Am I ready?

TWI #82
© Pamyla Floyd
2/11/2012

I know that I have had to ask myself this question, as I’m sure that many of us must also do. Am I ready? Am I ready for the thing that I’m asking of the lord? Am I mature enough discuss uncomfortable conversations? How do I handle misunderstandings? Do I immediately take action or wait for things to work themselves out? Actually, there is no right or wrong here. But, the question of our motives come into play when we’re faced with challenging circumstances, conversations, problems and the way we handle them.

If we have always yelled down others when they approached with a problem, and ignored their feelings or stance on things, then we need to take a long hard look at ourselves. Now that is easy to say, but nothing is impossible with God. If we are not willing to try effective communication where both parties’ input are listened to, then we may just not be ready yet. If we insist on throwing temper tantrums to get our way, because that is how things have always worked, we surely are not ready for ‘that person’ to come into our lives.

It would be a shame to have prayed and waited for that suitable mate, only to run them away, because we aren’t willing to change for the greater cause of those involved. What about finances? Nobody LIKES paying bills, but unfortunately, it is a must in this life. On the other hand, if we don’t like paying bills and won’t pay them, this is a huge problem. Even as singles, if we think that we can do whatever we want, however we want, because “I don’t have to answer to anyone” we are entering into a mindset with motives that are not pleasing to the Lord. We will find ourselves pushed further away from attaining the promise of a successful loving relationship. It is foolish to think that our Heavenly Father would bring His virtuous woman or mighty man of valor into the life of someone who would ruin their walk, life and testimony. I’m trying to keep it real. There are far too many divorces in the body of Christ.

In order to walk in the promises of God we have to be in position. No batter can make a home run if he refuses to come up to the plate. We need to have a teachable spirit, be a good listener, have compassion toward others, walk in love, and be ready to forgive. Another key component is that we be willing to work on things, by following through every time.

So, whether our petition letter to the Lord be about our spiritual growth,a new home, job , relationship or whatever; the question should always be—Am I ready?

Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips—Psalms 21:2

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting—Matthew 17:21

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

God bless,
Pamyla

TWI #75--characteristics of a Godly man

I originally wrote this piece on April 29, 2002, and thought that it might still bless today. It was meant for the women, but men benefit from it as well.
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Hello and God bless. I wanted to list some characteristics of godly men. Too often we as women complain and bad mouth the men of God but are we really looking at them in a godly manner or how the world says? Ladies, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Believe me, they are out there, and if we continue to view relationships and criteria of a person’s character by the standards we used before we became saved, well, we will continue to get the same results Amen!
Please read carefully, praying and asking God to send His Holy Spirit to guide and un blind eyes and open hearts to her the things of God.

I hope you enjoy this writing, and please be sure to follow up on the scriptures. They will be helpful and give insight into what God’s standards are, and not man’s.

1—He loves the Lord, He is saved—Deuteronomy 6:5—some men refuse to say Jesus’ name!

2—He respects and honors you as a woman—Ruth 3:14—He doesn’t try to give false impressions of what is really going on

3—He cheerfully honors God with his first fruits (tithes and offerings)-- Hebrews 11:4—He trusts in God, not the lottery

4—He reverences God and his relationship with Him—Psalms 145:5—He knows where his help comes from

5—He walks away from temptation—Genesis 39:9—He is not easily swayed by all that glitters

6—He is a man of prayer—Philippians 4:6—If nothing else, can he cover you in prayer?

7—His speech is not offensive—Colossians 4:6—“b” or hoe aren’t words of endearment to him

8—He has confidence in God—Psalms 147:11—He knows where his help and strength comes from

9—He has a job or is ACTIVELY seeking one—II Thessalonians 3:10-He isn’t sitting around only waiting on a job in the field he studied for to come open, before he will go to work

10—He does not try to make you go against God’s will or your moral values—Acts 5:1-10—self explanatory

11—He doesn’t run from his responsibilities—John 1:3—debts, child support, work etc

12—He honors not only his parents, but yours also—Deuteronomy 21:18—A man who hates your or his own mother are to be avoided at all costs!

13—He leans on the Lord when going through the storms of life—Philippians 1:8—If he starts to revert back to drinking etc, to calm his nerves/help him focus run fast!

14—His lifestyle reflects that of a man after the heart of God—I John 3:18—he isn’t a Sunday Saint only

15—He is a friend to you—Proverbs 12:2—self explanatory

16—He is tactful—Colossians 4:6—no matter the environment or situation, he is careful in how he handles himself

17—He allows god to influence his life, not others—James 1:8—self explanatory

18—His kindness is genuine—Luke 10:33—he doesn’t expect ‘favors’ in return for something he has done for you

19—He is humble—Philippians 4:11--pride aside he humbles himself to the authority of Christ

20—He is not gullible—I John 4:1—not ignorant of the devil's devices

21—He is communicative—I Tim 6:18—Although he may not be much of a talker, you shouldn’t feel like you are ‘pulling teeth’ to get him to talk to you

22—He takes pride in his appearance—Ecclesiastes 9:8—Wheather he has 5 or 50 pair of pants, he is always clean, pressed and neat, and so is his hair

23—He is even tempered—proverbs 29:22—This man is not hard to recognize

24—He is a man of his word—proverbs 6:19—He does what he says, or let’s you know if he can’t. He won’t keep you guessing about his intentions

25—He is trustworthy—Proverbs 11:13- You won’t hear others, the intimate details that you shared with him

26—He doesn’t hold grudges—Ephesians 4:26—The past is in the past with this man

27—He is not carnal minded—Romans 8:7—He doesn’t accept SOME of the things that God has mandated, and reject others. In other words, he won’t manipulate scripture to fit his lifestyle, wants, desires or “needs”

28—He loves you with the love of Christ—Romans 12:10—If your friendship stays on that level, he is still your brother in Christ and treats you with love and respect

29—He is forgiving—Luke 17:3—He knows that he has been forgiven by Christ and ministers effectively the practice of forgiveness

30—He is content—Philippians 4:11-12—This man recognizes that his needs are taken care of, and that he wants and desires of his heart do not cause him to run after the Joneses. He knows that increase comes from the Lord!

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Note: The image is of an male angel

The Word Illustrated #71--Steppin Out

The Word Illustrated #71
© Pamyla Floyd
5/9/2011

Steppin' Out

As singles, we can sometimes find ourselves stuck in a rut that' seems to be glued to the floor. I've come to realize, by way of the Holy Spirit, that location is at the root of the problem. You see, if we are really interested in being in the pathway of our husband/wife, then we have to move. No, I don't mean He suggested that any of us move our place of residence, but He has suggested that we become more active participants in our lives.

Far too often, us single folk, maybe even without realizing it, take a back seat to life; putting off going to new places or trying new things, “until we are married”. We are counting ourselves as being dull, boring, and close minded.
"thy faith hath made thee whole" is what we hear throughout the bible. Where is your faith? Are you walking in your wholeness? I have never found a man who does nothing but work, church, and back home again day after day, attractive. In fact, I run from these types, because truth be told, if a person isn't interested in enjoying life and broadening themselves now; there is very little chance that they will want to after they are in a relationship.

That is like a woman dating an unsaved, jobless man who then expects him to suddenly get saved, and start working, after they have married. Are you following me? It just doesn't work like that. People always let you know who they are. We have to accept people for who they are, and not for who we think we can make them into. Sometimes to get what we want, we have to be willing to come out of our comfort zones.
Far too often, we seek things in a person that we are not willing to be or give in return. I, enjoy asking married couples how they met. Some have met online, at their place of employment, while doing ministry work, taking classes, or while enjoying a favorite hobby.

When we do things that interest us, we are happier, more outgoing, relaxed and easiier to approach. We are drawn to, and form friendships with people we might not otherwise meet in our day to day grind. Proverbs 18:24a says that he who hath friends, must shew himself friendly. We may meet someone directly, through a friend, acquaintance or a family member. I have a friend who recenly began dating a man that her sister bumped into while grocery shopping!

This man is whole, confident in Christ and his mind was not clouded by pre conceived judgments and notions. In John 10:10, Jesus said that satan comes to steal, kill and destroy, but that He has come to give life comma and to give it more abundantly. I believe Him to have been telling us that we could live life to the fullest, right now, not later.

I said all of that to make the point of, if you are single and want to marry, you can and will, if you believe in the word of God. Mark 11:24, is what I want us to meditate on this week. Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them. Be bold, step out and live life to the fullest. You just might be surprised.

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart – I Samuel 16:7b

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies – Proverbs 31:10

Note: The illustration drawing is of hands raised in the air

The Word Illustrated #69 -- Real Love

The Word Illustrated #69
© Pamyla Floyd
2/16/2011

Real Love

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee – Jeremiah 31:3

Valentine's Day is the day that we outwardly express our love. It is a day, much anticipated, with careful planning and delight. We don't mind looking silly, or 'putting ourselves out there' for our sweetie pie. But, what about our first love? Deuteronomy 6:5 tell us that we are to love the LORD our God with all our heart, our mind and all our might.

God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE His only begotton son. What kind of love is this? His love is so deep, so wide, and so high that we cannot begin to understand it! He knew the roads we would travel, the mistakes we would make, and of our rejection of Him, and yet, He still loved us. In fact, He loved us even BEFORE we were formed in our mother's womb. This is real love.

I challenge you to daily express your love toward Him. We can begin by simply telling Him that we love Him, and look for ways to please Him. Aren't these the things we do to gain the attention, love and approval of others? As we draw nearer, He will show and teach us about real love; he will also teach us how to recognize and receive it when it is expressed through others. Real love, what a beautiful thing!

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations – Jeremiah 1:5

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love -- Revelation 2:4

Note: The illustration is of a comic male holding a flower. He has a broad, grin.

The Word Illustrated #32 -- Are there poor among you?

The Word Illustrated #32
© Pamyla Floyd
2/18/2010
Are there poor among you?

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done--Proverbs 19:17
NIV

The world knows that last month Haiti was devastated by a horrific earthquake. It affected about three million people. The city of Atlanta has a population of about four million people. In fact, a few years ago we felt a tremor or two.

I can hear someone say, "But I only have a couple of dollars and I need it". Jesus said that the least you do to one of these, (those in need) you have done also to him.

Please know that when we give out of our own need, God ALWAYS honors it. It does not matter what the amount is. Man looks on the outward apperance, but God looks on the heart.

We have been seeing all manner of natural disasters, and destructive forces, that have mangled lands all over the world. We have heard of tsunamis, fires, flooding and everything in between. If nothing else, we can always pray for others.

We can also do the same for those near us. Let's pray about being led to help a family for a few months. We can help in many ways if we are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. There may even be someone in your neighborhood or church.

Let's walk in faith and be doers of the word as Jesus commanded. After all, wouldn't we want someone to do the same for us?

God bless,
Pamyla

If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com

Reference Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 15:11 -- For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land

James 2:17--Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone

Note: The animated illustration is of a man who is sad standing next to the Haitian flag and a map of the country

The Word Illustrated #22--I John 1:6

The Word Illustrated#22
© PamYla floyd
07/13/2009

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:--I John 1:6

The devil is always looking for a crack to get in and drive a wedge between us and God, he wants to destroy our testimonies by causing us to sin IE curse ourselves.

For instance, there may be someone at our job, in our church or in our neighborhood that we aren't friendly towards. They may not have said or done anything to us, we may have only heard others say unfavorable things about them.

If we are not careful, we will make assumptions, form opinions and end up with a heart of bitterness toward them. We can do all of this without ever speaking to them!

What is the harm? According to Hebrews 12:14-15, bitterness defiles us and will keep us from entering heaven! As Christians we are not to behave as the world does forming cliques, ignoring some, favoring others etc. This is not Christ-like behavior.

Jesus died on the cross so that we could ALL be free from the bondage of sin in ALL its forms! If we not being honest about who we are, we are not glorifying Jesus, we are glorifying satan.

Let's begin by examining our hearts, confessing our sins and asking forgiveness so that we will walk in the light of Christ. God is faithful and just to not only forgive our sins, but to remember them no more!

We need to go over to that brother or sister we've been avoiding, look them in the eye, smile and say hello.

God bless,
Pamyla

Reference Scriptures:
John 8:12
Isaiah 43:25

If you would like prayer, just hit reply. If you want Jesus to come into your heart visit Salvation

Note: the image is a digital illustration of a man with storm clouds over his head. They are representing hidden sin that we slip into, accept and the darkness that ensues because of it.

The Word Illustrated #14--II Timothy 3:5

The Word Illustrated #14
© PamYla Floyd
09/18/2008

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away--II Timothy 3:5

I professed that Jesus is the son of God, asked Him to be the Lord over my life and asked forgiveness for my sins. But....I did not submit all of my life to Christ.

'God knows my heart' was the lie from hell that kept me shackled and struggling with a secret. I denied the power of Christ to free me from ALL things.

I encourage you to submit those 'things' to God, and to find a bible believing, bible teaching, church that flows in the components of the 5 fold ministry.

Counsel with those who will prayerfully go before the Lord on your behalf and then commit to study the scriptures, fast, and pray to be set free.

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting--Matthew 17:21

Let's not just give God some of our lives, but all of it so that we can have the abundant lives that Jesus promised!

God bless,

Pamyla