Most women do not realize how much power we have. One of the hardest lessons most of us have learned is the art of receiving. I can only speak for myself. It is difficult for me to embrace the full concept of being on the receiving end of anything; other than something bad. As a child, I had so many experiences that left me wondering if I was even worthy to be the recipient of anything positive. For me, not being able to embrace this truth has caused me to sabotage some very good relationships. Although at this stage in my life, I am honestly glad they didn't go any further than they did; but I can't help but wonder if my lack of understanding caused me to lose. Either way, it was a great lesson and I give God the glory. Let me help you understand exactly what I mean when I speak about the "Art of Receiving". In relationships, it is our job as women to be open to receive love, help, encouragement, pleasure, kind words and compliments, support, gifts, affection, attention, adoration, even miracles. All of this is a natural feminine quality. Unfortunately, many of us still don't know how to be successful at it. It is evident that something has gone wrong over time. You see, by God's design it is the responsibility of a man to be the head of his household; and household is far more than the physical dwelling. 1 Corinthians 11:3 tells us, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." In other words, one of the most important roles of a husband is to lead; and leadership is simply influence. If I may, I would like to add this comment at no cost: most women want to be led, and have no problem being led when they know the man is in right relationship with God; and that he is getting his directions straight from heaven. As women, it is important to learn how to master the "Art of Receiving". When we do, we allow ourselves to be the feminine supportive help mates God created us to be. Not just that, we allow the men in our lives to be the masculine empowered men God created them to be. Please don't misunderstand ladies. We have all been taught, including me that women are supposed to give. Give of themselves, without complaint. Unfortunately, our giving has led us to becoming resentful of the people whom we have given so much to only for us to return broke and broken. Get this ladies, men really do want to give and take care of us. They want to feel needed and when we get in their way, we interrupt their masculinity. One of the greatest needs of a man is to love, care for, protect, and provide for his woman; and contrary to what society has taught us this has nothing to do with material things. It does not make him controlling in any way. I am so desperate for women to understand this. Why?Because I believe we have used up enough time in relationships trying to lead when the reality is God created us to be led. The "man" in our gender does not give us the right to monopolize the relationship. Instead, it frees us of the stress of trying to carry a load we were not designed to carry. As women, we should invest our time in praying for, loving, supporting and taking care of those things that God has put our hands to. Not just our husbands but our children as well. I want to encourage you to use your power wisely. Let the man wear the pants and you continue to pray him through. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 12:4, "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones." Take your rightful place;
and proudly wear your crown! This post is dedicated to my future husband; and to the man that God has ordained for the lives of everyone of my sisters. Genesis 2:18 says, "Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
I am the one God created just for you. The one He meticulously made to help you. I am the one He warned you about. The one He told you in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." I want you to know I am patiently waiting for the day when finally become one. You don't have to be concerned about whether or not you will get it right. God has already made you just right. Just right for the things I will need in my life. He has made you strong, courageous and most importantly loving. He gave you just enough of everything to make my life better. I don't have any special requests other than that you continue to honor God's word. Continue to live in covenant with our Father and let Him lead you; because I know when He leads you, you will be fully equipped to lead me. Always know that submission is not an issue for me when I know you are being lead by God. Please know that God has already blessed our union. He has honored our request to not spend our last days on this earth alone. He gave us each other and together we will continue to lift Him up and honor His word. I love, admire and absolutely adore the person you have become. The man God has created you to be. It absolutely blesses my heart to see you coming into your own. Your own knowledge, clarity and understanding of your place in God. God loved us so much and wanted so badly for us to be together, He decided that, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." Genesis 2:18-25 I want you to know I trust you with my heart. I trust you because you trust God; and because you trust God, I know you are going to love only me. You are going to always ensure the well being of our relationship. Thank you in advance for accepting God's call on our lives. Thank you for letting God put us together. For we both know that His word says in Matthew 19:6, "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Together with God, we are going to continue doing His will. Know that I pray for you daily. I pray for your heart, your spirit and your soul. Most importantly, I pray for the day, when we say I do. Not just to each other but to our future together. I love you and I got you by the power that God has given to me in Jesus Name, Amen! Your Future Wife Take a minute to re-evaluate all of the things you have experienced in your life. Don't spend too much time there because it does not define who you are. Our experiences were not designed to hold us hostage. Instead, each one has been or will be used to bring into the person Christ has designed us to be.
The things we've done or the things that have happened to us do not make us any better or any less than anyone else reading this post. You see, experiences are only teachers. In some cases, they teach us what to do and in other cases, they teach us what not to do. It's just like being in school; they only teach us. It's up to us how we apply the skills once taught. God reminds us in Micah 7:19, "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." I am so excited about how God throws our faults into the sea of forgetfulness; and unlike some of us, He does not continuously remind us of the mistakes we have made. Part of the issue is we are afraid to be honest. You have often heard me say, God can't heal what we won't reveal. That's not a statement I make to get you to divulge your issues to me. It's a statement I make because the Bible tells us in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The most important thing about our healing process is to first acknowledge we have an issue. God already knows about it He just wants to know if we trust Him enough to take us through the healing process. It's just like going to a doctor. We don't make appointments just to make them. We make doctor appointments because we have recognized that there is something not quite right with us physically. After making the appointment, we then show up at the doctor's office believing the doctor can help us with what ails our body; and God works the same way. Being honest is not about telling everybody everything. It's about telling God all things, why? Because He already know. He tells us so in Acts 17:30, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:" In other words, while we were ignorant, God closed and opened one eye quickly,indicating that our behavior was a joke. But now that it has been acknowledged, He is giving us an authoritative order to express sincere regret or remorse about our wrongdoings. All I'm saying is when we be honest about where we are, then and only then will God move in and swoop us right off of our feet. Remember, we can't lie to God. He knows everything and with that being said, He's just waiting for us to honor His word in 1 Peter 5:6, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:" OK ladies, this one is going to be great. We all know there is someone who doesn't really care for us. How? Because there is most likely someone you don't really care for. As for me, I have been on both sides. The thing is, we have all wasted too much time tripping over things that have absolutely no bearing on our destiny. If we would channel that level of energy on the things of God and what He has for us to do, our lives would be so much better. For example, so what if someone does not like the way you look? There is absolutely nothing they can do about it. Why? Because the Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." So what if someone is hating on you because God has blessed you? This should come as no surprise to you. The Bible lets us know in James 3:16 this is to be expected; "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." You best believe if this is your experience, it is not of God. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33 Think of this as only a season in your life. When we keep the attitude that no matter what people say, think, feel, do, or even believe, it is not up to them to decide your path in life. God has already promised us in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Romans 8:31 tells us, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Therefore, I encourage you as I encourage myself. All I am saying ladies is, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." While we often hear and think of this scripture in times of death. I believe this is an absolute adequate time for us to apply it to our lives. There is no need for us to trip over people, places, and things. All we have to do is believe God and take Him at His word. He is letting us know He has everything we need. There is enough for everyone and therefore, it is not necessary for us to be concerned or compared to others. With this being said, I want to encourage you not to spend your time tripping on those things that you have no control over. Continue to work just as the word of God tells us in Colossians 3:23-24, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." Today, I am speechless but I must share this with you. When we hear that God move in mysterious ways. When we hear that God is working in the background. Please believe it. Here is what happened to me today. I was listening to T D Jakes sermon titled, "GOD Put You In A Difficult Situation To Grow". Suddenly, my prayer started playing in the background, not once but twice. I honestly don't know how that happened because I was writing at the time. But God, I receive growth in every aspect of my life, in the name of Jesus. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,
which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6 Jeremiah 15:19 "Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them." In this scripture, the Lord is responding to the concerns of His people. In verse 18, we see there is concern for the wound, the hurt and the pain of individuals. We also feel the attitude of them who has been questioning why there has been so much pain. They question why it seems as though there is no healing in view. The feeling of rejection has set in and the thought that God has forgotten about them.
This is the attitude of many of us. If we go through a season of dryness for longer than we think we should, we begin to question God. I have been guilty of this too. There have been situations in my life when I did not feel God's presence. Times when I honestly felt like God had forgotten about me. How could He continue to bless those around me and skip over me. I must admit, I had times of weariness. But God being who He is, came through for me just as He had promised. The reason we were not feeling God's presence was not because of God. Based on verse 19, I am convinced the issue was that we as believers had somehow gotten out of His presence. We had turned to something other than God and thought it was going to help us. Well, may I ask you a question? How i that working for you? Be honest, it's not working at all. But, there is some good news. Because God is so loving, He has responded to us by letting us know, all we have to do is return to Him, and He will restore us. In other words, when we turn back to God, He will repair all of the brokenness in our lives. He will return us back to the state where we felt brand new. God wants us to use our mouths to praise and worship Him. He has a plan for us and He wants to know if He can trust us. Now that you have come to your senses, can God count on you to be His spokesperson? Can God count on you to influence others? God wants us to be the ones who affect the character, development, and and behavior of others. All God wants is for us to come back to Him. Be encouraged. Although this seems like a daunting task know that God has everything you need. All He wants is for you to come and get it; He's waiting with open arms. Luke 15:24 tells us, "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry" and Luke 15:30-32, "But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found". Like most of you, I often wonder why things happen to me. Why does it seem like I am always having to deal with something. Work through this, here comes that. Get through that and oh Lord, here we go again. Life can seem very unfair. Especially to those of us who are putting forth our very best effort to becoming and staying a better person. We don't always understand the changes we have to go through; and we definitely don't enjoy them while we're going through. But, there is some good news. The Bible tells us in James 1:12, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." I have come to the realization that someone is watching and listening to everything we say and everything we do. Therefore, it is so important for us to behave in a way that is pleasing to God. Matthew 5:15-16 tells us, "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." It is our responsibility as Christian women to make sure we don't compromise our testimony. You see this journey that we are on is not about us. Instead, it is about those we are trying to help. Yes, the ones we know and even the ones we don't know. We have to always make sure that our walk is aligned with our talk. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." In other words, we should always be careful. Even though there may be no ill intent if it appears to be, it can make a major difference in someone else's life. The expectation is not to be perfect but to make continuous progress. If we depend totally on God as it is described in Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" this won't seem like such a daunting task. I want to encourage you ladies not to get frustrated when you are faced with issues in life. Instead, "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" Ephesians 6:11, and remember God's promise in Isaiah 41:10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Awesome prayer!!! Can't wait for more. ~ Daria Daniel Johnson I have listened to your prayer all the way to work. Over and over. Really good. I like the way its put together but most of all I like the heartfelt prayer. ~ Cassandra Evans It was inspirational, uplifting and touched my spirit. So much tat we all can identify with!!! Loved the music so much so I was trying to get into that too. I like your Bishop idea as well. ~ Dottie Umstead I've been playing it over and over. I love it! ~ Kaynetta Robinson I love the CD.......it helps me to hear you! ~ Angela Hockaday WOW, very powerful, I continued to allow it to play for the last 35 minutes. I love the fact you pray for real issues we come up against and you seek God for strength. Very authentic, reminds me of the old song "let us have a little talk with Jesus" love you Sister. ~ Elder Charita Grant I couldn't wait to open your CD when we got in the car. I was blessed by the prayer and my daughter said, "Mommy is Ms. Tonya going to sing?" ~Treba and Layla Howard Thank you all for your love, encouragement and support.
However this project would not have come to fruition without my team. Jesus Christ for choosing me. I am so glad you trusted me with the hearts of your women. Bishop Shelton Daniel - investing so much into me and my spiritual growth Malik Edwards - Cover Design Thurman Lee - Music Kaynetta Robinson - Photo To get your copy contact me at: [email protected] - Subject Line: Prayer CD Facebook - T. Lashley Phone - 252.532.2144 (text only please) Cost - $10.00 |
In Memory of: Charles T. Wilcox
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