RAINN DAY

Two Sundays ago, I participated in my first event as a RAINN representative. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is an organization dedicated to assisting survivors of sexual assault. As a member of the RAINN Speakers Bureau I receive notices from organizations looking for people to speak about sexual violence, preferably, but not necessarily, from their own experience.... {Click on VIEW ORIGINAL POST to read the whole blog....}

Tell the Devil to Flee!

Then the pastor repeated something I knew. Something that had been planted long ago and receives regular watering. But last Sunday, that seed grew into such a stalk it burst through the ground and stretched towards the heavens. “Your struggle is not against people. That’s a trick of the devil and that’s how he brings us down.” [.... Read whole blog - click on View Original Post]

Combating Spirits in the Church

Mrs. W had a habit of snapping on people so hard grown women would start crying or stand in front of her quaking. I’m talking about women within her age group, 50’s to late 60’s. She did everything but curse you and your descendents – you’re stupid, you’re ignorant, you don’t know nothing, this is my world, you’re just a squirrel…on and on ridculousness. Then she’d end each meeting with a group hug and prayer.

Steward of Little Things

God knows what He has planned for you. He knows where you’re going to end up and what skills and experiences you need to be a success when you get there. Your natural inclinations (gifts) will be used to further His Kingdom and prosper your physical life. Relationships will be used to sharpen you (friction). If you learn well from them, you will eventually be gifted with relationships that compliment you (melding of talents).

Forgiveness – You have it. Now What?

I had to sit back and think about how so many people have been comfortable treating me so cavalierly and then setting me aside. The answer I came to: I forgave when they asked and forgot their transgressions without requiring anything from them. No expression of repentance, no sincere/specific apology and no attempt to make amends. I was always giving of myself and going home empty. Now, I’m asking for something in my relationships. I want to be wooed. I want to know you’re not just after a comfortable foot stool or a quiet ear. I need to know you’re interested in contributing to and sustaining a relationship with me. I need to know I’m not in it alone.

Question: To Forgive or Not to Forgive?

EVERYTHING that has come before and since falls under the directive of love. Love is the critical piece that works with forgiveness (for the transgressee & the transgressor). Love allows patience and provides compassion. Love covers every single sin you can imagine. The whole of God’s law is fulfilled when we practice love as instructed.

I Love You, But God Loves You More

God is love.... If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.