This question was posed by a youth in San Francisco, CA.
How can I present myself physically in a way that demands respect as a Christian and still be fashionable and fabulous?
Well, I know this is something that alot of people struggle with. They want to look their best and feel good about what they see in the mirror, but the trends are short and tight. None of which demand respect as a Christian----regardless of what celebrities say. We live in a society where saying that you are a Christian comes as easy as breathing, but people don't take it as seriously. To be a Christian is to be 'Christ like' or 'of Christ'. And alot of what we see from people who claim to be Christian is not 'Christ like' and doesn't come close to being 'of Christ.' Herein lies our dilemna....people hear "I am a Christian" and they figure well if he/she is doing it then it must be okay.
Here are some general guidelines to follow:
1. If your chest is showing in any manner.....you need to not only go change but you need to either put a camisole or another shirt under it or throw it out. PERIOD!
2. If your clothes are leaving lines on your skin because they are so tight or you have to "suck it in" to get in it......baby.....you need to go up to your size. No one wants to see the imprint from your last breath.
3. Just because they made it in your size does not mean that you need to wear it. Now automatically people thought that I was referring to larger sized individuals but that is not true. There are alot of smaller sized individuals that are wearing things that look absolutely rediculous on them.
4. One way to measure your skirt and whether or not it is the right fit and the right length is to sit down. If rides up extremely far, then it is either too short or the cut of it is not right for your shape. Either way, you need to try it again.
5. It is very easy to take a trend and dress it up so that what is suppose to be covered is covered.
6. If you wouldn't wear it looking eye to eye with Christ, then don't put it on at all. The reason is because He is always present and looking at us and He is either smiling or frowning at our actions. Live as if you have to face Him daily and you will find that your decision making skills will be sharper.
I could go on all day about this and if someone has specific questions or a situation that they would like to go deeper into then please let me know. But I think that if you follow these steps then you will definitely be headed in the right direction. It is okay to look good and be a Christian, I do it every day and there are hundreds of thousands of others that do it as well. The main thing is that you don't want to be a hinderance to someone else or to yourself. In everything you do, once you make the statement that you are a Christian, people connect you to God. If you act a fool, then they associate foolishness with God. If you are always down and depressed, then they associate those things with God. If you are dressing like a hot mess, then they associate that with God as well. You are the child of a King. The bible declares that everything in the Earth and the fulness thereof belongs to God. That means everything on the Earth and everything that these items will produce ultimately belong to God. So you belong to Him, too. Represent your Father well and make Him proud. If you listen, He will guide you to being fashionable and fabulous........He created it!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor Nichica Smith
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
STRAIGHT TALK--Don't Confuse God with Disney
For those who are not familiar with the site, Straight Talk is where I answer questions that have been submitted on the site or brought up in another setting. This question was posed by someone in Oakland, CA.
How can a mother pick up her soul after being hurt from someone she loved for many years?
Although this was asked from a female perspective, anyone can relate to the feelings of hurt, abandonment, loneliness, low self esteem, and a host of other things. It is hard to give yourself to someone and create that bond of trust, when you don't know what tomorrow will hold. You don't know how long they will love you or how long you will love them. You don't know how often or how long they will make you smile, laugh, cry, or cuss. You literally go into the relationship blind, if you are honest with yourself, because you are basing everything on hope and not on solid and concrete things. We go into relationships ignoring the obvious and making excuses for things that we see but hope will go away. That is not God, that is Disney.
1. One should never give their heart and soul to another unless it is spoken by God. Other wise we lend our most precious and vulnerable parts of ourselves to the enemy for him to play and bring close to destruction. God tells us clearly that we should not cast our pearls before swine. The enemy will allow us to love hard and love long so that by the time our promise gets to us we don't want anything to do love. We get to the point of bitterness that we don't believe in love and we become so empty inside that we are like the walking dead going through the motions.
2. We don't know love until we know the love of God. Most people find a person and then they find God. That is really backwards. We must first experience the love of God in order to be able to compare what other's call love to it. The Word of God says that love is patient and it is kind. But love is not perfect-except for God's love-- and there will be some pain experienced in being in relationships because life is full of ups and downs and the enemy is constantly seeing how he can mess with our faith and ultimately our relationship with God. However, there is a difference between going through a battle with your mate and your mate being the battle. One thing that I always told God is that I don't mind going through and don't mind fighting, but I don't want to be fighting with my mate. I want us to go through the battle's together and not be each other's battle. When you experience God's love, everything else pales in comparison because you always have a smile on the inside of you and a light that is shining that can not be dimmed by situations or people. That same kind of light and smile can be shared between a man and a woman, but only when it has been ordained by God. Otherwise, it is temporary and temporary can not withstand storms and it most certainly can not withstand time (including eternity)
3. Healing is a process and it begins with confession, verbal and out loud for you and God to hear, of how you truly feel and how you are hurting. Once you admit where you are God can take you where you want to go. God will then take you through the process and He will take you one step at a time. Understand that along the way you will be tested. There will be a scent or a word or a place that will remind you of something in your past and you will find out exactly how far you have come and how far you need to go. Each person's healing process is different, so it is impossible for me to provide you with exact details. Just know that complete healing is possible and it doesn't take forever. God will not only heal you, but he will prepare you for your divine destiny. But He can only do it as fast as your faith is strong.
Remember that nothing is over until God says it is over. Hold on to your faith and hold on to God with everything you have in you. Your relationship with Him will grow to places that you never thought it would be and you will look back over it and laugh. You will laugh at the enemy because he didn't take you out when he had the chance and now you are going to live your life to the fullest and live it according to God's will and His plan for your life.
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Nichica Smith
How can a mother pick up her soul after being hurt from someone she loved for many years?
Although this was asked from a female perspective, anyone can relate to the feelings of hurt, abandonment, loneliness, low self esteem, and a host of other things. It is hard to give yourself to someone and create that bond of trust, when you don't know what tomorrow will hold. You don't know how long they will love you or how long you will love them. You don't know how often or how long they will make you smile, laugh, cry, or cuss. You literally go into the relationship blind, if you are honest with yourself, because you are basing everything on hope and not on solid and concrete things. We go into relationships ignoring the obvious and making excuses for things that we see but hope will go away. That is not God, that is Disney.
1. One should never give their heart and soul to another unless it is spoken by God. Other wise we lend our most precious and vulnerable parts of ourselves to the enemy for him to play and bring close to destruction. God tells us clearly that we should not cast our pearls before swine. The enemy will allow us to love hard and love long so that by the time our promise gets to us we don't want anything to do love. We get to the point of bitterness that we don't believe in love and we become so empty inside that we are like the walking dead going through the motions.
2. We don't know love until we know the love of God. Most people find a person and then they find God. That is really backwards. We must first experience the love of God in order to be able to compare what other's call love to it. The Word of God says that love is patient and it is kind. But love is not perfect-except for God's love-- and there will be some pain experienced in being in relationships because life is full of ups and downs and the enemy is constantly seeing how he can mess with our faith and ultimately our relationship with God. However, there is a difference between going through a battle with your mate and your mate being the battle. One thing that I always told God is that I don't mind going through and don't mind fighting, but I don't want to be fighting with my mate. I want us to go through the battle's together and not be each other's battle. When you experience God's love, everything else pales in comparison because you always have a smile on the inside of you and a light that is shining that can not be dimmed by situations or people. That same kind of light and smile can be shared between a man and a woman, but only when it has been ordained by God. Otherwise, it is temporary and temporary can not withstand storms and it most certainly can not withstand time (including eternity)
3. Healing is a process and it begins with confession, verbal and out loud for you and God to hear, of how you truly feel and how you are hurting. Once you admit where you are God can take you where you want to go. God will then take you through the process and He will take you one step at a time. Understand that along the way you will be tested. There will be a scent or a word or a place that will remind you of something in your past and you will find out exactly how far you have come and how far you need to go. Each person's healing process is different, so it is impossible for me to provide you with exact details. Just know that complete healing is possible and it doesn't take forever. God will not only heal you, but he will prepare you for your divine destiny. But He can only do it as fast as your faith is strong.
Remember that nothing is over until God says it is over. Hold on to your faith and hold on to God with everything you have in you. Your relationship with Him will grow to places that you never thought it would be and you will look back over it and laugh. You will laugh at the enemy because he didn't take you out when he had the chance and now you are going to live your life to the fullest and live it according to God's will and His plan for your life.
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Nichica Smith
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Alpha and Omega
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. It has been preached the world over and we immediately connect it to the creation in Genesis and the end in Revelation. However, that is not all of what God is referring to. He is the beginning and ending of literally EVERYTHING! It takes Him to start something and it takes Him to finish it. Creation is not the only thing that started with God speaking a word. Our very existence, each of us individually, came into being based on God speaking a word. He says that He knew us while we were yet in our mother's womb and He has equipped us with all we need to get through every challenge that we will face. That all started with a word from God. Alpha! And nothing can come to an end unless God says that it is to be so and He is there when it ends as He is a God that is omnipresent, which means He is in all places, at all times, all of the time. Omega!
We must also realize that trials in our life can not start until He says so. He is also the beginning of that as well, which is why His word says that He will not put more on us than we can bear. He says that His yolk is easy and His burden is light. If He was not there to start and stop it, Alpha and Omega, then we would surely be in serious trouble. Our faith rests on God being there and showing us what our next steps should be so that we do not succumb to the trial and/or temptation.
It should be a comfort to every believer that God loves them enough to be that involved in every single aspect of their lives. The start and end of your day and then everything that happens in between. Every interaction that you have and everything we do, He is there for the beginning and the end. Now, I feel the need to clarify something. God does not start our foolishness, nor is He a part of it. He gives us the choice to follow or ignore His direction. So don't try and blame Him for the craziness and foolishness, because if you really sat down and thought about it, He sent warnings. But you chose to ignore them. But to God be the glory, that He was there to be Omega and end it before it ended you. This is why it is so important to give God credit and praise for every little thing and don't credit ourselves for things that we really did not and could not do. If the Word of God is true, and I know that it is, it clearly says that it is through God that we move, breathe, and have our very being.
To God Be The Glory For Being Alpha and Omega! And a final word to the wise, let Him be just that in every area in your life so that you can have that peace that surpasses all understanding!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor Nichica Smith
We must also realize that trials in our life can not start until He says so. He is also the beginning of that as well, which is why His word says that He will not put more on us than we can bear. He says that His yolk is easy and His burden is light. If He was not there to start and stop it, Alpha and Omega, then we would surely be in serious trouble. Our faith rests on God being there and showing us what our next steps should be so that we do not succumb to the trial and/or temptation.
It should be a comfort to every believer that God loves them enough to be that involved in every single aspect of their lives. The start and end of your day and then everything that happens in between. Every interaction that you have and everything we do, He is there for the beginning and the end. Now, I feel the need to clarify something. God does not start our foolishness, nor is He a part of it. He gives us the choice to follow or ignore His direction. So don't try and blame Him for the craziness and foolishness, because if you really sat down and thought about it, He sent warnings. But you chose to ignore them. But to God be the glory, that He was there to be Omega and end it before it ended you. This is why it is so important to give God credit and praise for every little thing and don't credit ourselves for things that we really did not and could not do. If the Word of God is true, and I know that it is, it clearly says that it is through God that we move, breathe, and have our very being.
To God Be The Glory For Being Alpha and Omega! And a final word to the wise, let Him be just that in every area in your life so that you can have that peace that surpasses all understanding!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor Nichica Smith
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Stop Focusing On The Rug
We have all heard the phrase: "Pulled the rug out from under me." Sometimes in our Christian walk we feell like the rug has been pulled out from under us because we were in a place where were happy and content and then all of a sudden it seemed as if anything that could go wrong... did. Or something 'out of the blue' kind of blind sides us and we are left wondering, where did that come from? Then we spend amazing amounts of time wondering why, and how we are going to fix it, how could this happen, where did this come from, what did I do wrong, and a whole host of stuff that clouds our minds and gets us focusing on the 'rug'.
The rug represents that thing that we thought mattered, but really didn't hold that much significance or importance. We got used to the rug being there and were comfortable with its presence, but if we actually took a step back and examined it....the rug didn't really do much but collect dirt. So when God decided to remove the rug, through His perfect will, we focus on the rug. We watch it leave our presence and wonder why God decided to remove it now...as if there would have been a better time for Him to do it. Or as if He needed to consult with us prior to doing anything. We put all of our energy on the removal of the thing that did nothing but collect the dirt in our lives and cause our allergies to act up because it was also holding on to the dirt of people that we allowed into our space. We start getting upset and afraid and nervous that the rug is no longer going to be there. Blaming the removal of it on the enemy and not believing that God would do something like that?! And to quote one of my members, we are focusing so much on the rug that we don't realize that the floor under neath, that had been covered up and ignored this entire time, is Gold!
Stop focusing on the rug and bless God for what He is getting ready to do. When God does something, it most definitely has a purpose. But it is up to us to trust His judgement and open our eyes, heart's, and spirit's to what he is trying to show us and the levels that He is trying to take us to.
Blessings and love,
Pastor Nichica Smith
The rug represents that thing that we thought mattered, but really didn't hold that much significance or importance. We got used to the rug being there and were comfortable with its presence, but if we actually took a step back and examined it....the rug didn't really do much but collect dirt. So when God decided to remove the rug, through His perfect will, we focus on the rug. We watch it leave our presence and wonder why God decided to remove it now...as if there would have been a better time for Him to do it. Or as if He needed to consult with us prior to doing anything. We put all of our energy on the removal of the thing that did nothing but collect the dirt in our lives and cause our allergies to act up because it was also holding on to the dirt of people that we allowed into our space. We start getting upset and afraid and nervous that the rug is no longer going to be there. Blaming the removal of it on the enemy and not believing that God would do something like that?! And to quote one of my members, we are focusing so much on the rug that we don't realize that the floor under neath, that had been covered up and ignored this entire time, is Gold!
Stop focusing on the rug and bless God for what He is getting ready to do. When God does something, it most definitely has a purpose. But it is up to us to trust His judgement and open our eyes, heart's, and spirit's to what he is trying to show us and the levels that He is trying to take us to.
Blessings and love,
Pastor Nichica Smith
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Rental Contract or Ownership?
We are taught early on that it is better to own than to rent. We are taught that you get more in the long run if you own your home versus renting because renting is like throwing your money away and there is no real pay off. The same principle holds true in our relationship with God. The majority of the believers are operating based on a rental contract with God. Whenever they don't understand what God is telling them to do, whenever they are uncomfortable with doing what God is asking them to do, or when they just don't want to do it......they in essence are evicting God and putting their own will before His perfect will. Then once we see that we have messed up the situation or we see that it was better to do it God's way, we go through the repentance process and invite Him back in, but still under the terms of the rental agreement. Just like with any rental agreement, there are clauses that state what can and can not happen and what the land lord will and will not do. Does that sound familiar in regards to our walk with God? Yes, God I will do it but only if......; Yes, God I will go but only if....... RENTAL AGREEMENT!
As I was studying Genesis 39, it talks of the familiar story of Joseph and Potiphar. If you are not familiar with that, take the time to read it as it is not a long chapter and it will help you understand more of what I am saying. There is a consistent statement made throughout the chapter and that statement is..."The Lord was with him and everything he touched was blessed." For those who are familiar with Joseph, you know that Joseph had many up's and down's. He was favored by his father Jacob, but his brothers tried to kill him. He was sold into slavery and then set up on rape charges and placed in prison. However, in spite of all of this the bible clearly declares that "the Lord was with him" and not only that, others who did not even worship the Lord took note of it. Why? Why in spite of all of these things that happened in chapter 39, there is no record of Joseph rolling in the floor and crying out and questioning God and all of these other things that we tend to do when craziness starts happening in our lives? Because Joseph did not have a rental agreement with God, he allowed God to have full ownership of him.
The bible clearly declares that our bodies are a temple for the spirit of God. Joseph allowed the spirit of God to have a permanent home within him and not a 6, 9, or 12 month lease. That is why Joseph's blessings and victories were consistent instead of sporadic. Yes, he obviously had things, situations, and people that came his way with the hope of destroying him. But because God had ownership of him, those things could do nothing but fail! How powerful is that! Now, listen carefully and pay close attention to what I am getting ready to tell you.......you can still be blessed by having a rental agreement! What?! Yes, you can. HOWEVER... you have to determine a couple of things: 1. Do you want your blessings and victories to be consistent or sporadic 2. Any tenant in a rental agreement has the right to leave when they want and not renew their lease, so do you want to be in an eternal covenant with God? He is not a yo yo and should not be used as such. Allow God to take up permanent residency in you and watch how your life will change. Now this doesn't happen over night. It is a process and a journey because you have to allow God to remove everything and everyone that would stand in the way of you and Him. Temptation will come and come some more. Distractions will come and come some more, but you have to keep your mind centered on what your ultimate goal is. Keep in mind Joseph and if everything he touched was blessed and other people were blessed just because they were in his presence, then God can and will do the same thing for you.
If you have any questions about this or any other posting, or just questions in general, please let me know by submitting a post on this blog and I will answer them within 24 hours. I pray that this blog is helping you to grow in your walk with God and to want Him more than you ever have. The bible declares that it is through God and by God that we move, breathe, and have our very being. So I pray that your relationship with Him continues to reach new heights each and every day of your life!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor Nichica Smith
As I was studying Genesis 39, it talks of the familiar story of Joseph and Potiphar. If you are not familiar with that, take the time to read it as it is not a long chapter and it will help you understand more of what I am saying. There is a consistent statement made throughout the chapter and that statement is..."The Lord was with him and everything he touched was blessed." For those who are familiar with Joseph, you know that Joseph had many up's and down's. He was favored by his father Jacob, but his brothers tried to kill him. He was sold into slavery and then set up on rape charges and placed in prison. However, in spite of all of this the bible clearly declares that "the Lord was with him" and not only that, others who did not even worship the Lord took note of it. Why? Why in spite of all of these things that happened in chapter 39, there is no record of Joseph rolling in the floor and crying out and questioning God and all of these other things that we tend to do when craziness starts happening in our lives? Because Joseph did not have a rental agreement with God, he allowed God to have full ownership of him.
The bible clearly declares that our bodies are a temple for the spirit of God. Joseph allowed the spirit of God to have a permanent home within him and not a 6, 9, or 12 month lease. That is why Joseph's blessings and victories were consistent instead of sporadic. Yes, he obviously had things, situations, and people that came his way with the hope of destroying him. But because God had ownership of him, those things could do nothing but fail! How powerful is that! Now, listen carefully and pay close attention to what I am getting ready to tell you.......you can still be blessed by having a rental agreement! What?! Yes, you can. HOWEVER... you have to determine a couple of things: 1. Do you want your blessings and victories to be consistent or sporadic 2. Any tenant in a rental agreement has the right to leave when they want and not renew their lease, so do you want to be in an eternal covenant with God? He is not a yo yo and should not be used as such. Allow God to take up permanent residency in you and watch how your life will change. Now this doesn't happen over night. It is a process and a journey because you have to allow God to remove everything and everyone that would stand in the way of you and Him. Temptation will come and come some more. Distractions will come and come some more, but you have to keep your mind centered on what your ultimate goal is. Keep in mind Joseph and if everything he touched was blessed and other people were blessed just because they were in his presence, then God can and will do the same thing for you.
If you have any questions about this or any other posting, or just questions in general, please let me know by submitting a post on this blog and I will answer them within 24 hours. I pray that this blog is helping you to grow in your walk with God and to want Him more than you ever have. The bible declares that it is through God and by God that we move, breathe, and have our very being. So I pray that your relationship with Him continues to reach new heights each and every day of your life!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor Nichica Smith
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Bible Study--1 Samuel Ch. 9
Overview:
The people have selfishly and blindly stood their ground in regards to their request for a king "like the other nations". Even after the warning they received from Samuel, the man of God, by God. It is amazing how we think we can see further and deeper than God.
Verses 1-10
Kish was Saul's father and he was noted as a mighty man of power, which meant he was well respected as a leader during the times of war and was also a wealthy land owner. He was of the tribe of Benjamin,which is the smallest of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Saul is described as being extremely handsome and the writer even goes as far as saying that there was not a person among the children of Israel that was more handsome than Saul. He was also extremely tall. In other words, Saul was not too bad on the eyes!
Kish's donkeys got loose and Saul was sent along with his servant to go look for them. (not a coincidence--keep that in mind--God always has purpose) They searched and searched and searched to the point that Saul was beginningto get concerned that his father would forget about the donkeys and start worrying about him. Saul's servant began to be used by God to lead Saul to Samuel. He lets Saul know that the city they are currently in has a man of God who may know where the donkeys are because he talks with God, is the mouthpiece of God, and everything he says comes to pass. (remember what he said in Ch. 8) But Saul says, that they can't go because they don't have anything to bring the man of God.
>>>>>>It was customary during that time to bring something to the prophet whenever you came to ask of them as it was how the prophets physically survived. When the people brought them food, clothes, money, etc they used those things to survive as they were constantly traveling from city to city doing God's work.
Now, some theologians argue that Saul really did not want to go and see the prophet. They say that there was no way that Saul did not have anything to give the man of God, because he came from a wealthy family and his father would not have sent him out without any money. Also, the fact that the servant had something and Saul obviously had access to more than the servant, Saul was holding out and was selfish to take the little that his servant had. But, again it goes right along with what God warned the people concerning their new king. That he would use their possessions (land, children, etc) before his own.
Verses 11-21
They went to the city and got confirmation that Samuel was indeed in the city. They were also given instructions as to where to meet Samuel.
>>>>It is extremely important that as we are going through life's journey that we are following the instructions that God gives us so that we can come face to face with our divine destiny. There are times when God gives us instructions directly and other times, when they come through someone else. But when it is from God, we have to be mindful to follow the instructions given regardless of where it takes us.
Saul and his servant followed the instructions and came across Samuel. The bible tells us that God had spoken to Samuel and told him about Saul.
>>>>>This is the wonderful thing about God. If we stay in His presence and keep the communication lines open He will not allow us to be caught off guard. He will keep us a few steps ahead and prepare us for what is to come. He is faithful in this.
Now Saul had no idea what Samuel looked like.
>>>>Alot of times we have an expectation of what our destiny pitstops and our destiny itself should look like. Which is why we don't recognize it when we walk right up on it. That is why we should praise God for Grace and Mercy, because they don't let us miss it IF the communication lines are open.
Samuel let Saul know that he was the person that Saul was looking for. God was letting Samuel know everything that Saul was thinking and feeling. Samuel gave Saul instructions and told him not to worry about his donkeys that were lost.
>>>>>>Can you imagine the look that was on Saul's face when Samuel said that? That was one of those 'pick your mouth up off the floor' moments!
Samuel in a way gave Saul a clue that he was going to be and do some great things when he made the statements: "And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your Father's house?" But Saul, like so many of us, naturally put a limit on what God could do by outlining to Samuel all of the reasons why this could not happen to him.
>>>>>Why do we do that? Please understand, that when you accepted Christ into your heart and as your personal savior the bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. " So don't harp on what you did or used to do, what your mama did or didn't do, etc. You are what God says you are and you can be what God says you can be. Dot, Period, End! And if you haven't then I encourage you to invite him into your heart. I have provided prayers in previous posts that you can utilize if you need to.
Verses 22-27
Now Samuel extended to Saul ,and his servant, the privilege of sitting at the head of the table and all that were there (and there was noone there that had not been invited) saw this. Then to top it off, Saul got the part of the meat that was usually set aside for the guest of honor.
>>>>>See this is what I mean. God already knew that Saul was coming that way and He told Samuel. Everything was ready and in order for Saul's arrival because Samuel listened to the voice of God. Even though Samuel did not like the fact that the people wanted a king, he still obeyed God and blew Saul's mind. It isn't about what we like or don't like. We have to understand that it isn't about us at all! It is about Kingdom building and bringing God glory!
After the feast, Samuel instructed Saul to have his servant go ahead because there were some things that Samuel needed to share with Saul and they were exclusively for Saul.
>>>>>>People are in your life for a purpose and a season. When that purpose and season is up it is time to move on. God allowed that particular servant to come with Saul to look for those donkeys because He knew that that servant would lead Saul to Samuel. That was his purpose...purpose fulfilled. Let them go on to their next assignment. When you latch on to a person longer than you should you become a parasite. And when you let them stay too long in the role that they should not be in, you become the host to the parasite. (Whoa..I just said something right there,but I'm gonna leave it alone for now and let you ponder on that!)
>>>>>> When God has something just for you, don't go around telling everyone. There is a time and place for testimony and it is a strong tool used to bring people closer to Christ. However, there are times when God tells you things strictly for you and you alone. There are some parts of your struggle where it will just be you and God. You can't tell your girl about all about it and there may be times where you can't tell your pastor. It is your wilderness season that God is gonna have to get you through if you are to make it through. Please don't learn that the hard way, as you will find that the people you thought that were praying for you were actually praying against you. You will find that all along, the only person you really had in your corner was God.
I pray that this bible study brought about some clarity and insight for you in your walk with God. If you have not subscribed to this blog, do so now!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor N. Smith
The people have selfishly and blindly stood their ground in regards to their request for a king "like the other nations". Even after the warning they received from Samuel, the man of God, by God. It is amazing how we think we can see further and deeper than God.
Verses 1-10
Kish was Saul's father and he was noted as a mighty man of power, which meant he was well respected as a leader during the times of war and was also a wealthy land owner. He was of the tribe of Benjamin,which is the smallest of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Saul is described as being extremely handsome and the writer even goes as far as saying that there was not a person among the children of Israel that was more handsome than Saul. He was also extremely tall. In other words, Saul was not too bad on the eyes!
Kish's donkeys got loose and Saul was sent along with his servant to go look for them. (not a coincidence--keep that in mind--God always has purpose) They searched and searched and searched to the point that Saul was beginningto get concerned that his father would forget about the donkeys and start worrying about him. Saul's servant began to be used by God to lead Saul to Samuel. He lets Saul know that the city they are currently in has a man of God who may know where the donkeys are because he talks with God, is the mouthpiece of God, and everything he says comes to pass. (remember what he said in Ch. 8) But Saul says, that they can't go because they don't have anything to bring the man of God.
>>>>>>It was customary during that time to bring something to the prophet whenever you came to ask of them as it was how the prophets physically survived. When the people brought them food, clothes, money, etc they used those things to survive as they were constantly traveling from city to city doing God's work.
Now, some theologians argue that Saul really did not want to go and see the prophet. They say that there was no way that Saul did not have anything to give the man of God, because he came from a wealthy family and his father would not have sent him out without any money. Also, the fact that the servant had something and Saul obviously had access to more than the servant, Saul was holding out and was selfish to take the little that his servant had. But, again it goes right along with what God warned the people concerning their new king. That he would use their possessions (land, children, etc) before his own.
Verses 11-21
They went to the city and got confirmation that Samuel was indeed in the city. They were also given instructions as to where to meet Samuel.
>>>>It is extremely important that as we are going through life's journey that we are following the instructions that God gives us so that we can come face to face with our divine destiny. There are times when God gives us instructions directly and other times, when they come through someone else. But when it is from God, we have to be mindful to follow the instructions given regardless of where it takes us.
Saul and his servant followed the instructions and came across Samuel. The bible tells us that God had spoken to Samuel and told him about Saul.
>>>>>This is the wonderful thing about God. If we stay in His presence and keep the communication lines open He will not allow us to be caught off guard. He will keep us a few steps ahead and prepare us for what is to come. He is faithful in this.
Now Saul had no idea what Samuel looked like.
>>>>Alot of times we have an expectation of what our destiny pitstops and our destiny itself should look like. Which is why we don't recognize it when we walk right up on it. That is why we should praise God for Grace and Mercy, because they don't let us miss it IF the communication lines are open.
Samuel let Saul know that he was the person that Saul was looking for. God was letting Samuel know everything that Saul was thinking and feeling. Samuel gave Saul instructions and told him not to worry about his donkeys that were lost.
>>>>>>Can you imagine the look that was on Saul's face when Samuel said that? That was one of those 'pick your mouth up off the floor' moments!
Samuel in a way gave Saul a clue that he was going to be and do some great things when he made the statements: "And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your Father's house?" But Saul, like so many of us, naturally put a limit on what God could do by outlining to Samuel all of the reasons why this could not happen to him.
>>>>>Why do we do that? Please understand, that when you accepted Christ into your heart and as your personal savior the bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. " So don't harp on what you did or used to do, what your mama did or didn't do, etc. You are what God says you are and you can be what God says you can be. Dot, Period, End! And if you haven't then I encourage you to invite him into your heart. I have provided prayers in previous posts that you can utilize if you need to.
Verses 22-27
Now Samuel extended to Saul ,and his servant, the privilege of sitting at the head of the table and all that were there (and there was noone there that had not been invited) saw this. Then to top it off, Saul got the part of the meat that was usually set aside for the guest of honor.
>>>>>See this is what I mean. God already knew that Saul was coming that way and He told Samuel. Everything was ready and in order for Saul's arrival because Samuel listened to the voice of God. Even though Samuel did not like the fact that the people wanted a king, he still obeyed God and blew Saul's mind. It isn't about what we like or don't like. We have to understand that it isn't about us at all! It is about Kingdom building and bringing God glory!
After the feast, Samuel instructed Saul to have his servant go ahead because there were some things that Samuel needed to share with Saul and they were exclusively for Saul.
>>>>>>People are in your life for a purpose and a season. When that purpose and season is up it is time to move on. God allowed that particular servant to come with Saul to look for those donkeys because He knew that that servant would lead Saul to Samuel. That was his purpose...purpose fulfilled. Let them go on to their next assignment. When you latch on to a person longer than you should you become a parasite. And when you let them stay too long in the role that they should not be in, you become the host to the parasite. (Whoa..I just said something right there,but I'm gonna leave it alone for now and let you ponder on that!)
>>>>>> When God has something just for you, don't go around telling everyone. There is a time and place for testimony and it is a strong tool used to bring people closer to Christ. However, there are times when God tells you things strictly for you and you alone. There are some parts of your struggle where it will just be you and God. You can't tell your girl about all about it and there may be times where you can't tell your pastor. It is your wilderness season that God is gonna have to get you through if you are to make it through. Please don't learn that the hard way, as you will find that the people you thought that were praying for you were actually praying against you. You will find that all along, the only person you really had in your corner was God.
I pray that this bible study brought about some clarity and insight for you in your walk with God. If you have not subscribed to this blog, do so now!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor N. Smith
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Straight Talk--Frustration
The butcher knives of frustration cut deep and they always cut to the core. They seem to all come at one time. I know that all of you can relate to that. Frustration isn't frustration until it is caused or triggered by those whose opinion we value. Alot of things stem from the seeds of frustration. From the seeds of frustration the poisons of bitterness, hatred, malice, stress, hurt, disappointment, and so many other things grow. These things feed off of one another and the roots are deep. The reason I know that the roots are deep, is because we can be doing something or dealing with someone and have a flashback of another incident that was similar. An incident that we said we would never go through again! Does that sound familiar?
Now everyone has their moments of frustration. The computer is running slow, waiting too long in line at the grocery store, etc. Those are normal levels of frustration. I am not talking about that. I am talking about the levels where you say in your mind, "If they say one more thing to me, there are going to be problems". Or the frustration that comes on just being in the same room with a particular person. They don't even have to say anything or do anything, just their presence gets on your nerves and you feel your blood pressure going sky high. The bible tells us in Isaiah 26:3, that God will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him because he trusts thee. Now the 'him' with a little 'h' is us and the 'him' with a capital 'h' is God. So does that mean that 24/7 we constantly have God on our mind? It would be ideal, but it is not the reality. However, if you seek God's council before you do anything, then you give God the opportunity to prepare you for what lies ahead. He will guide you and help you avoid some of those frustration butcher knives. Also, when those butcher knives hit, you can't start marinating or stewing in the situation. You have to begin talking with the Father and I don't mean one of those: "God if you don't get them I'm gonna hurt 'em". Okay, none of that.
Understand, that frustration is a simple but effective weapon that the enemy uses to get us off balance and to cause us to do things that will seperate us from God. Whether that seperation lasts for a moment or for a season. If you think about the killings that have taken place in the schools and the malls across the country. They all started with frustration. People commit suicide because they are frustrated. Recognize the weapon and call for what it is. Take 60 seconds and pray in order to bring yourself back to the place where you need to be. If you can't get the words out of your mouth and you can't seem to form a sentence, then just call on the name of Jesus. Prayerfully, you will not allow it to get that far. If it is a case where you are unable to catch yourself until it is too late, then your first prayer needs to be that God help you to recognize when you have gone past your limit and to help you be more aware and in tune with yourself.
Frustration happens to the best of us (all levels of it), but we should all make up in our minds that it will not over take us. For we are more than conquerors!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor Smith
(If you have not subcribed to this blog, then do so now. You will get automatic updates every time I post and it is FREE!)
Now everyone has their moments of frustration. The computer is running slow, waiting too long in line at the grocery store, etc. Those are normal levels of frustration. I am not talking about that. I am talking about the levels where you say in your mind, "If they say one more thing to me, there are going to be problems". Or the frustration that comes on just being in the same room with a particular person. They don't even have to say anything or do anything, just their presence gets on your nerves and you feel your blood pressure going sky high. The bible tells us in Isaiah 26:3, that God will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him because he trusts thee. Now the 'him' with a little 'h' is us and the 'him' with a capital 'h' is God. So does that mean that 24/7 we constantly have God on our mind? It would be ideal, but it is not the reality. However, if you seek God's council before you do anything, then you give God the opportunity to prepare you for what lies ahead. He will guide you and help you avoid some of those frustration butcher knives. Also, when those butcher knives hit, you can't start marinating or stewing in the situation. You have to begin talking with the Father and I don't mean one of those: "God if you don't get them I'm gonna hurt 'em". Okay, none of that.
Understand, that frustration is a simple but effective weapon that the enemy uses to get us off balance and to cause us to do things that will seperate us from God. Whether that seperation lasts for a moment or for a season. If you think about the killings that have taken place in the schools and the malls across the country. They all started with frustration. People commit suicide because they are frustrated. Recognize the weapon and call for what it is. Take 60 seconds and pray in order to bring yourself back to the place where you need to be. If you can't get the words out of your mouth and you can't seem to form a sentence, then just call on the name of Jesus. Prayerfully, you will not allow it to get that far. If it is a case where you are unable to catch yourself until it is too late, then your first prayer needs to be that God help you to recognize when you have gone past your limit and to help you be more aware and in tune with yourself.
Frustration happens to the best of us (all levels of it), but we should all make up in our minds that it will not over take us. For we are more than conquerors!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor Smith
(If you have not subcribed to this blog, then do so now. You will get automatic updates every time I post and it is FREE!)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Straight Talk- Jan 21, 2008
Okay, so as I was reading and studying this morning God led me to the book of Amos Ch. 5. (What's up with the ch. 5's here lately?HMMMM)
Anyway, after reading it and meditating on it God gave me the thought----"Don't Count On Tomorrow". How powerful and scary is that? There is an unsafe assumption amongst believers and nonbelievers that we have a certain amount of time. We are often heard saying "I can't wait until I get that age or I can't wait until....." But the reality is, we can't count on tomorrow for anything because tomorrow is never promised to us. We can't count on tomorrow to tell someone we love them or even give our lives to Christ. We have to do it now! How many times have we opened the paper or turned on the news and saw where someone was murdered, raped, burned, or gone missing? There are people that we talked to last week that aren't here right now. Does that not bother you at all? Where is the sense of urgency to do right and be right? I am not saying be perfect, but be right. We all know right from wrong, for as much as we have been taught.
In this chapter, the prophet Amos was bringing a message to the people of Israel from God. God was giving a warning to the children of Israel that if He were to come through right then it would not be a good situation for them. There was so much sin and idol worship going on and the people were turning to those things for life and happiness and fulfillment instead of God. Amos pleaded with the people to seek God and live. The only way we will make it in this life and the next is to seek God and live. I know that there are millions of people out there who have the nice cars that we want and the nice houses that we want, but if they don't have God then what is the point? Why have something that is up for grabs from the enemy? Do you understand what I mean by that? Things that have been gotten outside of God's will or without God being in it at all, don't belong to that person and all of the things and the people are a playground for the enemey to do what he will. Take a moment and think spiritually with me. Go into the spiritual realm for a minute. Before God blesses us with things He allows us to go through a preparation period in order to ensure that the enemy will not be able to come and take it or manipulate it. Kind of like the mortgage process. That banker is suppose to go through and see what you owe and what you have coming in in order to ensure that this home will not go into foreclosure. If you try to get over on the banker and present false information or push the banker without listening to what he is saying then you can't get mad if the bank comes and takes your stuff. God takes us through a period of preparation to ensure that the enemy can't try and foreclose on what God has given us. That period of preparation can be hard and trying, but it is one that we must go through and we need to embrace. Which means that we can't keep telling God, I am not ready or Wait! From the enemies point of view.......READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!
Israel was not willing to go through the stages of preparation that God had instructed them to. They felt that there were easier ways out or a shorter way to get from point A to point B. They wound up getting caught up in other's peoples foolishness (is any of this hitting home) When the enemy came it was not hard to corrupt them and devour their present and their future (for some of them). Don't count on tomorrow...get it right with God today. There are too many people that have wasted time and lost ground and now you are moving in fast forward. Moving in fast forward is exhausting (speaking from experience)
Know that God is your source and everything else is just a resource and as long as God is your source, He will lead you to every available resource. He is the God of love and peace and He has that for all of us who are willing to accept it. If God were to do an inspection right now, would He look at you and see the reflection of His son in you? If the sky were to crack open right now and you were to stand before the throne of judgement as we all will, will you ascend or descend? It doesn't matter how old you are or how young you are. For the Word of God says that no man knows the day nor the hour. So don't count on tomorrow for it may never come. But one thing that we do know, we will have to stand before the Father and give an account. We can't come with excuses of I didn't know because if you are reading this blog you know. We can't come with the excuses of I didn't have anyone to go to, because if you are reading this blog you have someone to go to and get your questions answered. If you are looking for a church home, just let me know what city you are in and I will make some phone calls for you to get you into a church home so that you can fellowship with other believers. But don't depend on the preacher to preach you into heaven. Getting into heaven depends on you and you alone.
DON'T COUNT ON TOMORROW!!!
Anyway, after reading it and meditating on it God gave me the thought----"Don't Count On Tomorrow". How powerful and scary is that? There is an unsafe assumption amongst believers and nonbelievers that we have a certain amount of time. We are often heard saying "I can't wait until I get that age or I can't wait until....." But the reality is, we can't count on tomorrow for anything because tomorrow is never promised to us. We can't count on tomorrow to tell someone we love them or even give our lives to Christ. We have to do it now! How many times have we opened the paper or turned on the news and saw where someone was murdered, raped, burned, or gone missing? There are people that we talked to last week that aren't here right now. Does that not bother you at all? Where is the sense of urgency to do right and be right? I am not saying be perfect, but be right. We all know right from wrong, for as much as we have been taught.
In this chapter, the prophet Amos was bringing a message to the people of Israel from God. God was giving a warning to the children of Israel that if He were to come through right then it would not be a good situation for them. There was so much sin and idol worship going on and the people were turning to those things for life and happiness and fulfillment instead of God. Amos pleaded with the people to seek God and live. The only way we will make it in this life and the next is to seek God and live. I know that there are millions of people out there who have the nice cars that we want and the nice houses that we want, but if they don't have God then what is the point? Why have something that is up for grabs from the enemy? Do you understand what I mean by that? Things that have been gotten outside of God's will or without God being in it at all, don't belong to that person and all of the things and the people are a playground for the enemey to do what he will. Take a moment and think spiritually with me. Go into the spiritual realm for a minute. Before God blesses us with things He allows us to go through a preparation period in order to ensure that the enemy will not be able to come and take it or manipulate it. Kind of like the mortgage process. That banker is suppose to go through and see what you owe and what you have coming in in order to ensure that this home will not go into foreclosure. If you try to get over on the banker and present false information or push the banker without listening to what he is saying then you can't get mad if the bank comes and takes your stuff. God takes us through a period of preparation to ensure that the enemy can't try and foreclose on what God has given us. That period of preparation can be hard and trying, but it is one that we must go through and we need to embrace. Which means that we can't keep telling God, I am not ready or Wait! From the enemies point of view.......READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!
Israel was not willing to go through the stages of preparation that God had instructed them to. They felt that there were easier ways out or a shorter way to get from point A to point B. They wound up getting caught up in other's peoples foolishness (is any of this hitting home) When the enemy came it was not hard to corrupt them and devour their present and their future (for some of them). Don't count on tomorrow...get it right with God today. There are too many people that have wasted time and lost ground and now you are moving in fast forward. Moving in fast forward is exhausting (speaking from experience)
Know that God is your source and everything else is just a resource and as long as God is your source, He will lead you to every available resource. He is the God of love and peace and He has that for all of us who are willing to accept it. If God were to do an inspection right now, would He look at you and see the reflection of His son in you? If the sky were to crack open right now and you were to stand before the throne of judgement as we all will, will you ascend or descend? It doesn't matter how old you are or how young you are. For the Word of God says that no man knows the day nor the hour. So don't count on tomorrow for it may never come. But one thing that we do know, we will have to stand before the Father and give an account. We can't come with excuses of I didn't know because if you are reading this blog you know. We can't come with the excuses of I didn't have anyone to go to, because if you are reading this blog you have someone to go to and get your questions answered. If you are looking for a church home, just let me know what city you are in and I will make some phone calls for you to get you into a church home so that you can fellowship with other believers. But don't depend on the preacher to preach you into heaven. Getting into heaven depends on you and you alone.
DON'T COUNT ON TOMORROW!!!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Straight Talk--Jan. 19, 2008
Whenever I read or study, I always ask God what it is He wants me to know for today. I allow Him to guide my hand to the place in the bible that He wants me to study or meditate on for my fellowship time with Him. This morning I was drawn to Proverbs 5. I study out of the NKJV of the Nelson Study Bible and the heading for Proverbs 5 read "The Peril of Adultery". I thought "WOW"! How appropriate for the time that we are living in, when it seems as if people do not take the sanctity of marriage serious. For this day and age, it seems as if marriage is just something to do or a cover up for a baby that is on the way.
The author of this Proverb is a mother who has given instruction to her children. She warns her son of fooling with an immoral woman. But we know that this transcends gender and applies to men too. The mother starts out describing an immoral woman (man) as such:
"her lips drip honey and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end
she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two edged sword" (vs 3-4)
I liked to fell over when I read that because this mother hit it right on the head and the same description applies today. The entire Proverb talks about how easily one can be trapped and lured into the clutches of a setup.
I urge you to read this Proverb on your own as I am only going to give you some nuggets.
The Proverb goes on to say that "Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers" (vs 15-17)
As I was reading this God began to speak several different things to me.
>>>>>>1. We are so nonchalant about having sex with so many different people. I have heard folk say "Can't no one man/woman satisfy me" What in the world is that? God warns through this mother's knowledge and understanding, that you don't go drinking from everybodies well or fountain. You only drink from the one that belongs to you! Do we not know that when we "drink from other folks well or fountain" that we get the bacteria that is in that fountain or well? Or we think that just because we put a filtration in there to catch some of the bacteria then it is okay? Let me break it down for you.....every person you sleep with (drink from their fountain or well) you take a piece of them with you internally. Not just bodily fluid because the condom (filtration system), but a piece of their spirit (or spirits because if the person is going around sleeping with all manner of persons then deliverance has obviously not taken place). You also leave them with a piece of you (backwash from the drink). God intended for this to only happen between husband and wife as they grow with one another and grow in Him. These exchanges were meant to stay holy and sanctified. But because we have allowed perversion into our midst (church folk and leadership willingly doing what the world is doing) you see countless persons with STD's, people dieing of AIDS, you see children being born from father's and mother's who are married, but not to each other. All of this is in the church! I am not talking about in the street! Women and men who have 3 and 4 kids by 3 and 4 different people. "Should your fountains be dispersed abroad?" (vs 17) Should be sleeping with anybody who tells you that you are cute? Should you be so easily swayed and trapped? NO!!!
But then we ask the question, God why do I keep attracting these type of people? I am sooooo glad you asked!!! Look at verse 22 and 23 " The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly."
When I read this God spoke so clearly and said this: "The devil knows the desires of your flesh. He watches and studies you. Just as I know the desires of your heart, your flesh screams out to him because it wants satisfaction. This is why I say, to die from your flesh daily. The devil is not gambling, he is not taking shots in the dark. He sets in your path the things that your flesh is crying out for. If you have been recently delivered from something, the devil is still going to tempt you with it in order to draw you back in. When I tell you in Psalms 91, "He who dwells in the secret place (shelter) of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." What I mean is, the way I cover you and protect you is through my Word. When you study and pray and fast and meditate on my Word, your flesh becomes silent. It no longer calls out to him for that moment in time. My Word cleanses you and every time you come before me and allow my Word to truly enter in and consume, a piece of that flesh dies. This is why he tries to distract you and cause you to be too tired to spend time with me. I can't hide you if you are not in my presence and in my Word. My Word is power and it is power that he can not come against. Stay in my Word and I will stay in You----thus sayeth the Lord.
I had to take a moment right there. When God spoke that, I was left with my mouth wide open and I had to tell you what He told me. Please go back and read that Proverb and then read this blog again. Stay in God's word so that you can dwell in the secret place. A place where the devil has no power over you and you can be free, be healed, and be empowered. Stop allowing yourself to be trapped and ensnared. Know who you are in Christ and recognize what you are without Him. I encourage you to pray this prayer:
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I thank you now for who you are in my life. I know that I haven't done all that I should or could and I ask your forgiveness right now. Help me God to understand your Word and not to be intimidated by it as the enemy would have me to be. I want to be in your presence and I want to be a son/daughter that you are proud of. Teach me oh God, how to be loved by you, that I may love myself and not accept anything less than Godly love from another person. Give me the strength oh Father, to stand firm when the enemy comes to ensnare me and get me off track. I love you Lord and I thank you for loving me! In Jesus name I pray--Amen.
I encourage you to subscribe to this blog so that you will automatically get updates as they are posted.
The author of this Proverb is a mother who has given instruction to her children. She warns her son of fooling with an immoral woman. But we know that this transcends gender and applies to men too. The mother starts out describing an immoral woman (man) as such:
"her lips drip honey and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end
she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two edged sword" (vs 3-4)
I liked to fell over when I read that because this mother hit it right on the head and the same description applies today. The entire Proverb talks about how easily one can be trapped and lured into the clutches of a setup.
I urge you to read this Proverb on your own as I am only going to give you some nuggets.
The Proverb goes on to say that "Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers" (vs 15-17)
As I was reading this God began to speak several different things to me.
>>>>>>1. We are so nonchalant about having sex with so many different people. I have heard folk say "Can't no one man/woman satisfy me" What in the world is that? God warns through this mother's knowledge and understanding, that you don't go drinking from everybodies well or fountain. You only drink from the one that belongs to you! Do we not know that when we "drink from other folks well or fountain" that we get the bacteria that is in that fountain or well? Or we think that just because we put a filtration in there to catch some of the bacteria then it is okay? Let me break it down for you.....every person you sleep with (drink from their fountain or well) you take a piece of them with you internally. Not just bodily fluid because the condom (filtration system), but a piece of their spirit (or spirits because if the person is going around sleeping with all manner of persons then deliverance has obviously not taken place). You also leave them with a piece of you (backwash from the drink). God intended for this to only happen between husband and wife as they grow with one another and grow in Him. These exchanges were meant to stay holy and sanctified. But because we have allowed perversion into our midst (church folk and leadership willingly doing what the world is doing) you see countless persons with STD's, people dieing of AIDS, you see children being born from father's and mother's who are married, but not to each other. All of this is in the church! I am not talking about in the street! Women and men who have 3 and 4 kids by 3 and 4 different people. "Should your fountains be dispersed abroad?" (vs 17) Should be sleeping with anybody who tells you that you are cute? Should you be so easily swayed and trapped? NO!!!
But then we ask the question, God why do I keep attracting these type of people? I am sooooo glad you asked!!! Look at verse 22 and 23 " The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly."
When I read this God spoke so clearly and said this: "The devil knows the desires of your flesh. He watches and studies you. Just as I know the desires of your heart, your flesh screams out to him because it wants satisfaction. This is why I say, to die from your flesh daily. The devil is not gambling, he is not taking shots in the dark. He sets in your path the things that your flesh is crying out for. If you have been recently delivered from something, the devil is still going to tempt you with it in order to draw you back in. When I tell you in Psalms 91, "He who dwells in the secret place (shelter) of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." What I mean is, the way I cover you and protect you is through my Word. When you study and pray and fast and meditate on my Word, your flesh becomes silent. It no longer calls out to him for that moment in time. My Word cleanses you and every time you come before me and allow my Word to truly enter in and consume, a piece of that flesh dies. This is why he tries to distract you and cause you to be too tired to spend time with me. I can't hide you if you are not in my presence and in my Word. My Word is power and it is power that he can not come against. Stay in my Word and I will stay in You----thus sayeth the Lord.
I had to take a moment right there. When God spoke that, I was left with my mouth wide open and I had to tell you what He told me. Please go back and read that Proverb and then read this blog again. Stay in God's word so that you can dwell in the secret place. A place where the devil has no power over you and you can be free, be healed, and be empowered. Stop allowing yourself to be trapped and ensnared. Know who you are in Christ and recognize what you are without Him. I encourage you to pray this prayer:
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I thank you now for who you are in my life. I know that I haven't done all that I should or could and I ask your forgiveness right now. Help me God to understand your Word and not to be intimidated by it as the enemy would have me to be. I want to be in your presence and I want to be a son/daughter that you are proud of. Teach me oh God, how to be loved by you, that I may love myself and not accept anything less than Godly love from another person. Give me the strength oh Father, to stand firm when the enemy comes to ensnare me and get me off track. I love you Lord and I thank you for loving me! In Jesus name I pray--Amen.
I encourage you to subscribe to this blog so that you will automatically get updates as they are posted.
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