Connections... Seasons... Time... Purpose.

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:" - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

Timing... In this life, we meet many people; some brief encounters, some forming lasting friendships or relationships. And as we grow, we come to learn the difference between associates, enemies, foes, friends and family.

We inwardly search frantically for what comforts us naturally, delicately handling what appeals to our senses. We're often offended feeling defenseless, we stop letting our guard down in hopes to protect us.

But time... When we're young, we don't know what we think that we know, and when we grow older we act like we know. Yet until we've experienced the pain we don't know, that true growth comes by way of first being broke...

Into pieces, our hearts shattered in an instant; we dig deep inside for the hope just to make it, yet sometimes can't locate the strength just to fake it. So we're inevitably left just to take it, one day at a time...

Which waits for no man, we wonder what would have been if things had worked out, with loves from our pasts, which we've gone years without, speaking, some seeing, in case sometimes decades. Yet we hold in our hearts a love which doesn't fade.

Will we see them again, what would we do if we did, would we still like each other, as we did when we were kids? Perhaps it'll never happen, so we keep moving on, we drive through the path of yet another of life's storms...

We come through unharmed, for we've weathered the rain, we've grown to withstand the heartache and pain. Where is the one whom we'll walk with, together, hand in hand? We were set apart to be re-connected to love once again...

A Problem With Love...

"To have a problem with love is to have a problem with God, for it is written, "... God is love." - Erron R. Johnson

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." - 1 John 4:7-8 (NLT)

"All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?  And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers." - 1 John 4:15-21 (NLT)

Being and Becoming Husbands & Wives: Preparation

"And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. ***And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to 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 a man shall leave his father and mother and be JOINED TO HIS WIFE and THEY SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. And they were both naked, the  MAN and HIS WIFE and were not ashamed." - Genesis 2:18-25 (NKJV)

A couple of things have been speaking to me from this passage lately... We find Adam, not really alone but amongst every creature God created, not even working for himself, but serving God in the task in which he was assigned by Him. Though Adam worked uncompensated, He was provided for solely by the favor of God. Don't get it twisted though, for as we work, so shall we eat. And until we become diligent in serving God, reaping a harvest of abundance to where we can live solely on God's favor,  we work. Nevertheless, Adam's focus was on pleasing His Father, for His eyes had seen all God had created, but one creature... We find that it was God who said that it's not good that the man should be alone,  for he had no helper; he had none other suitable to compliment him in fulfilling his God-given assignment. However, EVERYTHING he needed, God had already placed within him... Stay with me now... For in order for Adam to have a comparable helper,  God saw it meet to give him a part of himself.

God put Adam in a deep sleep; He closed his eyes. He took what He'd made and given the breath of life, and He broke it. He opened it up and exposed it's inner workings... He removed a part of it's support system; a small part with a couple of curves, which protected the most vital things He'd placed in it to sustain it's life. All the while there laid Adam in this deep sleep, his eyes closed, where he could not see God diligently working to bless him for his obedience. He was blind to the fact of God carefully selecting what was already formed, yet transforming it behind the scenes,  recreating, crafting and molding it into the most beautiful of His creations he'd ever seen. THEN, as he was awakened, his mind not on what he couldn't see, but on continuing in his assignment, he was brought this gift that God took away to Himself and prepared, all to give it back to him, as the help that was meet to be fruitful, to multiply, to have dominion, to subdue and replenish, to care not for what they would later achieve themselves, but to take care of what they'd been given by Him. Adam immediately recognized Eve, for he saw himself in her exclaiming, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man."

Many of us, in our searches to become espoused, have our eyes either roaming & searching, pondering the potential of many that enter our lives, or fixated on one who may indeed have slightly changed, (which ALL things inevitably change over time, TAKE HEED TO THAT,) yet there's no concrete evidence of transformation, no re-creation, nothing set apart from the natural... Even the enemy knows our desires, and preys upon our vulnerability and weaknesses.  In this season of our eyes being closed in preparation, let us ALL KEEP our eyes AND hands on God, and our ears inclined to His voice, as He speaks through His servants and His Word... WAIT on the Lord.  #Patience #Preparation

Just A Thought...

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

What do you with the love in your heart, and the passion in your soul when it seems at times, as if it weighs heavily upon you? When the issues of this life have been set behind you, the yearning and desire you have withing is a result of love, and it's the love of God... At this point, we have no sorrow, only hope. We hear, "Let go, and let God." Yet letting God is the challenge; getting out of His way, and allowing His will to be done... Operate in faith. Walk by faith, and NOT by sight. God knows our every desire and every need. Those times we feel that we "need" to be held, His loving arms are already around us. We've been given peace, we've been given rest, we possess love... Trust in Him and don't worry, for all is well; our love shall be returned to us... Be still, and know that He is God.

We've all made mistakes, and fallen short multiple times in this life. However as believers, we're often finding ourselves seeking what we already have within Christ. Far beyond the joy and peace, I've come to find that if nothing else, through Christ, we know faith, and by "knowing" God... It shall remain undisputed that we know, and grow in love. Be blessed.  ‪#‎JustAThought‬

Angelic Union...

“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” - Matthew 19:4-6 (NLT)

We wait... We ask in prayer, and stand in faith awaiting the day that we may embrace.

It would seem that as if time has been delayed...

For many years we've yearned to feel and taste, the essence of intimacy, intriguingly

seeking this thing that many learn to perceive and cleave to as love.

Only God in heaven knows whom He's chose... The ones He carefully, intelligently,

crafted, created and designed to unite as one, only the Father, not even the Son...

Just as in the beginning... To become what He bestowed upon the earth to have dominion,

to be fruitful, multiply, subdue and replenish... the earth.

Man... Woman... Do you know your worth?

Vehemently disobedient to the ordination set forth in the Garden of Eden,

it appears that demons are having their way, taking us off course.

From happily married husband and wife, to frivolous foolishness ending in divorce, 

then of course there's the children...

Instead of keeping God in charge of what we were building, we neglect adding ceilings,

no protection from the ravaging storms, and we have no remorse...

But simply let go... Turn away when the winds, rain and snow, envelop our families in the cold,

It's written that the righteous are bold...

As a lion... Yet we come to find the father of lies where he always abides, in deception and neglect,

but what ever happened to respect?

From friends, to lovers, to spouses, to strangers to the thought of, "DAMN! What's next!?!"

Love cannot fail... it will ALWAYS prevail, so we pray and we seek God's best...

He tells us, "Come here, be patient, be still, I'll heal you, and give you rest."

We reflect and remember His care & and compassion, His love always stands the test...

Of time... We don't all go through blindly aiming at nothing, a few of us find the path...

When it's all said and done, we look back and laugh, gaining peace from our horrid pasts.

Only when we let go, when we give God our ALL, when we put EVERYTHING in His hands,

will we come to lay hold of the blessings, unfolding, after having done all, to just stand.

In seeking Him first, we're led to the first love we had 'fore we knew what love was,

In Christ shall we all find our husbands and wives, and be met with agape love.

There's a union that's built on God, blessed of God, and in which God is the head. We must keep Him first in our relationships, for a threefold cord is not easily broken.

DATING... Based On Kingdom Principles

Here's A Lesson In Applying Wisdom In Dating: The following passage and scriptures have been derived from the YouVersion Bible App "Dating" 7-Day Reading plan, yet don't think for a second that you'll know everything about dating by reading the following. Keep in mind that each & every individual, and relationship differs, yet these are universal, Kingdom principles, or instructions on how to date. The commentary that follows is by myself, Erron SavedbyGrace Johnson... Be free, be blessed, and grow in wisdom, knowledge, understanding.

 This topic ranges from those who say it's wrong to date anyone unless you plan to marry him or her to those who date all the time just for fun. While the Bible doesn't use the word dating, it does offer some pretty direct principles for how to treat those of the opposite sex or a brother or sister in Christ. As always with the topic of relationships with the opposite sex, it's a good idea to know your motives before the situation arises. What is the point of dating? Why do you want to get involved with this person? How does this relationship honor God? It's not too late to learn how to date!

  - "Honor your father and mother,”  which is the first commandment with promise:  “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” - Ephesians 6:2-3

 - "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For  what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?  And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?"- II Cor. 6:14-15

 - "I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?" - Job 31:1

 - "Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the  Lord , And He shall give you the desires of your heart." Ps. 37:3-4

  - "My son, keep your father’s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep,  they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you. For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress." - Pro. 6:20-24

 - "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." - II Timothy 2:22

 - "Let no one despise your youth, but be an  example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12

Allow me to make this EXTREMELY VITAL point first... "WE DON'T DATE TO MATE, WE DATE FOR DATA." This is a very interesting topic for we in the Kingdom, especially for those of us who've had our share of unhealthy relationships, broken engagements, failed marriages, infidelity, promiscuity, and REALLY bad decisions made in our choices of dating, or "messing around." It's not ironic at all that the first scripture refers to honoring your father and mother, for that's a quality we should look for in a possible, husband/helpmeet. How one responds to the parents that reared/raised them, reflects on how they'll treat you in that relationship, or marriage. If they disrespect, don't love, honor or admonish their parents, regardless if one parent was in their lives or not, then THEY WILL TREAT YOU THE SAME. This doesn't come out right in the beginning, for you're still in that, "getting to know" stage, and there are a whole lot of liars around that are only interested in lying down with you, naked and unashamed after getting what they wanted, leaving you naked and feeling played, to get there they'll tell you what they think you want to hear... Be not deceived.

More importantly... If you are saved, it's vitally important that this person ALSO be saved, of like-minded faith, growing in your relationships with Christ... DO NOT BE UNEQUALLY YOKED. We find in 1 Cor. 7:10-16 the scriptures, "Now to the married I command, yet not I but the  Lord:  A wife is not to depart from  her  husband.  But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce  his  wife. But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. ***For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise  your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.  But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such  cases.***  But God has called us  to peace.  For how do you know, O wife, whether you will  save  your  husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?"... However, if you are NOT MARRIED, THAT SCRIPTURE DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU. You cannot save anyone, let them go and let God draw them closer to Him.

It's written, "Whoever looks at a woman to lust after her, has already committed adultery in his heart." It's natural, normal, and perfectly fine to notice someone's pretty face, nice shape/physique, for that's how we ascertain our physical attraction to them. However... When the mind starts to wander, undressing them with your eyes, getting mental pictures of sexual positions, etc... LUST IN THE HEART HAS TAKEN PLACE. We are to KEEP God first, viewing one another as our brother/sister-in-Christ.

The next one is self-explanatory... KEEP GOD FIRST IN ALL THINGS.. DELIGHT IN HIS WILL, AND IN HIS WAY... THEN shall the desires of your heart be fulfilled.

What I'll do with the remaining scriptures, is give them to you from The Message Bible, for I love the way it explains them. Ladies & gentlemen, apply it to one another, for God is no respecter of persons. Simply put, I'm saying that there are men that are whores too... "Good friend, follow your father's good advice; don't wander off from your mother's teachings. Wrap yourself in them from head to foot; wear them like a scarf around your neck. Wherever you walk, they'll guide you; whenever you rest, they'll guard you; when you wake up, they'll tell you what's next. For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path. They'll protect you from wanton women, from the seductive talk of some temptress. Don't lustfully fantasize on her beauty, nor be taken in by her bedroom eyes. You can buy an hour with a whore for a loaf of bread, but a wanton woman may well eat you alive." - Prov. 6:24 (MSG)

"Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God." - II Tim. 2:22 (MSG)... Being on your own, independent, providing for oneself, does not make them mature. Especially if they're 30-40-50+ years old, still posing in pics in the club, talking about how they're about to get their head bad. Having children doesn't make you grown, neither mature, when you could be "in the spot," (the club/house party) "getting loose/jiggin'" (dancing,) WITH your children, at any given point in time... Lead by example. LEAVE that person to their own foolishness, on the path of self-destruction.

"And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity." - 1 Tim. 4:12 (MSG)... Simply put... LIVE FOR GOD, AND LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, SO THAT THEY MAY SEE HIM IN YOU... DARKNESS CANNOT DWELL WELL THERE IS LIGHT, FOR IT MUST FLEE... IF YOU CANNOT SEE GOD IN THAT PERSON... PLEASE DEPART.

WE DON'T DATE TO MATE, WE DATE FOR DATA... ONE PERSON AT A TIME, NOT MULTIPLE SUITORS.

Just as it's written, "YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS, for YOU WILL LOVE ONE, and HATE THE OTHER. You CANNOT SERVE GOD & MAN/MONEY..." The SAME PRINCIPLE APPLIES IN DATING. For how can you "get to know" one person, if the attributes of others keep them in comparison, vying/competing for your "approval."

THESE KINGDOM PRINCIPLES ARE IN ORDER TO LEARN, RECOGNIZE AND KNOW THE PERSON THAT GOD HAS SENT or PLACED IN OUR LIVES... RESPECTING HIM, YOU, AND THEMSELVES BY GOING WITHOUT SEX UNTIL MARRIAGE, THE WAY THAT GOD WANTS IT ACCORDING TO HIS WORD, FOR HIS WILL & PURPOSE TO BE FULFILLED IN OUR LIVES WITH ANOTHER, NOT FOR WHAT WE WANT OR WILL. WHOSO FINDS A WIFE FINDS A GOOD THING, AND OBTAINS FAVOR FROM THE LORD... MARRIAGE SHOULD BE THE GOAL, REASON, AND DESIRE YOUR HEART, NOT JUST SOMEONE TO "KICK IT" WITH, or "MESS AROUND" WITH WITHOUT A COMMITMENT, DON'T BE STRUNG ALONG FOR THE RIDE FULL OF LIES... REMEMBER THAT THE SPIRIT IS INDEED WILLING, BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK, AND IF YOU PLAY WITH FIRE, YOU WILL GET BURNED, SO DON'T PLACE YOURSELVES IN SITUATIONS WHERE TEMPTATION CAN BRING FORTH SIN. RESISTING ISN'T ALWAYS EASY, NEITHER ALWAYS SUCCESSFULLY ACHEIVED... TAKE HEED...

I'M AWARE THAT SOMETIMES THE TRUTH CUTS DEEP, AND IT HURTS, FOR I'D BEEN GOING ABOUT IT THE WRONG WAY MYSELF, UNTIL I REALIZED THAT I WAS REPENTING AFTER SEX EACH TIME, EXPRESSING MY HEARTFELT EMOTIONS PHYSICALLY, OUT OF NOT WANTING TO BE ALONE. YET GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US, SO WE'RE NEVER ALONE... DON'T EVER GET MARRIED, JUST SO YOU CAN HAVE SEX AND FULFILL YOUR LUST. BUT BE MARRIED OUT OF OBEDIENCE TO ONE THAT ADDS TO YOUR FAITH, BUILDS YOU UP, AND BECAUSE YOU'RE IN LOVE... THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH PUTTING A "PAUSE" IN THE SEX IN YOUR CURRENT RELATIONSHIP TO OBEY THE FATHER, AND IF YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER CAN'T RESPECT THAT, THEN THAT'S ABOUT THE BIGGEST RED FLAG THAT YOU CAN GET... SEEK HIM FIRST.

I LOVE YOU ALL... AND I WILL THAT YOU BE FREE FROM ALL YOKES & BONDAGE... BE BLESSED

Free Verse...

It's simply amazing how you've captured my heart. The words from your lips alone spark a fluttering within me. I awake each new morning and lie alone each night, looking forward to hearing from, or talking to you. You've only entered my dreams once, and I awoke to find myself once again, alone. Yet this time around, the feeling, or rather the emotion of loneliness, the absence of love, does not exist. I arise joyfully, looking forward to tackling the the day ahead, the tricks, traps, plans and attacks of the enemy, the devil, that old serpent, become a joke to me, for you fuel me with the Word of God that empowers me, that reminds me of His omnipotence, His grace, His mercy, His love, the power that was given unto us when He sent His Son to die on Calvary for our sins, and arose with all power in His hands. You inspire me. You open up your heart, your mind, your soul to me, and I to you. There are no barriers between us, no secrets of our pasts, no fears of our futures, separate, or God-willing, together. We share a bond that will never be broken. For it's not one founded carnally, but Spiritually, based on the the Word of God. We can read together, learn, and edify, building up one another although we're now apart. It's confounding when you think of what God can do, the doors He opens, the people He removes from, and places in our lives for His purpose, and how He works for our good. We'll share a love... and it won't be the norm... I can't wait to meet you, whomever you are...

Confession... Food for the Soul‏

"Who Me??? No, I'm not arrogant, conceited, nor prideful. I'm saved, yet I sometimes fall and it takes all that I DON'T have to get back up; strengthened through the storm. If it weren't for God's hand holding mine, I'd likely have fallen to my death long ago. Like everyone else, I'm human, yet unique in my own way. I've lied at times to keep from disappointing & hurting the hearts of the those that I love, and those that love me in an attempt to protect them, yet I've learned that I was still in err, so I began confessing my faults. (James 5:16) However, I'm grateful that God knows I've NEVER misrepresented myself, or lied about who I am. My faults have fueled my faith; my pain has propelled my purpose; my trials have formed my testimony... I may be made of flesh & blood, yet I thank God that I'm not fake & fraud." - Erron R. Johnson 

‪#‎Humility‬ ‪#‎Honesty‬ ‪#‎Transparency‬

"The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him. I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed. Depart from evil and do good; and you will dwell forever [securely]." - Psalm 37:23-26 (AMP)

Manhood‬...

I can't be anyone's boyfriend, for I've grown to be a man.
I can't be anyone's baby daddy, for I was created to be a father.
I can't be anyone's man, for I was created to be a husband.

Therefore, I can't just "mess around," when my Father desires ALL things be done decently and in order.

‪#‎Manhood‬

Released...

I should be asleep, but my mind is at constant work... I've actually been more "quiet" than normal these past couple of weeks, waiting, watching, seeking God's help, guidance & direction. This season, it seems things were "shaken up" so fast; as if my life itself were a puzzle with thousands of pieces ripped apart, and scattered in disarray.

There were things in the natural which I considered foundations for new beginnings, which were merely distractions to delay or impede my progress. In fits of frustration, impatience overtook my rationale, ministering through a mess, disobedience deterred me towards derailment, and I crashed... a train wreck.

Nevertheless, I must digress, for the same inane disappointments, neglect & disrespect which delivered the pain, pushed me toward my purpose. On the surface, even those closest to me were nervous, internally panicking, not them, but me. The issue was that even through ministry, my ears & eyes were open to you, but for me, closed and I couldn't see; deep...

Cuts were made... Decisions became incisions that imprisoned me temporarily, without insomnia, yet I could not sleep. "Be still... Keep your eyes on Me," is what the Lord spake to me. "Let it go. Wash your hands. Come from among them; touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you unto Me." But what about...

"Be Still... I AM the God that supplies your needs according to My riches in glory. You've been hurt. In the meanwhile, pray for your enemies, and turn the other cheek. I said, "Touch not mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm," so they'll have to answer to me." I've set you free."

So now I can say, that the obtrusion of confusion through separation which the enemy meant for bad, physically, emotionally, mentally & spiritually demanding, is the very pruning that God used to allow me to be tried by the fire, refined, reconciled and basking in the presence of peace that surpasses all understanding.

#Released

Seeking God for a Spouse

Most of us have an expectation, preconceived notion, and a checklist of what we desire in a spouse, and for the most part, they begin with the physical appearance, economic status/financial stability, etc. then we get to the parts about them being loving, faithful, honest, trusting & trustworthy, and unfortunately, until we grew/grow spiritually, their relationship with God wasn't/isn't a factor on our lists. See those checklists we have though... God often has what's totally different in store for us; not so much of what we want, but ALL that we need. Periodically, we should go back over our lists, rewrite them according to God's desires for us, and according to our needs, as opposed to our wants. We may just come up with a completely different & much less complex person than we had in mind.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For  as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall  prosper in the thing  for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:8-11 (NKJV) #SeekHimFirst

Appreciation...

She's a woman... She's a gift.

Be grateful for her. Be thankful for her.

Don't degrade her; uplift her.

Don't demean her; respect her.

Don't abuse her; adore her.

Don't lie to her; be honest with her.

Don't cheat on her; be faithful to her.

Don't ignore her; listen to her.

Don't use her; provide for her.

Don't reject her; embrace her.

Don't tease her; please her.

Don't abandon her; protect her.

Don't punish her; praise her.

Don't pity her; pray with her.

"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." - Gen. 2:18 (AMP)

She is a gift to man, from the heart of God.
Love her. Appreciate her. Respect her.
Ladies, we real men need and desire the same from you.

Deception‬...

My Father said, "Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm." Yet you ignored His warnings, and still extended your arms.

In an act of compassion you played with my heart. I should've known from the peace that I didn't feel from the start.

You took my transparency for granted, my openness for an opening, you memorized my desires, and made them a mockery.

To you, it was a test, twas a game that you played. Yet I gave all wholeheartedly, sacrifices were made.

You kept things hidden, when I stood as an open book. My love, for granted... that's what you took.

You played a role, but your character was broken with me. You see, I'm an actor by trade, a gift God gave to me.

I was hurt initially, for I thought I'd found, who I'd prayed for; another lesson learned, a greater blessing is in store.

We can't ignore the Lord, when He convicts us in our hearts it hurts, guilt is a painful thing to endure, Judas hang himself & burst.

I wish you no harm, I want you healed, I want you blessed. I want you to be truly free, loved and nothing less.

I'm a friend whom bears no greater love, than any you have known. I'd lay down my life without hesitation, that you may just live on.

That is the love of Christ, not to be ignored but embraced by all believers. Yet I guess it's a struggle for those of us, being controlled by the great deceiver.

‪#‎Deception‬

Serving In Singleness...

I was sitting here thinking about relationships, marriages, patience and God's will and timing. What was so heavily impressed upon me was that we tend to pray, "Thy will be done..." yet we neglect to be mindful that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9) We become so intently focused on our flesh, our emotions, feelings of loneliness, and desiring to share a special kind of love with someone, that our spiritual vision becomes distorted. We sometimes even see things in people that really aren't there at all, simply because we're looking for what "we" want to see. God gave us instructions, to love Him, seek him first, keep Him first, wait on Him, trust Him, and He shall bring these things to pass.... IN HIS PERFECT TIMING, not ours. I recently read something that said, "Single is not a status..." and it isn't. It's a season for some of us, and a state & time of preparation for all of us. Being single, alone, unmarried, is the time we're to take to grow in the Word, to grow in Christ, to develop an intimate relationship with God, so that we WILL be fully prepared to become and grow together as one with whom He chooses to unite us with, according to His kingdom purpose, for our marriages are just that... kingdom marriages. This day and age, our marriages are to serve as ministries, each serving it's own kingdom purpose. Take heed... God knows the desires of our hearts. Let yourself go, give yourself away to God, let Him have His way, and be still in Him. I'm amazed that I've actually sat down & typed this, knowing that to one day be wed, according to His will, is a desire of my own heart, yet that's no secret. So, as I minister to you, I minister to myself. Here's what the Apostle Paul had to say...

"God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you. Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are. If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems. But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better."  - 1 Cor. 7:23-38 (NLT)

15 Reasons Why Jesus Came

1. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.
1 Timothy 1:15, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

2. Jesus Christ came into the world to call sinners to repentance.
Mark 2:17, "When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

3. Jesus Christ came into the world to seek and save the lost.
Luke 19:10, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

4. Jesus came into the world to demonstrate the true purpose of life and give Himself a ransom.
Matthew 20:28, "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

5. Jesus Christ came into the world to be a King and bear witness to the truth.
John 18:37, "Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."

6. Jesus Christ came into the world to do the Will of His Father.
John 6:38, "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."

7. Jesus Christ came into the world to be a Light in the world.
John 12:46, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."

8. Jesus Christ came into the world that men might have the Abundant Life.
John 10:10, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

9. Jesus Christ came into the world to Judge the world.
John 9:39, "And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind."

10. Jesus Christ came into the world to Proclaim or preach the Good News about the Kingdom of God.
Mark 1:38, "And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth."

11. Jesus Christ came into the world to die on the cross.
John 12:27, "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour."

12. Jesus Christ came into the world to fulfil the law.
Matthew 5:17, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."

13. Jesus Christ came into the world to be a Divider of men.
Matthew 10:34, 35, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law."
(Christ makes it necessary to choose between relatives and the truth. This choice often causes division.)

14. Jesus Christ came into the world as a demonstration of God's Love.
1 John 4:10, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

15. Jesus Christ came into the world because the Father sent Him.
John 20:21, "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you."
a. The Father SENT Jesus to be the Propitiation (atonement) for our sins.
1 John 4:10, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
b. The Father SENT Jesus and gave Jesus as the Saviour of the world.
John 3:16-18, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
c. The Father SENT Jesus to bless us by turning us from our iniquities.
Acts 3:26, "Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities."
d. The Father SENT His Son to redeem us from the curse of the law.
Galatians 4:4-5, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
e. God SENT His Son to make possible a new power in the hearts of men, a power to enable him to fulfil the righteousness of the law.
Romans 8:3,4, "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/why_jesus.html

Save Our Sons

In the beginning, God gave mankind dominion over EVERY living thing that creeps & crawls over the earth. The powers & principalities of this world, are also subject to the dominion that was given unto men through Adam, prior to the fall in the garden. What we have today is are multiple generations of men that have not instructed, taught, trained, raised, or have been piss poor examples of what it means to be men. (And yes, "piss" is a biblical term too, look it up for yourself.) Lazy men, greedy men, cheaters, adulterers, rapists, abusers, killers, absent fathers, lovers of other men, and at the utmost, unbelievers. It is written, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (unbeliever)." - (1 Timothy 5:8) There's serious decline and shortage of men, likewise in women, for many of them are confused and think that they're men; it's a spiritual issue that must be solved in the heart, with a decision that MUST be made in the heart. And it's not just "a black thing," unless by "a black thing," we're referring to the darkness within the heart of man. If we were to look past the ignorance, prejudice, and division that's been thrust & impressed upon us for generations, we'd come to the liberating realization that the ONLY RACE of people IS HUMAN, despite there being a multiplicity of cultures & nationalities, NONE of which being "black" or "white." Those are colors, NOT people. We're losing men in this world, and it's long overdue that we teach them who they were created to be; that we teach them to reclaim their dominion. ~ Erron R. Johnson

#Truth
#SaveOurSons

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - (Proverbs 22:6)

Breaking the Yokes of Bondage In ALL Areas of Your Life

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - I Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)

I won't say it's easy, but it does get easier... Some people say when you get tired of it, you'll leave it alone. Smh... What they don't realize is that we are tired, frustrated, disgusted, mad at ourselves, for hurting the people we love, always considering ourselves last, and not truly loving "us" as we should. We quit things, people, etc. but go back multiple times, and it becomes a vicious cycle. So just being "tired" isn't enough, we have to find a purpose, we have to know the truth, and follow it. I said this pertains to ALL things, from substance abuse to adultery, alcoholism, abusive relationships, as the Word states, "sexual immorality/inordinate affection" (commonly known as homosexuality/lesbianism,) and more for we're abusing ourselves in the process. Forgiveness and grace is available to ALL whom believe, and APPLY God's Word to our lives, abandoning those behaviors, choosing to walk by the spirit, being obedient to the Word. We should know that there's a difference between making a mistake & living a lifestyle, between falling & choosing to lie down, between going to purchase something & leaving our money in our pockets, between calling "that person," and not picking up the phone, a difference between "stopping by," and not going in "that direction" at all. If God's Word says it ain't right with Him, then who are we to say it's okay?... Each and every one of the issues we face has an underlying spiritual root, not exempting us from generational curses, yet through Christ and our obedience ALL can be overcome, for Christ has already ovecome the world. Yet the difference ischoice, just like we choose to believe the Word of God, we also choose to obey, or disobey it... Not saying that any of us live & lead perfect lives, we must like Paul, die to our sins daily, for we're not to compromise the Word to fit our choices. There's a quote on a picture I have that says it like this, "Jesus came to destroy sin, not manage it."... "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another,so that you do not do the things that you wish... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." - Galatians 5:16-17, 22-26 (NKJV)

The Word says that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, and the enemy will use that scripture to make you feel like that's an excuse. Keep in mind that he comes to steal (your hopes, dreams and your favor,) to kill (Y-O-U,) and to destroy (all that we love, and all that loves us.) But Jesus... He says that when we are weak, then he is strong, that he came so that we might have LIFE, and that we may have it more abundantly. The trip about that is the devil's so stupid he doesn't realize he's already been defeated. Yes... The flesh is weak, and that temptation will be ever-present, but God won't allow us to endure anything that we can't handle, and there's always a way out, always a way to escape. Again... "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)

Take a note from James... "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing... Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." - James 1:2-4, 12-15 (KJV)

"Withdrawals" are another trick of the enemy, a trap so to speak. Yet when your body suffers withdrawal, (or goes through a physical sickness/reaction from the lack of that which appeases the flesh) then there's no better time to "draw nearer," to Jesus, turning away from the sin, and embracing the Savior. We must speak AND stand the Word over our lives boldly, and with authority, reminding the devil that he already lost the battle thousands of years ago at Calvary, that we have the victory through the blood of Jesus, for without Him we truly are nothing. It requires a change of heart, a change of mind, AND a change of environment, we cannot expect God to change/deliver us from something, when we refuse to walk away from it, choosing to continually indulge in it. It also requires a change of how we react to pressure, stress, and struggles. God already knows what we deal with and what we'll face next. He's also already equipped us with His Word, that we may speak it over the issues thatr we deal with, and apply it to our lives... DAILY.

Personally, I was put out of a 12-step program by the so-called "professionals," placed there to "help." Truth be told, while they stressed the point of having a "higher power," they refuted my trust and belief in the Word of God. When they asked me how I would get through, or get past my addiction to cocaine, my reply was "God, and my faith in Him, is how I'm going to overcome this." Those "professionals" in turn told me, "Well it's going to take more than God, and your faith to get you through this, but if that's how you feel, then you don't need to be here." My reply was, "There's nothing more than God, and without faith, it's impossible to please Him." The next morning they told me to pack my things, and that I had to leave... You see, there's only One professional we need. He's a healer, a deliverer, a protector, a provider, a redeemer, an ever-present help in the time of trouble, and He's filled with love, forgiveness, mercy, and has given the gift of grace unto us, that through faith in Him, in His name,WE CAN ALL DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM, and His name is Jesus. There's no 12-step program needed, ONLY ONE-STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, TO FOLLOW HIM. It is written...

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." - John 8:36 (NKJV)

"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - II Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

Standing On His Promises...

There was a time I laid awake, dried tears upon my face; my heart wrenched in pain for it appeared love had lost it's place.

Unrequited, disavowed, rejected, crushed without a trace; evidence eradicated, passion burning in my heart's space.

A blessing became a lesson, which all lessons are blessings is what I say; emotionally emotionless, despite a heavy load of heartbreak.

I wondered what happened, I asked the questions I felt were necessary, that I might understand. Your ways, Your thoughts, Your will, You're God... I am simply man.

There's no peace within me, only pain, disdain became my companion; an abandoned soul was what I held, all alone, completely stranded.

I looked to the hills, and found only fields, flat land, perceiving nothing there elevated. I then heard a voice, and comfort came in the midst of hurt, slightly elated.

"My child, My son, I Am your refuge, I Am your hiding place. Take shelter in my wings, and trust in Me along the way."

Is it You Lord?

"Yes... Have I not told You My desires? I've heard your prayers. Have I not supplied you with a vision, who's date does not expire?"

"Your steps are ordered ALL by Me, and I delight in your way. Be comforted for I will protect you, even if they walk away."

"Seek Me, serve Me, preach My Word. Why do you cry when you are safe? I WILL perform it, bring it  to pass, what happened to your Faith?"

But I believe...

"I'm not impressed... I framed the worlds with words I spake. Get up, get back to declaring My Word. Are you not "saved by grace?"

I chuckled and replied, "Yes I am." As my joy became restored. What a range of reactions I experienced, taking my eyes off the Lord.

"God is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of man, that He should repent." His Word WILL accomplish ALL that He sent it to do, for it's well spent.

I can trust Him for all our sake's, yet your faith is all your own. "ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO THEM THAT BELIEVE." That's how our faith is grown.

"In his heart, man plans his course. But the Lord directs His steps." - Proverbs 16:9

The Power of Unity In Prayer

Prayer is the most intimate moment a man and woman can share in a
relationship. When tension and strife arises, in subtle disagreements, where there's misunderstanding, and ESPECIALLY when tempers flare, it's those moments when praying in the midst of adversity dispels the attacks and forces of the enemy, turning our faces toward God, rendering the devil powerless. It may not always happen that way, yet it's vital that it does, and it's NEVER something that we should have to beg & plead to do together, ESPECIALLY among believers. However if so, then seek God's face alone, and allow HIM to guide you, NOT your emotions, and ABOVE ALL ELSE... TRUST GOD.

"Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who  is alone when he falls, For he  has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJV

#LoveLessons
#SeekHimFirst
#SpiritualMaturity

The Prodigal One

I was once like the prodigal son... Yet I asked not for my inheritance, neither did I squander away anything, except for myself. I entered the world with nothing but what our Father blessed me with, that which He anointed and gifted me with, and I found myself in the hog pen, eating less than the scraps from His table; eating less than nothing. Then, I one day came to myself, (came to my senses,) and I remembered that I'm a child of the King. I remembered that I didn't have to live in filth, I didn't have to live a life of groveling, of being stuck in muck, bounded and enclosed, eating from a trench, when there were feasts at my Father's house. I remembered that I had been young, and am now old, yet I have NEVER seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread. I remembered that I have a Father who loved me despite my faults, and forgave me before I ever made my first mistake... So I got up... I looked to Him to scold me, willing to allow Him to chastise and correct me for my losing sight of what He instilled in me. Instead, He stood there with open arms, ordered His servants, shepherds and angels to heal, feed and clothe me with the garments of righteousness and praise, fitted me with an whole armor ask my own, and He welcomed His wayward son home... Now we're waiting on you. #ImStillBlessed

Timing, Temperance, and Spiritual Growth

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:" - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (AMP)

Time... It happens to be such a matter of importance, that we overlook it; that is until the appointed times have passed. Some of us tend to get caught up in trying to accomplish so much within a short window of time, that we force ourselves into doing everything at the last minute, or we wind up always being late. There are others of us who are always late, honestly due to being lazy, and then there are those of us seem to always be punctual, scheduled and  prioritized, rarely being tardy for any occasion. This makes me consider the death and resurrection of Lazarus; a friend of Jesus, brother of Mary and Martha. When he fell ill, the sisters called upon Jesus to heal him before it got worse... early. However, he tarried. And by the time he arrived to tend to the matter, his friend Lazarus was dead. Herein was the shortest verse of the Bible penned, "Jesus wept." (John 11:35) Oftentimes, we're placed in uncomfortable situations; the majority brought on by our own disobedience or faults, not considering the fact that every step we take, and every mishap we encounter has all been written aforetime. ALL carefully orchestrated by God to strengthen our patience & trust in Him; likewise, that we may marvel and have a testiomony to share, being a living witness to others of His unfailing love, provision & power. Howbeit, be warned that our free will can interfere, or disrupt God's course for lives. Nevertheless, as long as we ARE walking in God's will and being obedient to His Word, everything will work out fine, according to His purpose, yet in HIS perfect timing, which is most often when we NEED it, NOT when WE WANT it. It's a must that I reiterate this, and that we remind ourselves when issues seem to overwhelm us... What it takes on our part is exercising patience, fully trusting in God and holding fast to His Word, and the understanding and belief that all things will work together for our good. So don't panic, but understand God's timing... and don't be easily swayed by occurring events but grow intemperance. Remember that even in the most dire straits, "God will supply ALL our needs, according to HIS riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) Love God... Trust God... Rest on His promises.