Making It Plain

This blog originally served as refreshers notes for my children. It then became larger than that when people outside of my family asked me questions about my belief system. The biggest question that posed opposition for me was, why aren't you married, yet? I paused and took a deep breath thinking with all of these entries, the answer would be obvious. A pastor of a well known ministry incorporated in his sermon that when he was dating he asked the Lord what sort of wife he wanted. He had a list of what he expected her to look like because it is what he found he was attracted to ( James 1:11 AMP ). She had to have a certain complexion, tiny in the waist, wide in the hips and shapely legs. Assuming he thought it not necessary to ask that she be a born again believer; it was one of the things he seemed not to mention. When he saw his wife to be, he was at a loss for words. He was so pleased with who he knew was perfect for him. Eventually, the pastor's now wife would begin to prea...

Sympathy, empathy, passion, and compassion; these are feelings or emotions we have not only as Christians but as people. People believe, as Christians, we received an extra dose and they will try to use these emotions against us. Having the idea to do such a thing is evil. Entertaining such evil and making plans, even within one's mind, gives residence to the enemy ( Proverbs 24:1-3 KJV ). As true believers, you have to be aware of such devices ( Proverbs 10:23 KJV ). You have taken the time to study the Word and repeat a variety of verses that would serve you in everyday application. That which you desired came about, some didn't, and created an obstacle against what you expected. You learned to do as the Word tells you and examined yourself. In so doing, you saw your spots and /or wrinkles in your armor, garment, mind, and/or spirit and did some crucial housekeeping so that you could be found blameless in that day. That process is pleasing to God. You can sense that ( Hagga...

In the dating process, we will eventually come to a point of wondering why continue with dating this particular person. Naturally we make assessments. Spiritually, by which we walk, we seek peace with God. This would be the mature thing to do; however, there are those times where we think this is our personal sitcom acting as if we are doing them a favor by even spending our time with the person we are dating. This is arrogance and in that state where arrogance takes over. The conversation changes where questions that arise to ask might very well be suggestions much like the first woman dealt with while residing in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-13 KJV). The suggestions, whether you consider the Garden of Eden or in what is asked on a date, is indicative of not trusting in God. So watch and pray before speaking (Mark 14:38 KJV) . Yes, that's right, this is a warning! You have no idea what hornets nest you will be swatting at when asking such probing matter that has either been ...

I was watching a couple on some reality T.V. program as he had a discussion with her about marriage. He was interested in her but still had some issues as to where her mind was with their relationship and making a full commitment. So he asked some half hearted proposal; like, "what if I asked you to marry me?" Why would any woman answer that question? This same question was asked of an older woman but with a man having the same issues as the couple aforementioned on a different show. She looked at him and said, "I dont know, why don't you ask me." He sheepishly smiled and didn't ask. Now with both of these scenarios I can almost feel the tension of both men and women wondering if they should go ahead and answer the question as it was presented or don't bother asking at all. In both cases the answer would be no, don't answer the question and don't even ask. When I was 13 this 17 year old guy use to come around my mother's home to see me ...