Hey!
I promised I would be honest with these blogs/bible studies. So I'm going to let it rip! I hated being single this weekend. It felt like every couple I saw, I wanted to run over with my car. I know what horrible thoughts, but I just couldn't be around couples this weekend, I just couldn't do it.
When your single you know "God Has someone for you" but sometimes you don't want to hear that. You want the person. You want the companionship, you want him or her to call you on the phone and tell you how their day went and you do the same. But, I didn't have anyone one to do that with this weekend, and I really felt it. Sometimes the single thing doesn't bother me, and sometimes it drives me crazy.
I prayed to God that he would take away the feelings but I just felt like I couldn't over come the feelings until today. Then I realized that somethings we just have to walk out. No matter how much we pray for change, some things God doesn't change or do the way we want him to. Sometimes we have to feel the pain and press on anyway.
The scripture today is simple but truthfull:
Proverbs 3v5
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
I don't know how long I'll be single, but I do know that My God will supply all my needs according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus. For the new year, be honest to yourself, be honest to others and most importantly be honest to God. I believe that God can't work if we aren't completely honest with him. Tell him your lonely, tell him that your mad and you don't' want to be alone tonight. Tell God, run to him and don't make mistakes by talking to and wasting your time with looser men.
Please trust God and let him help you walk out this part of your life. I love you and I stand with you.
Let's pray:
Father, Thank you that we are your daughters and sons. We were called by you and set apart by you. Father make us whole, we pray that you will make us whole. Fill the empty places in our hearts, minds and emotions. Father teach us how to trust you. Help us not to feel lonely but help us to see you and your might and your power. We love you and we praise you. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Baggage drop off!
Hey Ladies and Gentlemen!
Today is going to be quick because I'm gearing up for the new year and I am going to be doing some really exciting things with the blog, that you will love! Today were going to talk about baggage! Baggage as in people who are weighing you down, mentally, physically and emotionally.
During my time of prayer and worship God has showed me several people and several things I need to give up before the New Year. It's like I can't bring these people and do these things in 2009.
The thing about baggage is that sometimes you don't' know that it's baggage because you've carried it around for so long. But here are some quick signs that you have baggage in your life:
#1. Does this person or activity build you up or tear you down?
#2. Does this person or activity drain you?
#3. Does this person or activity keep you in your past?
#4. Does this person or activity only talks about "remember when"?
#5. Is this person or activity preventing you to grow?
#6. Does this person or Activity block you from hearing God?
We all want change. But, what I've learned is that to get the biggest results in your life you have to drop the baggage. This might mean you have to move out, or you might have to change your phone numbers. But some times you have to be extreme to get extreme results.
Let's look at the word with Abram and Lot:
Genesis 13
Abram and Lot Separate 1 So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, with his wife and everything he had, and Lot went with him. 2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold.
3 From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier 4 and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the LORD.
5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. 7 And quarreling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.
8 So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left."
10 Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD.
14 The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring [a] forever. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you."
18 So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.
Ok, the one thing I want you to remember is that baggage can also seem good when it isn't'. Pray to God and ask him what bag's you need to drop off before the New Year.
With love-
Sara
Today is going to be quick because I'm gearing up for the new year and I am going to be doing some really exciting things with the blog, that you will love! Today were going to talk about baggage! Baggage as in people who are weighing you down, mentally, physically and emotionally.
During my time of prayer and worship God has showed me several people and several things I need to give up before the New Year. It's like I can't bring these people and do these things in 2009.
The thing about baggage is that sometimes you don't' know that it's baggage because you've carried it around for so long. But here are some quick signs that you have baggage in your life:
#1. Does this person or activity build you up or tear you down?
#2. Does this person or activity drain you?
#3. Does this person or activity keep you in your past?
#4. Does this person or activity only talks about "remember when"?
#5. Is this person or activity preventing you to grow?
#6. Does this person or Activity block you from hearing God?
We all want change. But, what I've learned is that to get the biggest results in your life you have to drop the baggage. This might mean you have to move out, or you might have to change your phone numbers. But some times you have to be extreme to get extreme results.
Let's look at the word with Abram and Lot:
Genesis 13
Abram and Lot Separate 1 So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, with his wife and everything he had, and Lot went with him. 2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold.
3 From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier 4 and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the LORD.
5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. 7 And quarreling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.
8 So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left."
10 Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD.
14 The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring [a] forever. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you."
18 So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.
Ok, the one thing I want you to remember is that baggage can also seem good when it isn't'. Pray to God and ask him what bag's you need to drop off before the New Year.
With love-
Sara
Sunday, December 14, 2008
"Are you ready for a marriage? Are you ready for a wedding?"
Hello all you single ladies!
Ok, today we are going to talk about preparing yourself for marriage. This is something that God has been talking to me about for the last year and let's say, I'm still not ready. I might write more on this, but today the Holy Spirit is leading me and I'm just going to flow.
In July 2007 I heard the Lord say in a very clear voice, "Are you ready for a marriage? Are you Ready for a Wedding?". I got so excited, I thought I was going to get married any time soon and I was on cloud nine. I started looking at my wedding books and picking out the dress and all that good stuff. But, it wasn't until November when he asked me to do the unthinkable, well to me it was unthinkable. He asked me not to date anyone or get into any relationship for one full year. November 2007-November 2008. You can see why I hit the net in November 2008! LOL. Anyway, One night he had me up, and I was calculating the cost of being married. A decent wedding, nothing ghetto, would run me a minimum $10,000. I want to birth six kids, and adopt two, so the crib I want is $1,000 from Pottery Barn. I know there are much cheaper cribs out there, but I want to start a lot of family traditions. I figured if I bought one good crib that all my babies could use, then I would not have to make any future investments (expect if I had twins or Triplets). When I started to calculate dippers and baby food and all that it takes to raise a family, my account came up way short!
I am not saying that you have to be rich before you get married, what God is showed me is that I was not ready for a marriage, and I was not ready for a wedding. So many of us are in the same boat. Believe it or not we might not find a Boaz. Even though I pray you do. What if your husband makes less than you do? I do believe that your Husband should provide for your complete household and that you working should be an option. But, that's my opinion. The reality is, you might make more than him.
What I want us to look at today is the scripture of the young virgins and I want us to be women of Wisdom. Let's prepare for our wedding, because this is the time for you to save up for your wedding and save up for your marriage. If you don't then you could be holding up your own union. I do believe that God can provide, but sometimes God provides us with wisdom and the time to prepare.
If your not working at this time, then you should be preparing your heart and your spirit for marriage. This means, you should get into the word of the living God, study other wives, like the proverbs 31 woman and pray and ask God to get you ready for your husband. Pray for your husband to come.
Pray for the following things:
*God to Bless your husband
*Help you to have wisdom on how to communicate with him
*Help you to overcome all misunderstandings you've had about marriage in terms of how God wants a marriage to operate
*Help you to overcome your deep hidden problems and hurts with men from your past, brothers and your father
*Ask him how to make your marriage work
*What direction should your family go in and prepare you for that
Maybe your called to be the first lady of a chruch, this means that your husband is going to be in the spotlight and your going to be responsible for help growing a church. Ask God now before you meet your mate to give you the skills of a leader, prepare your heart for that role and to make the provision for that journey. Ask God to prepare your family for that journey as well. Study great women who are leaders and pray that God will equip you now for when that time is to come. Study the word like never before. Practice teaching a bible study etc.
There are habits that we have that must be changed before we get married and commit to a man. If you nag your friends, you will nag your husband. If your controlling now, you'll be controlling when you get married. The book of proverbs talks a lot about being a miserable wife, and how a prudent wife is a gift from God!
I'm not saying we need to be perfect, what I'm saying is, during your single years you should be working on yourself 100%. Become the woman God has called you to be. It's like we meet a guy and he's everything we want on paper except for a few things. Like he curses, drinks and smokes but we believe he is going to change once he starts dating us! Never going to happen, God has to change him first. Ask God to go Deep into your heart and expose all the baggage you need to drop off before you enter the marriage covenant.
If you never saw a healthy, God fearing marriage like me, ask God to place you around people with healthy God fearing marriages. I didn't know how much of my mother and fathers ideas on marriage I had until God exposed it. We do become the ones we hate. So if your mom has been single her whole life and never keeps a relationship, ask God to help you not to become that. If your parents are divorced ask God to expose the root of the divorce and help your marriage not to become that. If your divorced ask God to heal you of the pain and expose why it didn't' work and if it was you then ask God to change you, if it wasn't then ask him to prepare you for your next successful relationship. Also this is big FORGIVE YOUR PARENTS FOR THE MISTAKES THEY'VE MADE IN RAISING YOU AND THE SINS THEY'VE COMMITTED AGAINST EACH OTHER. FORGIVE YOUR PARENTS AND ASK GOD TO HELP YOU NOT MAKE THOSE SAME MISTAKES. If you don't know your parents or if there was abuse in the house, forgive them and ask God to heal you deep in that wound.
I'm not talking about God changing all of you, just the parts of you that can hinder your marriage. For example, I'm a messy person. I've tried to be Mrs. Clean and have my house look like a magazine and it just doesn't work for me. I'm a mess. I keep the kitchen and the bathroom clean, but I have papers all over the place and it's my vice. My niece who I take care of, and who lives with me. That girl cleans like a professional. I mean the house looks like a magazine and I'm just amazed. That is her gift and it is not mine. So ask God to show you the things that will hinder your marriage.
We have got to get out of the habit of wasting God's time. I used to be notorious for this. I knew God wanted me to do something and I would wait until he brought the opportunity for me to do it before I prepared myself for it. That is wrong. Let' take the time we have and Glorify God with it by being prepared. Two things happen when we are not prepared, one, we miss the opportunity God has for us. Two we get into the opportunity and we mess it up! So let's get ready and not just talk about it, be about getting ready.
Let's get into the word:
Matthew 25 1-13
1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
This Scripture means so many things, it speaks loudly to salvation and preparing for the return of Jesus Christ. Let's look at it in terms of getting ready for that Godly union. The scripture doesn't say how much time was given to the ten women to prepare for the bridegroom, but they all had the same time. When preparing for your mate work towards the meeting with energy and diligence because you don't' want to meet him and not be prepared for the new life you will have with him.
We've covered getting ready spiritually, and emotionally, let's look at getting ready financially. I believe that as the women of our household we should be the spiritual Joesph's for each house. I remember growing up in the 90's and 2000's and my dad's business was booming. My and parents shopped like there was no tomorrow. I still have pictures with me and my mom and a $1000 outfit she bought me. I went to Europe every summer, and money was never a problem. During those times my mother wanted to start several other business ventures, but my dad didn't help her with it so they never did them. Today my dad's business is drying up, like so many other small businesses. The one thing I hear the most from my parents is "I should have". Yep, I should have invested in this, or I should have invested in that. But, because there was so much plenty, we didn't think it would run out. My pastor preached an awesome word today, and it's so true, there is always a season of to much and not enough.
What God is doing with you right now is teaching you basic management skills, and these skills should be applied when your married. Did you know that a majority of marriages in and out of the church fail because of money? Yep the might dollar brings down more households than you can think. So how do you prepare for the wedding and the marriage? simple pray to God and get his plan and work it.
He's going to ask you to make some financial changes that is going to take a lot of work, but it's going to help you become more disciplined in the future. Here are some things that might help you (this list is not final ask God what to add to it not take away):
#1. Do a profit and loss statement on yourself. It doesn't have to be fancy, but look at how much money is coming and how much money is going out. Also write down your debt and what need to be eliminated quickly. Keep a detailed record of what your spending for 90 straight days. I want you to do this even if your over flowing with money.
#2. If you find that your cash low, then ask God to show you ways to increase your wealth. Maybe it's a part time job? or a part time business like direct marketing or maybe you have a natural gift you can profit from. I am skilled at hair and make up, its just a natural thing for me. I'm excited about prom season 09 because I'm going to make these little girls up and get paid! Or maybe you can cook? or decorate? or write? you'll be surprise of the natural talents you have that others are willing to pay for. Find a way to stop living pay check to pay check.
#3. Talk to a real financial planner ask them what types of investments you should be making. What are the most risky and the most profitable. If you lost your job today, how would you support yourself? where else can money come from and how much do you have now to live off of?
#4. Get financially savvy, remember right now your doing this just for you, but pretty soon you'll have to do this for your family and the time to prepare for your child's college fund isn't when the doctor tells you your pregnant!
#5. Get out of debt. Get out of debt and Get out of debt. The word says you should owe no man anything expect love. Ask God to help you get out of debt. Pay off the credit cards now! remember a season of not is enough is on it's way.
#6. Look at your ratios. Your wealth is accumulated by how much you keep not how much you earn. Top money advisers like Robert Kiyosaki and Dave Ramsey stress the 70/30 rule. You live on 70% of your income, you tithe 10% of your income, you save 10% of your income and you invest 10% of your income. If you can't do it instantly ask God to provide the extra 30% or start with saving a dollar a day, invest a dollar a day and give a dollar day. Just start! It's going to be hard, but it teaches you two things, #1. being disciplined about how you spend your money, and #2. you'll have some money when your husband gets here!
#7. Figure out what emotional attachment's you have to money and ask God to break the unhealthy ones. For example, do you shop when your mad? Do you impulse buy? Do you have too much? If your shoe closet looks like a boutique, we have a problem. When your kids come how are you going to keep up that lavish lifestyle? Remember a prudent wife is a gift from God.
God will increase your income if your a good steward over what you have now. Also how do you pay your bills? I pay my bills when they are due. I could have the money in my account a month before it's due, but I pay it when it's due. Do you pay your bills when you feel like it and have late fees all the time? Late fees are a waste of money. Trust me once you start to ask God to show you where your wasting your money, it's going to shock you. We also learn a lot about money from our parents. So ask God to expose the lies we've grown up thinking about money. Money is not the root to all evil, but the LOVE OF MONEY is the root to all evil. Big difference.
#8. Ask God to show you what you can live with out and save that money.
#9. Invest your own money on financial education (books, tapes, trainings).
#10. If you failed at your finances your whole life like I did, Get on God's plan today and he'll restore the years you've lost to ignorance.
I challenge you for the year of 2009 to make minor and major changes to your financial life and tell me about it. Testify about how much you've saved towards that fabulous wedding I'm going to attend, or how much God has moved in your life. When you meet the one, talk to him about money and start to pray that God will help you both be good stewards of your money before he even gets here.
I am on this journey with you, everything I've written I'm doing. I'm at the beginning and starting over myself, so don't be discouraged, know that I understand. So let's take this road together.
Books and websites you must get on now!
#1. Rich Dad Poor Dad, and get the tape series
#2. Susie Ormans "Road to Wealth"
#3. DaniJohnson.com "Conquering the financial kingdom" Cd Series
#4. Duggarfamily.com - this woman has 18 kids and they are completely debt free!
#5. DaveRamsey.com
Scriptures to study:
#1. Proverbs 31
#2. Genesis 37-45 Pray this one out, its Joesph's story God will give you insight on your personal life and your families future
#3. Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife. (GNB: Prov 21.9)
Better to live out in the desert than with a nagging, complaining wife. (GNB: Prov 21.19)
A nagging wife is like water going drip-drip-drip on a rainy day. How can you keep her quiet? Have you ever tried to stop the wind or ever tried to hold a handful of oil? (GNB: Prov 27.15)
#4. Deuteronomy 28 and 29
#5. Proverbs 10:22
#6. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Let's Pray:
Father we thank you that we are not the unwise virgins, but we are the wise ones. Father we ask that our time being single will not be a waste but we will accomplish great things for you and your kingdom. Father we ask that you help use to take down every negative idea we had about wealth, every incorrect teachings we've had about wealth and managing your money. Father we pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Father give us your wisdom, your word says that Wisdom was with you before for the foundations of the earth, and that she dwells with prudence. Help us to be prudent, help us to make small changes that will have great impacts. Help us to find the key to debt release. Father, I bless the women who read this and for those who think they've lost time, Father redeem the time. But, I pray that you will go Deep and expose all the things about us that are untrue, damaging, and will become a total hindrance to our marriages. Father I pray for their husbands, for your word says it's not good for man to be alone. I pray that their husbands are getting ready as well. I pray that their husbands are being transformed into your image by the word of God. Bless them to provide for their families and bless us with the wisdom to manage your provision. It's not about money, it's about your kingdom and your will being done in our lives. We thank you and we bless you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Till next time-
Sara
All scriputres have come from the bible.
Ok, today we are going to talk about preparing yourself for marriage. This is something that God has been talking to me about for the last year and let's say, I'm still not ready. I might write more on this, but today the Holy Spirit is leading me and I'm just going to flow.
In July 2007 I heard the Lord say in a very clear voice, "Are you ready for a marriage? Are you Ready for a Wedding?". I got so excited, I thought I was going to get married any time soon and I was on cloud nine. I started looking at my wedding books and picking out the dress and all that good stuff. But, it wasn't until November when he asked me to do the unthinkable, well to me it was unthinkable. He asked me not to date anyone or get into any relationship for one full year. November 2007-November 2008. You can see why I hit the net in November 2008! LOL. Anyway, One night he had me up, and I was calculating the cost of being married. A decent wedding, nothing ghetto, would run me a minimum $10,000. I want to birth six kids, and adopt two, so the crib I want is $1,000 from Pottery Barn. I know there are much cheaper cribs out there, but I want to start a lot of family traditions. I figured if I bought one good crib that all my babies could use, then I would not have to make any future investments (expect if I had twins or Triplets). When I started to calculate dippers and baby food and all that it takes to raise a family, my account came up way short!
I am not saying that you have to be rich before you get married, what God is showed me is that I was not ready for a marriage, and I was not ready for a wedding. So many of us are in the same boat. Believe it or not we might not find a Boaz. Even though I pray you do. What if your husband makes less than you do? I do believe that your Husband should provide for your complete household and that you working should be an option. But, that's my opinion. The reality is, you might make more than him.
What I want us to look at today is the scripture of the young virgins and I want us to be women of Wisdom. Let's prepare for our wedding, because this is the time for you to save up for your wedding and save up for your marriage. If you don't then you could be holding up your own union. I do believe that God can provide, but sometimes God provides us with wisdom and the time to prepare.
If your not working at this time, then you should be preparing your heart and your spirit for marriage. This means, you should get into the word of the living God, study other wives, like the proverbs 31 woman and pray and ask God to get you ready for your husband. Pray for your husband to come.
Pray for the following things:
*God to Bless your husband
*Help you to have wisdom on how to communicate with him
*Help you to overcome all misunderstandings you've had about marriage in terms of how God wants a marriage to operate
*Help you to overcome your deep hidden problems and hurts with men from your past, brothers and your father
*Ask him how to make your marriage work
*What direction should your family go in and prepare you for that
Maybe your called to be the first lady of a chruch, this means that your husband is going to be in the spotlight and your going to be responsible for help growing a church. Ask God now before you meet your mate to give you the skills of a leader, prepare your heart for that role and to make the provision for that journey. Ask God to prepare your family for that journey as well. Study great women who are leaders and pray that God will equip you now for when that time is to come. Study the word like never before. Practice teaching a bible study etc.
There are habits that we have that must be changed before we get married and commit to a man. If you nag your friends, you will nag your husband. If your controlling now, you'll be controlling when you get married. The book of proverbs talks a lot about being a miserable wife, and how a prudent wife is a gift from God!
I'm not saying we need to be perfect, what I'm saying is, during your single years you should be working on yourself 100%. Become the woman God has called you to be. It's like we meet a guy and he's everything we want on paper except for a few things. Like he curses, drinks and smokes but we believe he is going to change once he starts dating us! Never going to happen, God has to change him first. Ask God to go Deep into your heart and expose all the baggage you need to drop off before you enter the marriage covenant.
If you never saw a healthy, God fearing marriage like me, ask God to place you around people with healthy God fearing marriages. I didn't know how much of my mother and fathers ideas on marriage I had until God exposed it. We do become the ones we hate. So if your mom has been single her whole life and never keeps a relationship, ask God to help you not to become that. If your parents are divorced ask God to expose the root of the divorce and help your marriage not to become that. If your divorced ask God to heal you of the pain and expose why it didn't' work and if it was you then ask God to change you, if it wasn't then ask him to prepare you for your next successful relationship. Also this is big FORGIVE YOUR PARENTS FOR THE MISTAKES THEY'VE MADE IN RAISING YOU AND THE SINS THEY'VE COMMITTED AGAINST EACH OTHER. FORGIVE YOUR PARENTS AND ASK GOD TO HELP YOU NOT MAKE THOSE SAME MISTAKES. If you don't know your parents or if there was abuse in the house, forgive them and ask God to heal you deep in that wound.
I'm not talking about God changing all of you, just the parts of you that can hinder your marriage. For example, I'm a messy person. I've tried to be Mrs. Clean and have my house look like a magazine and it just doesn't work for me. I'm a mess. I keep the kitchen and the bathroom clean, but I have papers all over the place and it's my vice. My niece who I take care of, and who lives with me. That girl cleans like a professional. I mean the house looks like a magazine and I'm just amazed. That is her gift and it is not mine. So ask God to show you the things that will hinder your marriage.
We have got to get out of the habit of wasting God's time. I used to be notorious for this. I knew God wanted me to do something and I would wait until he brought the opportunity for me to do it before I prepared myself for it. That is wrong. Let' take the time we have and Glorify God with it by being prepared. Two things happen when we are not prepared, one, we miss the opportunity God has for us. Two we get into the opportunity and we mess it up! So let's get ready and not just talk about it, be about getting ready.
Let's get into the word:
Matthew 25 1-13
1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
This Scripture means so many things, it speaks loudly to salvation and preparing for the return of Jesus Christ. Let's look at it in terms of getting ready for that Godly union. The scripture doesn't say how much time was given to the ten women to prepare for the bridegroom, but they all had the same time. When preparing for your mate work towards the meeting with energy and diligence because you don't' want to meet him and not be prepared for the new life you will have with him.
We've covered getting ready spiritually, and emotionally, let's look at getting ready financially. I believe that as the women of our household we should be the spiritual Joesph's for each house. I remember growing up in the 90's and 2000's and my dad's business was booming. My and parents shopped like there was no tomorrow. I still have pictures with me and my mom and a $1000 outfit she bought me. I went to Europe every summer, and money was never a problem. During those times my mother wanted to start several other business ventures, but my dad didn't help her with it so they never did them. Today my dad's business is drying up, like so many other small businesses. The one thing I hear the most from my parents is "I should have". Yep, I should have invested in this, or I should have invested in that. But, because there was so much plenty, we didn't think it would run out. My pastor preached an awesome word today, and it's so true, there is always a season of to much and not enough.
What God is doing with you right now is teaching you basic management skills, and these skills should be applied when your married. Did you know that a majority of marriages in and out of the church fail because of money? Yep the might dollar brings down more households than you can think. So how do you prepare for the wedding and the marriage? simple pray to God and get his plan and work it.
He's going to ask you to make some financial changes that is going to take a lot of work, but it's going to help you become more disciplined in the future. Here are some things that might help you (this list is not final ask God what to add to it not take away):
#1. Do a profit and loss statement on yourself. It doesn't have to be fancy, but look at how much money is coming and how much money is going out. Also write down your debt and what need to be eliminated quickly. Keep a detailed record of what your spending for 90 straight days. I want you to do this even if your over flowing with money.
#2. If you find that your cash low, then ask God to show you ways to increase your wealth. Maybe it's a part time job? or a part time business like direct marketing or maybe you have a natural gift you can profit from. I am skilled at hair and make up, its just a natural thing for me. I'm excited about prom season 09 because I'm going to make these little girls up and get paid! Or maybe you can cook? or decorate? or write? you'll be surprise of the natural talents you have that others are willing to pay for. Find a way to stop living pay check to pay check.
#3. Talk to a real financial planner ask them what types of investments you should be making. What are the most risky and the most profitable. If you lost your job today, how would you support yourself? where else can money come from and how much do you have now to live off of?
#4. Get financially savvy, remember right now your doing this just for you, but pretty soon you'll have to do this for your family and the time to prepare for your child's college fund isn't when the doctor tells you your pregnant!
#5. Get out of debt. Get out of debt and Get out of debt. The word says you should owe no man anything expect love. Ask God to help you get out of debt. Pay off the credit cards now! remember a season of not is enough is on it's way.
#6. Look at your ratios. Your wealth is accumulated by how much you keep not how much you earn. Top money advisers like Robert Kiyosaki and Dave Ramsey stress the 70/30 rule. You live on 70% of your income, you tithe 10% of your income, you save 10% of your income and you invest 10% of your income. If you can't do it instantly ask God to provide the extra 30% or start with saving a dollar a day, invest a dollar a day and give a dollar day. Just start! It's going to be hard, but it teaches you two things, #1. being disciplined about how you spend your money, and #2. you'll have some money when your husband gets here!
#7. Figure out what emotional attachment's you have to money and ask God to break the unhealthy ones. For example, do you shop when your mad? Do you impulse buy? Do you have too much? If your shoe closet looks like a boutique, we have a problem. When your kids come how are you going to keep up that lavish lifestyle? Remember a prudent wife is a gift from God.
God will increase your income if your a good steward over what you have now. Also how do you pay your bills? I pay my bills when they are due. I could have the money in my account a month before it's due, but I pay it when it's due. Do you pay your bills when you feel like it and have late fees all the time? Late fees are a waste of money. Trust me once you start to ask God to show you where your wasting your money, it's going to shock you. We also learn a lot about money from our parents. So ask God to expose the lies we've grown up thinking about money. Money is not the root to all evil, but the LOVE OF MONEY is the root to all evil. Big difference.
#8. Ask God to show you what you can live with out and save that money.
#9. Invest your own money on financial education (books, tapes, trainings).
#10. If you failed at your finances your whole life like I did, Get on God's plan today and he'll restore the years you've lost to ignorance.
I challenge you for the year of 2009 to make minor and major changes to your financial life and tell me about it. Testify about how much you've saved towards that fabulous wedding I'm going to attend, or how much God has moved in your life. When you meet the one, talk to him about money and start to pray that God will help you both be good stewards of your money before he even gets here.
I am on this journey with you, everything I've written I'm doing. I'm at the beginning and starting over myself, so don't be discouraged, know that I understand. So let's take this road together.
Books and websites you must get on now!
#1. Rich Dad Poor Dad, and get the tape series
#2. Susie Ormans "Road to Wealth"
#3. DaniJohnson.com "Conquering the financial kingdom" Cd Series
#4. Duggarfamily.com - this woman has 18 kids and they are completely debt free!
#5. DaveRamsey.com
Scriptures to study:
#1. Proverbs 31
#2. Genesis 37-45 Pray this one out, its Joesph's story God will give you insight on your personal life and your families future
#3. Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife. (GNB: Prov 21.9)
Better to live out in the desert than with a nagging, complaining wife. (GNB: Prov 21.19)
A nagging wife is like water going drip-drip-drip on a rainy day. How can you keep her quiet? Have you ever tried to stop the wind or ever tried to hold a handful of oil? (GNB: Prov 27.15)
#4. Deuteronomy 28 and 29
#5. Proverbs 10:22
#6. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Let's Pray:
Father we thank you that we are not the unwise virgins, but we are the wise ones. Father we ask that our time being single will not be a waste but we will accomplish great things for you and your kingdom. Father we ask that you help use to take down every negative idea we had about wealth, every incorrect teachings we've had about wealth and managing your money. Father we pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Father give us your wisdom, your word says that Wisdom was with you before for the foundations of the earth, and that she dwells with prudence. Help us to be prudent, help us to make small changes that will have great impacts. Help us to find the key to debt release. Father, I bless the women who read this and for those who think they've lost time, Father redeem the time. But, I pray that you will go Deep and expose all the things about us that are untrue, damaging, and will become a total hindrance to our marriages. Father I pray for their husbands, for your word says it's not good for man to be alone. I pray that their husbands are getting ready as well. I pray that their husbands are being transformed into your image by the word of God. Bless them to provide for their families and bless us with the wisdom to manage your provision. It's not about money, it's about your kingdom and your will being done in our lives. We thank you and we bless you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Till next time-
Sara
All scriputres have come from the bible.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Dating With Out God is Wack!
“I’m Single Saved and I don’t Live in the City”
December 9, 2008
Ok, so it’s been about three weeks since I started to talk to different men online. Yes, I said online. It all happened one night when I was lonely, and bored out of my mind. Things weren’t going the way I planned and I was fed up with God, and fed up with waiting on God. So I went online and I posted an ad and the flood gates of men started pouring in. At this point I was so out of it that I didn’t care if they were believers or not. I just wanted a man in my life, I wanted someone who would step in and do all the things I have to do on my own. The only thing I wanted was to be taken cared of.
I did not want to be single, so I got on a mission to find a man and to find me a husband fast. I watched “Real Housewives” and said to myself, if these women could get a man to lavish them, so can I. I figured if I found someone within a certain age group, and status then I would be set. Flash my pretty smile, run my New York game and it would be a done deal. So I treated looking for a man, the way I do any other business transaction. When a man would answer my posting I would size him up. First, what do you look like, second, what do you do for a living, and third are you looking for a long term relationship.
I did meet a lot of freaks, married men, and a lot of men looking for sex. But overall I’ve met some really great men. Some doctors, a few lawyers, and multiple business owners. One guy, we'll call him “S.T.” is a very successful lawyer in Manhattan. He owns his firm and we talk about business for hours. He wants to take the role of mentor and boyfriend in my life. If you know me business is my everything. So when we began talking it was like magic. But, there is one problem, he doesn’t know God. None of them “know God”.
At first I didn’t pray about it because I was mad at God for making me wait. So I went for three weeks, just talking to different people and building different relationships. Going on different dates and not asking God one thing (LOL thank God for his Grace). Slowly I’ve gotten over my issues with God, and let me say God is perfect. I failed not God. God is perfect in everything. He’s the greatest part of my life.
Now that I’m back in line with God, and I feel sorry for these men because they are so empty. That’s what I want to talk about today. I want to talk about dating without God. You just can’t do it. Men who are not saved and transformed, did you hear me I said men who are not saved and transformed will never satisfy a woman of God. None of these men, no matter how much money they have and all the things they want to do for me financially will never be able to satisfy a deeper part of me. Trust, I was too tempted to go to Miami with one of the Doctors for the weekend (I need a vacation but not like that). In the end I would be more hurt than loved. Because there is nothing that he has that I truly desire.
I woke up this morning feeling so empty and dissatisfied. Then God revealed to me that dating without him will not work. These men have no substance. It’s like I’m talking to dead people. There is a flame that believes carry and we often over look it and don’t realize it because we are always around each other, but we possess Christ. When a person doesn’t have Christ nothing they have will truly satisfy them or anyone else. Even though they have everything in the material world that I wanted, that deep connection is not there.
Is it nice having a man tell you how highly he thinks of you and how much he wants to take things to the next level. But, no matter what they say, all the complements and all that stuff just doesn’t fulfill a greater need that I have or that you have. I also realized why so many marriages fail.
Some Marriages fail because you have empty people, marring empty people. What gets them into the relationship isn’t enough to keep them in the relationship. I’m talking about unsaved people, and people who are save but have not been transformed by the word of God. I’m sorry, you can’t date or enjoy a man with -out God. There is something so amazing about a “real” man of God. I mean their style is so fly and fills your heart and your soul.
That’s what I’m looking for, I’m looking for a man who can fill me up! LOL someone who is my perfect ten. From the way he acts, to the way he studies the word of God. That’s so attractive, not some dude who is empty and doesn’t have the flame.
It’s so interesting how you don’t realize how much God has taken you out of the World until you face situations like this. I’ve never been married and I don’t know the challenges that married people face, but one thing I can say, is unless the power of God enters your marriage then you will not be able to overcome the difficult times. It’s only the power of God that will help both persons to forgive and to change for real (not for fake). Only God can heal the deepest wounds. Only God can change the uglest heart. Only the Blood of Jesus can cover the worst and most viel sin.
Empty people will not make good partners, they don’t make good boyfriends and they will not make good husbands or wives. I’m not talking about perfection, because we are all far from perfection. I’m talking about people who live and know God. The word says “taste and see that the Lord is Good” Psalms 34:8. The word also says “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” Romans 12:2.
That’s what where looking for as single women. We are looking for men who have tasted the rivers of life that comes from the thrown of God, Psalms 46. And if he hasn’t tasted, and drink of the living waters that only Jesus can give, then he is not the one. (John 4) He is not the one. I believe that when the one comes you’ll know. You’ll know like you know, like you know. When you meet him it will be like this:
John 2: 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss[d] your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Now you’re not waiting for the savior of the world, he already came. But your experience when you meet him or her should be satisfying. It should be pure, and it should be holy. You are waiting for one part of your life to be fulfilled. Remember if the man or woman your thinking about doesn’t make you feel “fulfilled” they are not the one. If they don’t “know” God they are not the one.
Lets pray, Father I thank you that all things work together for the good of them that love God and are called upon your purpose. And father I pray for my fellow single Christians who are waiting. I pray for their strength and their ability to discern the enemy. I pray that you will comfort them and give them the peace that surpasses all understanding. Prepare our hearts for the perfect wedding. Because your word says that “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh”. Father I pray that we will be prepared to fit our mate and become one flesh. Those who are facing difficult times in their marriages, I pray your peace and strength and grace to endure. We thank you and we bless you, in Jesus name. Amen.
That’s all I have for today, stay tuned we are going on an amazing ride! Praise God
Scriptures to study
John chapters 2 and 4
Psalms 46 and 34
Romans 12
The Above scripture came from the Bible.
December 9, 2008
Ok, so it’s been about three weeks since I started to talk to different men online. Yes, I said online. It all happened one night when I was lonely, and bored out of my mind. Things weren’t going the way I planned and I was fed up with God, and fed up with waiting on God. So I went online and I posted an ad and the flood gates of men started pouring in. At this point I was so out of it that I didn’t care if they were believers or not. I just wanted a man in my life, I wanted someone who would step in and do all the things I have to do on my own. The only thing I wanted was to be taken cared of.
I did not want to be single, so I got on a mission to find a man and to find me a husband fast. I watched “Real Housewives” and said to myself, if these women could get a man to lavish them, so can I. I figured if I found someone within a certain age group, and status then I would be set. Flash my pretty smile, run my New York game and it would be a done deal. So I treated looking for a man, the way I do any other business transaction. When a man would answer my posting I would size him up. First, what do you look like, second, what do you do for a living, and third are you looking for a long term relationship.
I did meet a lot of freaks, married men, and a lot of men looking for sex. But overall I’ve met some really great men. Some doctors, a few lawyers, and multiple business owners. One guy, we'll call him “S.T.” is a very successful lawyer in Manhattan. He owns his firm and we talk about business for hours. He wants to take the role of mentor and boyfriend in my life. If you know me business is my everything. So when we began talking it was like magic. But, there is one problem, he doesn’t know God. None of them “know God”.
At first I didn’t pray about it because I was mad at God for making me wait. So I went for three weeks, just talking to different people and building different relationships. Going on different dates and not asking God one thing (LOL thank God for his Grace). Slowly I’ve gotten over my issues with God, and let me say God is perfect. I failed not God. God is perfect in everything. He’s the greatest part of my life.
Now that I’m back in line with God, and I feel sorry for these men because they are so empty. That’s what I want to talk about today. I want to talk about dating without God. You just can’t do it. Men who are not saved and transformed, did you hear me I said men who are not saved and transformed will never satisfy a woman of God. None of these men, no matter how much money they have and all the things they want to do for me financially will never be able to satisfy a deeper part of me. Trust, I was too tempted to go to Miami with one of the Doctors for the weekend (I need a vacation but not like that). In the end I would be more hurt than loved. Because there is nothing that he has that I truly desire.
I woke up this morning feeling so empty and dissatisfied. Then God revealed to me that dating without him will not work. These men have no substance. It’s like I’m talking to dead people. There is a flame that believes carry and we often over look it and don’t realize it because we are always around each other, but we possess Christ. When a person doesn’t have Christ nothing they have will truly satisfy them or anyone else. Even though they have everything in the material world that I wanted, that deep connection is not there.
Is it nice having a man tell you how highly he thinks of you and how much he wants to take things to the next level. But, no matter what they say, all the complements and all that stuff just doesn’t fulfill a greater need that I have or that you have. I also realized why so many marriages fail.
Some Marriages fail because you have empty people, marring empty people. What gets them into the relationship isn’t enough to keep them in the relationship. I’m talking about unsaved people, and people who are save but have not been transformed by the word of God. I’m sorry, you can’t date or enjoy a man with -out God. There is something so amazing about a “real” man of God. I mean their style is so fly and fills your heart and your soul.
That’s what I’m looking for, I’m looking for a man who can fill me up! LOL someone who is my perfect ten. From the way he acts, to the way he studies the word of God. That’s so attractive, not some dude who is empty and doesn’t have the flame.
It’s so interesting how you don’t realize how much God has taken you out of the World until you face situations like this. I’ve never been married and I don’t know the challenges that married people face, but one thing I can say, is unless the power of God enters your marriage then you will not be able to overcome the difficult times. It’s only the power of God that will help both persons to forgive and to change for real (not for fake). Only God can heal the deepest wounds. Only God can change the uglest heart. Only the Blood of Jesus can cover the worst and most viel sin.
Empty people will not make good partners, they don’t make good boyfriends and they will not make good husbands or wives. I’m not talking about perfection, because we are all far from perfection. I’m talking about people who live and know God. The word says “taste and see that the Lord is Good” Psalms 34:8. The word also says “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” Romans 12:2.
That’s what where looking for as single women. We are looking for men who have tasted the rivers of life that comes from the thrown of God, Psalms 46. And if he hasn’t tasted, and drink of the living waters that only Jesus can give, then he is not the one. (John 4) He is not the one. I believe that when the one comes you’ll know. You’ll know like you know, like you know. When you meet him it will be like this:
John 2: 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss[d] your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Now you’re not waiting for the savior of the world, he already came. But your experience when you meet him or her should be satisfying. It should be pure, and it should be holy. You are waiting for one part of your life to be fulfilled. Remember if the man or woman your thinking about doesn’t make you feel “fulfilled” they are not the one. If they don’t “know” God they are not the one.
Lets pray, Father I thank you that all things work together for the good of them that love God and are called upon your purpose. And father I pray for my fellow single Christians who are waiting. I pray for their strength and their ability to discern the enemy. I pray that you will comfort them and give them the peace that surpasses all understanding. Prepare our hearts for the perfect wedding. Because your word says that “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh”. Father I pray that we will be prepared to fit our mate and become one flesh. Those who are facing difficult times in their marriages, I pray your peace and strength and grace to endure. We thank you and we bless you, in Jesus name. Amen.
That’s all I have for today, stay tuned we are going on an amazing ride! Praise God
Scriptures to study
John chapters 2 and 4
Psalms 46 and 34
Romans 12
The Above scripture came from the Bible.
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