to do so and it is a seed sown that you will have to suffer if you continue with the relationship anyway.

I originally wrote this entry for the Christian Singles blog. In it, it answers a Christian's need to find their own spouse or why he/she must be patient in waiting for God. This does answer that question to some degree. It also answers to the Christian single why he/she isn't comfortable with their choice. People have reasons for doing and living in the matter they choose. Some like their mess. That doesn't mean you have to wallow in it too. If they can find a reason to retaliate when Jesus says that the revenge belongs to Him, who are you to do otherwise? You have more reason to smile knowing that you have an ally that has your back (Hebrews 3:5 AMP).

Ministers Aren't Assigned To Have Their Butts On Their Shoulders

There are these Southern sayings that are supposed to be sopping in Wisdom, trouble is, you have to understand what they mean in order to partake. It took me forever to understand that a stitch in time saves nine....come to find that it actually does! One that I use occasionally: he must not think that fat meat is greasy. Meaning, its obvious to everyone else but him. Another is, that's as wrong as two left shoes. Meaning, something is the matter and can be easily changed. So what could it mean to have one's butt up on their shoulders? It can't be literal, though you would think it might if you've heard some of the things that come out of the mouths of some believers.

What happens to some people when they get a title? I mean, they have been working towards this goal for so long and then when they obtain it, something goes left. What happens? There is no need to waste time on sinners with this question, because the answer would be obvious. I am talking about the faith filled, loyal, charismatic, love the Lord with all your heart, love people with all you have, and desire is to build your treasure in heaven sort of  believer (Matthew 6:20 AMP). He/she hears a message from the Lord and believes the calling that is on their lives is towards this or that. A plan must be in order to make that vision an actual means by which to live. Everyday, this person is acknowledging God and giving Him all of the praise. Everyday, this person is seeking a way to bless someone else's life without ulterior motive because he/she knows that this is pleasing to God. Everyday, accomplishing one more step on his/her plan to obtain that goal. Sounds good, doesn't it? Its what we all should be doing when we know who we are in Christ.

I was interested in some singers that has entertained us over the years. The music was so apart of their lives, they had to find other venues to express the talent that God put on the inside of them. Some how, it just wasn't enough to sing in the church. They had to cross over in the secular lifestyle to satisfy this need. Why didn't they see this as temptation or a test in Christ? Why didn't they remember the singers of the past that have either lost their careers or their lives? One singer, in particular, was having an issue with this dilemma. She believed that because God gave her this gift, then she should be using it for His glory. She pondered over the matter and then finally took it to the pastor's wife. The wife advised the fledgling singer that whatever she wished to do, she and the ministry would support her. The woman decided to sing secular music. When asked why she crossed over, she answered, "I asked the first lady of the church and she said she will support me in whatever I decide." I found the advice strange for a Christian to give to another. Scripture tells us that if we are a friend to God then we are an enemy to the world or if we are friend to the world and an enemy to God (James 4:4 AMP). We cannot have it both ways. We cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24 AMP). So how was this sound advice for the woman seeking counseling (Proverbs 11:14 AMP)? Doesn't anyone think there will be a consequence or do you think its worth those few years (if that) of fame?

I have been taking my time getting this degree in a Christian school. I have looked over the material over and over again and absolutely love writing essays and mid-term research papers, but in Christian school, I wondered where was my motivation? I got through my under-grad but I was doing this to encourage my children so they would continue with their education. They have. Now here is my opportunity to get what I have planned on for so long. I called the dean of academic affairs for a specific question. I introduced myself to her before beginning and she greeted me with, "Oh hello Minister Lenora." Huh? I paused and then stuttered. I had to ask why she called me this. She answered, "Aren't we all ministers in God?" I didn't respond to her question at first because I have to admit, I was a little giddy about her calling me a minister. But then once I got myself together to continue with what I called her for, I realized she was right. We all are whether we have the title or not (2 Corinthians 5:18 AMP). So what happened to the brother or sister in Christ with the title? Do you get all giddy and never come back to where God found you (2 Timothy 4:5 AMP)? What happened to the humility? What happened with being meek? Just, what happened?

Evil For Evil

Have you ever felt like doing something like that? You know, revenge (Romans 12:19 AMP). Of course you have. Whenever you asked God to turn back the clock for you because you finally thought of something you could have said when someone capped on you. Do you know what capped means? Not being shot. It means when someone said something witty and mean to you and you didn't know you were insulted until minutes or hours, if not days, later. Then you think about what was said and now know what you could have said (Mark 13:11 AMP). Once you get a really good enough thing to say, you've missed the opportunity to say it.

Have you ever asked God to give you that chance again? Or have you ever asked God to give you something to say that is better than the cap that was made on you? Why is it that we never think of the scriptures that we need to say (Philippians 4:8 AMP) ? Why not bless that person so much that everyone says, "oooh" because of what you did? Does that sound weird? If so, why do you think that is?

I remember someone said something to me and I thought of what to say back months later. That's right, months. I couldn't believe that someone that looked like she ate corn through a knot hole in the fence had anything derogatory to say about me. And when I thought what I could have said, it was way too late. There were so many times that moment kept floating through my mind. I never thought it was necessary to do anything other then shrug it off as a learning moment and let it go. Oddly, it kept showing up. The very same thing over and over even when it had nothing to do with anything that was actually going on. Was I going crazy? No, I wasn't going crazy but I had to recognize that still, small voice. My deliverance came when I heard the lesson and was able to teach someone else so not to make the wrong turn through this journey we have claimed as life (Deuteronomy 30:19 AMP).

Is it crazy to ask God to do something for you when He tells us to do the very opposite? Yes, it is crazy! If you think about it rationally, would God give you an insult to hurt someone? In order for God to do this, He would have to tell the devil to consider you like He did with Job. Job's actions and requests were from fear. When we ask God to do something that opposes righteousness and holiness, you receive from the one that holds those attributes - your enemy. Do you need to be in a field scraping your open sores? Then don't ask God to do anything oppositional then what He tells for us to do (1 Peter 1:13-16 KJV).

Be good. Think good thoughts. And despite the stupidity of others, kill that nasty spirit with kindness. This is being more like God rather than your old self that should have passed away. Amen?