There seems to be some question in so called Christian circles as to the "role" of the Man/Husband in the home. I suppose rightly so since so many homes are broken and good examples of the marriage covenant are difficult to find.

I do a great deal of writing on a Christian Singles forum and am amazed at the attitude of some women and what they will and will not "allow" from a man. I wonder why they are so desperately looking for one.

I am also amazed at how women have thrown men in some little box in their mind and cannot understand that confining him does not bring the best out in him.....even married women seem to do this with little hesitation. I have come to the place where I despise the phrase;

"Well you know how men are!"

I find that truthfully men are exactly what we women have forced them to be. Not that he is not also responsibile for this mess.....but this she does out of her own fragmented soul...and self presevation, self protection.

Not discounting that many women have been wounded by men, trust violated......but the case is also true in men. I love to heal broken women, but I weep sometimes when I meet a great man who has been broken by a woman. He may hide it better then she does, but it's still obvious, at least to me.

I have been divorced for two years. In this two years I have met a number of men who are amazing MOG..(men of God) but I prefer calling them GodMan! Not one of these men who have shown an interest in me (romantic or friendship, or ministry wise) have wanted to railroad me into some silly little box and tell me I cannot "be." But they have strongly encouraged me to press on into all that I am in HIM. Many of them have even taken opportunity to paint a picture with words of what they see in me that is beyond who and what I am right now. Yes, and some have even walked away realizing they are not ready or equipped to walk with me, we remain good friends.

Oh sure, a few have proven they simply valued themselves and their life more then mine,  and desire me to come join them in marriage and be their partner, supporting their ministry and call, with out much thought to mine.

But how thankful I am for the many others who have recognized my call and are willing to stand beside me. I prefer team ministry, not solo....not only with a marriage partner, but in ministry in every realm.
I am a team player.

I have been involved in some pretty heated discussion on a certain forum and have made some "Christian" enemies it seems. Mostly over the subject found in Ephesians 5......
Eph 5:23
 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church;....and, Eph 5:26  that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

It seems there is a devil loose (I call him jezzy) and it does not want the husband to have his place given to him by/through/in Christ.

Why are women so fearful of the the word "rule?"  I will not water down this word for a woman's comfort......but I have come to some understanding why women demand the man's position (as though she is equipped for it.) I understand her frustration and fear...but, 

 Greater still is the sweet revelation of Ephesians 5 and its fruit in our lives and in the blessed union of Husband and Wife. 
'Following is one of my forum posts;

.FREE TO LOVE .
Eph 5:25-33

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."   32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. NKJV

I believe her question was…. how does the husband sanctify the wife through the washing of the water of the word? 

In verse 32 we find that the Apostle states that this is a great mystery ….this correlation of Christ and the church…but “never the less let each husband love his own wife as Christ loves…..obviously the work of sanctification here is through love. 

If it is a mystery to the writer then how much more to we whom the Holy Spirit did not give this revelation? We must then seek the Lord and search His word for the answer through the rehema word….Life producing revelation.

As I was reading this passage again the answer seemed to be within the passage. (I love how the Lord hides it away and then suddenly begins to open it when you least expect it. “How does the husband sanctify and cleans His wife with the washing of the water of the word?”….could it clearly be stated in verse 29?

29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.....

I offer this passage from the Message Bible also…it clearly speaks....

Eph 5:22-33
22 Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. 23 The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. 24 So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.
25 Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church — a love marked by giving, not getting. 26 Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, 27 dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. 28 And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor — since they're already "one" in marriage.

29 No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds and pampers it. That's how Christ treats us, the church, 30 since we are part of his body. 31 And this is why a man leaves father and mother and cherishes his wife. No longer two, they become "one flesh." 32 This is a huge mystery, and I don't pretend to understand it all. What is clearest to me is the way Christ treats the church. 33 And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband. 

It is imperative that we recognize that no where in this passage is the husband admonished to “save” (as speaking of her salvation) his wife but to sanctify and cleanse. (Again a mystery.)

Further to say that the husband cannot sanctify the wife is to call God and His word a lie…..and then twice …. As according to 1 Cor 7:13 there is another occasion of sanctification

1 Cor 7:13-14
13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.  NKJV

Both in Ephesians and in 1 Cor the word is exactly the same….as it is also in 1Thess. 5

1 Thess 5:23
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. NKJV

If I choose to be unbelieving that the husband can sanctify according to Eph 5, then I must also disbelieve that the believing spouse can sanctify the unbelieving one. If this be the case then the unbelieving wife who desperately needs this promise is left straining for a glimmer of hope that will change her desperate situation.

I am privileged to believe whatever portion of truth I choose from His Word. In fact isn’t unbelief the big battle after all? Nothing is received from Him but by faith. Belief ~ being convinced fully persuaded, faith~belief in action!

Heb 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. NKJV

Heb 11:1-2
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. NKJV

 It is absurd to say that we can do what only Jesus can do….although, (greater works then these shall ye do,) we may try to explain, water down those greater works but let’s face it we haven’t really seen them YET!

And He said through the Apostle John:....
1 John 4:12-19
12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us. NKJV

Possibly our problem and the reason so many single people stay single and marrieds are unfulfilled is not about leadership, rule, headship, anointing, grace, gifting, teacher, position, authority...... as much as it is a lack of LOVE. Where love abounds fear is conquered.

Love is what releases the work of sanctification. It’s not what I demand must be so in the role of my mate, but how far and deep into “love” with my mate I am willing to walk and let him walk with me.

The same as with my Savior…the more I understand and receive His love the more He cleanses me and the deeper my healing. The more I understand and receive my husbands love…..the greater healing flows to/through me.  The absence of love….. the presence of fear..... limits God, limits man, limits me!

1 Peter 4:8
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins. NKJV

I choose to set MEN free!

We cannot comprehend such grace given in Eph 5 or 1 Cor 7 possibly because fear dominates us more then we knew, and we have not experienced or comprehended this level of love especially between husband and wife, an mostly likely not in our marriages.

What love the Father has bestowed upon us! 

(My Friend Your thoughts are most welcomed in line with thread of love.)

Boaz Cometh! My kinsmen redeemer…..Isaac arises from the Altar with Laughter! Sweet provision, sweet healing….I shall be my Beloved's and he shall be MINE! Blessed Union.

 (Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be Done Father!)

Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. 2 Peter 3:8 

Tell me!
.. ..

In light of this verse, is it possible that one day of righteousness in my life is seen by Jehovah as a thousand years? I mean is it possible that on those days that it seems all is well in my life (according to my own understanding and sanctified conscience of course) that He views that day as a thousand years that I have walked in HIM this way. And on the other hand, how about those days that I blow it! (Not considering “righteousness teachings.”  “Unconditional love,” or “grace theories” right now, just working from this verse as if I knew nothing else.) But is it possible, He has chosen to view my “days” of sin as “one day” while he views my righteous days as a thousand years?

Only God could walk here and see in me what I may struggle some days to see in myself. Only God could see with this kind of faith and only He has the ability to choose how He will view me, as He sees through eyes of absolute faith. “He” also is confident of this “very thing” He started this good work and He will bring (keep at it) to completion.
.. ..

It is too much for me to even imagine that my Father never has an instant of doubt about me. I stand fast in this though; without His salvation, I would have many days held to my account that would be equivalent to thousands of years of unrighteous ungodliness. Because of Him, through Him, in Him my best days throw my not so good days off balance. Mind you, I am an advocate of daily repentance, by which “we” keep the righteous path open and our own heart tender. Oh! I am moved with the deepest, heartfelt appreciation and I am immensely indebted to Him, as I will never have to stand before Him in filthy rages, rancid and stained with sin. My sin was judged and forgiven, my record cleared, my hope springs and blossoms eternal. Because of this, I want to obey Him; I want to keep His commandments. 

If He could and would choose to do this for me, (I’m thinking) how much more would HE do it for YOU? 

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Phil 1:6
.. ..

PLEASE DO ME THIS FAVOR IF YOU LOVE ME, please mercifully comply if you care....Please don’t make excuses for me if /when you find me missing the mark…..or more frankly “in sin.” Remember I made that choice all by myself. Instead, remind me that I have an advocate, an intercessor and He is ever crying out, declaring with every temptation I face, “There is a way of escape!” Remind me that "without holiness no man can see God." Please! please! don’t be overly understanding if you find me in a compromising condition, if you are you may destroy me and trap me in a thousand years of my sin….PLEASE be my “Life Saver!” and throw the scarlet thread to me…..it will rescue!
.. ..

Let him who is godly reach to gently and humbly help me back onto the “right path.” Don’t ever leave me in my mess to go my own way or do my “own thing”…Help me fulfill a few thousand years in His sight as one recognized as practicing Godly, Holy, Righteous living! Anything less proves you do NOT love me as He Loves!
.. ..

Forever Grateful…
EVEN SO, COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS!

I shout with joy the beginning of this New Year. I bless the Lord with my praise for all He did throughout 2008 to provide and care for me in setting His hand upon my life, ministry and family.  Not only has He richly blessed my life with His constant attention, but He also set others around to show how interested He is in me and my outcome. 

I found it a cruel fact that when you are in ministry and hit a wall, enter a difficult season with questionable situations it is usually difficult to find another preacher who will reach through the wall to help and undergird. This is to our shame as co-laborers.

I live in a city where gossip is the norm throughout the church and it doesn't take long to hear what is happening in a minister's life especially a "pastors" life. I learned in living in this city that there are very few pastors who attempt to reach to another pastor who is broken. I watched to see who would reach to me in my most desperate times… either by phone, text, email, or visit…..not much activity was found….but much accusation was carried. One may say "why didn't you ask for help?" To that I say when you are caught in a place of reproach either by your choices or someone else's, the church is not favorable to leaders in these situations and therefore is it difficult for broken leaders to cry for help. To many times accusation and rejection are the responses to the cry for help. May God deal with us "Leaders" to be as willing to reach for one another as we are to reach for the sheep we shepherd, or sinners we encounter. 

I just happen to be one who believes in giving honor to those who go beyond themselves and take a chance to stand with and help a co-laborer, even putting their own reputation on the line.  As I struggled through my long ordeal of watching my marriage be destroyed, and fighting to hold it together, then it ending... while taking the full responsibility of a disappointed broken congregation, there were "appointed ones" who entered my situation and fulfilled their season of time in my life.

When you are in ministry, having been a leader for years, and your marriage covenant is violated and ends, it is not only personally painful but it also releases horrendous assualts against every fiber of who you ever thought you were and every truth you have believed is bombarded with continual confusion...for me, it was as if every waking moment the devil screamed vile accusations against me and God.  It mattered not to me if someone would enter my life if only to tell me where I failed…..I simply desperately needed someone to help me. I can find that place in God for change if change is needed, no problem. But, if you have my answer, please don't tell me my problem without giving me what I need to change. I asked God where the caring ministers were. I WAS DESPERATE! 

Please now let me give honor where honor is due!

Pastor Les Bowling: of Columbus Ohio, thank you for coming to help salvage a couple you barely knew and for giving of yourself and your finances to come to reach and to counsel.

Pastor Mark Briggs: of Shreveport LA. Right here in my own city…you were the only pastor in Shreveport who reached.... Thank you for doing all you could do and for your prayers as you and your wife tried to walk us through to victory. Then you stood with the church and helped us get on with a new start. Thank you for your counsel and friendship, thank you for your confidence in me.

Evangelist Elaine Hollmer: of Fort Payne AL. for your prayers and counsel and continued friendship, thank you for your encouragement and confidence in me. Thank you for recognizing the cause, the "why's" and the destiny of my life. 

Evangelist Dallas Burleson: of Denver CO. Thank you for praying for your "eternal" friend. I love you. You know and understand and you remain my cherished friend. 

Prophet Scott Hicks: of Shreveport LA. When you walked into my life and moved on my scene you were absolutely God sent. Your words of wisdom and strength have held me up, and your prophetic utterances have kept faith and hope alive even as it speaks to the Apostolic in me and to my natural life. You were there in the prescribed season…You are a cherished friend. 

DR. BILLY J. O'NEAL: of Nashville TN. (now deceased) I miss you.  Thank you my Bishop for all you saw, all you recognized, all you knew, your solid wisdom, your constant concern and guidance, your leadership and your sincere friendship. My how we laughed. Your counsel helped me through numerous days of confusion, hopelessness and helplessness. You were always an encouragement to me and my family and staff… and kept laughter flowing.
 

John McDonald: of Ashland VA. My new Kingdom Friend who speaks truth and helps me sort out the misconception I have had during this long season….speaking Word truth.

Revivalist David Hammock: of Raleigh NC. Another new friend….thank you for your wisdom and the peace that conversation with you brings to me due to your knowledge of the "why's" in systems of thought… and sharing your "deep" convictions and like precious faith….for your passion for revival that stirred the embers of His fire again within me. But most of all….thank you for being my friend and acknowledging what you have recognized in me ….somewhere, sometime our revival paths shall cross or at least our friendship paths will. 
 

Don Kremer: of Cheyenne WY….an old friendship renewed. You always saw, you always knew and at the appointed time He placed upon your heart to search for me until you found me and spoke to the depth of my call with your urgings and your emphatic knowings of who I am and what I should be doing and then pressing me to do. 

And then,…..on that day when I attended the "Home going" service of my dear friend, Bishop Billy J. O'Neal….somewhat fearful for my life as my Bishop had left…..God had something else in mind. I went for one purpose He had another. I am so grateful for "divine connections." 

Bishop Ray and First Lady Aimee Clute: of Gulfport MS. Our aggressive, fervent prayers have brought us to this divine connection. Bishop your friendship and prophetic insight blesses my life and has helped to set it on course once again. I am headed for something brand new; I am released into the flow of "God" purpose. On that day, He caught you in a moment of pain and held you steady so that our paths would come together and ever since a divine relationship has been established and my heart is more and more healed. Thank you for being real and for recognizing what and who this vessel is. Thank you for listening to Him and to me and for searching out the heart of God for me. Thank you for helping to establish me in the Apostolic and for the transfer of anointing and the mantel that has been released. I am on my way again and greatness waits before me…not the greatness judged in man's eyes but the greatness of the fulfilled "perfect" will of God…. That for which I was born.  The two of you are my eternal friends. And thanks for Cinderella's Dream!

To all:
Each of you have aided in my healing and restoration. Each of you held your place in my life on the path until your part was done and He released you. I wish some could have stayed longer, why you could not I do not know but I know you move with the Father. All is well and you were faithful. Some were short friendships but there will always be a connection, but most of you will always be dear eternal friends. 

This is my public thanks to each of you for all you have been to me and my children and to my church during these two years. Every one of you counseled and said the same things to me. Each of you acknowledged the hand of God in it all and why it had to be. None of you know the others but you all spoke the same words from your gifting, anointing and godly wisdom…truth and the heart of God was confirmed over and over.

Thank you so much…..you proved to me that there are real ministers of love who choose to be true friends even in the ministry, in spite of the mess. I love you all as you are "for real."

May God reward the way you ran to rescue my life. May He pour out uncontainable blessings upon you and your family and your every endeavor. 

 Because of you….HE RESCUED ME!

I will eternally love you!

Father please reward them this year for the seeds they have sown toward me!

There are many new ones who have joined us.... some who have returned... and we love you and are so glad you came…..wish you knew what a miracle we are, and what a miracle it is to have you join the team. 

Blessings to all. May your Christmas by unforgettable this year.

NOW, HIS LOVE /HIS PROVISION....inexpressible, unbelievable, inconceivable!

Zangy Graphics


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This does not count as a new blog from me so hold on those of you who are asking when.......???? I'm on my way!

Meantime, I love this and read it often...a "strait talk" reminder!!!!!!! How I wish I could take credit for such wisdom!

Pastors

If we would heed these words and return to convictions, we might have revival, but as long as we listen to the comfort seekers and tolerance preachers the Church is damned with powerlessness.

--Pastor Dustin M Dale


HOW TO PREACH WITHOUT CONVERTING ANYBODY by Charles Finney


Preach on every doctrine that centers the attention on man rather than Jesus. Teach every doctrine that makes man the center of God's attention rather than God the center of man's devotion. Tell people only what God will do for them.


Avoid preaching about the necessity of a radical change of heart, through the truth revealed to the heart by the agency of the Holy Spirit.


Avoid preaching doctrines that are offensive to the carnal mind, so that no one should say to you, as they did of Christ, "This is a hard saying, who can hear it?"


Make no distinct points, and do not disturb the consciences of your hearers so that they may become truly alarmed about their souls.


Avoid all illustrations, repetitions, and expressive sentences that may compel people to remember what you say.


Avoid all heat and enthusiasm in your delivery, so that you never make the impression that you really believe what you say.


Make appeals to the emotions, and not the conscience, of your hearers.


Do not stir up uncomfortable memories by reminding your hearers of their past sins.


Denounce sin in a general way, but make no reference to the specific sins of your present audience.


Do not make the impression that God commands your listeners here and now to obey the truth. Do not let them think that you expect them to commit themselves right on the spot to give their hearts to God.


Preach salvation by grace; but ignore the condemned and lost condition of the sinner so that he never should understand what you mean by grace, and know his need of it.


Preach the gospel as a remedy or a cure, but conceal or ignore the fatal disease of the sinner.


Make no appeals to the fears of sinners; but give them the impression that they have no reason to fear.


Preach Christ as an infinitely friendly and good-natured being. Ignore those scathing rebukes of sinners and hypocrites which so often made His hearers tremble.


Do not rebuke the worldly tendencies of the church, so that you should never hurt their feelings, and finally convert some of them.


Admit, either obviously or casually, that all men have some moral goodness in them; so that sinners should never understand that they need a radical change of heart, from sin to holiness.


Say so little of hell that your people will think that you do not believe in its existence yourself.


Make the impression that, if God is as good as you are, He could not send anyone to hell.


Make no disagreeable reference to the teachings of self-denial, cross-bearing, and crucifixion to the world, so that you should never convict and convert some of your church members.


Encourage lots of church socials, and attend them yourself.


Aim to make your hearers pleased with themselves and pleased with you, and be careful especially not to wound the feelings of anyone.


Make sure you avoid preaching to those who are present. Preach about sinners, but not to them. Say "they," and not "you," so that anyone should never take your subject personally, and apply it to their own life, Securing the salvation of their soul.


Preach that the new birth is something God deposits in people, not a fundamental change in the ultimate purpose of our lives. Never tell people that they must cease from serving self and serve God and do His will.


Preach that man is totally unable to obey God. Teach him that no one can turn to God, but he must wait upon God to turn (change) him. Make sure that no one realizes his true responsibility requiring him to repent in order to be saved. You never want anyone to know that man can turn from sin to God but the real problem is that he will not!


Preach that every one is born a sinner and a criminal. Teach that every baby is born guilty before God. You never want anyone to consider the fact that man is born morally innocent. You do not want anyone to know that he becomes a sinner because, in his rebellion, he has refused to love God with all his heart according to the light and has selfishly sought his own happiness above all else.


Preach that a person can be saved without making Jesus his Lord.


Teach that holiness is just an option and not a requirement of the gospel. Teach them that they can be Christian without becoming true disciples.


Preach eternal security in such away that requires no perseverance in faith or continuance in holiness on the part of the believer. Make every person think he has his ticket to heaven that is all paid for so that he will always safely scoff at all calls for repentance and righteous.


Teach Christians that sin is a normal and natural part of their every day life and that they can never truly expect to ever overcome sin through the power of Christ.


Preach that no Christian needs to do anything. Teach them that they are safe and heaven bound even if their lives are disobedient and rebellious.

If there is anything that irritates me it is friends of convenience.....those who are there so long as you are doing something for them….. even if it is just verbally inspiring them. These are the ones who enjoy your spirit, your gift, your talents, and your wisdom so long as it benefits them in their agenda. But, when it comes to recognizing your value...they have no clue who you are and often try to devalue you in your own mind....again to accomplish their own agenda.

I am also weary of men who do the same....even those who call themselves Christians and or ministers. I would rather hang out with a total "sinner" yes I used that word...then to waste my time with a Christian who cannot recognize my value.

If you cannot recognize the cost of the oil in my alabaster box and the weighty price that was required of me for this oil...then you do not qualify to walk with me either in friendship, business, OR ministry and certainly not in a "love" relationship. If you share your accolades with me but then show me by your actions that you have no clue who and what I am nor can recognize with honor the anointing I have paid a huge price to carry or the value of this gift in your life.....YOU DO NOT QUALIFY for my time, effort, or investment......and you are certainly disqualified from seeing into the depth of my heart.

I will be polite to you, but you will have no entrance into my life to truly know me.......there will be no insight into my soul.  How sad for you....you might be surprised at what you are missing. Men often say to me "you are very guarded".......wonder why......wonder if there is one who truly recognizes my value and the purity thereof? I am weary of men who are all WORDS! Your actions and attitude will prove to me what you believe about me. I am not a commodity but rather a pearl of great price that one must search out as a hidden treasure. There may be many fish in the sea...but only one carries the valued treasure that releases life at a higher level......even Jesus taught us that. There may be many offers, hundreds of opportunities but only one life fulfilling prize on the journey.

You may have been one who was trusted and allowed into my life but then dishonored my value......for that you disqualify yourself.  So, whether you are male or female... my value is too great to throw myself cheaply into relationships of ignorance.

My eyes and heart remain open in search of true friends.......those who stick because they know my value in their life.  

HAVE A NICE DAY!

Extraordinary People

Extraordinary People experience extraordinary highs and extraordinary lows.

Their highs are very high………..their lows….very L O W

If you have extraordinary gifts, talents, calling, destiny you can expect to experience extraordinary testing.

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I wonder at humanity especially in the church…..you know that that calls itself born again, or Christian…

I wonder in amazement….that those who are doing "nothing" have much to say in criticism toward those who are doing "something"…whether that "something" is large or small in the opinions of man…..matters not…..it's still something…….


And, those who flirt with the world of sin, criticize those who lay their life down for A Saviour.

I wonder that….. in beginning season the leader is adored then…..in enduring season… abhorred.

So it is a true prognosis: If I am intoxicated by the accolaides of others then I will surely die by their criticism. If I get my high on their flattery….I will surely fall fatally low with their distain. This week it may be "Hosanna!"…. and next week there may be shouts to "crucify!" Why is it true that the ones you help the most often cry out as the strongest advocate for your death.

These things amaze me….

The mantle of Joseph: such wisdom, to interpret dreams; no, not merely to interpret, but the uncommon wisdom of solution. So extraordinary his ability that it moved him from prison to palace in one day. So extraordinary was he that his Father loved him and favored him BEYOND…….but his brothers(?)… Proof you can be loved and favored by your Father and yet hated by every one of your brothers…. How strange these things are to me.

However:

You can't be great until you've come "through" something great!

You cannot take the plunder until first you have fought the battle …..

AND WON!

You will never be an excellent leader until first you excel at following…

Following is not…"the crowd"….it is standing beyond all odds in obedience with the appointed leader….who against all odds follows God.


 Oft times in our heart we come to distain that leader, for whatever imperfections we have spotted…..but the charge is… having done all to stand ….. excel, STAND SOME MORE…American Christians are ignorant of leadership refined by fire, so followers follow the wind from here to there….. to wherever comfort lies.

You will never shine like gold until you have been in the Refiner's fire.

The hotter the fire the greater the "hire."

So, I ask you, why do I get ensnared with the opinions of man? How is it that the trap of comparison is always laid on my path?….ah yes, hidden under the burning bush I presume.

For it is not wise to compare ourselves among ourselves. Ever notice how we compare churches, ministry, gifts, talents, anointing, preaching, teaching, graces, family, marriage, children, self, crowds, manifestation, prayer meetings, "revivals", prophecies, word of knowledge, lifestyle, sin life, past, present, destinies, assignments, etc…..(some will even compare this writing)

If one continues to compare there can be only negative results..

Comparison will lend you.......either condemnation……. or pride…

Confusion…. or false justification….

Failure……or inflated success

What can I say about the character of my Father who never compares me to another human, only to Christ am I compared.

So now, my choice…..to gain my focus once again….

To set my gaze on the Author and Finisher of my Faith

To Run this race with Joy

To finish "my course"

To press toward the mark

To gain the prize

To obtain the "high call"

To conform to HIS Image

To be transformed in mind renewal

To have the faith of God

To love as He

To know HIM in …..

Yes, this is where I start!