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Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Blame Game

Individuals have a tendency to blame their despondent lives and dismal failures on everything from bad parents to lousy government to an inferior educational system. And the blame game seems to be quite effective, too. Why? Because as long as we point the finger at someone or something else, we keep the spotlight off of ourselves. As long as we make excuses, we don't have to change. In fact, some people argue that we can't change. Our circumstances keep us from getting out of our messes. The result of the blaming phenomenon is an entire culture of complainers. Everybody's whining and few people are willing to take responsibility for their lives.
Jesus doesn't want us wallowing in self- pity or bitterness. In John Chapter 5 1:15 - Jesus comes to us, as he came to the crippled man by the Bethesda pool, and asks, "Would you like to get well?" It is a sobering question with profound implications. When we are ready to quit blaming and making excuses and willing to trust and obey the Lord, then (and only then) can we experience change and growth.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

When Words Aren't Enough

This morning I woke up and after eating breakfast I was led to Psalm 77.  I titled this blog, 'when words aren't enough' because there are times when words just ARE NOT enough. At times words just cannot express how one is feeling.  That's when a a groan or a big sigh comes in handy.  Think of a time when you were upset. Now decide if the groan or sigh was appropriate. In fact, I just let one loose just by the thought. Many people don't think that you're suppose to make a sound like that when you are dialoguing with God.  But, of course, they've never read the book of Psalms.
Apparently God thinks it's OK to groan and sigh when His children are talking to Him. The Psalms are filled with them. Let's look at Psalm 77 for instance. "Loudly I cried to God," Asaph says, "so that he would open his ears to hear me." He goes on to say that he sighs as he remembers God (verse 3) and is so upset that he cannot speak (verse 4).
By telling God his true feelings, Asaph gave God the chance to make him feel better.  And it worked.  As he pondered on the difficult situations that had taken place in his life, yet he remembered all the good things that God had done also. 
The 77th chapter of Psalms is great! Verses 7-10 really stood out to me. The writer understood rejection, even by God.  I can attest that I too, have been rejected from several things. Which is why I pray for guidance or help, and sometimes it seems as if I am not getting an answer. However, it does not mean that I am being abandoned by God. But what it means is that His timing differs from mine, and the solution to the problem may differ from the solution that I have chosen.  Although Asaph expressed his dismay; He didn't give up on God. We as His children should continue to wait on Him. God will NEVER reject one of his children.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Don't give up...YET!

All week the story of 'David and Bathsheba' had been on my heart. King David, committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, the Hit-tite (II Samuel 11: 1-5). We have the ability to make choices and we should choose them wisely. For example: David SAW Bathsheba. The text did not say he was looking for her. Her saw her on a balcony. Yes, she was bathing; remember this is during the Bible days. David could have walked away but he didn't. He began to ponder on what he had visualized, "he sent an inquired about this woman" (II Samuel 11:3). Eventually he sent for her, sinned with her, and suffered serious consequences for that sin. Did David sin because he glimpse at Bathsheba? He sinned when he failed to take his eyes off of her.  David had Uriah killed by sending a letter that stated, "Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die" (II Samuel 11:15). He then married Bathsheba and they had a child together. God takes great intense interest in how we behave as children of God. After the seventh day the child died and David was told. He, "arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes" (II Samuel 12:20). Notice, he didn't give up or cry until after he heard the news. Still then he washed his face and moved on.  God does not owe us His grace. David knew he was wrong, yet he pleaded for God's mercy on his child and still DID NOT BLAME GOD! David and Bathsheba later had Solomon. We can see how sufficient our Lord's grace is and how much he loves us. Don't give up!!!

Friday, January 14, 2011

The gift of Single-ness

If you've ever wondered about dating and love, Songs of Solomon speaks of intimacy and love.  God is the One who designed us to enjoy love, but the right way.  Somehow, we have let our intense feelings take over, and now it seems as if everyone is going off of their emotions and they aren't actually learning how to date. Very few people get lonely. Those people who do not get lonely posses the gift of single-ness. A person who has that gift has a life filled with activities. It does not mean that they don't need or want anyone, however, what it does mean is that they do not need anyone to make them feel complete. If they were to get married the relationship would complement itself, but so many people cannot stand to be alone and realize who they really are. Individuals who have to constantly be in the company of someone else assumes that a single person is miserable.Especially those in the chruch, they are always trying to marry someone off; they are the worst, "girl you need a man, you should just hurry up and marry" what happen to seeking God first?  So many people are getting married premarturely and then getting divorced within the first year. Anytime a person comes up to you and says, "you are so fine, girl you are a dime; hit me up with those digits." Now I am looking at you like you are crazy, because you don't even know me! So what if I was 325 pounds, I don't think you would have taken a second look at me. Today's society only looks at the outward appearance, to be completely honest.  Sex gets old, if I am dialoguing with someone and all they are talking about is SEX! I will simply walk off from the conversation, because now I know how you think.  A person should ask, "what do I have to offer this man or woman? If I get sick will he or she be able to take care of me?" Will you be able to handle the responsiblility? Consider the cost, what do I have to offer and what will I get in return?  People ask me everyday, "I don't see how you can stay single for so long." If I get married, GREAT! If not, then I will continue to serve God, but for now; I can PATIENTLY WAIT UNTIL THE LORD BLESSES ME WITH MY HUSBAND! People who have the gift of single-ness end up getting married eventually and they live great lives, I have witnessed it myself with friends that I know.  Marriage is a beautiful thing, at times we do not see God as "romantic" but Songs of Solomon is filled with many portrays of a godly husband. Solomon said, "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm..." (Song of Solomon 6:12).    Solomon said that love is overpowering as death and that it burns like an almighty flame. God designed this love to be expressed between a MAN and a WOMAN in marriage.(NO COMMENT!)  The wise thing to do is pray for God's help so that you can honor Him by being faithful to your present and future marriage.