That Devil Lied!!!

We are told that the devil is a liar and the father of all lies.  So much so, that when he lies he only speaks his native tongue.  No truth can be found in him at any one time.  Hence the reason why we should never allow him to speak to us.  

So I'm chilling by myself yesterday pondering my fast approaching birthday (I will turn 35) and considering all the things that I wanted to have achieved by now.  I have achieved much and I am on track with everything else except the marriage and kids thing.  Suddenly, from nowhere, I get hit by a feeling of despondency and despair and the devil begins to speak.  It took me a second to realize it was him speaking so I gave him ear for a minute.  

I start thinking that marriage will never happen.  Here I am waiting for God to hook things up in his time and the question pops into my mind, "what time?"  If I am turning 35 and he has not done it, which other time is there? Then another thought pops into my head "How about adopting kids and moving on with your life?" I'm like "Yeah!! I could do that!" then God, the voice of reason and peace breaks through all the demonic noise and says "Listen to your inner self.  Is that what you really want to do?"

So I close out all the noise and get quiet and just listen to my inner self.  The answer comes to me clear as crystal.  I don't want kids without a husband.  I want the security of marriage in which to raise my godly offspring according to Malachi 3.  What a relief to have all the crazy thoughts expelled and to know exactly what I want.  

Someone may ask, "Isn't it time to give up the notion and start working on plan B?" I have!  Plan B, C, D...Z are all the same and they are spelled out very clearly in Psalm 46:10 in God's own words: "Be still and know that I am God..."  I will be still and I will let God be God in my life.  Hallelujah! What peace!! What joy!! I don't have to worry about a thing.  My God is working it all out for me!!

Yes! I am almost 35, A Virgin and I Refuse to Compromise!!

I think the question that cracks me up and irritates me the most, at the same time, is the question about my marital status.  Everybody looks at me and wants to know why I am not married and now that I am officially in my mid thirties the question has become "When will you have kids?" I used to worry about those things and then I read in God's word that I should be anxious for nothing, but in all things I must let God know what I need and then let his peace guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7)

The statement that follows that question is usually "If you don't want a man (they assume men are a bother to me)  you should just find one to impregnate you so you can at least have a child or two to raise on your own."  I find that very interesting especially because it often comes from women who are born again.  In their minds, I am allowed to put aside my salvation, marry an unbeliever and trust God to save him, or get pregnant if I find men a bother and don't want to live with one.  Can you say messed up mentality???!!!

Many times I have been looked at as a fool for waiting on God well past the "acceptable waiting time."  I will be 35 years old in 3 months, I am still a virgin and I still refuse to compromise my faith.  How can I leave God, even for a moment, to go fend for myself on something as important as a life partner?  I trust God to know what I need, when I need it.  I trust him not to withhold any good thing from me in accordance with his word (Psalm 34:10, 84:11, 103:5).  I trust him to build me a house just like he told David he would do for him in 2 Samuel 7:11b "...Furthermore, the Lord declares that He will make a house for you..."  This same God shall make a house for me.  He will settle me in my own home as a happy mother of children.  I will indeed have a quiver full of them.

Psalm 127 is my portion indeed, for I have not waited on the Lord in vain.

 ¹Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

 ²It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

 ³Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

 ⁴As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

 ⁵Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

God will build me a house, he will give me a wonderful husband and together we will have the heritage and reward of a quiver full of children.  I am His in waiting and looking forward to marriage and my own home!

Feeling Inadequate!

Today was one of those days where I felt very inadequate as a woman. I'm talking to my BFF who is a Sanguine. She is good at showing emotion and expressing her love, good at making conversation, drawing people out of their shells etc... I on the other hand can make conversation but if you are in a shell, I'll let you stay there. I will rarely, if ever, try to coax someone to tell what they are thinking or feeling or whatever. I am not emotionally expressive and don't show love unless I feel very comfortable with you...and that could take a while.

Well, so we were talking about these guys that we feel drawn to as friends and thinking about how we can help them with some of the stuff they are doing. Here I am talking about it from the business end of things. You know? Like I can assist here and give some ideas there and she says that she will let them handle business and when they leave all that she will assist in allowing them to debrief to her. I'm like what? Here I'm talking about giving them business ideas and she's talking about being their personal psychologist!

Honestly, I have never felt less feminine than I did at that moment. I thought to myself, if this is what a woman is supposed to be like, I have so missed the plot. I almost felt like I was offering the wrong kind of help. Like I was going to be considered one of the guys and not a girl. Is this why guys are attracted to her? I really wondered about that.

Then I realized that God has made each woman suitable to be a helper to her own husband. My kind of help will be much needed when I do meet my husband. He will still be able to debrief with me and will also appreciate that I can help with business, organize the home and all the other things that choleric women are strong at. Needless to say, my self worth was out of the gutter!

Wholly Devoted To Him!

This God we serve, who can understand him? On the 15th of September I put up a blog with the heading "Would I?" talking about would I give it all up to follow him. This came out of the following passage:

Mark 10:29-31

²⁹"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel ³⁰will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.³¹But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

I have never understood this passage before. The other day I heard the Lord ask me, "Would you give up your hope for marriage and children to be wholly devoted and focussed on me?" Honestly that was one of those questions I had never thought the Lord would ask me. I have always thought I would get married. Anyone who has followed this blog for any length of time will testify that marriage is a big deal for me. So what is this now?

I heard the Lord refer me to Paul's discourse in 1 Corinthians 7. I did not have the courage to read it. Not until today. This passage is extremely difficult to read. Paul says that staying single is better than being married. I have never heard anyone, other than Paul make a case for staying single for life. I have never heard a sermon on it. It is always mentioned in passing. But what if this is what God requires of me?

The word 'devoted' keeps jumping up at me. Particularly when put as "wholly devoted." I'm hearing God saying to come out and be wholly devoted to the work for which he called me. And this passage says that staying single allows one to be wholly devoted to the Lord without distraction. Would it be so bad to remain single all my life? Jesus said that if I give it up I will, in this world, still get my reward. I believe him. This one is still up in the air. My answer is that I want to serve him in the way that he thinks is best for me.

Strangely enough I hear him asking me to make the choice. That if I choose to be married it is well and if I choose to stay unmarried it is well. There is no condemnation. But he would prefer that I focus wholly on him. There are things he can show me and use me to do only when I am single. Free will!! What to do with it?!!

2 Corinthians 8:12 says "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have"

Lord, make me willing to devote myself wholly to you. I want to be used by you to the uttermost. I feel the loss of what I would be giving up if I choose to remain single forever. Yet I want your best for me and if that means being single till death then you help me to be willing to make the choice. Not grudgingly Lord, but with joy. I am yours. All yours. Make me willing O God and have your way in me.

Father to the Fatherless

As I continue to pray that God would release me into my destiny, the Lord unfolded a different aspect of it yesterday. In all truth, I was not expecting this aspect of it to be part of the discussion. I had told God that I had entered rest where marriage was concerned and that I was never going to let it be a an issue between us. I had really began to slide into the thought that I would never be married and that it would be well with my soul. I have said it often to those around me that a man is not a need. I can live without one. But it would be good to have one. But delay is not denial!! Now I know (this is personal revelation) that if I remain single forever I will miss out on God's best for me. Yet for others, it may be that if they get married they will miss out on God's best for them. That is why I say it is personal.

The Lord led me into several prayers last night and this morning. He also asked me to put together a wish list where my man was concerned with instructions to put a seed and the list in an envelope and drop them at the altar on Sunday during the service. In the middle of my quiet time this morning I suddenly found myself missing my dad intensely. I remembered the day he came out of surgery. I remembered the day he told me that he was going to die. I remembered conversations we had in the past and how towards the end of his life he had become my confidant. I would ask for his advice and tell him what I was thinking of doing. If dad said no that was the end of it. If he said go ahead I knew that God had spoken. Many times when I was confused about what to do, or if I had two options that seemed right, I would ask God to speak through dad and whatever dad said to do is what I did. I was blessed every time. I miss that.

I remembered the day he died. I remembered his face and how my sister Gigi and I were the wailing women in the hospital. Gigi and I had such a special bond with dad. We knew without a doubt that he loved us. Even when we did crazy things and got ourselves into a mess. It was dad who always picked us out of our mire, provided solutions to our mess and punished us in love. He did not spare the rod. Not Dad!!! He would whack you good and then give you an added punishment just for effect. But his discipline was the life giving kind. His loss was very painful for me. However, I must say that God stepped in immediately to fill the gap. He became my Father in more ways than one. Even though I felt dad's loss I did not have a void or gaping hole within me. God filled up that spot immediately and by so doing preserved me in more ways than one.

This morning God showed me in the Bible of another person that had lost a parent and how God had stepped in to comfort him. Genesis 23-24 talks about the death of Sarah and how Abraham mourned and wept over her. Isaac was there too. Like me, he was weeping and mourning the loss of a parent that dotted over him, that encouraged him and loved him. After Abraham had buried her it is important to note that he saw a need in Isaac that he did not see in himself. Isaac did not realize that he needed a wife and he was 37 years old. He was probably saying like me that she was not a need but it would be good to have one. Yet his father, who represents God in this case, saw a need in his son and immediately knew that a wife would meet that need. So he sends his servant, who represents the Holy Spirit, on a matchmaking mission. He says to him "...get a wife for my son Isaac."

You know the story. The servant is successful and comes back with Rebekah in tow. Verse 67 of Genesis 24 gives the conclusion of the matter:

"Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death."

The love between a man and a woman has a comforting effect in the death of a loved one. It is no wonder then that in this time of discussing my destiny God would think of my wholeness and would see a need in me that I have not even seen in myself. What a wonderful Father he is. God takes care of every need to ensure that you are whole in order to run with the destiny that he has in store for you. I am not deceived. I know that marriage is for destiny, but how wonderful to know that God wants to comfort me after my fathers death and to use a wonderful man of God to love on me like Christ loves the Church and to become a confidant and covering for me as surely as Dad was. I know in my spirit that even now the Holy Spirit is out on a matchmaking mission on my behalf for the word of the Lord says in Isaiah 34 :16

"Search from the Book of the Lord and read; Not one of these shall fail; Not one shall lack her mate. For my mouth has commanded it, and His Spirit has gathered them."

DUMB AS A ROCK

I am the first girl of three in my family. I have two sisters both of whom are married with children. I love my sisters and we have a great time hanging together. I was saved at an early age. I give thanks for that because salvation has caused me to escape many traps of the enemy. I have been blessed in the past and continue to be blessed even now. God has given me all things that I have asked of him, but in one area he has caused a delay. The area of marriage. In that area the stillness and quietness speaks. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING has happened in that area for a long time.

My youngest sister, 6 years my junior, is legally married but her husband has never completed his traditional marriage requirements. They sent word that they would be coming home to finalize that and we were all happy to hear it, but suddenly I was engulfed by a new emotion where marriage is concerned. Embarrassment. I felt like the girl at the dance who nobody picks because she is either not good looking or is a bit too chubby. Standing at the sidelines hoping against hope that someone would ask her to dance to no avail. Horribly embarrassing!

As usual I took my complaint to God. I don’t understand the delay. I told him that he should not keep me waiting in vain. If there was no man coming then he should let me know so I can stop hoping year after year. I prayed a sincere prayer in this regard and literally gave up the dream of marriage. However, God was very quick to correct me and to let me know that there is a man for me. There is a husband for me as surely as there was an Isaac for Abraham.

Abraham’s wait for a son and the God ordained delay that he experienced encourages me greatly. Abe looked just as dumb as a rock too as he waited on God. Here was a man who when lot was captured, went after him with 318 men of his own household. He owned these men with their women and children. He probably owned about 1000 people, bought and paid for. He had so much wealth that on returning with his plunder he wouldn’t touch any of it but gave it all away lest it be said that it made him rich. He could have taken more wives and concubines, but instead he kept waiting on God for the promise. You see, it’s not just any husband I want. I want the husband of the promise. Just like he did not just want any son, he wanted the son of the promise.

Abraham looked so dumb that his wife decided to assist the poor man. She offered him another woman to impregnate and get a son with. We all know how that do-it-yourself project backfired in her face, yet a son was born. If all God had wanted was a son for Abraham then Ishmael would have been okay. However, when Abe tried to give up the dream of a son with Sarah and begged God to let Ishmael live before him, God said No. Ishmael was Abe’s son, but he was not THE son that God was going to work with on his holy project. He was not the son of the promise.

Many times older, married and more experienced women have pointed out that I am getting older every day. My doctor has brought up the issue of fibroids several times urging me to hurry up and get pregnant if I want to have children at all. My mother has looked at me with that sad look of resignation that only mothers can give. Many others have advised me to say yes to any man that asks me. “There are no perfect men,” they say. They assume that my standards are too high and ask me to bring them down a notch or two. But none of them understand. I have a promise. Just like no son could take Isaac’s place, so no man can take the place of the husband of the promise.

I may be embarrassed by my state right now and look dumb as a rock as I wait for the Lord, but I know that they that wait on the Lord shall not be cut off. In the end, they shall not be ashamed. So the Lord says to me and to all who are experiencing delay like I am:

Isaiah 40:27-31 (Amplified Bible)

27”Why, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, My way and my lot are hidden from the Lord, and my right is passed over without regard from my God?

28Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding.

29He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].

30Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted;

31But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”

Therefore wait and keep on waiting for the Lord. Expect him to do it, look for him in the midst of the stillness and continue to hope in him. In that stillness, when nothing seems to be happening you will hear the still, small voice. Just like Elijah did. Whatever he tells you to do, do it and be eternally blessed.

My Lost Coin!

THIRTY THREE. That is how old I will be on Sunday. I am not sure I want to be that old just yet. Not that I am against my age, not at all. I think the thirties are awesome and I am having the time of my life. I finally have enough money to do things like go out and have a good time with friends on my birthday without having to ask anyone for it … ya know?!!

But there are things I thought I would have accomplished by now and I still have not seen any sign that God has answered those prayers. Like marriage and a family of my own. Sometimes my heart is very downcast when I contemplate my age, my gynecological history and the lack of a man in my life. I get to the place where I ask like Abraham, "You have given me all these things and all these fabulous promises, but what good is it for my servant Eliezer will inherit it all when I am gone?" (my paraphrase).

I thought I was being ungrateful and silly until I read the story of the lost coin in Luke 15:8-9

"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'"

Without a husband and a family in my life I don't feel complete. I have 9 coins and I, like this woman, am frantically searching for my lost coin. I am sweeping and cleaning looking for this lost coin. And when I find it, for I SHALL FIND IT, you all must rejoice with me. Why I'm I so certain of this? Because God exists. He is, and is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him. I know for sure because the Zeal of the Lord shall accomplish it for me. He shall do it. I am so blessed. I love this God so much. I love him to smithereens!!!!

Temperament

Ok. I was looking up my temperament because I realize I have issues and I am not quite sure why God would make Cholerics. This is sad. The weaknesses are terrible. Did you know that Adolf Hitler was a choleric? I actually have something in common with the man!! How aweful! Check this out. It's taken out of http://temperaments.info/choleric.htm

A person who is choleric in inclusion can become a very strong leader, inspiring large numbers of followers. The are charismatic, charming, inspirational. But beneath the surface, these people see others more a tools, people who can be moved to do what they want them to do. Cholerics will choose to join and head organizations that will support their chosen goals.

Many Cholerics will border on being arrogant, but most appear to be genuine. They tend to be very task oriented, and may be seen as a "Tom Sawyer" with an unpleasant temper. They are fast-paced and demand that things be done correctly and swiftly. "Do It and Do It Now" is their slogan. Procrastination is not a characteristic of a Choleric in inclusion.

A Choleric in Inclusion tends to be seen as open, friendly, confident, outgoing, optimistic, and tough-minded. They typically will exhibit a good mind for envisioning new projects and is an extrovert of a highly selective nature.

On the downside, a Choleric who is not getting his way will often be hot tempered. They will use people to get their way, and can be cruel and angry when frustrated, which can happen easily.

Cholerics tend to dominate conversations. If you find yourself having trouble getting a word in edgewise, you are likely dealing with a Choleric. They will try to be careful not to be rude, but will consistently work at dominating.

A Choleric in Control is typically an excellent leader, capable of quick and accurate decisions based on facts rather than emotions. Capable of carrying considerable responsibility, the people tend to have significant quantities of will-power. The complete the tasks they set out to accomplish.

On the negative side, Cholerics in Control can be angry and cruel. The have been known to be uncaring, abusive and ruthless. A major flaw that appears is the failure to care for the people they are leading, and to look down on those who have less strength of will.

A Choleric in Affection is another of the unusual temperaments. They appear to need a great deal of love and affection, but in reality they don't. Most will not seek out close, personal relationships, and when sought out by another, they may very well decline and walk away. Choleric in Affection people seems to have few emotions with the exception of anger. They see compassion, empathy and deep feelings as unnecessary time-wasters.

Strengths of this temperament include openness, optimism, and an outgoing nature. However, the downside of this temperament can be an angry, rejecting behavior toward others.

The sad part about that report is that it is mostly true. I know how I can be. These weaknesses are terrible and I know my temper can be scary when it shows. Even though it only pops up once in a long time. I submit my temperament under the control of the Holy Ghost. How else can I make it to heaven with such horrid natural tendencies? When it comes to the part about love and devotion not being a huge need to Cholerics, I guess that is true to some extent. I am not needy in that area even though I do long for marriage. For the most part I'm not pining away. I have never been boy crazy and never understood what the fuss was all about.

However, I do want to get married and soon. I keep asking myself the question "why do I want to get married?" and I pull a blank most of the time. I know I want a kids a godly offspring and to set a godly example for my family. I also want a companion in my old age. I know a wife is a helper to her husband and all but is that it. I guess I need to find out more about the purpose of marriage especially for us cholerics. God help me! Life is a maze to me sometimes. That's how I'm feeling about marriage right now. How do I get out of this thing?

You Missed It!

You missed it when you focused on the hips, the lips and the finger tips.
You missed it when you looked at my face and noticed the blemishes
You missed it when you thought I was not skinny enough
I am everything you need in a woman
But you missed it!

A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman who can find?
You should have looked at my capability as a wife and mother.
Knowing that one day my children will rise and call me blessed
You should have noticed that I was industrious and capable.
But you missed it!

You should have stuck around to find out that I can throw down in the kitchen
Like the merchant ships, I bring food from afar
You should have stayed long enough to see me organize and delegate
Rising early to ensure that my servant girls have all they need
But you missed it!

And when I graduated from school as one most likely to succeed
When I went into business selling purple and linen
When I considered a field and bought it from the proceeds I made
When I tasted and saw that my gain was good - you should have been there
But you missed it!

And in the evening when I gird myself with strength
Readying myself for my husband
That he may drink from his own cistern and enjoy the wife of his youth
You should be here by my side as I ready myself for you
But you missed it!

Strength and dignity are my clothing
My position is strong and secure
As I wait on my Lord for a husband
One that will see clearly – Oh that it were you
But you missed it!

It is this man whose name will be known at the gates
When he sits among the elders
It is this man who shall boast and praise me
Whose heart will have found a safe resting place
But you missed it!

Ah my brother, my friend
Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain
But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
She is the prudent wife who comes from the Lord
But you missed it!

Preacher's Wife

I had a dream that I was getting married to a preacher and I would not have it. I kept saying "But my husband is supposed to be a business man." I couldn't get my head around marrying a preacher. I said I wouldn't know how to support him, or how to be a preacher's wife. I did not want to counsel anyone or any of that first lady stuff. I just kept saying "How now?!" So I went for counseling to talk to Pastor Joan about it. She said "Cynthia, if he has heard from God then you better listen to what God is saying." So I agreed to go out on a few dates with him. Initially I was a bit afraid, him being a "Man of God" and all, but then as we continued to date I felt really good about it. Then I woke up.

Lord in Heaven! What if my husband really is a preacher? I need to wrap my noggin around that idea for real. It is scary. Kudos to all the women out there who always wanted to marry a preacher. I sure have never been one of them.

Hidden Treasure

This year has started off strange for me. I have such an intense desire to leave this job and move on to my next place. I also have a great desire to go to school. I have identified Regent University as the place for me. I want to see everything in light of God's word because that is the only way we can bring social reform in our countries. By the word of God.

As such I am a bit frustrated because I want things to move along faster than they are right now. Not likely to happen. I just have to understand that God is sovereign and that his time is always the best.

Today in my morning devotion I read Mathew 13:44-46 about the treasure.

Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

45 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

God asked me a very strange and difficult question. He said to me, "If you had to choose between going to do your masters and getting married, which one would you take?" If you knew me in the past, you would know for sure that I would take the education over the marriage. However, today I found myself answering differently. I said to my Lord, I will choose the marriage over the education and great career path. In that instant I knew that my mind had been renewed by his word in the area of marriage.

How much would I be willing to give up to have a good marriage ordained by God? Would I be willing to forfeit all else (that would work against the marriage) and all others? I have never been ready to say yes before. I have always put career and education above all else. But not today. Not ever again. My seasons have changed!!

I would treat marriage like the pearl of great price, like the field in which there is hidden treasure. Because in it is hidden treasure. I get to fulfill my original purpose of helper and to bear godly offspring for my king. Is there any greater purpose than that? Blessed be the Lord my God, who this day has renewed my mind and changed my life for the glory of his name.

The Day of my Visitation

One thing is for sure, I do NOT want to be like Jerusalem, not knowing the day of my visitation and therefore suffering a lack of peace and even defeat.

Luke 19

41And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

42Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

43For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

44And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

The Lord is talking to me about a very significant opportunity that I must catch or I will be pretty miserable thereafter. He says not to look at the wrapping in which he sends the gift. Not to judge by outside appearance (1 Sam 16). He is sending me a gift this Christmas and I thank him for it. Lord, open my eyes to see your gift. Help me to see past the outside, the wrapping paper, but to take the time to open my gift and enjoy it. Lord, I am human and you know my tendencies. Help me to see as you see, put some salve on my eyes so that they can be opened to see truly. I open my heart and mind to this gift. I acknowledge the time of my visitation and believe that this is both my chronos and kairos time. I bless you Lord for you are good. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Take off the Veil of Singleness!

I got this off of Elijah list. I was feeling very restless and I knew the Holy Spirit was trying to say something to me. I heard him mention Elijah list so I went over there and searched with the keyword "marry". This is one of the words that came up and the moment I read it, I knew that is what I was looking for. It is such a confirmation of what I have been hearing in my Spirit. It was a word Bill Yount gave in Dec of 2004 but the word of God is a Rhema word. I am blown away by God!

December 16, 2004

"2005...THE YEAR OF THE BRIDES!"
by Bill C. Yount
www.billyount.com
theshofarhasblown@juno.com

As the threshold of the New Year is approaching, I heard wedding bells ringing throughout the earth at the striking of the midnight hour...January 1st, 2005.

In the Spirit, I heard a huge order of "Bridal Veils" being called into the throne room of Heaven.

"Make that an extra large order," the command came from the Father of the Brides.

I sensed that not only was the Father excited over His own Son's wedding that would soon take place, but He was seemingly beside Himself for the joy of a multitude of long awaited "end-time" weddings that would take place upon the earth, just preceding the greatest wedding in the Universe.

"Get those six water pots out again and fill them with 'living' water! I've saved the very best wine for last, for these end-time weddings."

"BEGIN TO LIFT THE VEILS OF 'SINGLENESS' OFF OF THEIR FACES!"

I saw veils of "singleness" that had been covering many single men and women for years in spite of their desire to marry. These veils were actually covering them to protect and hide them from wrong relationships.

Many thought, "What is wrong with me? No one seems to notice me or seems to even look at me!" But I saw the wisdom of God hard at work to preserve these chosen ones for the person whom the Lord was preparing and keeping separate for them also.

I sensed the Father saying to their guardian angels, "Begin to lift the veils of 'singleness' off of their faces! It's time for them to see and be seen by the one whom I have ordained for them. I will continue to order their steps and 'stops' and cause their paths to cross as they faithfully continue serving me.
"As I sent an angel to direct the steps of Isaac's servant to find Rebekah for him, I am sending angels before them to guide them. In the everyday, ordinary walk of life they will begin to discover My surprise appointments with Divine contacts for the desires of their hearts."



EACH WEDDING BRINGS HEAVEN AND EARTH A LITTLE CLOSER

Veils were coming off of many "widows and widowers" as the Lord was proclaiming, "Your lonely days are coming to an end!"

I saw some divorce papers being shredded to pieces as some who had divorced each other were now making plans to renew their wedding vows and start over!

All of Heaven seemed to be ecstatic over earthly weddings. To them, each wedding brings heaven and earth a little closer, with the intent to portray the ultimate marriage that all creation awaits...the marriage supper of the Lamb!

An angelic conductor was about to move his baton for angel choirs to come in on Heaven's grand finale of -- "Here come the Brides!"

A WITNESS TO THE EARTH OF THE LOVE OF THE FATHER

These end-time marriages were being brought into the Kingdom to witness to the earth the love of the Father between a husband and a wife. This demonstration of God's love would be contagious and influence many in the earth to become the Bride to be -- whom the Father is preparing for His Son.

I sense a "Ruth and Boaz" anointing coming upon single men and women. A word to the Ruth's (single women) is: "Keep serving and gleaning unto the Lord where He is leading you...your Boaz is near!"

And a word to the Boaz's (single men): "Untie your shoe* laces...and prepare yourself to redeem your 'Ruth'"!

* In the days of Boaz concerning redeeming and purchasing, a man would pluck off his shoe, and give it to his neighbor. This was a testimony to confirm things in Israel.


Bill Yount
Hagerstown, MD
theshofarhasblown@juno.com
www.billyount.com

What are families for?

The first thing that is going into my hope chest is my vision for the family God is giving me and the roles of each family member according to God's word. As I have been studying the family as God intended it to be, I was stunned to realize that I had no clue what families were for. I have always wanted a husband and kids, but why would God institute families. I had no idea. So I went back to Genesis chapter 2, the creation of man.

Turns out, that man was created for dominion and to rule over the earth. That was such a huge chore that he needed a helper suitable for him. So God created woman to assist the man so that he can rule on the earth effectively. As such, her purpose is wrapped up in her husband. That explains why women feel empty even with everything else going for them.

So I did a study of the purpose of the man and the woman and realized that my hubby is the sun and I am the moon. I get my light from his light. The brighter he shines, the brighter I shine, and if for whatever reason his light dims or is eclipsed, then my darkness is greater still. Therefore, in the role of helper, it is in my best interest to ensure that he turns out as God intended by being a comforter, encourager, uplifter, prayer warrior etc for him. I am a light on a hill that cannot be hid. But my light is tied up in his light. So if I want to shine I need to make sure he is shining. I must never do anything to bring him grief, sorrow, distress or any kind of sadness. I must have that gentle and quiet spirit that is of great worth to both my husband and God.

My successes are wrapped up in his successes. I must do everything I can to ensure he is successful as a man, as a Christian and as a father. That does not mean that I take responsibility for his failings, but that I point them out in love.

Marriage is for destiny and so are families. The people in a family are a support system for one another. They are to encourage and help each other into fulfilling the will of God in their individual lives and as a family. As such, I want to raise a family that is centered on making the Kingdoms of the earth the Kingdoms of our God. A team that takes dominion in their spheres of influence. We are to mold our children in the ways of the Lord. Help them discover their destiny and purpose in life at a young age, and live out their lives here on earth being everything God created them to be. What a blessing!

A family is meant to be a comfort to its members, kind, loving, intimate in a godly sense, caring, rebuking, helping each other find the paths of righteousness and so much more....

Now that I finally have a clue of what a family is all about, I need to draft my vision and family mission statements. I will share them here with you as soon as I am done.

Your time is the time of love.

“When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine,” says the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 16:8

The Wing of your garment

I had never thought of this before so when God showed it to me yesterday I was blown away. I guess that is because I am very traditional in my thinking and feel that the man should pursue me. I hold on to that VERY FIERCELY! I want to be pursued. But did you know that Ruth requested marriage from Boaz?

Ruth 3:9 "...I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer." That was Ruth saying, I really would like for you to marry me. The Lord led me into a strange prayer last night where I prayed those words regarding the person I am currently seeing. "Spread the corner of your garment over me" It blessed my heart.

Then I found this one as well. Ezekiel 16:8

" 'Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign LORD, and you became mine".

Lord knows I am old enough for love!! It was a love filled night between Jesus and Me!!

Steal His Heart With a Look!

Song of Songs 4:9

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;
you have stolen my heart
with one glance of your eyes...

Song of Songs 6: 5

Turn your eyes from me;
they overwhelm me...


So interesting when the Lord highlights verses like the two above. The eyes are the windows to your soul. Part of being naked and not ashamed with the man you love is to let him into your soul through your eyes. Let him see how much you love him. Take off the veil and let love out.

If you are anything like me, you keep the veil down. When did I get so hard and so afraid to show my emotions? Even with my man I am afraid to show when I feel him intensely. Could that be one reason why guys are unable to approach us women? Could it just be that they have nothing to go on? Who wants to court a rock anyway? I'm not saying do it foolishly, but there comes a level in your courtship where you have to let him in if you are to go to the next level. It's food for thought.

Will the real men please stand up!

This article by Creflo Dollar blessed my heart. I so feel this.




Will the Real Men Please Stand Up?

Dr. Creflo A. Dollar


According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of homes headed by single mothers has risen from 3 million to 10 million since 1970. Although these statistics only represent U.S. figures, these numbers are similar all over the world.

This is the most fatherless generation this world has ever seen. As a result, it's been on my heart to minister specifically to men. Men, where are you? Children need you to stand up and take an active role in your homes, communities, and churches.

God has put men in a very fundamental position. We are the leaders of the household; therefore, it's up to us to establish the course of this nation beginning with our own families. Marriages are breaking up and children are fatherless because too many men act irresponsibly. All too often, men allow their manhood to be defined by the media, instead of the Word of God, and it's destroying our families.

For years, society has distorted the definition of manhood. Having certain male body parts defines you as a male, but it does not make you a man. Being a man requires facing the truth about who you are, and changing those things you know need changing. Many of you are great husbands, fathers, and mentors, and for that, I applaud you. However, this article is directed to the men who aren't living up to their full potential.

My objective in addressing these issues is not to condemn you; instead, I want to encourage you to be a real man, not just for your families, churches, and communities, but also for yourself. If you're falling short, ask God to help you make the necessary adjustments and get back on track. Recommit yourself to God, and allow Him to guide you into success.

Real men fellowship with God and understand that He is the source of their life. Consider this: God blew His very breath into you. You've got His spirit and power inside you, so don't hide under excuses and negativity. This generation needs you—your families, neighborhoods, and churches need you!

It's time to take a look within. Will you judge yourself? Are you willing to sacrifice? If not, your children will suffer. While I've seen many women successfully raise children, it's not God's perfect design. God's design includes the man as the head of the family. Now, is the time for the real man to stand up! Will you be one of them?

Scriptures References:

Hebrews 10:24, 25

Ephesians 5:23

Ephesians 3:9

Romans 12:1, 2


— Dr. Creflo A. Dollar

Wife - A Closer Look

1 Peter 3

1IN LIKE manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives,

2When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your [a] reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him--to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].

3Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] [b] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;

4But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.

5For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].

6It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].

If Sarah did it, then I need to do it. The Lord has advised me to look at Sarah and follow in her footsteps:

Isaiah 51

1HEARKEN TO Me, you who follow after rightness and justice, you who seek and inquire of [and require] the Lord [claiming Him by necessity and by right]: look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the hole in the quarry from which you were dug;

2Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him when he was but one, and I blessed him and made him many.

Judgment must begin in Israel, so judge yourself as a wife or even wife to be. If you are unmarried are you willing to do it God's way? If not don't mess with it until God has dealt with your heart. The only way a marriage will work is if you take your rightful place as a wife and he takes his rightful place as a husband. Are you willing to take your place?

Marriage Manual

Why are so many marriages breaking up? Why aren't they able to pass the test of time? When will we discover that the one who created life also showed us how to work it by giving us his manual - THE BIBLE. Why are women not submitting to their husbands Ephesians 5:22, Loving their husbands Titus 2:4 or busy at home Titus 2:5 and why in the world are men not loving their wives Ephesians 5:25 Providing for them 1 Timothy 5:8 take leadership in their families and just be men? Why?

A relative just walked out of a marriage after 9 years and 4 children. She has had enough. She despises the man, can't submit to him, is sick and tired of fending for the family on her own while trying to keep the home and is sick and tired of dealing with hateful in laws. He in turn, can't deal with an insubordinate wife and can't understand what the big deal with providing is since his parents have given them a house to live in their compound (never mind that his mother is insulting to his wife), and his parents give them an allowance every month so they practically dictate what goes on in their lives and marriage. His parents are raising the children for them and paying their bills. What does he do all day? Sleep and eat, and go see his friends.

This really angered me. I know that God's command is to submit, and I am sure that there are things that she could do to make the marriage better, but she doesn't seem to have any more strength left to fight for her marriage. She is physically worn out from trying to make money, run the home, deal with four young children, and the demands of marriage as a wife. The first thing out the window was sex. She didn't have the energy for it, she was resentful due to his laziness, and she just is unable to deal with bossy in laws. As I write, she has absolutely no desire to deal with him or work things out. She has no feelings towards him other than hatred and spite, and never wants to see him again, leave alone be a wife to him.

All I could think about was if only each one had taken their own role in marriage and stood in it. Then none of them would be overwhelmed with what they needed to do. If the man could only be a leader, protector and provider for his family, and the wife focus on keeping the home, and child rearing maybe she would have been less overwhelmed and he would have the respect from her that he desires. This makes me even more determined to do marriage God's way. My marriage must work! I must start by finding out what my own role is and doing it. Paul's counsel to younger widows in 1 Tim 5:14 says it very well:

So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.

And in Titus 2:4-5

...train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

And in Eph 5:22

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

God help us, and help each man and woman out there who's marriage is struggling. Only you can do it. So make haste to rectify the damage done in our homes.