Walking A Thin Line

As I have not ‘arrived’ at perfection, I continue to grow in The Word. As I receive more revelation, I find myself repenting more and more for things I’ve done in like, the last week . Of course, that’s not saying everyone needs to do that. Maybe you’ve already got it! But now even more so as I've been reading, listening to multiple ministry messages online and meditating scriptures that I've read probably 100 times before but- The Lord is revealing a whole new side of the Word to me and I'm just in more awe of Him! When I see these things I’ve missed it on, Of course the first thing I do is 'make it right' with The Lord; then I make the decision to change my old thinking, or habit or action that I previously thought was acceptable. I want to walk out into the light of revelation I just received. Some folks say- well -uh- it's not always that simple! Sure-I need to work on that but, But what? Really? Why fight it ?You just repent and DO IT! Stop the excuses! Time is a-wasting folks- and the clock is running out! If God said it and it's in 'the Book' and We see how we’ve been in error cut it loose NOW! Why in the world would anyone want to remain in that erroneous attitude or place and jeopardize their relationship with the Almighty God another moment? Hellloo - are you Listening? If we want to see God’s glory manifested in our midst, we must heed and do the Word of God. We must be willing to obey Him. If we want to experience the glory of God in this generation, we must do our part. How do we do that? First, we must be committed to God and obey His Word. After God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt, He gave them instructions : “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation . . . ” ( Exod. 19:5–6 ). God is still saying that to His people today. If we will keep His Word, there is no limit to what He will do for us. But we must do things God’s way, not our way. We can’t live in sin or follow our own desires and claim the promises of God. It won’t work! We can’t blame God for what happens when we don’t obey His Word and WE open the door to the enemy. In John 15:7 , Je sus says, “IF ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Only when His Word is abiding in us and we are abiding in Him do we qualify to ask what we desire and to see it accomplished. When we know who we are in Christ, we will experience victory. God wants to be involved in every area of our lives. He wants to take care of our needs and heal our hurts. As we believe and DO His Word, we will receive whatever we need from Him. God wants to reveal His glory in our midst. As the children of God, we have everything to do with God’s Glory being manifested in our midst on a regular basis. We have everything to do with the move of God in our churches. If we give ourselves to God and obey His Word, He will give to us more than we could ever imagine. Keep pressing in! Do NOT let people or circumstances draw you out nor dissuade you from your task and Gods plan for you. Remember- We are always on His mind. As we grow and mature in these things- He is able and ready to pour out His anointing on people who trust Him, believe Him, and are diligent to do His Word. Amen! And Amen! Love each and every one of you that takes the time to read this word!🤗❤️Stay Blessed!

Relationships As Pastors, we see so many folks in broken relationships these days. I personally believe it’s partly because they rush into ‘feel good’ relationships simply because they want to have ‘someone’. Neither party fully understanding ‘commitment’ but sometimes seeing themselves as having ‘conquered’ another person’s freedom. Convinced somehow in some twisted idea of having or holding ownership of someone else makes you a better person. Just because a lot of people see their friends have ‘someone’ they think they need to grab up whatever/whoever comes along first so they’re not on the outside looking in. In my life’s experience and observation of people, I believe a big part of these ideas stem from sheer loneliness (driven more and more by social media and isolation). It could also start from the ideas of needy or co-dependent people that don’t know how to be happy and content with just themselves. Having personally gone through broken relationships far in the past I can tell you; genuinely Loving someone is not OWNING them ! Nor is it control or making demands of the other person. In fact, these three things have nothing to do with being committed or succeeding in any type of healthy relationship. After 30 years in ministry and 35 years of marriage I’m certainly not an expert but I’m no novice either. As young people tend to get excited over the passion and attention of a suitor, physical emotions can become the dominant voice. A genuine relationship with someone can be an amazing rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, laughter, and tears. Flashes of annoyance, even anger. Moments of feeling so wonderful and complete to find someone to be with that truly cares. Being able to Rely on another person without fear of betrayal. 1Peter 4:8-10 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.... In this day and age, actually in my opinion, for the past 30-40+ year’s casual sex has become a ‘pacifier’ or a ‘band aid’ of a sort for a lot of individuals (young or more mature) that can’t seem to handle being alone or are incapable of ‘making it on their own’. Whether it’s coping with the stress of any given day or the need to be held and nurtured for a brief period of time. The body was not created to be a type of currency for exchange of payments for a favor, nor for control or for financial gain. My generation was taught basic morals in that ‘being’ with someone, required some sort of commitment to the other person. It wasn’t just an option or cure for boredom or amusement. Now, I’m certainly not saying this never occurred. Exchanging casual ‘favors’ for money has been around a lot longer than we have but it was done with discretion and was not as ‘socially accepted’ as it seems to be now. Morals and standards have been lowered distinctively in the last few generations. A Love in Life is meant to be so much more than having a warm body sleeping next to you, so you are accepted or ‘fit in’ with the world. It’s being in a responsible relationship and being accountable for your actions all the time. These are learned traits of character and behavior that have long ago been dropped from the ‘parenting’ equation in probably 80% (I’m guessing) of American households today. Instead of being taught abstinence our kids are equipped for safe sex ‘techniques’ to ensure ‘accidents’ are kept to a minimum. The natural body that was intended to be ‘sacred’ has been used more as a temptation, influence or even a means to gain or have control in a relationship. Sadly, people are finding out too late that a young person’s innocence can be expected for payment or as a bargaining tool, instead of given out of love, respect, and commitment for a lasting relationship. I could get into more detail on the subject however, it would be a whole new chapter of thought. Getting back to the subject of lost ideals in a relationship; Keeping a commitment has been made out or confused with ‘total’ surrender of one self’s ideas and losing oneself to the rule of another individual. That’s just not true. What it really means is not giving up but setting aside your own selfish ambitions at times so someone else can ‘shine’ in the moment. It’s endurance, (long suffering) and having respect for each other’s feelings or desires ALL the time, not just when it’s convenient or if we feel like it. It’s putting effort into each day to be kind, caring and sometimes apologetic if the situation arises. Not always because we’re wrong but because being right isn’t as important as our support in the relationship. 1 Cor. 13:14 Do everything in love... It’s being willing to sacrifice and compromise with each other so neither lose themselves by giving up everything. It’s discussions without dictating or ultimatums. It’s encouragement and giving of ourselves at any given moment without any strings of expectation attached. It’s working together as ‘one’ to accomplish common goals, Requiring separate roles sometimes, yet in harmony together for an agreed upon result! It’s not being ashamed of holding hands in public or fear of being perceived as ‘weak’ because of offering assistance to help each other or giving in. It’s being sure both have time for their own personal space or interests on occasion even if they both don’t enjoy the same interests. More importantly it’s keeping a strong foundation of The Word of God and His unconditional love in our hearts so we can communicate and LISTEN to one another without criticism or judgements. We can be there as a safe place or sounding board for each other when thoughts or ideas erupt and sometimes get so convoluted, we have to speak out to sort them out. It’s going through the tougher times without putting blame on each other but moving forward for a solution, as a team to weather life’s storms and pulling closer together instead of pushing away or being more content by being apart. 1Cor 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. God created us male and female. We are each one separate yet able to be ‘as one’ with the ‘right’ person and we can work together through life in total harmony and unity. Not with one better or greater than the other. Our Heavenly Father loves each of us and cares deeply for us. Some folks are satisfied being alone while others are not. No one is superior in their choice. If Each of us have a special relationship with The Lord, we will know which choice is best for us. And He will give us our hearts desire at the right time. Don’t let others nor life’s pressures push you into a certain way of thinking. Don’t let the world dictate a relationship. If we listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His leading, we will find our hearts desire is always found in Him. Regardless of whether we walk through this life single or beside someone else. It doesn’t matter who on this earth is part of our natural life. Our strength, trust and joy should always come from Our Heavenly Father. Not from any man or woman. Our dependence and focus as children of God is on Jesus Christ. He said He will never leave us nor forsake us. ( Heb 13:5 , Deut 31:6 ). Find comfort and rest knowing The Precious Holy Spirit of God is our refuge and our safe place so we are never alone.