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

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 #31 -- Love is Not Blind

The Word Illustrated #31
© Pamyla Floyd
1/22/2010

Love is not blind

Now the end of the commandment is charity (love) out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
I Timothy 1:5

Webster's Dictionary describes unfeigned as not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed.

To too many of us, a homeless person on the street is nothing more than a faceless nuisance.

If we are walking in faith, the love we have in our hearts will come through in our actions.

In faith, allow God to use you, to bless someone else. If you walk in love with a pure heart and unfeigned faith; blessings and miracles will surely overtake you.

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 11:22 -- For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;

James 2:15-16 – If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Note: The animated illustration is of a homeless woman wearing torn and ratted clothes sitting on a curb, against a wall. This is because normally we do not see a face when we encounter a homeless person.

The Word Illustrated #18--I Peter 5:7

The Word Illustrated#18
© PamYla floyd
11/21/2008

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you--I Peter 5:7

We spend far too much time worrying about things that we have no control over.
If we know God to be our deliverer, comforter, and restorer, then why do we let 'things' rule us? Good or bad, life happens to everyone.

Whatever we put at the forefront of our lives, becomea the thing that we love the most and inturn, becomes our god. God promised to supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory, and He will do it.

Let's learn to put God first and watch Him do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or dream. The key word is TRUST.

If you want help in asking Jesus to come into your heart, or need prayer. I am just an email away :)

God bless,

Pamyla

Salvation

Additional scripture:
Luke 1:45, Ephesians 3:20

Note: The illustration is of a woman sitting by a lake with all of her cares, which are in the form of crosses which are various colors and sizes. She is pushing them away from her and over to God's capable hands.

The Word Illustrated #17--Hebrews 8:12

The Word Illustrated #17
© PamYla Floyd
10/30/2008

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more--Hebrews 8:12

Many of us have the outward apperance of being free, but inwardly we struggle with sins from our pasts. We do not understand how God can love us enough to forgive ALL of them.

satan wants us wrapped up, tangled up and consumed with our pasts, thus, giving no thought to God and the power of His word.

His job is to keep us depressed, lackluster, ineffective Christians who dare not live up to our God-given potential.

The bible says that we have redemmption THROUGH His blood, EVEN the forgiveness of sins.

Stand on the power of God's word, you can never go wrong trusting in Him.

I took the worries about my past to Christ in prayer. All we have to do is ask.

If you want help in asking Jesus to come into your heart, or need prayer. I am just an email away :)

God bless,

Pamyla

Salvation

Additional scripture:
Isaiah 43:18-19, Colossians 1:14

*Note* The illustration above is a caricature of a womans face, done with graphite pencils. She is looking up with the look of worry, and a tear streaming down her face.

The Word Illustrated #15--I John 5:14-15

The Word Illustrated #15
© PamYla Floyd
10/02/2008

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him--I John 5:14-15

I had another scripture to share with this week's illustration. But tonight in bible study, I was blown away by these scriptures that my pastor taught on.

WE must not doubt God. What He does for one, He can and will do for others -- our belief of this shows confidence in Him.

As we pray His promises back to Him, and line ourselves up with His word -- this shows that we are in His will

Prayer is how we communicate with God. WE can be assured that He hears our petitions; and that victory is ours, if we stand on His word.

We are more than conquerors in Jesus name, and it is time to live like it!

God bless,

Pamyla

The Word Illustrated #10--Acts 2:28

The Word Illustrated#10
© PamYla Floyd
07/02/2008


Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance--Acts 2:28

We are bombarded daily with negative messages and images that burn themselves into the depths of our minds, piercing our hearts, coming out of our mouths, and ending up bearing fruit in how we handle life.

We can live with the "Oh no, what now" attitude. Or, we can live looking forward to the good things that are in store for us.

No one can every fully appreciate the blessings of life until we learn how to be thankful also, for the trials and tribulations that come our way. They are what mature and make us.

Get into a bible believing church that also teaches how to apply the scriptures to everyday life--and let's start enjoying ours more, right now, today!

God bless,

Pamyla