Sunday, January 29, 2012

What Type of Woman Are You? PART 3!

Naomi & Ruth: Mother and Daughter in Law LOVE


It took me awhile(four days) but here it is! Part 3. The finale of the series. Three is such a powerful number; FATHER, SON, HOLY SPIRIT. (:


I could go on and on about relating Biblical stories to our own lives but. . .I'm not. Think of this as a class power point. It contains great info, but you'll learn a lot more if you read the Book for yourself. God is calling us to study His Word and develop a deeper relationship with Him. This mini-series was written to jump start or refresh  (depending on where you are in your walk) your desire to obtain knowledge.


Please get out your bibles. I enjoy the NLT version but you read whatever works for you. (: I'm summarizing the bond between Ruth and Naomi. It spans 4 chapters in the book of Ruth. God is calling His daughters to possess the positive characteristics of these two women!


Chapter :1 Shows me Naomi's character. She was a strong woman (verse 6), who knew how to take care of herself.(verse 8) She thought of others before thinking of herself and even spoke blessings in Ruth and Orpah for new husbands! (verse 9)
Naomi gave her two daughter-in-loves the option to go back to their birth families. Orpah decided to leave but not Ruth. I can't say that I fault Orpah but I do admire Ruth for remaining with Naomi. Note that the young  women waited until Naomi brought up the subject before speaking about it. (verse 14) Naomi was a well respected woman.
Anywho, Ruth was also a strong woman. Maybe she learned this from her mother-in-love. She willingly left her familiarity and followed Naomi to a land unknown by herself. (verse 18) I wonder why she decided to remain with Naomi? Did Naomi treat her better than her own family? Did she feel bad for Naomi? Ready for a fresh start? Whatever the reason(s), her decision to go with Naomi definitely deepened their relationship.
Chapter 2: Look at Ruth! She is such a humble woman! Not afraid of hard work and being a provider AND she asked Naomi for permission.(verse 2) Ruth looked to Naomi for love, care, and guidance.We need more Naomi's for the lost Ruth's of the world! And because Ruth was the type of woman she was, she had an immense amount of favor on her life. She stepped out on faith by going with Naomi and God rewarded her. He preordained the chain of events in her life. She didn't just happen to begin working for a man of God like Boaz. Boaz didn't just happen to notice her and the type of work she did in his field.God placed her there for a reason. He put her in a place where she could be provided for. The Lord knows EXACTLY what He's doing. Boaz was blessed to be a blessing; he blessed Ruth and Naomi tremendously.
Apparently it was a big deal to be able to dip her bread in his wine. (verse 14) I am glad she had that privledge!
Verse 16: FAVOR!
Verse 19: BLESSINGS!
Verse 23: Hard worker! Meek! Humble! She must've had a rough upbringing because she did not mind hard work.
Chapter 3: Once again, Naomi thinking of others. (verse1) In the beginning of this chapter, Naomi was preparing Ruth to give herself (not like that. .well not until they married anyway) to Boaz. They could not longer afford the upkeep of the land so they needed a redeemer to purchase it and keep it within the family. (Verse 5) "I will do all you say". Ruth really saw Naomi as a mother, a wise, virtuous, respectable woman, otherwise she would not have gone through with the events of the night.
Verse 8: Stretched at his feet- Ruth knew what it meant to be submissive/humble. PLEASE NOTE: She is not acting in this way with just any man. Boaz is a man of God; successful, kind, hard working and I didn't read about any baby mama drama. We should not "lay at the feet" of any type of man.
Verse 9: She may have been humble but definitely not shy. She proposed!
Verse 10: Aww, she made him feel good about himself.
Verse 11 reads "Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman." (=
Chapter 4: Biblically  speaking, men of status and leadership sat at the town gates, surveying the area and watching for any enemy attacks. So, I'm guessing Boaz had a little clout with him.
Verse 4: Why did Boaz word it that way?
Verse 9-10: Good grief, you had to announce all your business in those days! Now we just choose to.
Verse 11-15: Wow no haters, they live in a wonderful area. Everyone is so happy for them (=
Verse 16: I am glad that little Obed brought Naomi out of her negative way of thinking when it came to herself. Grand-babies tend to have they effect.
Verse 18-22: Look at that bloodline!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

What Type of Woman Are You? Part 2

Samaritan Woman- From Sinner to Evangelist...in one day!

Oh, how I enjoy this story! (: First off, she is talking to JESUS!! FACE TO FACE!! Secondly, talk about a reality check? Jesus checked her! It was in love and for her own good but He told her just like it was. I don't understand how people look over this story when they say things like "Jesus never rebuked sinners only Christians."

For those not familiar with this story, Jesus meets and forever changes the life of a Samaritan woman...with conversation.

Verse 1-6: Jesus is on His way to Galilee from Judea. The distance travelled to Samaria from Galilee was between 5 and 6 hours. So yeah, I can understand why He would be tired. It was probably hot too. And you know those sandals had little to no support for His feet.

Verse 7: I believe He was expecting her. (: ....Also, he said "please" (: . I love Jesus!

Verse 10: My God! My God! If she only knew!

Verse 11: I can tell that she was a quick witted woman. Her response was immediate but in the middle of her response, her mind began to process what she'd just heard. "Where would you get this living water?"

Verse 14: Yes!!! NEVER be thirsty again!!!

Verse 15: She still speaking of well water. But she was about to get just what she asked for. The LIVING water.

Verse16: "Go and get your husband" . Jesus was testing her. Although He knew what she would say, he wanted her to know WHO HE IS.

Verse 17: She gives an immediate, honest reply. This small dialogue shows me that she is a strong woman. Jesus knew that He couldn't approach just anyone in this manner. With some people, you have to ease into a rebuke. But not her. She could dish it out and she could take it.

Verse 18: If His response isn't a reality check, I don't know what is! Can you imagine someone you've never met telling you about this part of your life in your first conversation with them? She knew He wasn't from around there and that her people didn't socialize with His people....and 5 husbands??? I'm not sure if she was optimistic about being a wife or afraid of being alone.

Verse 19: See what I mean, strong woman. Sharp woman. She knew His knowledge was God given. She didn't break down crying or deny it or run away. She faced Him head on. She was probably accustomed to dealing with all types of things being said about her and her past. This was just another day. But based on the character of Jesus, she knew He was different.

Verse 20: I wonder how long she'd been waiting to ask that? She sensed in her spirit that something was wrong with the division. How can we serve the same God, the TRUE LIVING GOD but forced to do it in separate places?

Verse 21-24: SPEAK IT LORD!! TRUE WORSHIPPERS!! He was saying things to her that many probably didn't know. He knew that she would go and spread the "Good News" so He was equipping her at this time! (:

Verse 25: I know the Messiah is coming-the One who is called Christ....the Messiah just DID explain everything!

Verse 26: HELLO !!

Verse 27: They knew better...

Verse 28,29: She forgot the entire reason she went to the well ! Her reason wasn't the REAL reason at all.

Verse 30: So the people came streaming from the village to see Him. Look at the evangelist at work =) . . . .how were the people so willing to listen to her? Maybe that's the first time they've seen her excited about anything? Maybe she was at one time related to most of them by marriage?

Verse 34:38: Jesus is speaking that Word!

 Verse 39-43 reads
 "MANY Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So He stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear His message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” "

AWESOME! People are still saved in this way. They want to know what all the hub bub is about Jesus. Once they open their hearts to Him, they are forever changed! The know that He is INDEED the Savior of the world.

Some of us are called to do an evangelistic work. Our past may not be pretty but something within us tells us that we are here for a reason; that we matter. That is God tugging at you! God had given her and us, a responsibility to get the Word out in our areas.
Her repeated failed marriages were to men who were obviously not for her. They may have carried a familiar spirit which she attracted, unbeknownst to her. They became a part of her testimony which Jesus used  for His Father's glory! And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

Monday, January 23, 2012

What Type of Woman Are You? Part 1

This post is the beginning of a teaching series meant to help us learn more about the women of the Bible. They are real and once walked the earth just as we are now.  They may have spoken a different language, but our ways are very similar to theirs. Although some of us feel out of place, know that nothing is new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)You are not the only one feeling the way you feel. Also, know that others are or have experienced what you are going through this very moment.

Today's post is about Delilah. Take note of any familiar characteristics that you possess. Enjoy! Get your Bible out to follow along with my commentary.  I used the NLT version (=

Delilah- Gold Digger Extraordinaire

The story of Delilah is covered in Judges 16. For those not familiar with the story, she is Samson's love interest who betrays him. The betrayal  results in  his capture and death.
She first appears  in verse 4. Based on verses 1-3, Samson didn't seem to be the monogamous type. He stayed with a prostitute but only until midnight and then leaves carrying the town gate doors with him. (apparently, just because he could. ) This tells me that Delilah had to be really good at what she did to have him fall in love with her. Note that verse 4 reads he fell in love with her, not she with him.
Verse 5 reads "The rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, 'Entice Samson to tell you what makes him so strong and how he can be overpowered and tied up securely. Then each of us will give you 1,100 pieces of silver.' " Question: why are the Philistine rulers comfortable enough with Delilah to ask her that? Did she appear to be money hungry? Or appear not to be in love with him? Or did they put her on assignment to woo him from the very beginning?
Verse 6:Immediately, she goes to him and poses the question. Straight forward, no beading around the bush. She possessed confidence, for sure.  
Verse 7 has me asking: Why lie about it, Samson? Why not say none of your business or ask her why she wants to know? He was so cocky in his strength (recall carrying the gate doors) that he didn't mind putting on a show for her.
Verse 9-12: Apparently he thought it was a game she created. She asked and tested his responses not once but TWICE by this point. Dense much, Samson? He was so vain and confident in his physical strength that he didn't spend much time on his mental strength. He really thought he was invincible.
Verse 13: Wait, weave his hair into a fabric? Is this the first recorded sew in? Note:It does seem as if she was wearing him down a bit. He came a little closer to the truth with this one.
Verse 15: Uh oh, the pout face. Delilah was good. I'm sure she practiced that face for a good while before unleashing it on him. And then she threw in " how can you tell me 'I love you'...I told you , she's a professional.
Verse 16: Talk about persistence! After using "the face" and "the line" and still not getting the results she wanted, she went to the extreme; getting on his nerves. She aggravated him to no end. He probably said" Look here woman! If I tell you, will you finally SHUT UP!"
Verse 18: Boy, those Philistines wanted him dead. She cried wolf so many times, it's a wonder they even listened to her anymore.
Verse 20: "..he didn't realize the Lord left him." Man, that's tough! I'll tell ya another thing he failed to realize; who Delilah truly was.
Verse 21: Captured with his eyes gouged out?? OUCH
Verse 22: "But before long, his hair began to grow back." (How long is "before long"? His hair must've grown like grass...just like Reggie and Zion.

That is the last we hear of Delilah. Her story didn't even span 20 verses but boy, did she do some damage. I'm sure she was "on to the next" with silver in hand.

Samson was probably looking for her to "hold him down" while he was on lock down, but he had no such luck... I wonder if God revealed the conspiracy to him during his prison time.
Samson did die during captivity but only after killing over 3000 of his captors with his regained God-given strength.

Delilah had pros(yes pros) and cons. On the upside she was driven, and capable of pleasing her man.  Unfortunately she was also money hungry, thirsty( I guess I used that correctly), manipulative and cold hearted (among other things). If only she could've dedicated her time and energy towards the Lord and not money. You cannot serve both. (Matthew 6:24)
We should be sure that we are not sent on assignment to distract our mate from what God has for them. It may not be as serious as death but it can still be very serious. Men are sometimes one sided in their thinking (as Samson was about his strength). It is our responsibility to be the help meet and not take advantage of their weaknesses. We all will reap what we sow. God knows and sees ALL!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Do We Know What We Are Talking About?

Not too long ago, my property manager (at my temporary, secular job) brought up a point that people only quote half verses from the Bible. She said it in humor - as she does with most things - but it was very true. Some people like to think of the good stuff but not the work that needs to be put in or the responsibility that is required with what they are saying. Futhermore, half quoting could mean only getting half of the revelation, half of the blessing. Note: have you ever met someone and you saw so much in them, more than they realized? Well that's what God shows me in her. She is going to do a MIGHTY work for the Lord.



Anyway, this conversation slipped my mind, until God brought it up again for the sake of this article. In the example mentioned by my property manager, the verses were separated by few books. During my research, I found that often times, verses written together are not spoken together.  With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I came upon scriptures that are quoted often. These are verses that I've heard and even quoted myself not realizing that I was only hearing and saying a PORTION of the message. We are required to read the before and after to get the full revelation of what God is saying to us. Also, reading for ourselves will eliminate us quoting "verses" that are NOT actually Biblical.

Listed below are a few examples of highly quoted verses that don't include the before or after verses.

Ex. 1: 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT reads "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline." How should we use what He's given us? For His glory, of course! "So NEVER be ashamed to tell others about the Lord. And do not be ashamed for me, either, even though I'm in prison for Him. (This is Paul speaking.)With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News".


Ex. 2: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13) This is true! But where was Paul, getting this revelation? How did he know this to be true? Read verse 12."I can live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in EVERY situation, whether it be a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little."(Phil. 4:12)  Reading this verse makes this verse a testimony and not just words of hope to someone else. He's not speaking on anything he didn't experience!


Ex. 3: Used for rebuke and as an excuse: For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. (Romans 3:23) KEEP READING! "YET GOD, ( !!!! ) with undeserved kindness, declares that WE ARE RIGHTEOUS. ( !!!! ) When did this take place, you may ask?? He did through Christ Jesus when He FREED US from the penalty for our sins. (Romans 3:24) So pick that head up! Walk in your righteousness! You are free!!


Ex. 4 John 14:2 Reads "There are more than enough rooms (or many mansions as worded in KJV) in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" Most of the time, only the beginning of this verse is quoted. It is spoken to give hope of what is to come. But who is it for?? John 14:1 gives the explanation: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. Jesus is speaking to those whose trust is in He and His Father. We must first put our trust in Them to have the Their promises! And verse three (3) should DEFINITELY be spoken along with verse two (2). It fills the heart with so much joy! "When everything is ready, I WILL COME AND GET YOU, SO THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME WHERE I AM." (Exclamation point times infinity!) Hallelujah!

These few examples are brought to our attentions to stir up our reading habits. God is requiring us to have a deeper understanding. Think about it: if you don't get it, how can you give it? He keeps speaking to us about the work that needs to be done! And we are well able just as Caleb said in Numbers 13! Caleb saw people in power and even giants inhabiting what was to be his people' territory but it did not discourage him! We should feel the same way!! We need to equip ourselves with the 66 books God has given us!

Monday, January 9, 2012

It's All For the Good

Lately, I've been getting such a chuckle out of the things we as the body of Christ choose to receive as ours. If a message is taught on INCREASE, my goodness! People are shouting, praising God and rejoicing!...hard! OF COURSE I AGREE THAT WE SHOULD, BUT THIS IS NOT THE ONLY TIME TO DO SO. These activities should also happen when we are rebuked and made aware of the error(s) of our ways. Why not rejoice when we realize we are doing or acting in something that is not of God?? (Philippians 4:4) That was just one more thing that was keeping you from what God has for you! That very thing(s) could have very well kept you from entering Heaven!

Besides, God chastens those He loves(Hebrew 12:6, 1 Corinthians 11:32). We should always be open to ways we can improve for the Kingdom. (Pray constantly for discernment to know when God is speaking versus flesh.) Personally, I do my best to soak up the teachings of my leaders as well as the messages God gives me for this blog. Like Paul, I do not want to become a cast away. (1 Corinthians 9:27)  Let's stop getting defensive and make excuses when it comes to the old things that should be past away, but are somehow still lingering. Let it or them go! We have a tendency to say "God is still working on me." Hmmmm. . . How is it that He can create the earth and everything in it in just 6 days but it's taking Him 20 years to deliver you from your lustful desires???? WHOM THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED! God is NOT still working on that issue, you are still fighting to keep it. God speaks on the consequences of not adhering to His Word in Hebrews 3:7-12.

He says we have EVERYTHING we need; He provides ALL of our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4:19) And since deliverance from certain areas is a need or required to serve Him, it is already provided. Now that is not to say that any of us are perfect ( I , myself, have big teeth and knock-knees) but we should strive for perfection in our Christian walk. When the Holy Spirit reveals things in us that need to change, get rid of it! Crucify that flesh (issue) as one of my Elders taught at our last Bible Study.

Only the children of God can receive the promises of God. You become His child by being obedient to Him.

Remember that God loves us and wants the absolute best for us. He is also a just God. He gives according to every man's works (Revelation 2:23). We are equipped with EVERYTHING we need during our earthly journey; Holy Spirit, Holy Bible and His Holy people. TRUE DELIVERANCE AWAITS! Leave the devil with his mess! Shake it off, step on out of it and kick it off your foot as you would any other piece of trash!!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Basic Training is Over!! The Battle has Begun!!

David was a wonderful man of God. I drew several :)'s in my notebook as I read about him in 1, 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. He had such a wonderful character and His heart's desire was to please the Lord.

I first read about him as a shepherd; guarding the family's flocks from harm's way. In fact, this is the way God perfected David's sling shot abilities used against Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:26-34) He did not know that those skills would be used in a mighty way; against Goliath until the time came. But when the time did come, he took action! God is requiring the same of us! Listen to God as He reveals how He's trained you in many areas of your life. These lessons will be used in battle for His Kingdom!

Getting back to David- he loved God's people and had such a humble spirit. In 1 Samuel 30:16-23 we see him defeating his enemies (because God was with him) and EVENLY dividing the enemy's treasurers amongst his warriors...including those who were too  exhausted from a previous battle to fight.

He also had a respect for God's people. He refused to kill Saul (who spent most of 1 Samuel trying to kill David) because Saul was anointed by God. Ironically, David killed the young Amalekite who killed Saul! (2 Samuel 1:14-15) David's reverence for the Lord brought about much favor in his life. Although his enemies tried to kill him...constantly, God never left him.The Lord handed David's enemies over to him as well as their possessions!

Something else that I observed (and rejoiced over) is God's immediate responses to David. Whenever David sought the Lord, He replied. Not only did he reply but in the SAME VERSE. There was no tarrying, no delay whatsoever. How awesome was their relationship- to converse with the ALMIGHTY so freely! To speak to God and have Him not only hear you, but give an immediate reply.

Might I add that Saul and two of David's sons, Absalom (2 Samuel 15) and Adonijah (1 King 1), attempted to force their ways into being king with lies, manipulation and treason. David, on the other hand was offered it. (2 Samuel 5:1-5) The elders of Israel saw the God in him and sought him to rule over them. Not every command from the Lord was easy but David completed the tasks that were given. God saw these things and was well pleased with David. So much so, that he chose David's family to always sit on the throne of Israel as long as they SERVED HIM

Did David go out and brag about it? Did he credit himself and slack off in his relationship with the Lord? Nope, not at all ! Instead, he had a heartfelt prayer of praise in which he explained his immense gratitude and humbleness to be chosen by God. He felt unworthy of all that God exalted him with.( 2 Samuel 7:18-29)

God wants to remind us of David because, like David, we are chosen as well! He delights in us also! He is releasing some mighty things to His people. Miracles are being performed and breakthroughs are here! There is so much favor coming, it will be as a mighty wave, engulfing us! He is catapulting His people in a marvelous way for one reason and one reason only: TO BRING HIS PEOPLE BACK TO HIM. 

If your time has not yet come, it's okay! Wait on God! Do not try to force your way into a calling or ministry. What God has for you, it is for you! Yes, Betty Lynn and Ricky Ray may be doing great works for God and you may feel left out but don't fret. Your time is coming! God know's EXACTLY what He's doing!

And for those who've already begun to walk in the promises of God: Heads are going to try to swell up. Chests are going to attempt to poke out but don't do it! Let's not get wrapped up in the praises we will receive. Let's not credit ourselves with the places we are going. Let's not get comfortable in the abundance we are about to receive. ALL GLORY BELONGS TO GOD. 

The things coming forth were predestined before the foundations of the world. Your prayers did not cause God to move, they just lined up with what He was already doing. Do not confuse your prayers lining up with God's will with God doing what you say. We obey Him, He does not obey us. Your obedience is what brought about your favor. Your disobedience will take it away from you. As the shifting occurs, do not slack off, but go deeper in your relationship with Him. Do not have him regret anointing you as He did with Saul.(1 Samuel 15:10) Saul turned away from God and tried to do his own thing.

We should respond to all of the wonderfulness that's coming just as David did; with sincerity and humbleness. Thank God. Praise God, Reverence God! Now is the time people! God is completing the work in you in which He began!!