Separation at its most Devious

God’s first commandment is that we shall have no other gods before Him, whether they be emotional gods, material gods, or the god of maintaining an acceptable ‘status’  in this world. …Money, sex, greed, all these qualify, but what about other things?

What if our god is something we think we’re doing FOR GOD? What if the desire to be ‘the perfect Christian’ for Him is the same thing that is alienating you from His spirit? We could spend all week witnessing, feeding the hungry, teaching Bible study, leading the church band, mentoring youth, and so on and so forth, thinking that all this time and all this energy has to count for something in God’s eyes. But if the only moment in our week when we ever give GOD our undivided attention is the Sunday morning ‘quiet time’ then we’ve seriously dropped the ball. We’ve let the matters of the world, whether we claim them in His name or not, come before His voice and His direction in our lives, separating us from His spirit in the process.

(I know I’m quite recently guilty of it. I haven’t written in over a week because I never sat still long enough to let Him speak.)

Nothing we will ever do or say will earn us His Love or His appreciation anymore than anyone else. He is no respecter of persons. What you do and I do means as much to Him as anyone else who listens to what HE wants. Not what we want to do in His name. You could run yourself ragged trying to do all you could for ‘His Glory’, yet when you get home not only do you forget your own God-given family, but you could also forget Him and His more than well deserved portion of your day.

And I’m not condemning anyone with this sort of schedule. If you’re able to maintain these things and still give your all to Him, then may He bless your efforts. But if you’re not, if staying close to God and focusing on your own life is all you can manage and the idea of taking on anything else would crack your plate, then don’t think you are somehow slighting God.

All He wants from you is to put HIM first.

http://awordfromgodindueseason.blogspot.com/

For every ‘Trey’ out there.

I found this ‘comment’ under a facebook page I am a fan of. I didn’t know the guy. I didn’t know his whole story. I only knew God wanted me to help him.

Trey- “The love of my life left me back on 12/12. She took my joy, hope, faith and peace with her. I don't know if I believe in a just and true god anymore. All I know is that I'm tired of hurting, I'm tired isolating myself from everyone so they can't see the tears that are always there. I'm so tired and so lonely, I can't go on like this. I would have eatin a bullet by now, but I love her too much to let Sabrina carry that guilt around for the rest of her life. I want my joy, peace, and happiness back.”

I immediately linked to his profile and sent him this:

Arial (me, Lioness of God) - “I'm sorry that you feel so alone right now Trey, and I can't imagine what you must face everyday. But don't blame God for a human's downfalls. Whatever she did, and why she left doesn't make you any less a person. You were set here for a purpose Trey. GOD has you here for a purpose. Perhaps she wasn't a part of it. And I know how much it must hurt to think that. But its true. No human can be the source of all the peace and love we need. We were 1st made to receive that peace and love and hope from God, before he ever made a separate 'Adam' and a separate 'Eve'. God has amazing plans for you down the road. You might not be able to see them yet, but they're there. And to think that this crack in the pavement, this pain and hurt you're feeling, will never cease, is a trick from the devil to keep you from being one of God's warriors. Who knows, with time she could return or you'll find someone that makes you feel like 2x the man she did. I can't promise anything to you. But God already did. He promised an all comforting and accepting love. He promised us the perfect Home in Heaven. He promised us a new life by the washing of Christ's blood. He promised us a purpose by creating us. He promised you a future, Trey. To take your life now, or to let it go to ruins is stealing your life from God. He made you. He LOVES you. And He can see what your future holds. What you go through now makes you stronger and wiser for tomorrow. You are loved and not forgotten. What she did does not define you. You lived before her, You will live after her. Pray for God's peace. Being in pain is no way to start the New year...And I know God is the ultimate pain reliever.”

Within an hour, I received this: 

Trey- “Thank you. Thank you for reaching your hand out to comfort a stranger. Not many would.”

I can only pray something God had me tell him will help him through this painful time, and I know there are others out there, you, who could be facing the same hurt and loss he is. You are not alone. And you are not forgotten. God gives you nothing you cannot handle. You can make it through, you can face tomorrow. You are Loved.

If you want to talk, to be reassured of the promises you’ve been pledge, please email me @ arial.lionessofgod@gmail.com

With Our Love, -Arial, Lioness of God

Storms...

     I grew up listening to magnificent thunder storms along the Florida coastline. Once it rained so hard and for so long that some of the roads leading to our house were washed away, leaving raging rivers over ten feet deep and fifteen feet across where chalk decorated asphalt and sidewalks used to be. Today's message is for everyone who's facing a storm much like that one had been. One that destroys the path we thought we were supposed to follow. One that lasts for what feels like eternity. One that leaves you wondering where to go from here. God promises protection and provision to all who follow in His will and live on His terms. (refer to http://www.lionsofgod.blogspot.com/ ) But, He also tells of trials made to test our faith. There can be many reasons for the troubles you face, but it boils down to two. Either you've turned from God and His will, or you're being tested in anticipation for a greater challenge with a greater reward somewhere down the road. ...The only way to tell the difference is to seek God with all your heart. To read the Bible and pray. To examine your past choices and be honest with yourself when you reason why you did what you did. To look at your present choices and hand them over for God's handling.  It means to give all you are to God... And when you do, no matter what the reason may be for your storm, you will find peace within it. And when the day comes that it ceases, you will be stronger from it.

"Praise you in this Storm" by Casting Crowns was part of my inspiration and is a great way to carry this messege with you.

HIS Terms

 

I was waiting for God to tell me what to write, (something fresh for the New Year,) and I realized as I impatiently sat here, getting irritated that I was going completely blank, that God had already given me my message.

Life doesn't ever come on our own terms, yet we still expect it to. We want instant gratification. Fast food. Fast internet. Fast cars. Even fast relationships. We think we’re somehow entitled to get what we want, when we want ,and how we want it. Despite the fact that God couldn’t care less about ‘our plans’.

No, I didn’t just say God doesn’t care about us. I said the complete opposite. He cares about us so much He isn’t going to give us what we think we want when He can see it will not end well.

If your 5 year old begs you for a BB gun- are you just going to give it to him without any kind of test or trial beforehand to make sure he’s ready? What if the kid was older, let’s say 10, and seemingly more responsible? Does that make him any less likely to fall a victim to his own ignorance?

Not in God’s eyes.

Just like you as a parent know what your children are ready to handle, so does God know what you really need and what you can truly take.

So if you’re frustrated over the events of this last year, and are anxious for this next one to start, don’t forget the Parent looking over your shoulder. If you don’t get the latest toy, the promotion, or whatever it is you are gnawing at your cheek over, maybe it is because that isn’t what God has in mind for you. Maybe there’s something BETTER out there, (the ever updating electronics are a good example) in a few months, or even a few years in the future,  and if you’ll just trust in Him, and live your life on His terms and His timing, He’ll make sure you get it.

http://www.awordfromgodindueseason.blogspot.com/ further addresses this topic in the poem titled ‘Mind Games’.