A Solid Foundation

First & foremost, the most important thing is our faith. Again, if one doesn't care for your soul, they're not your soulmate, and they definitely don't have a clue what love is... KEEPING God first promotes loving, helping, (NOT enabling, for that's being a crutch,) but uplifting,  encouraging & supporting one another in all things positive, being open & honest, REMAINING faithful, speaking the truth in love, even if it may hurt, for it will always result in healing. Someone who truly loves you will give their last, and ultimately give their lives that you may live. "For greater love has no man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends." Yet without God being the the solid foundation, on which our relationships are built, they're bound to fall... Hard.

Women... REAL Men NEED Your Help: Come Out of Your Shell

"Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.... And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs or a part of his side and closed up the [place with] flesh. And the rib or part of his side which the Lord God had taken from the man He built up and made into a woman, and He brought her to the man." - Genesis 2:18, 21-22 (AMP)

Allow me to speak on behalf of the believing, faith-filled, saved, God-fearing Christian men, the ONLY REAL men. We're the good men that many have been deemed hard to find. Perhaps we can't be found, because we're supposed to be led to you without your looking, for whoso finds a wife, finds a good thing... It's not a wonder many fall for the fools, the users and abusers whom take you for granted, those whom appeal to your appetites & senses, yet don't have the sense to realize you're sensual...

We're men... We're strong... We work. We love. We provide. We're the one's that are there with a listening ear, our shoulders for you to cry on, yet we also cry... We don't disclose much, for we feel as if what we have on our minds, what weighs heavy upon our hearts, is too much for you to bear. Therefore we attempt to understand your passions and your pains, in hopes to find ways to eliminate our troubling cares...

We see the strength in you... We know you're stronger than we are, for there's no way in hell our bodies could bear the discomfort of ovulation, enduring menstruation, every 28 days for 3-5 days at a time, becoming sublime in an attempt aiming to conceive, to be a blessing to us, carry and deliver our seed... It hurts us to know you bleed...

It's not a lie but the complete truth, that we were given the charge to be fruitful and multiply. To diligently dedicate ourselves to dominate in the dominion which Adam let fall before his eyes. We REAL men don't perceive Eve as the fall guy... For we studied to show ourselves approved, reading the scripture and realizing that Adam "was with her," when she was deceived, yet he remained silent, so we place the blame all on that fool...

Nevertheless, WE NEED YOU... The reason that God formed you is to be our helpmeet, to assist... To be that "rib," supporting and protecting our internal intricacies, as well as our extremities. To "help" us meet both our needs, fulfill our purposes and destinies, without questioning God's perplexities, directing us to abide in, trust and become complete in Him...

NOT so that either of us would revert to the errors and sins of Sodom and Gomorrah... Abandoning the ability to procreate or multiply as God intended, by becoming deceived as if Adam & Eve were in fact Adam & Steve, or Eve & Ellen... Rebelling living low & horribly, acquiring, adopting, accepting, voluntarily choosing to be perceived as the Word states, "an abomination unto God..." NO... It would be rather pleasing to both of us that we share with you the rod...... of correction...

Any discretion would be rendered indiscreet, truthfully on another plane, completely opposite from infidelity, lust and adultery... Though the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, there's no need to sneak, creep, side-eyed peek trying to get a piece, when we can savagely wreak havoc not only between, but atop or without, we could scream and shout until we rip the sheets... For it is written, "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled..." between a husband... And his helpmeet...

Women, come out of your shell... We're waiting for you.

Abuse: Playing the Victim

Abuse... Verbal, emotional, mental, physical, spiritual. No matter the type, there are varying, progressive degrees of abuse, for it only gets worse. When the abuser is no longer a part of our lives, sometimes it leaves very deep, and traumatic emotional scars. We not only live in fear that we'll be subjected to the same behavior in following relationships, but we might also exude the same abuse we experienced, on the person who's now chosen, and willing to love us the Right way.

In essence, we'll be often "playing the victim," all smiles, a seemingly healthy relationship, getting along in public bearing fake grins as big as Alive In Wonderland's Cheshire Cat, yet in the car, at home, behind closed doors, or rather when alone, we resort to degradation, demeaning & belittling the person we're with, because that's how we were "used to" being treated. Many times comparing the present person with the past assailant, using phrases such as, "You're just like..." When in all actuality, it's ourselves that have become "just like...." We carry the baggage, no... the luggage of our past relationships from one person to the next, proclaiming & reliving the things we went through, when we were actually being abused. So we "play the victim" in the public eye... Perhaps going so far as to intentionally starting arguments because we just "feel like" arguing, for the simplest reasons, becoming enraged to the point of physically attacking the person who's done us no wrong. Then, should they strike us in self-defense, should they not bow or lie down and take that mess, and fight back... Then we claim "we" were abused, or "We're" the victims... Yet sadly, somewhere along the way, we've lost the sight of what love really is. We may regularly attend church, yet have lost the closeness, the trust, the relationship, faith & belief of the power of God in our lives. And it's simply become an act of habit, a tradition, church becomes a routine, as we secede into a powerless cycle of religion.

We associate acts of kindness, and the material things that the ones whom truly loved us with all their hearts, possibly couldn't afford, yet still gave their last to us, with love. Meanwhile, the "love" we have becomes available for purchase, forsaking the fact that true love, the God-kind of agape love is priceless. So the "love" we think we have is truly lust, seeking the tangible, neglecting the precious, which is unseen by the eye, yet thrives in the heart, only using the next person for what they give to us, as many of them use us for what they can get from us.

Be aware...Greed, money, and sex are one hell of a dangerous combination to those that "could care less."... Honestly, the fact is that we're no longer victims, but have embodied the persona of the abuser, and sometimes defamed the character of a truly loving individual... Be careful, for pride not only comes before a fall, but what's hidden in darkness shall always be revealed by the Light. This Light, is the Light of the world, and His name is Jesus. Love Him.

Singles...

Singles... Though we may be believers, perhaps sharing the same hearts desire, share in our passions for the Gospel, be attracted to one another and much more, it still may not be in God's will that we in particular, become one flesh. Neither could it be in His timing... Oftentimes, our impatience takes precedence over God's clarity. Simply put, our faith is misplaced, guided by our thoughts & emotions, as opposed to being led by, and obediently following the voice and spirit of God. However, it is written, "Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean NOT TO YOUR OWN understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."... I thank God for wisdom, understanding, the spirit of discernment, in addition to increasing and strengthening my patience, preparing and equipping me for His work, as I seek Him first in ALL things, awaiting Him, to fulfill the desires of my heart, in His timing, according to a His will. "My son get wisdom which is the principle thing. And with all your getting, get understanding."

Take heed... There's nothing profitable about being a wise fool.

Under Construction: Open for Business

Today's Lesson for Life: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." - Philippians 1:6 (AMP)

"This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord ’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They  are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:21-23... There are many of us that often wonder, constantly asking ourselves, "Is God upset with me?" Though we may not have necessarily made any mistakes, or have been living/walking righteously or uprightly for quite some time, we tend to hold onto our past mistakes, considering ourselves unpleasing to the Lord. Take heed... There's nothing that the enemy delights in more than us considering our yesterdays, yestermonths and definitely our yesteryears, as things which hold us back, or keep us down. When he gets us in a place of self-defeat, mentally & emotionally reliving those events, instead of rejoicing that God has delivered us from them, our faith becomes shaken, and unfortunately, sometimes weakens to the point of our faith receding into simply being hope. Instead of us humbly, yet boldly in Christ, being authoritative, putting the devil in his place, we in turn sulk, sink & become reclusive in our walks of faith. However, I've got some Good News... As we read above, God's lovingkindness and tender mercies are "new every morning." Each day our relationships with Him begin with a clean slate, blotting out the sins & transgressions of our yesterdays. It is written, "Blessed is the man that God will not impute (remember/hold against,) sin..." Remember that the Lord has said, "My grace is sufficient for you. For My strength is made perfect in your weakness." Consider the words of Paul the apostle, "...I die daily." How the former Church burning, Christian killing, blaspheming Saul of Tarsus... (That was his yesterday...) Until the moment he was blinded by the Lord on the road to Damascus, being knocked off of his "high horse." Then given a new name, a new purpose, a new assignment, daily denying his flesh, excluding his, (much like our,) "unstable" emotions, "laying aside the sin that so easily beset him, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."... Declare and decree to the enemy what thus saith the Lord. "NO weapon formed against you shall prosper, and EVERY tongue that rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the saints." - Is. 54:17... Exercise the Words of Psalm 31, "Let the lying lips be put to silence..." Some us need to start doing some "righteous condemning," of the things which come against us. We are more than conquerors through Him that loves us. Remind the enemy that he lost the fight a loooong time ago, and he's BEEN defeated. With ALL the power, strength & faith we have left within us, take up our beds and walk. Let us open our mouths and speak the Word of Truth. Tell the devil that "It is written, "He whom the Son has set free is free indeed."... As I minister to you, I minister to myself... WALK IN YOUR AUTHORITY!!!

Decently and In Order

Fellas... It's one thing to desire that certain women become our wives, and quite another thing that we be willing to be their husbands, exalting her, treating her with respect, loving her like Christ lives the church, more than we love our own bodies. Likewise ladies... Being married, wearing a wedding band and having a husband doesn't make you a wife. No matter how many times you hear, read and believe Proverbs 31:10-31, only until you line up with and live it, will you become a virtuous wife. The scripture says, "He that finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." - Prov. 18:22... You must be an unmarried wife, possess the qualities of, love, and live as a wife FIRST in order to be found. Take heed... God does things decently, and in order. Our indecency is all out of order with the Father, and only until we obediently & humbly serve Him, being led by Him, shall this desire be fulfilled toward us, according to His will.

Adam's Disobedience: The Power of A Woman

"For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result. But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty." - 1 Timothy 2:13-15 (NLT)

Woman... Do you know who you are?

I've never understood why it's taken so long, for since the days of the Eden, you've been held in the wrong. You're the said, "weaker vessel," often looked down upon. Yet God said, "It is not good, that the man should be alone."

"You shall not eat," said God, from a particular tree." That was Adam's instruction before there was Eve. Read Genesis 2:16-18, should you have a question, or don't believe me.

Move onto chapter 3, verses 1-13, you'll find Adam present when Eve was deceived. Sadly, that behavior is common to see, a man keeping quiet, when he's supposed to lead.

You must know your worth, you were built to bear pain, for those hips that you have are really a frame. They're a carriage for life, within our lives hang. Until the day that you suffered intense labor pangs.

Your bodies supply us with milk naturally, there's no question to why it's the best for our needs. Cultivation begins in your womb, can't you see. For we cannot carry and bear our own seed.

We work to provide, to maintain our homes. Without you incomplete, going at it alone. You're a whole lot more than a cleaner or cook. You're our wives and our mothers, we can't bear what you've took.

The ripping and running, putting up with our mess, not realizing we're actually causing you stress. All of your work is done out of love, you're a gift to mankind from Heaven above.

You're clothed in God's strength, His favor and grace, it's painful not see the smile on your face. What's between your legs brings life, that's the reason it's meant. What you are is a gift, and your power's within.

Woman, God made you powerful, so you must know your worth. Always be expecting His blessings, for you're designed to give birth.

"Behind every strong man, there's a powerful, praying woman."

Faith and Patience

It touches my heart to know that you're seeking God's will as well as I. To know that you've grown attentive to His voice, when making decisions in life.

To be led by the spirit is the duty of the believer, for our own understanding is susceptible to the deceiver.

Actively achieving the acquisition of clarity, dispels all disparity, securing God's grace. His blessing abounding as we walk by faith.

You're a woman of strength, your confidence far from arrogance, humbly His servant.

You deserve what you deliver, excellence on love, to be respected, given all, awaiting the Word from Above.

In God's time, God's will shall be revealed, as we patiently wait, our joy shall be filled... #FaithandPatience - Erron R. Johnson

Living, Learning, Loving and Leading...

"We live and we learn, to love and to lead... But some never learn to be led to love." - Erron R. Johnson

Sex, Love and Lust...

Today's Lesson for Life: SEX, LOVE and LUST

"Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." -1 Corinthians 7:1-5

Let's not be coy, choosing various subjects to be too "taboo" to be addressed, by Christians, ministers, pastors, etc. After all, God told Adam and Eve to, "be fruitful and multiply," to subdue the earth, having dominion over it. Today, so much television, music, movies, videos, and so-called "romance novels," are geared toward appealing to our sexual appetites it's ridiculous. It provokes and promotes lust, which leads to the conception of sin, which in turn leads to death. Of course sexual intimacy feels good and pleases the body, especially when both parties know what they're doing and how to do it right. But since the beginning, sex been established to be shared ONLY between a husband and wife, a male and female husband and wife, for there is no other way that same-sex individuals can multiply. Nevertheless, I'll make this clear... We should respect ourselves, one another, and most importantly God, enough to abide in His way, and wait until we're wed one to another before we lie together. Sex is also an expression of love, yet there's a decency and order, (marriage,) that should be installed first. It shouldn't be, "If you love me, then do....... for me." But rather, "Since I love God, and since I love you, "I'll wait until we're married, and fight my flesh until then."... That's what Real Love is, KEEPING GOD FIRST. "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." - Heb. 13:4

WALK IN LOVE - Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them." - Ephesians 5:1-7

Acceptance

Accepting people for who they are includes, loving them from a distance, (a long distance without any verbal communication at all if necessary,) rejecting them for who they are not towards you... NEVER SETTLE for that which greatly disturbs, unsettles, brings you out of your natural character, comfort zone & batters at your peace, feeling that "you" can change someone because of "your love" for them. People will ONLY CHANGE for themselves, and here's the kicker... GOD WILL ONLY CHANGE SOMEONE FOR HIM... NOT FOR YOU. Take heed... "We'll never get what we deserve, if remain attached to what we're supposed to let go of."... Love yourself & let it go.

By Wisdom...

"By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew." – Proverbs 3:19-20 (NIV)

Commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

If wisdom, understanding and knowledge played this great of a role in the creation, how important are they for us as we steward God’s world? Managing the earth and its resources cannot be done in a whimsical fashion. If we want to do make a difference we need to take the time to study our endeavors and learn them well, for God has embedded His knowledge throughout His creation and we are called to search for that knowledge and use it.

Vitality

In all things, it's of VITAL importance that we not only pray, seeking God's direction, but in addition, that we deny our flesh and emotions, wholeheartedly & honestly asking that His will be done above our own. Above all, IGNORE THOSE ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN, and LISTEN TO GOD'S VOICE ONLY, willing to REMAIN PATIENT UNTIL HE FULFILLS HIS PLAN FOR US.

Lesson for Life: UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Sometimes we pray, and we ask God for things that we feel we "deserve," or that we're "ready for," and in we truly feel very passionate about these things in our minds & hearts. However, just because "we feel" a certain way, doesn't necessarily means that these things, whatever they may be, are in God's timing, season or even His will for our lives, or that He feels we're "ready." Believe it or not, sometimes God gives us "a sample" of what He has in store for us, just a little taste of it to see how we'll handle it. Many times, He blesses us with just what we asked for, and we don't even recognize it because it's not in the "perfect package" we envisioned it would be in. And sometimes, we have to let go of what stresses us, which we may feel is right for us, when God really has much greater in store. For instance, we're often forewarned of being unequally yoked, knowing that God has clearly shown us so, but praying, hoping and believing they will change. Though we love them, we figure that their hearts are more loving than they allow it them be. But the truth is that we have to accept people for who they are, as well as be willing to reject them and love ourselves enough to let go of who God says they are not... (Hard lesson learned in my last relationship.) But God will NEVER allow us to suffer for too long. Only that we may see, and learn what not to accept the next time around. Keep in mind that we cannot change one another, but one can only change if he/she is willing to allow God to change them... not for us, but for Him. There are many that play on our emotions, lie & deceive to get between the sheets, etc. Referring back to the text, seasons change. And it's getting closer to fall and winter, so take a lesson from nature... While the heat's dying down, and things are just beginning to "fall" off, "fall" apart, etc. Get prepared for the comfort of warmth, that's soon to come when it gets cold all around us... Not just a regular jacket, but the "coating" of the Holy Spirit. The True Comforter.

Thank God

It's not your job that sustains you, but God you supplied you with your job. It amazes me how people can be so intent and dedicated to their jobs, to be at work for 5:00, 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. 5-7 days per week, always saying, "Gotta make this money... Paperchasin'... Getting it in... Grinding," etc." but say that 7:00, 8:00, 10:00 or even 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning service is too early to get up to go to church to hear the Word of the same God that blessed them with their jobs... Get it together, get you priorities straight... "While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” - Job 1:18-21

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matt. 6:19-21

Love , Love, Pray...

"Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. Don’t be misled you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant (reap what you sow.) Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone especially to those in the family of faith." - Galatians 6:1-10 (NLT)

Love God. Love one another. Pray for one another... And so fulfill the law of Christ. May the love, grace & favor of God increase and abound in all of our lives, and may we all prosper, even as our souls prosper, in the name of Jesus... Be blessed.

Addition

People that "GOD CHOOSES" to place in our lives, are they which belong in our lives. They ADD to our joy, ADD to our peace, and ADD to our faith. In every way, they first and foremost ADD to and INCREASE our spiritual growth, ultimately ADDING to our lives. If they're someone that ONLY SUBTRACTS from us... Then it's time we practice DIVISION. Be fruitful and MULTIPLY.

Temporary Happiness... Everlasting Joy

Regarding happiness and contentment in all things... If it's not in God's will, that happiness will only remain temporary, ever-changing with situations & circumstances. But once we attain, receive or possess what He has for us, that temporary happiness becomes everlasting joy.

Open Doors

God opens doors filled with favor and increase, which no man, woman, neither we ourselves can close. However, if we're not careful, diligent and obedient, we can walk past for not being able to see His will, or once we enter, completely out of them... (Revelations 3:8-13)

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS: CURSING and CUSSING

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS: CURSING and CUSSING

“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” – James 3:5-10 (NLT)

I often mention how parents talk to, or communicate with their children, for what they teach and tell them in their childhood, lay the foundation for what they feel about themselves in their adulthood and most often continues in the way they rear their own children. Our self-confidence, peace of mind, and faith in God, ALL hang on the words we hear, for “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Speaking what God says about us, about our lives, who He says we are, overcomes/trumps the words & opinions of man. Sometimes, we tend to endure lots of struggle & pain in consequences and trials we face, and such pains are often prolonged and magnified, for some of us have no one we feel we can confide in aside from the Lord, whether we’re right or wrong. The Word says, “Confess your faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” – (James 5:14) In this manner, we obtain intercession from like-minded believers. Personally, I've been on the side of being reclusive more than simply stating, “I’m going through… pray for me.” Often feeling that because I couldn't talk to/confide in those who personally knew my struggles/issues, those closest to me, that no one else would be non-judgmental, or condescending in listening. I’m one of those people, like many that doesn’t deal well with negativity, for I believe every Word of God, and live by faith. It’s written, “A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – (Prov. 18:20-21) That which we speak, we reap. Therefore, what we speak over another’s life, has an affect on their minds, hearts and ultimately their mental, emotional and spiritual peace, and can often cause one to slip, stumble and fall into temptation, leading them to sin. In the above passage of scripture we read about the tongue, that blessing and cursing should not proceed from the same mouth. First of all, understand that there’s a difference between “cursing” and “cussing.”… “Cursing” would be speaking/declaring something over someone’s life that’s any thin g less than what God says they are. For example, telling someone be it man, woman or child, what they cannot do, will not do, or never will be able to do, when the Word says, “ALL things are possible to them that believe.” That would be cursing someone… ”Cussing” however, not giving it an excuse by any means, would be profane/vulgar language, which still isn’t right/fair, for the scripture states, “Let no filthy communication proceed from your mouth.” In each of our lives, we need those “real friends” that stick closer than brothers, that we can talk to, or confide in about anything. This is the lesson I've learned, and I thank God for the brothers & sisters-in-Christ, the close friends, that I didn’t know I had.. I love you all. For through effective communication, we receive the benefits of one another’s prayers, building up and encouraging one another through the uncompromised Word of God.

The Whole Armor

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:10-13

Take Heed... We cannot resolve spiritual issues by natural means.

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." - Eph. 6:14-20

Watch Your Words

It's written, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those that love it, shall eat the fruit thereof." Take a moment to consider just how powerful our words are... God created the world with a word. Jesus saved, healed, delivered, restored sight to the blind, caused the lame to walk, restored hearing to deaf ears, and raised the dead, with a word. Parents... Your children's lives, their hopes, dreams and futures all hang on your words. What you tell them as they grow, determines their self-worth in their adolescence, especially if you fail to let them know who God says they are, so build them up. Spouses... Both husbands and wives, the peace and love between you & your mate hangs in the balance of your words, your communication... again, the building up, support & encouragement of one another, according to the way & will of God determines how healthy your relationship/marriage shall be, and whether or not it lasts, or stands the test of time. Our words to ourselves and to God, our thoughts, determine our level of faith, and are detrimental as to what we receive from God. Watch your words... Though we see things others may possess, that we'd like to experience/have in our lives, jealousy & envy can cause us us a heap of trouble. What may look like a healthy relationship/marriage on the outside, could be a couple living in anguish under a tremendous amount of debt, that are perhaps sleeping in separate rooms, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and sexually frustrated. It may be a couple where one party, or both are adulterers, controlling, or abusive... You never know. The point is not to wish we had/have what someone else does, but that God supplies our needs according to His timing, purpose and His will for our lives... Be careful what you ask, and definitely what you pray for... Watch your words.

"Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences." - Proverbs 18:20-21 (NLT)

Wait...

A heart full of love incurs a great deal of pain.
What's closest to us we lose, what's farthest away we gain.

Many whom touch our hearts, become corrupted in some way.
When we attempt to fix our faults, then real issue goes astray.

We think, we seek, we search for ways, of how we've made mistakes.
We know that we're to give our all, yet all they've learned is "take."

We ask, "Oh Lord, what went wrong? It seemed it was meant to be.
Yet we don't accept His truthful reply, "You didn't wait on Me."

Impatience leads to rash decisions, accepting what's seen and not who's sent.
"But they that wait upon the Lord, they shall renew their strength..."

"He that finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord."
When we settle for less than what God sent, we never get on One accord.

When asking, seeking, led by the spirit, men bypass the desperate woman,
For the virtuous wife, a mother, an helpmeet, a love that's like no other.

Ladies, let your husbands find you before you harbor a heathen,
Delight yourselves in the Lord, the spouse will come in His season.

Don't just accept who appears to be, for there are deceivers galore,
A just man lives by faith, walks in integrity, his heart for the Lord.

Don't be led on because you're lonely, neither date because you're bored.
Good things come to those who wait, the best by waiting on the Lord. - Erron R. Johnson 

"Wait on the Lord. Be strong and courageous, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait I say, on the Lord." - Psalm 27:14... God knows what we want, and provides who we need... Wait on Him. Wait in Him...

Establish My Goings

"Every word you give me is a miracle word— how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you. Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way. Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book!" - Psalm 119:129 (MSG)

Thank you Father, for seeing fit to allow Your Holy Spirit to dwell in me, to use me. That by the confession of my faith in You, by my attempted transparency through the confession of my faults, falls and sins, and by my testimony of Your grace and mercy toward me, others may know that You are not only loving beyond human comprehension, but that You are the ONE and ONLY true and Living God.

Blessed To Be A Blessing

No matter what God has blessed you with... Whether it be the intangibles such as an encouraging word, peace, joy, simply letting someone know they're loved, or greatest of all salvation, the gift of everlasting life, which will last throughout all eternity, or be it the temporary... The material things which we try to hold onto forever, but only get old, rust and fade away, as time goes by... In whatever way we can, we should be willing, eager, and continuously be a blessing to one another, whether family, friend or foe, for this is the will of God, the attitude and behavior of a Christian. It is written, "Love your neighbor, as you love yourselves... Love one another, as I have loved you... Love your enemies, bless them which curse you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and say all manner of evil against you for My names sake... When your enemy thirst, give him drink, for in doing so, you shall heap coals, on his head. (i.e. a guilty conscience)"... We're blessed to be a blessing, in whichever way we can, let's love & bless one another.

Act on What You Hear

"Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action. Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world." - James 1:19-27 (MSG)

You Are Not Your Own... Live Like It

"God honored the Master’s body by raising it from the grave. He’ll treat yours with the same resurrection power. Until that time, remember that your bodies are created with the same dignity as the Master’s body. You wouldn't take the Master’s body off to a whorehouse, would you? I should hope not. There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, “The two become one.” Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never “become one.” There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for “becoming one” with another. Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 (MSG)

Grace Is Sufficient

February 20, 2012 at 9:36am

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence may abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 5:19-21 (KJV)

            Theologically, one definition of grace is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. I ask, “Is there anything better?”  In the Garden of Eden, through Adam, we all became born into sin. Many centuries later, God loved us so much, and had so much mercy and compassion for His creation, that He sent His son, Jesus, to be the propitiation, rather the reconciliation of our sins. When he bore the cross, he also bore each and every one of our sins along with it. He knew aforetime, that through our flesh we would make errors in judgment, that we’d succumb to temptation, and at times, we’d fall. Consider when He told Jeremiah, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…” – Jeremiah 1:5a. We’re discussing an omnipotent, omniscient, rather an all-powerful, all- knowing God. We were warned that these trying times would come, and to count it all joy when we fall into various temptations. Naturally sounding like a strange thing to do, James goes on to let us know that the reason why is that the trying of our faith, will strengthen our patience. (James 1:2-3)

But that’s just the thing about the natural... The father wants us to operate in the supernatural, in the spirit. After all, we’re spiritual beings, having a natural experience. Therefore naturally, forgiveness comes into play, and being children of the Most High, we must learn to forgive with grace, just as the Father forgives us. So when we fall into sin, not willfully choosing to, when friends and family won’t forgive us, and when we feel that we’re too weak to stand, and have fallen short, remember  the words of Paul, “And llhe said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in mine infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV) Count it all joy, God’s grace is sufficient for all.

Healed With A Kiss...

April 7, 2013 at 1:25am

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I've beheld you, yet I cannot hold you.
I aim only to free you, not to control you.
I know of your pain, your joys and your fears.
Yet I'd prefer it be joy that causes your tears.

There's no reason I would want you to hurt.
Only to reveal to you what you are worth.
Many a day I've longed that we meet.
To see your sweet smile, so your name I may speak.

I've reached out some nights, yet you were not there.
Though you were in my spirit, you were physically bare.
I awoke to my pillow, and beheld it untouched.
Not really knowing you, but missing you much.

I imagine your touch, holding you in my arms.
Turning the cold you've been shown into warmth.
He knows that we know, that our love will last.
To shatter the heaviness caused by our pasts.

We've been through enough in our lives separately,
In hopes that we'd find the barest necessity.
In one word it's "LOVE." It's the basis of ALL,
It strengthens the weak, and makes one stand tall.

Many have claimed, that they truly do know it.
Yet repeatedly fail to live it and show it.
So we stand outside, hiding our tears in the rain.
We endure the heartaches, the breaks and the pain.

Money can't buy it, neither will it sustain.
It's been pushed away sadly, and some have defamed.
Walked away from it, truly having no reason.
Yet the truth just may be, 'twas the end of their season.

It's more than a word, a noun, or a verb.
It's the utter epitome of what framed our world.
It's the essence of God which brought forth our life.
And it embraced the cross when Christ gave His life.

I imagine another day, we'll meet face-to-face.
That I may hold you & take you to another place.
Can you picture a life where our pasts won't be missed.
God bringing us together, to be healed with a kiss...

"A relationship is not only about finding the right person. It's also about being the right person."

"Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." - Psalms 85:10

When A Good Man Loves A Good Woman

January 8, 2011 at 10:34am

When a good man loves a good woman, he should respect her more than she respects herself. He would come to know her better than she knows herself. He would neither harm, nor hurt her, for the fear of losing her would trouble his soul. Likewise, he'd never disrespect, emotionally, verbally, physically nor mentally abuse, mistreat or cheat on the object of his desire.

When that special lady enters a room, his heart would skip a beat, a smile of contentment would appear upon his face, as well as his heart, lightening the tension he's been sustaining, when he gazes into her eyes. He would know without a shadow of a doubt, that she's a strong, virtuous woman, a gift from God, not out to get over on, nor use anyone, nor to do the devil's dirty work, and in return, he would treat her as such.

This man would go to the ends of the earth to please this woman, and to ensure her heart is filled with joy, so he can continue to enjoy her wonderful smile, or just that slight little grin she makes when she's at peace... When she falls down, he reminds her, however possible or necessary, that everything will be alright, keeping both their trust in God. If there's anything he can do to restore the joy in her life, into her heart, to empower her soul, he will, with no questions asked, no requests made of him, her never saying a mumbling word because he knows her, and he knows how to love her, for her simply being herself.

There is no other man even remotely close to him, and he knows the same about her. Each of these people know that God has placed the other in their lives. They most often come when you're not looking for, nor expecting them to. They just pop-up in your life one day, and bring you into an entirely different world, growing together in faith, love, and understanding day by day. It seems as if they change your life and you don't know how. It's just that we don't immediately realize that God has taken control, He's doing His will, and He's placing in our lives... Exactly what we need.

Hmmm... Talk about being equally yoked... What a day of rejoicing it will be.

Precious Ribs...

December 23, 2011 at 8:47pm

Now the Word says, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over... every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; MALE AND FEMALE created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over... every living thing that moveth upon the earth." - Gen. 1:26-28 (KJV) Later...

"And the LORD GOD SAID, IT IS NOT GOOD THAT THE MAN SHOULD BE ALONE; I WILL MAKE HIM AN HELP MEET FOR HIM." - Gen. 2:18 (KJV)

 "And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam THERE WAS NOT FOUND AN HELP MEET for him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he TOOK ONE OF HIS RIBS, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD GOD HAD TAKEN FROM MAN, MADE HE A WOMAN, and BROUGHT HER UNTO THE MAN. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: SHE SHALL BE CALLED WOMAN, BECAUSE SHE WAS TAKEN OUT OF MAN. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, AND SHALL CLEAVE UNTO HIS WIFE: AND THEY SHALL BE ONE FLESH. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." - Gen. 2:20-25 (KJV)

The attributes of a rib : SURROUND the chest, ENABLING the lungs to expand and thus FACILITATE breathing by EXPANDING the chest cavity. They PROVIDE SUPPORT, and serve to PROTECT the LUNGS, HEART, and other internal organs.

The Help Meet... She SURROUNDS her husband, encompassing him with love. She ENABLES him, FACILITATING his EXPANSION, SUPPORTING him as God enlarges their territory. She PROTECTS the LUNGS which God has allowed the precious breath of life to flow through, and the HEART, which is filled with His love.

I find it interesting that in the beginning male and female, were first created in Heaven. Yet later, after the formation of Adam, woman had to be TAKEN OUT OF MAN, in order to again become ONE WITH man. The woman was REMOVED FROM THE MAN, and the MAN HAD THE WOMAN TAKEN OUT OF HIM...

MALES... EVERYTHING FEMININE WAS REMOVED FROM YOU & SEPARATED FROM YOU WHEN THAT RIB WAS TAKEN FROM ADAM, AS MY PASTOR PUTS IT, "IF YOU DON'T HAVE A WOMB, THEN YOU AIN'T NO WOMAN."

...... LIKEWISE ...... 

FEMALES... YOU NEVER HAD ANY MASCULINITY IN YOU, IT WAS UPON YOU, AROUND YOU, BUT YOU WERE TAKEN OUT OF IT, AND FORMED TO BE WOMAN.

I'm just saying. Think about it... BE BLESSED

I am her Adam, and she is my Eve. My Ruth, and I am her Boaz. I am her Abraham, and she is my Sarah. My Mary, and I am her Joseph. She is flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone, my helpmeet, my gift from God...

Love, Pain, Fear, Forgiveness and Truth...

September 25, 2011 at 11:35pm

Remember Elijah, Jonah... Paul? Elijah hid in a cave, and got forced out by God. Jonah ran to another place, was swallowed, and spit out by a whale, exactly where God wanted him to be in the first place. And Paul? Well, he got it the worst, he was knocked off his "high horse," and could nothing less than the will of God. These first two of these great men of God ran from their calling, and the last, he persecuted the church & denied whom Christ said he was until God decided to use him as an example, to show the redeeming power of His Truth, Grace, Mercy & Love, which we should all live by. We know not what God plans for our lives, but He shows us daily that His will... WILL BE DONE. He tells, "In his heart, man determines his course, but the Lord determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

It is written, "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee." - Proverbs 25:21-22 (KJV).. Yet it is also written, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)... Therefore, it seems all of our troubles, & battles can be fought and won within. So what stops us then but a spirit of fear? The enemy's way of keeping us in bondage within ourselves... fear of letting the one's we love, and may have previously hurt us, know that we still love them, but are afraid of being hurt again. Well, inevitably, we will be hurt again, if not by that person, then by someone, or something else. But fear not, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)Yet holding a grudge, which is the same as being unforgiving, is not how God wants us to be... "Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door." - James 5:9 (KJV)

Many say things like, "I forgive you, but that doesn't mean I have to deal with you." That's not forgiveness then, for a grudge is still held. Then that person is unable to get that piece of bread, or something to drink from you out your rebellion to the Word of God. Nevertheless, if both parties don't admit and apologize for the error of their ways, for it's never only one person's fault, then no one can be forgiven, and in that case, both parties are in danger. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matt. 6:14-15 (KJV) Or as the old folks say, "God don't like ugly." We can't be Christians and not love, and deeply care for one another, envy, be jealous of, act mean, ignore, rejoice in another's calamities, or have nasty attitudes toward one another. Because, when we pray, or ask God for something, possessing those ways, and have .001% of doubt, or .001% of fear, not completely trusting that God will work things out for us, then we'll receive nothing from Him... "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:" - James 1:6-9 (KJV)...

Paul says, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)... Notice Paul says, "forgetting." He hasn't completely forgotten, but he is holding onto it either, he's moving forward, and it's impossible to move forward holding onto something behind you. Try closing the door behind you, holding onto the knob, move forward. You can't... It's a process of growth, you must let go of what's behind you. Not the person, because you have to forgive them, if you want God to forgive you, but the situation, the hurt, the pain, whatever happened in the past... Many people hold onto hurts from past relationships, and bring them into the next. So what happens? They fail, because they haven't forgiven the prior person, and choose to remain in fear & bondage, thinking that the person is the answer, or the next person will be so different. If you keep having the same issue in every relationship... Honestly, the problem is more than likely, you. But that's the funny thing about love. Oftentimes love hurts, think how much it hurt God to allow His son to die for us, and we still sin. Think how much that love hurt when the lies were told, the flesh was ripped & torn, when the nails were driven through the hands & feet, and the crown of thorns was placed upon the head of Christ. All of those things hurt for our good, and that's what the truth in love does, it heals, for it is written, "Love never fails." - 1 Cor. 13:8. So that person whom loves you may not intentionally hurt you. Yet if it's by the truth, and by the Gospel, (which means absolute truth,) of Christ & the Word of God, then they only aim to help you heal from your past, relieve your pain, get beyond the fear, forgive, and love... But only if you allow them to. Thank you Lord for allowing me to be a vessel to get this message to your people, may there be a blessing added to this Word...

The Misconception of Love... Check Yourself.

September 3, 2010 at 1:01pm

I've been putting this off for a while now, yet lately, it's been weighing heavily upon my heart. Not long ago, I'd posted a note regarding love. This one's different...

I'll begin, as always, with the truth. Love is NOT a physical feeling. Love is NOT sex. Love is not the blatant obsession of always wanting to be near a person, wanting to spend every quaking second up under them, wrapped up in the covers, no matter how physically pleasing it feels (males) when you enter her, (females) when he balances between sensual grooves and forceful thrusts between your legs. Love is often confused with sex, misused, abused and misconstrued. The entire world, which may be contrary to popular (scientific) belief, was founded upon love. Christ was sent here, and was crucified out of love. This mere, simply constructed four-letter word is an expression of power, and expression, of forgiveness, of mercy, of compassion, of a willingness to help another grow, to strenghten one another, to help one another, never to condemn, disrespect, degrade, disappoint, belittle NOR demean you. Love does NOT play on again/off again games with your heart, love does NOT cheat and cheating does NOT just happen... Love does NOT use and abuse you.

Yet love IS painful. Love hurts, love denies, love disagrees, yet in doing these things, love tells you the truth. Love honestly, truthfully exposes emotion, pain, guilt, loneliness, despair. The utter, absolute, epitome of being what this world calls, "real."  There's nothing wavering, about it at all. Love NEVER changes. Love NEVER fails. So the next time you use this little, yet powerful four-letter word. Consider it's point of origin... Is it from your mind, your heart, from between your legs, or from your soul...? When I began this, I thought it would be MUCH longer, but I think I've said enough... My spirit is back at peace.

"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known. But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13 (ASV)