THANKful

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever." --Psalms 107:1


Many times it's so hard to feel thankful for where we are in life.  It's so easy to look at what we do not have.  So many times we feel stressed out, overworked, underpaid, unnoticed. We feel like we need more money, more notoriety or recognition for the things we've done. Our house isn't big enough, our job isn't good enough, we don't like our bodies, or we just feel displeased with our lives in general.   Its easy to focus on ourselves, while not realizing that many people may have it worse than we do.  We have to realize that this life that we have is not only a gift from God, but a gift to others.  Our lives are not really all about us.  They are about other people.  That is what Jesus gave us an example of during his time here.  Sure, life can be discouraging at times, but if we give up there is no telling what gift we are depriving the world of.  Is it our laughter? A witty invention? Our peaceful demeanor?  The world needs it.  Do not let a spirit of ungratefulness and selfishness derail you from God's purpose for your life.

We have to develop a mindset of thankfulness.  One of the reasons that we get so down about where we are, is because we take the little things for granted because we are always focusing on the big picture. We forget the fact that we woke up this morning, or we can breathe easily, or that we were not in a car accident, etc...  Sometimes we forget how great we actually have it.  Even though there are things that we all want to accomplish in life, there are still many great things that we have already obtained. We should be able to point out something to be grateful for at all times.  Even if it's something small.

 Another thief of joy and enemy of thankfulness is comparison.  We compare our jobs, our homes, our cars, our bodies, and so on...  Why is that?  Is there a standard for what success really is?  Some people would love that small car you have.  Someone without a house would rejoice for that "modest" home in which you live.  Those are blessings!

Having a grateful attitude is a gateway to a blessed life.  Do not ever discredit the "small" blessings you have received, looking at the "big" things that someone else has.  You don't know what they did to obtain those things they have anyway.  What if it was by illegal means?  You never know.  Never look down on yourself or where you are in life either.  God can use where you are to be a testimony for others to overcome one day.  He causes even our mistakes to prosper.  I encourage you to make a list of all of the things God does in your life this week, big and small and then sit back and be GRATEFUL for all that he has done.  We are so very lucky BLESSED!

Here is how Webster defines thankfulness.  Great illustration!

Thankful: Glad that something has happened, that something or someone exists, etc.
:of, relating to, or expressing thanks.
1: conscious of benefit received <for what we are about to receive make us truly thankful>
2: expressive of thanks <thankful service>
3: well pleased: glad <was thankful that it didn't rain>

Grateful: Feeling or showing thanks: feeling or showing thanks to someone for some helpful act.


Examples:

• We are thankful that someone else was footing the bill for the lavish wedding banquet
• I am thankful for all your help

Synonyms: Blissful, delighted, gratified, happy, joyous, joyful, pleased, satisfied, glad, tickled

Advice for "Nice Guys":

I wanted to share this with anyone out there who identifies himself as a “Nice Guy”.  There are many frustrations associated with that tag and sometimes it can be discouraging, but don’t give up!  It’s worth it in the end.   I read somewhere that “Bad Guys” are just “Nice Guys” that gave up.  Seems very true, but don’t let it be you.  Here is some advice for you that I think will help out a lot. 

 #1) You don’t have to agree with everything a woman says to win her affection.  No woman wants a “yes” man.  That’s why she won’t date you.  You’re being a pushover.  STAND on your own two feet and MAN UP!  It’s okay to have a differing opinion.  It helps you grow. 

#2) Be balanced.  Be nice, but not TOO nice.  Don’t give her your life savings and you’ve only known her for two weeks and she barely speaks to you. 

#3) Tell a woman you’re interested in her early on.  In fact, right at the beginning if you’re sure of it.  Know what you want and go after it.  Specific goals are easier to obtain. 

#4) Be honest with yourself. Are you being nice just to get something in return?  Don’t be nice to a woman just so she’ll date you.  That’s dishonest and misleading.  It makes you look like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.  At least the “jerks” are straight up about their intentions.  Make sure your motives are pure.  Evaluate yourself.

#5) You don’t have to get something in return just because you did something nice for someone.  If you change a woman’s tire she doesn’t owe you her hand in marriage.  Just change the tire and keep it moving.  Be nice because it’s the right thing to do not to gain the advantage. 

#6) There are nice girls out there too that get overlooked.  Be sure that you are not mistreating a woman that is your friend.  You reap what you sow.

#7) Sometimes you really should ONLY be friends. There is nothing wrong with having friends of the opposite sex, even if they are attractive.  We can learn a lot from having friends of the opposite gender, which will make us better and more understanding spouses in marriage. 

#8) Don’t get mad when a woman calls you to tell you all of her problems.  She thought you were her friend and that’s what friends have to do sometimes.  If that is not the position you want to play, then tell her you no longer want to have that friendship. Don’t stick around in hopes that she will one day fall madly in love with you because you’re just  SOOO understanding.  It’s a waste of her time and yours.  Just be real.

Ladies, if you are reading this, you have no excuse to take advantage of people either.  If you don’t like a guy, don’t make him think you do.  Also, stop putting up with less than decent men and blaming it on the decent ones.  That has gotten very old.  You deserve God’s best.  Understand your worth and choose accordingly. 

It’s time for both MEN and WOMEN to mature where dating is concerned.

As my pastor said today “I’m the righteousness of God and everything I need will be attracted to me”.  I believe that this applies to health, finances, and relationships as well.  As long as you know who you are in Christ, everything that you need will be added unto you.  Matt. 6:33.

Bottom line: Be honest. Be real.  Don’t be afraid to tell a woman NO. (Or anyone else for that matter).  Make your intentions and interest known up front.  Don’t be misleading.  Be a genuine friend and don’t mistreat others.  Appreciate the value of having friends of the opposite sex and help each other find your mates.  It’s not always about YOU.  Married people understand that you have to live for someone else and not just live to fulfill your own needs.  That is just lust, which is just plain selfishness.  Overall, don't be discouraged or ashamed of being a genuinely nice person.  Your spouse is out there and they are closer than you think.  God bless!

Here is some encouragement for nice guys from a woman's perspective.  Enjoy!

Liebster Blog Award

I am so very grateful to receive a nomination for this award from Paula!  Her blog is entitled "Grace Made Me" .  It is full of great inspirational articles and resources to empower you on your Christian walk.  Please go check it out!  http://hisgracemademe.blogspot.com/




Liebster is awarded to blogs that have less than 200 followers. The Liebster Award allows fellow bloggers to show gratitude and to network with each other. It also gives readers access to even more awesome blogs to follow! 

Here are the guidelines for accepting the award:

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
2. Link back to the blogger who awarded you.
3. Copy & Paste the award to your blog.
4. Nominate 5 blogs to receive the award.
5. Inform them of their nomination by leaving a comment on their blog.

I am recommending the following blogs for The Liebster Award:

1. The Bleeding Pen
2. Painted Glory
3.Women, Know Your Worth
4. Some Things Sound Better in Ink
5. Let Me Inspire You

Single Women in the Church: The Issue of Submission

I was talking to some of my older brothers in Christ at church the other day and I received some great insight on marriage and submission.  One man was telling me how powerful and strong his marriage is because of the way his wife is submitted to him.  You see, I asked the question of "Why are there so many single women in the body of Christ"?  Now I know there may be a number of reasons for this such as, selfishness, not being ready spiritually, mentally, emotionally or physically, having trust issues etc...but submission is the key. Of course, the husband has to submit to the wife as well, and this particular gentleman is very submitted to his wife.  More importantly, they are both submitted to God and are leaders in their respective ministry areas.  This conversation however, opened my eyes to the power that a woman holds when she submits to her HUSBAND (not boyfriend or someone she is dating).  When she operates in the spirit of meekness, she operates in unlimited power.

The Bible tells us the importance of submission in Ephesians 5.  Let's take a look. It says "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; " (Ephesians 5:22-25).  So as the word says, we should submit to each other as the Lord desires us to do so.  That goes for the man and the woman.  A lot of men take that scripture out of context to manipulate women, but we must submit one to another in Love as Christ loved the church.

When a woman chooses to submit, she chooses to WIN!  There is NO man that will turn down a woman that is ready to submit.  Many argue that this is why some black men date white women.  While I am not sure if those motives are true, it's definitely not far-fetched to think that may be a part of it.  Personally, I look at the person and what is on the inside, not the skin color, but that's another discussion.  Anyway, submission brings about peace in the household.  When two people are not constantly arguing about who's right or wrong there is the presence of calmness and agreement.  There is no longer such a strong spirit of anger, strife, and anguish.  Forgiveness and Love abounds in a peaceful relationship.  The two of you can grow together a lot easier and overcome challenges with greater success.

The man that I spoke to at church has great testimony of how much success he and his wife share.  They are debt free in their personal lives and their ministry areas at church continually grow with people that are eager to serve alongside them as well as give into their respective ministry areas time, finances, resources etc...They are so BLESSED.  I believe that this is because they have tapped into the power of submission.  They are people of prayer and always acknowledge how God is the forefront of their lives.  Submission to God FIRST is the key to a successful marriage.  I even watch their relationship at church and have heard the husband tell his wife he LOVES her and show it as well.  There is so much RESPECT between the two of them.  Respect or the lack thereof is another reason that so many women in the church are single.  So many times they just do not respect men anymore.  This has to change if these women ever want to be married.  Doing what you want to do and being disrespectful is not the way to get married.

Sometimes you have to submit even when you think the man may be wrong.  Don't argue with him, let God correct him.  When a person finds out they were wrong they become apologetic and you now have the power.  That is what submission can do for you.  Men must make sure to do their part in the role of submission as well.  The scripture says "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: " (Ephesians 5:28-29).  So men must Love and cherish their wives as themselves and their own flesh.  He should treat her how he would want to be treated, because women reciprocate what they are given.

An important factor to note is that the man that I spoke to at church is an excellent provider.  He has a great job, is a man of prayer, treats his wife with respect, does what she requests of him, and is a leader at church.  When a man does his part, then it is easier for a woman to submit to him.  So ladies, make sure the man is being obedient to God and you can feel at peace when you follow him.  Also, submitting in the form of cooking, cleaning, not yelling back and forth, etc...will always make a man submit to you a lot easier.  Everyone knows the saying "the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach".  This IS and always will remain true.  So ladies, it doesn't hurt to throw down in the kitchen.  I have heard testimony of men that did not initially like their future wives until they mastered the kitchen.  So please believe you me, that a man LOVES a woman that can cook.

So let's prayerfully consider the power of submission.  It is pleasing to God that both men and women submit to each other in the union of marriage.  We can do this!


Below is a video from Shanel Cooper-Sykes about the power of submission from a woman's perspective.  Take a listen.

Many are the Afflictions...

Is Satan messing with you?  The Bible tells us that many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19).  Satan feels threatened and afraid when a Christian discovers their worth and whom they are.  When a Christian gets real about their faith Satan knows that he cannot stop them from obtaining EVERYTHING that God has for them.  Just remember that greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).  Don't let Satan's predictable distractions sidetrack you from your destiny.  Continue to operate in the fruit of the spirit. " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23).  We must maintain our composure when going through trials.  Stay focused. 


Don't stop standing on God's promises.  The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Cor. 10:4).  You do not wrestle against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).  He honors his word and it will not return unto him void (Isaiah 55:11).  If he said that he will do it, then it will come to pass! It is finished, settled, done!  So when Satan begins to attack you just get excited, because that lets you know that you are on the right path.  Praise God in the midst of your circumstance, it will confuse the enemy!    They will think "why is he praising God with so much going wrong"?  It is because that's what people of faith do.  We praise in the midst of trouble because we know that we have already won.  No matter how it looks, because we walk by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7) Here are a few things to remember when you are under attack from the enemy.


What you are going through is part of being a Christian.  "12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." So don't feel like something unfair or wrong is going on.  Get used to the fact that as a Christian you will be tested and tried.  Be glad though, because there is glory to be had from your endurance!

What the devil meant for evil will turn around in your favor just as it states with Joseph in Genesis chapter 50 "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive. "(Genesis 50:20)  So, even when people think that what they are doing can stop you, God can make a wonderful end out of it. Their wicked plans and schemes will not work out like that thought it would.


While you are being persecuted, pray for your accusers.  Even though it may seem hard, you must pray for your enemies. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" (Matthew 5:44)  Even Jesus spoke on behalf of his enemies. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." (Luke 23:34)  Do not hold malice against those that come against you.  Sometimes they do not even realize what they are doing.  When you hold anger and unforgiving feelings in your heart it only blocks your own blessings from flowing.  You overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) Besides, vengeance is the Lord's anyway even though we should not wish that on anyone.  Instead we should pray that God have mercy on their souls.  "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19)

You win! God has your back! He loves and protects his children.  He will see that they are successful. "So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. " (Isaiah 59:19)  The spirit of the Lord will come in like a flood against the enemy on your behalf!  That is so wonderful to know he has your path established.  He warns "[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." (Psalm 105:15) So he truly wants the best for you and will always honor his word.

Your trial is just the test before the testimony and you will be so much stronger and closer to God when all is said and done.  Don't let your trials determine your future.  Use your experiences to grow in faith.  "[We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; " (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) It is not over until God says that it is over.  Keep pressing toward victory!

Finally, when you have done everything that you can in the natural just STAND! Let God put his SUPER on your NATURAL to do the SUPERNATURAL!"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)

ABC's

I have a poster in my room with this written on it.  I do not know the original author, but I feel like it's a good set of instructions so I'm posting.  Please take a look.

To Achieve Your Dreams Remember Your ABC's

Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits
Believe in yourself
Consider things from every angle
Don't give up and don't give in
Enjoy life today;yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come
Family and friends are hidden treasures;seek them and enjoy their riches
Give more than you planned to
Hang on to your dreams
Ignore those who try to discourage you
Just do it
Keep trying ; no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier
Love yourself first and most
Make it happen
Never lie, cheat, or steal;always strike a fair deal
Open your eyes and see things as they really are
Practice makes perfect
Quitters never win and winners never quit
Read, study and learn about everything important in your life
Stop procrastinating
Take control of your own destiny
Understand yourself in order to better understand others
Visualize it
Want it more than anything
Xcelerate your efforts
You are unique of all God's creations; nothing can replace you
Zero in on your target and go for it

So, there it is and I pray it blesses you.  Remember though, that with any advice or words of wisdom always listen to what God tells you over anything else.  His voice should be the most important thing in your life.  God bless!

Don't be ashamed!

There are a lot of people out there both male and female that are not sexually active and some that are even still virgins.  I just want you to be encouraged today that there is nothing wrong with that.  Do not let pop culture and society tell you that you must have sex in order to be somebody.  That is a lie straight from the pits of Hell.  You are a completely unique individual.  You are not "weird" or "lame" or a "square" because you choose not to participate in sexual activity.  Of course you are going to be peculiar to the world because you are representing Christ and making wise decisions.  Anyone that calls you those names is probably jealous that you have avoided the pitfalls of premarital sex and fornication.  The Bible tells us to flee fornication anyway "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." 1 Corinthians 6:18 Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, therefore we should not sin against it.  You should never feel ashamed for honouring God "Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." 1 Peter 4:16

When you have sex outside of marriage you are putting yourself and others at risk.  You could contract an STD or get yourself pregnant ladies and guys you could have the responsibility of a child before you are ready.  The the cycle of fatherless homes then begins and continues to infect the community.  This often leads to violence, jail time, or early death.  Not to mention that some of these individuals have not been given a strong foundation in the things of God because their parents are still developing themselves.   Many of us are faced with the pressures of sexual temptation everyday.  We see it on television and in public on a regular basis.  The world would have you believe that it is the norm and that since everyone is doing it that it is okay. It is another tactic of Satan who only wants to separate you from God, but praise the Lord that he Loves us anyway and we have freedom through Jesus Christ! (John 8:36)

Men, anytime a woman tries to tempt you into sexual activity, do not be ashamed to say NO!  You may even have to run sometimes as Joseph did in the Bible (Genesis 39:7-10).  You are not weak if you have to do this.  You are just being honest with where you are at the moment.  If a woman calls you "gay" or a "punk" because you refuse to have sex with her, just shake the dust off your feet and keep it moving.  I would rather her call me names that are not true than to end up jeopardizing my walk with God.  I cannot give in when there is a great woman out there waiting for me. Plus, you will feel worse if you fall into sin with a woman and create a "soul tie".  Show her your strength by saying no and refusing to give in.  Don't be afraid of losing her, because if she can't respect your walk then she is not the woman for you anyway. Besides, if she is calling you those names then she is disrespecting Jesus as well, because I did not read any account of Jesus fornicating in the Bible.

Women, do not let a man manipulate you into sexual activity. He may even call you names like "church girl" or what have you, but do not fall for it.  A man may also try to convince you by saying that he can make you a woman by having sex with you.  The ONLY one that can make you a woman is God through the blood of Jesus!  If a man is speaking to you that way he is trying to manipulate you and play on your weaknesses or fulfillment issues.  Do not allow this to take place.  Some women feel like they have to be with someone in order to feel important or fulfilled, but that is not true.  If you have to, just get a pet or something, but do not get into a relationship with the wrong man! I repeat. Do not get into a relationship with the wrong man! Guys, you should not be with the wrong woman either. You should be equally yoked. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14

If you are not participating in sexual activity your life is a testimony to someone.  Yes, it will seem hard or like everyone is laughing at you. That's called persecution and it's usually an indication that you are on the right path.  You may even experience persecution from those in the church or your family as well, especially as a male because so many people feel like a male is supposed to be sexually active.  This has been a way of proving whether or not your son was gay, especially in the black community.  That is not of God and you are not gay just because you are being obedient and honouring God with your body by abstaining from sex.  Remember also, when you honour God he will honour you as well and put you on display (1 Samuel 2:30).  So let them say whatever, because God does the rewarding. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9

For anyone that has participated in sex, you are a testimony as well.  God uses you in a mighty way to steer those who may be headed down the wrong path to the truth.  The word says that "[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1  So you do not have to feel condemned about your past life. When you repent God puts it into the sea of forgetfulness anyway as the scripture says "He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:19  The only one who tries to bring up past sins is Satan because he is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).  So, just rebuke that clown and go on about God's business.  Your testimony will help someone else overcome (Revelation 12:10).

So do not be ashamed because you do not have a sexual presence in the world.  Just be sure that you are serving God with all of your heart and he will take care of any area of lack in your life "Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase." Job 8:7.   Do not let others persuade you to get off of the path that God has laid out for you.  Do not grow weary, tired, or depressed from your journey, because that is only a trick of Satan to make you believe that what God said will not come to pass.  Remember, Satan is the father of lies and there is no truth found in him (John 8:44).  It may seem like your work is in vain, but don't give up "But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:57 

Check out this video entitled "I will wait for you"