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)