On the Set of "Dating": Written and Directed by God

For years I've been writing about relationships, the roles of male and female, of giving and self-less-ness - I've been writing of this all, but not yet had much of a chance to put it into practice.  Living most of my 24 years as a single, I only could speak of the revelations God gave me, not from practical experience.  Well, that's changing.  
Yes, I'm in a relationship now.  (Those of you who know me are like, "WHAT?! Finally!")  And so this article I'm going to write about relationships again, but this time what God is teaching me through my relationship!  

GOD-DIRECTED DATING
Having a Christ-centered relationships IS possible, and it's not rocket science...in fact it's more practical then we make it out to be.  It's about who's in control:

Is it God who directs the relationship?  
Is it Him first, not some formula or religious conception of how things are "supposed" to work?  

Sometimes we get so caught up in this idea of how a relationship is supposed to start, and a timeline for everything, that we forget to let God be the director!  Think of it this way - God knows the script.  He knows how things are supposed to play out in order to capture the most epic, cinematic feature for our life.  He's the one behind the camera, after all, taking the shots and putting all the little scenes together to form one whole picture.  He does not direct the same feature for every life, but each has a different plot-line - for He is a creative God and an ingenious director.  
     So, I ask again, WHO'S IN CONTROL?   Sometimes we think He's in control, but really we're trying to frame all the shots with our idea of what's supposed to happen next.  We act outside of His direction.  We go off our own feelings.  Instead, we need to stop trying to force things, and trust where the peace and direction of God leads.  Because, "In his heart a man plans his course, but God directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9,NIV)."Of course, there's the balance because we DO have to implement proceeding forward, we must take steps for them to be directed and make choices.  When God says "ACTION" it's up to us to "ACT."  When He's in the directors chair, He does not jump in and play your scenes for you.  Which is why it's so important to forget about our own agenda, and fall into HIS PLAN for the romantic genre of your life.  It's not an excuse to be passive but instead proactive when He says "Action."

"CUT" the RELIGION
I asked above, is it God first, or a religious idea that governs your thoughts on relationships?  I know for me, it's often been religious ideas or conceptions.  But, with God as my director, each time I begin to act from some religious notion (which causes me to begin trying to control everything), He yells "CUT!" And I stop.  I protest.  He asks me, "Are you following my script, or someone else's?"  

What exactly am I talking about here?  I'm referencing the sheer overspiritualization that we often place upon dating.  For example, the word "boyfriend" and "dating" was hard for me to use in reference to myself for the longest time.  Like somehow they were "bad" because people in relationships which don't honor God also use those terms.  They're just words!!!!  But we do that in the church, don't we?  "Dating" is taboo.  Sometimes, even talking to someone of the opposite sex in church is cause for gossip.     To even say hi to a girl in some Christian circles, a guy needs God to strike him with lightening; and for a girl to open up to a guy and even let him be a friend, she needs to have the promise of a ring or something right off.  This is just weird, religious thinking.  I know, because I've been there, I've read I Kissed Dating Goodbye, and I've researched all the pitfalls of dating, etc.  But I also know that those negatives apply to the relationships that aren't completely directed by Christ.  Yes, we need to have safeguards. Yes, we shouldn't necessarily be seriously dating if we're under, say 18 or 19 years old (where will it lead anyways?).  And, yes, we should not ever ever ever take getting in a relationship lightly.  

But, if you're in your 20s and you know you aren't made to be single forever, it's important to carefully consider your attitude towards dating and relationships.  You'll know if you need to cut the religion if you have fear.  1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love.  Perfect love drives out all fear (NIV)," so if you're truly loving others, you're not going to be afraid of opening up and letting them into your life. I say this, because I KNOW.  I know what it's like to be directed by fear (fear of what others would think, fear of being "perfect") instead of by God.  I know what it's like to be afraid of guys.  I know what it's like to be afraid of even talking to guys!  

Maybe you're reading this and thinking I'm crazy, but I write it because I know that many Christians deal with these fears - this religion freezing up there ability to allow God to direct their romantic life.  Because so much compromise and pain has come from dating, we often close off our hearts and RUN.  We aren't willing to let Him be the one to open or close our hearts...because of...fear.  But, God created man and woman.  He created them to be in community.  Together.  So, I ask, why are we afraid?  Why are we afraid of something God created and declared as good?  What we're fearing is satan, and his twisting of relationships.  So, I return once again to God as the director - if you KNOW He is the director of your life, and you've truly surrendered your heart to Him, then religion will not bind you in fear, but you'll be able to ACT when He says "Action."

ACTS THAT SET THE PLOT 
To have a truly God-directed relationship takes intentionality.  Ridding of religious misconceptions does not mean casting out wisdom.  If we want God to truly direct the plot of a relationship, there's groundwork and safeguards that are required of us.  These are some of those "no-brainer" acts that are standard for every Godly dating relationship.

1. Set Boundaries, and Set them Early - In order to honor God in a relationship, you must remain pure.  Your body is a dwelling place for the Spirit of God, and we are told to honor God therefore with it (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), which means to keep ourselves free of sexual immorality and impurity (Ephesians 5:3).  If you're in a relationship, TALK about boundaries.  Don't wait until you "need to" or until you make a mistake, but set up safeguards so you don't make the mistake.  Be practical. Be understanding.  Be real.  God has given us a spirit of "self-discipline" (1 Timothy 1:7) so no matter your past, if you now have His spirit in control, you will have the discipline to honor God and each other in purity and respect.  
2. Make God a Priority Every Day - Set prayer as essential.  Don't skip your devotions so you can hang out.  Talk about what God's teaching you.  Attend church together, worship together...just make God a priority, not an afterthought.  Don't think that this "spiritual" part of your relationship will just "happen" or develop eventually.  If you don't make it a pointed pursuit, it won't be a priority at all.  Form the habit of putting God first while together and apart, and He will stay the director.
3. Burst the Bubble - Don't isolate yourselves in a bubble where it's just you and your boyfriend/girlfriend shutting out the world.  Pop the bubble of JUST THE TWO OF US and surround yourself with a community where you have friends, support and fellowship.  Allow others to be in your life, and find the balance of growing together as a couple while also growing other friendships and reaching out to people.  While you're together, look for opportunities to love on people as well.  God brings two people together not only to teach them, but to reach others.  
4. ENJOY the Process and the Person - Thank God for each day for putting someone in your life.  Enjoy the moments.  Don't rush ahead.  It amazes me how few people just simply enjoy the individual they're dating - compliment them, choose to support them, allow yourself to care and share.  Stop worrying and wonder instead in the blessings!  Once again, keep in His direction and revel as His grand geniuses unfolds!

THAT'S A WRAP, FOR NOW
For now, this is a wrap on God-directed dating.  But, the thing about God, is unlike the movies or books, the plot never ends.  His directing is seamless and eternal.  If it is His plan to have someone in your life, whether that person is in your life for a short time or forever, the character will play a part in brining about God's ultimate plan for you!  If you do things by His time and His say, you can't mess up His will and way.  
We all love a good romance for a reason.
We were created to be a part of one.
Perhaps, your romance is with Jesus forever, but most likely it's just you and Him for a season.  Are you open to God placing another actor in your scene and moving when He yells "ACTION"?  The minute you think that your life is a wrap, that you have everything figured out, that nothing will ever change, that you're stuck, that your screen-play is just made to be boring, God starts a new take...and you hear the theme song of Never Ending Story in your life...
Your story is not over until the credits role.
And even then, comes the out-takes and special features - in heaven.  The best is yet to come!
But for now, release and let the Director's "Action!" be your que in life and relationships.  

Answering the Harvest

I have no theme. I have no idea, in fact, what I'm about to write.  I just know I need to write.  I know that Jesus is stirring the hearts of Christians right now.  This is a season of harvest for prayers sown, months ago, years ago...for some, even twelve, fifteen years ago!

For weeks now, I've been feeling this growing inside of my soul - a movement of sorts.  AND, for these weeks, I've been sicker than I've been for probably a good 2 years.  I've been barely able to get up in the morning, or run more than 3 to 4 miles in a row (if you know me, you know both of these are a big deal!).  When the Spirit is moving, and the enemy is moving in equal force against the Spirit to distract and discourage - I know SOMETHING is happening.

Now I know WHAT.  Well, not exactly "what," because if God spelled everything out every time, life would be so boring!  That's the adventure of it - the discovery.  Back to the topic - so on my run this morning I was listening to a sermon by Pastor Judah Smith about looking around you and seeing the harvest.  About being ready to catch the fruit ripe and ready to fall off the tree.  And it hit me - this stirring, this movement, this is the harvest hour for Christians for MANY of there prayers.  Something is changing.  And we can no longer be passive about life; no longer is it a season where we look and praise God for the past, or wait for the future in expectancy - God is moving TODAY.  He has blessings and hearts for you to reap TODAY.

Let me just take some examples from my life in the past week...

I have a friend who's been coming to church with me.  He hadn't stepped foot in the doors of a sanctuary for two years. In fact, he refused to for the longest time.  Then, he decided I was "safe" to go with.  Now, he's excited every Sunday to go.  Last Sunday, he raised his hand for salvation and pretty much every alter call they made that night.  That was the LAST thing I thought was going to happen last Sunday night.  Let's just say my friends amazing, and my friend lives a lifestyle I never though would cause him to hunger for God more.  I don't know what to expect in the future, but I know I've been praying for this friend for 6 months.

I have another friend I've been praying for...it's probably been a good 8 months now.  Today, she's making a big, brave decision.  I'm going to help her right now.  IT'S TIME!  And I'm so excited, because  each prayer sown by myself and so many others has lead up to this.  The thing is, this moment of harvest is only going to branch out to plant seed so many other areas, because I KNOW she is called to be a seed planter, but this is her first step.

Tonight, I'm having a conversation with another friend.  It could change the course  ing?of her life and possibly the life of another.  It remains to be seen.  But it's been a long time coming - probably close to a year of prayers.  Whatever happens, it's yet another time to go into the field of prayers and allow God to do the work.

Finally, in a little over the week, I'm meeting with someone.  I've been praying about this for 6 month...possibly much longer than 6 months.  Those prayers are about to reach the moment of seeing the result, whatever it may be.

This is why I say, it is the season of harvest.  And it's not just me.  Look around you, where is God moving?  What do you see about to change or changing that hasn't budged in so long?  If you see nothing, look about you!  Someone is ready.  Something is growing.  Somewhere there's a field God wants you to go into and be ready to do as He says.  I don't just say this, I KNOW it!  I know this season is one for the Christians to live in the moment.
Today.
Not the past miracles God's done.
Not the future promises He's told us.
Today...
there's a friend waiting to come home to Jesus,
there's a friend ready to step into her destiny,
there's a prayer waiting to no longer be just a prayer, but to turn into an answer.

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send workers into His field."  Matthew 9:37-8

Don't be just the asker, be the ANSWER!

Coffee Times, Episode II

Every day, I feel like my mind is getting blown with lessons from God.
I don't even know what to write about half the time, because there are so many things He, as well as others, have been teaching me or bringing to my attention.  I do know that God is growing me, and in the course of that, things are thrown at me right and left.  Illness, time-wasters, crazy people, crazy occurrences, mean people - and yet, there's Jesus always there.  And it always comes back to Him.  I want Him more than anything.  That's what these Coffee Times are all about.  Everything goes back to Him - any question you ask or fear you have, I HAVE THE ANSWER TO:
          "Jesus."

                  "Jesus."
                          "Jesus."

If it's all about Him, there are a few practical things He's been showing me that humanity tends to keep a tight hold of.  We hang onto ideas or aspects of life that He wants to control or use.  Today, in this episode, I'm just going to speak of two lessons which God's been teaching me.

PERFECTION IS OVERRATED
As I mentioned in my first Coffee Times, I'm reading through Genesis.  This time, something which keeps sticking out to me is how God's people were constantly messing up!  If He were human, He probably would be bald!  haha!  Because He would have pull out all his hair by now.  I've got a short little list:  Lot's wife disobeyed and became salt,  men slept with their maidservants, daughters slept with their father - AH; there were jealousies, murders, deception, lies, unbelief, affairs, favoritism.  Yup!  You name it, it's there.  And yet, many of the people involved are used as examples.  If God can love them, how much more does He see us as precious who are washed and purified by the blood of JESUS!  In the book of Genesis, the law was the standard of holiness...and each of the influential people broke it in one way or the other.  Still, God had grace even then, for He declares,

"If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn form their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).  

And for us, we have even an extra measure of grace, for JESUS covers over a multitude of sin...it is already FORGIVEN through His sacrifice.  However, the thing I want to point out is that even before Jesus' perfect sacrifice, serving God was not about perfection.
     We can't be humble and pliant when we are trying to be perfect.  Perfection keeps us holding onto pride - thinking we can do it on our own.  How much better is it to GO TO GOD instead and let Him shape us, lead us, guide us?  Pray and seek Him instead of chasing perfection!  After all, being perfected is a lifelong process, for through trials and persevering we grow to "not lack anything."  We, in fact, gain wisdom when we go to God first, and He gives "without finding fault."  Our only prerequisite to gaining wisdom and purification is to not doubt our Jesus...and that kind of faith takes humility because we must acknowledge HE is GREATER than any limitations, even our own limiting imperfections. (James 1:2-8)  Perfection is overrated and leaves us stressed and ineffective.  Being perfected by God is the only way!
      We have failed.  We will fail.  Adam and Eve - who walked with God, David - who was a man after God's heart, Peter - who was loved by God, Paul - who was the founder of the modern church...they all failed...they were imperfect.  And yet God used them anyways.  He chose them and perfected them through His grace alone!

WORDS ARE FREE - YET BEYOND VALUE
We use thousands of words everyday, and receive the same.  Especially in my job as a waitress.  Words are the greatest exchange going on between people on a daily basis, and they're free...yet extremely valuable.  Words have power!  For, "the tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21).  They may be one of our most powerful possessions, yet we don't always use our words wisely.  At least I don't.

    Kind words and actions cost us nothing, but they reap us a profit of contentment and give invaluable joy to others.  So, if words are free, and yet they are one of our most powerful (therefore valuable) possessions, we should be using them for good everyday.  I've been working not only on what I say, but HOW I say it.  Why not build someone up if I can?  I can be so selfish with this power of language...sometimes in the name of "protecting myself," I would not speak what would benefit another.  I don't want to be that way; instead, I want to give freely the power that's been given to me, because it will bring LIFE to another.  How awesome is that!  
   For me, the thing which started this whole realization of the power of words was when I started learning Sign Language. I have encountered a lot of deaf individuals and I've noticed that my ability to share only a few word-signs with them means the world.  It caused me to understand that I can share even more words with others around me who speak!  Many people aren't used to receiving LIFE from the words of another.  Just as those who are deaf have a limited exchange with people, it seems the exchange of meaningful words in our society are also limited. And for no good reason, either!  It's a self-imposed limitation.  I want to be one of the few who uses my words for good.  After all, God has freely given me the power to speak, and I don't want it's value to go to waste!

THE COFFEE HAS RUN OUT
For now, my coffee time is up.  But, the lessons have only just begun.  The more I allow Jesus to be perfect within me, instead of me being perfect for Jesus, the more I'll speak and act like Him.  You see, it all goes back to "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus."  The more we know Him and the more we surrender to Him, the more we will see things, such as our words, in our lives being maximized.  Your potential is as great as His potency inside of you!  You don't have to reach it by being perfect, just as you don't have to be responsible for the power of your words alone, you maximize your potential and life by making JESUS the answer for everything!
Make this your mantra today:
      People snap at you - "Jesus."
                        You get sick - "Jesus."
                                 You are tempted - "Jesus."
                                          The enemy comes at your thoughts - "JESUS!!!!"

Holding on to Him means humbly surrendering - perfectionism and words included!

EDEN Heart

"Today, Jesus is my Gardener."

Pastor Wilkerson Jr. declared these words as he spoke a message from John 20:10-18...and my heart stopped.

In his message, he spoke of when Mary went to Jesus' tomb and found it empty, except for this lone man she did not recognize.  She made the "mistake" of thinking this man, who was really the Savior Jesus Christ, was the gardener and demanded He reveal the location of Jesus.  Essentially she was asking, "Jesus!  Where is JESUS?" as Pastor Wilkerson put it.  However, as soon as Jesus spoke her name - "Mary" - she recognized Him and became the first time to spread the news of a Living and Risen Jesus to the world!  Then, came the heart-stopping moment for me...the moment when Pastor pointed out that it was no "mistake" that Mary saw Jesus as the gardener that day.  He went onto explain that Mary, a former prostitute, needed someone to tend to her heart - to weed out the old, rid of the pests of the past, and till the soil until it became soft.  She also needed someone to plant a seed of faith and hope within her; to care for, grow and water that seed; and then she required that seed to be harvested so she could share it with others.  Jesus did all these things for her by coming to her as "the gardener" and speaking life growing, harvest-producing words of faith into her.  He became the Gardener of her heart because Jesus becomes who you need Him to be (Jehovah Rafa, Jehovah Jirah, Jehovah Nissi...these are powerful names of who Jesus is for us, but they are for another blog, another time).  Then, THE sentence came, "TODAY, JESUS IS MY GARDENER!"  Pastor Wilkerson was speaking my declaration - from his mouth confirmed an aspect of who Jesus is to me, and to you, that I had a vision of the night before, during worship with Parachute Band...

THE NIGHT BEFORE:
I'm worshipping God.  I don't even know what the song we're singing is.  I just know I'm seeking to connect with this One who I know has plans He's weaving for my future, but in the meantime I've been asking, "What are you doing in my life today, God?"  And suddenly everything around me fades but this vision of Jesus.  He gives me a picture of my heart - and it's a garden.  There are flowers of bright colors, trees, greenery.  It's immaculate and WILD at the same time; tended but rugged.  Within the center of it all is Jesus, My Gardener.  He's tending and pruning my heart.  He's growing things of beauty and harvest-producing seeds.  It's beautiful.  It's peaceful.  And, it's inspiring.  Then I see Jesus, the Tender of my heart, look at me.  With His hands dirty, from removing all the weeds and hard patches still within me, He beckons me.  Then, He speaks.  He speaks my name.  "Krinda."  And, I understand, like Mary, what the Gardener of my Heart wants of me.  He's telling me, "Krinda, I am creating this beautiful garden in your heart for us to meet.  I want you to MEET WITH ME HERE, to walk with me and dwell with me in The Garden."  Like God's original plan to walk with mankind in the Garden of Eden, God is inviting me to the same intimacy with Him today.  To enjoy the process of what He's creating.  He also is asking me to realize that a Garden is not to be kept secret and locked up forever.  Just like in the book The Secret Garden, eventually the gate must be opened to others.  In this moment of worship, I understand Jesus is telling me that today, I am to walk in intimacy with Him in the beauty He's forming within my heart, while understanding that this beauty is not to be kept.  That tomorrow - whenever tomorrow may come - He will ask me to unlock the garden and invite within who He asks me to invite within.  I understand, Jesus IS my Gardener today, who prunes, cares for, and produces a product of wild-beauty and unorthodox-perfection in my heart when I let His hands possess all of it!  He's growing seeds of faith soon to be harvested...

I share this with you, so you also may know that JESUS IS YOUR GARDENER.  Today, He wants to begin cultivating your heart.  He wants you to surrender it all to His hands so He can weed the things which suck life from you, so He can fertilize and break the hard ground, and hence He can begin growing life giving, sustaining things inside of you.  Yes, this vision was for my today, but I believe it is also for your today.  If you long for Jesus to create inside you something wild, something unprecedented, and yet a place of peace where you can spend time in His presence, He wants you to recognize Him as your Gardener as well.  He's speaking your name...
You don't have to ask, "JESUS, where is JESUS?" because He's within you.  
Working away.  
And He's asking you...come walk with me in this Garden I'm creating.  
It's your Eden with Him.

Coffee Times, Episode 1

"BEEP, BEEP, BEEP."
5am.
Time to roll out of bed.
Straight to the coffee pot - switch to on.  Light the candles.  Start the worship music.  Drink a lot of water.

This is my coffee time with Jesus, where we spend time together process life and learning.
And learning I am (that was an awkward sentence...just saying).  So, I decided to begin a series called "Coffee Times," to record a few of the things God teaches me while the world is still dark and the mass still sleeps.

Episode 1, we're going to talk about COMFORT and FAITH.

Uncomfortable Comfort:
Sometimes to receive comfort, you must become uncomfortable.  For example, in my life right now, I need to hear from Jesus more than ever.  I know that in the coming months, there's so much to do:  from finishing my book, to moving, to possibly starting a new job and getting further education, and being open to, well, opening up my heart.  All of this requires the comfort of KNOWING God's heart, and knowing I'm following His guidance.  Which is why my alarm now goes off at 5am.  I had to be willing to be uncomfortable to receive the comfort of drawing close to Him.  Sure, by 8pm I'm tired - since it means I've been up 15 hours straight, and yet I feel as if I have more energy than ever because I feel Jesus by my side throughout the day.  By sacrificing the comfort of an extra hour or two of sleep, I receive an even better comfort!  The trade off is worth it!  Even when I want to throw my phone across the room at it's "BEEP BEEP BEEP" in the morning, I don't! haha!  But I'm not some saint, just so you know.  With this new thing God's asking of me, coffee is the lifeblood!  Ok, I'm derailing.  The point being, the best things in life often come from the greatest places of pain, discomfort, and upheaval.  After all, our Salvation and ability to have a relationship with God came out of Him going through the extreme discomfort of the CROSS.  The church was established in discomfort - with constant persecution and the threat of death.  To receive comfort or connection with anyone, we must become uncomfortable for a time by bearing our heart and vulnerability.  And, for the presence of God and the guidance of His hand throughout our entire day, we must be willing to do the uncomfortable if God asks us!
    As an oh-so-wise friend of mine put it - "You could spend your whole life reaching for the box of glazed donuts, because you always have and it's safe, or you could go for something a little wild.  Sometimes you just gotta take risks and try something new.  Sometimes you gotta reach for a different donut and see what happens" (thanks for the revelation, John!).  Anotherwards, we could stick with the same thing we've always known and remain safe, or we could step into the discomfort of the unknown, because that's the only way our life is going to explode with new FLAVOR and ZEST!  Oh the profoundness of a box of processed sugar!  Ha!  But, in sticking with the metaphor, God may be asking you to try a new box of donuts because in that risk and discomfort that change brings, there's a whole new level of sweetness and flavor He desires to bring to your life with His presence and plan!  So - don't go for the comfort of the glazed!


Faith Unfailing:
Right now, in my Coffee Times with Jesus, I'm reading Acts and Genesis simultaneously.  For example, today I read Acts 14, thus I read Genesis 14.  It's interesting to contrast the beginning of mankind to the beginning of the CHURCH.  One thing stands out to me as remaining the same - unchanging - and that is FAITH.  The people who had God's favor on their lives and whom God anointed were those with unfailing faith.  It didn't matter if it was in the time of Noah, or the time after Christ, faith was required to fulfill what God had for these individuals.  By faith, Abraham believed for a son past the age of it being possible, by faith Noah built the ark in spite the mocking, by faith the Apostles healed many, by faith Peter followed an angle out of prison and escaped, and by faith many preached despite being threatened and stoned!  There is a BOLD FAITH throughout the Bible where, no matter what the circumstance looks like, the individuals CHOOSE (because it IS a choice) to believe in God.
They choose to stand.
     They choose to worship.
          They choose to surrender there lives.
All because they have a faith that God is greater than the mockers, the impossible, and even greater than DEATH.  I want that kind of faith!  I want the faith that says, "oh my word!  This seems completely impossible, I'm deathly afraid, yet I KNOW God is greater so I'm going forward anyway."  This has become my time with God lately...I look at the insanity.  I look at pain.  I look at impossible odds.  I look at the things I don't understand.  And then I LOOK AT GOD; in His presence I see ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.  "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father" (John 14:13).
I choose the way of faith, because it's about Him anyways.  It's not about me.  And the way of faith is the only way to forget about yourself and release everything to the unfailing faithfulness and amazing plan of Jesus.

Coffee-Shop Closing
Alrighty.  Krinda's little coffee chat here is coming to an end.  I can feel the caffein in my bloodstream needing me to get up and MOVE.  However, I want to invite you to become uncomfortable for the comfort of God's presence - this spurs us to live by FAITH.  The more you talk with God and spend time with Him, the more you're willing to give up for Him, the more you just believe what He says.  Quick testimony on that:
Just this morning, I felt God was asking me to write today.  However, I had to work all day and wasn't sure how I was going to fit it in.  I released my work shift at 6am anyways, hoping by some miracle someone would be up early and want to work.  As I was waiting, God told me, "You won't have to work today."  In my heart, I just knew He was right.  And, an hour later, someone picked up the shift and now I'm free to write.

Yes, the more you surrender to Him, the more you listen for Him, the more you know His voice.  And then, you can't help but KNOW that He is in control and that His promises are going to come true.

So, go get your own cup of coffee and spend a little time learning from and listening to Jesus today.  Even if it means 5am!  Remember, coffee is the lifeblood (and that's TOTALLY from the Bible, ahaha - I hope you didn't believe me when I said that!).  YUP, caffein is speaking to GO live out these lessons!  Until the next,
"Beep, beep, beep..."
I'm signing out.

A Message for the Invisible: "SEE ME"

Have you ever felt invisible?
Like you're just existing in a crowd, but no one ever sees you?  
Do you always feel chosen last?  As if you're friends are only there when they need something from you, or when everything else is falling apart.

For everyone who feels alone.
                                      A shadow.
                                              Different.

                                                 
And you just can't seem to fit in - I write this.  I write your message to the world in this poem; most importantly, I write a message to you that will bring substance to your shadow!  Let me just tell you, if you feel invisible, it means you are the farthest from insignificant!  In fact, it means you were created for something completely unprecedented.  It means that people can't get you because you have a PURPOSE they cannot understand.  

You are a frontrunner.
                       An innovator. 
                                A world changer.

I hear your heart cry.  I see your struggle.  So does SOMEONE else, and He sees even more than you could hope, dream, or imagine for your life (Ephesians 3:20)...

INVISIBLE SEEN

Do you see me?

No.  Is it ME you see?

I wave and say hi,

and you keep passing by.

Would anyone care if I were to die?

Should I even continue to try?

I’m breaking slowly and no one knows.

I’m good at hiding, so it never shows.

But I feel if you really were to look,

you’d read me like a book.

Behind this smile is a soul

on which the rejections have taken a toll –

they’ve trampled me to the ground,

left me without a sound.

I just want to be found,

and this loneliness only continues to expound.

When will you choose me first,

not just be my friend when things are at there worse?

I feel used.

Abused.

And I’m so confused…

this pain with exhaustion is fused,

making me think, It’s no use.

The isolation tightening like a noose.

I’m breaking…

While everyone around me is FAKING.

BECAUSE THEY DON’T SEE ME AT ALL,

OR THEY WOULD HEAR MY HEART’S CALL!

So here I am…alone again.

My mind on this crazy tail-spin,

thinking, What if…

the thought makes my limbs go stiff.

What if something were to happen to me?

THEN you couldn’t help but see…

there’s the knife and the pills –

the thought gives me the chills.

What if though…

How would the scenario go?

“WAIT!  I see you –

and everything you’ve done and do!

I chose you before you were born –

to be here for you I’ve sworn.

I’ve collected each tear,

and held you near.

You are not invisible.

And I know you’re miserable,

but I love YOU…

I LOVE YOU, it’s TRUE!

I have more in store;

you haven’t even opened the door

to the plans I have for your life

beyond this pain and strife.

There’s SO MUCH I’ve set you apart for,

a purpose I’ve weaved within your very core.

So, now, I have a question – ‘Do you see ME?’

Because I came to set you free.

When your eyes are focused on mine,

You can endure anything of da kine.

I’m going to repair your heart anew

and carry you through

so you can accomplish all I have for you to do.

Look, see ME and let me make the invisible visible to you!”

© Krinda Joy, August 2011

For my dearest girlie – a shadow you are not,

but your heart’s been bought, and you’re a treasure that’s

been sought.  You are seen, and with God’s light you let

off a sheen.  So keep you smile, you’ll make it through this trial!

Intimate Moment with Jesus...

"I'm here....
I wait here every day.
I wait for you to meet with me.
I'm waiting..."

And there He is, as I work away, waiting, and waiting, and waiting...So patient. He reaches out and touches my shoulder.

I shrug off the feeling of a little feather tickling my back. My head goes 90 miles an hour - what am I going to do next?  What do I have to accomplish today?  "God, what do you want me to do about this?"  "Where do you want me to move?"  "What do you want me to write?"  So many questions.  And I don't hear answers.  I don't listen...

"Krinda...."  So soft.  He calls me to STOP.
STOP.  
Be silent. 
Rest.  
Just be in My Presence.

I spend time with Him every morning, everyday.  But I forget I am SPENDING TIME WITH HIM.  I forget it's not just about me reading what He has to say to me in the Bible, or me speaking to Him.  He wants to talk back.  He wants to touch me where I need it.  When I'm not attentive to that though, all I feel is a little "irritant," because He's trying to probe a spot that's sore, that' I've covered up.  And I throw all these questions at Him, one after the next, after the next - until that's all I end up praying -  questions.  And then I ask Him, why can't I feel you?  Why can't I hear you?  He wants to answer that, but I have to LISTEN for that as well...

And He doesn't just speak, when I STOP, He shows me.  He shows me a picture:
There I am, typing away, paying bills, and cleaning.  I'm praying.  I'm talking.  But I'm looking at everything but Him.  For He's right there next to me, just waiting.  His arms are open for a hug, and His ears are ready to listen, His mouth ready to speak answers.  Instead of turning to face Him and receive, I keep about my business and mutter to the air.  
Then, I see a different picture:  I've turned to face Jesus.
And there we are, face to face.  He looks directly at me, I look directly at Him.  But He doesn't just look at me, He SEES me.  His eyes penetrate to my heart.  I don't even need to speak my questions at this time.  He just begins pouring into my heart answers, or peace where I am unsure.  And our moment lasts a lifetime, even though it's only a few minutes of intimacy with Him.  The entire day, I sense His presence I long for.  He walks beside me.   Hyper, tired, questioning - the strength of His presence keeps me my heart stilled like calm waters.  He's there, speaking, "Krinda..."  Calling me to a constant state of rest in Him.


He's calling you.  Like the whisper of a lover, He longs that you simply spend time WITH HIM.  Speaking, but also listening.  Let Him be a PART of your quiet time with Him.  It's not about how much you read, or how long you pray, it's about you truly stopping, resting, being silent, and just BEING IN HIS PRESENCE.

This is your moment with Jesus...
He's waiting on the side as you read these words.
Now, STOP.
Rest.
Listen.
Be in His intimate presence....

Revelation of the Future NOW

Sometime in the future…

The earth is corrupt.  Streets are strewn with garbage.  Prostitutes wait, available on every street corner.  Strip-clubs and seedy bars exist next to mansions of governors and leaders, even within them.  Hate crimes, for skin color or just sheer anger, occur every day, every-where.  Children are abused, used, and abandoned.  People follow the Religion of Self – seeking only to satisfy their stomach and cravings.  And, they worship a man for his “miraculous signs.”  This man, however, holds humanity in captivity, for he is a beast:  violent, manipulative, and possessed.  His exists to destroy lives and souls, and hunts those who will not surrender to the mark of his following, “666.”  Those who do not give their lives over to this beast receive persecution; they cannot eat, for they are not allowed to buy food.  They are mocked, spit on, and murdered.  There is no free voice in the world, for the beast’s word stands as the supreme authority.  Darkness hovers over the earth as the beast speaks the orders of the abyss – he serves satan. 

At the height of humanities’ orgies, violence, abuse, and sinful revelries, the entire planet literally boils with evil blackness; and, all creation is in upheaval, the seas roaring, the ground rolling, the core spewing upwards. Without warning, the sky splits open and light pierces through, as if two large hands peel back the curtains of darkness cloaking the earth.  Evil cringes, blind and afraid.  Descending from the heavens on this carpet of light appears an army.  The soldiers perch atop white horses, and wear linen weaved in white, at its cleanest and finest quality.  Leading the charge gallops the fearful sight of One who causes humanity to tremble, and creation to rejoice.  He comes upon a giant horse so white it gleams, with muscles rippling and hooves pounding with power.  The Rider is resplendent:  His face brilliant as the sun, feet glowing like bronze in a furnace, eyes blazing with fire.  Upon His head He wears many crowns – the crowns of the nations.  Like the rest of His army, He wears a white robe, but around His chest a gold sash marks His royalty and dripping from the linen is red liquid – blood.  The blood is His own, which He gave for the sins of humanity so that they could be clothed in white like His army, but now this blood comes with another purpose – to bring justice upon those who mocked the sacrifice and refused its substitution for their sins.  The Rider has many names:  Faithful, True, Word of God; and, sewn into His robe as well as tattooed into the skin of his thigh in bold letters is the Name which He rides forth in authority with – KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.   He is Christ, the returning Messiah, coming to bring justice to the earth, and rule with that faithful, true and just Hand.  

The beast of the earth, his armies, and all his followers that served him as if he was king, gather – a pale formation in opposition to the blazing brightness of the army of heaven.  All the strength of humanities’ evil becomes miniscule before the power of Christ.  The sides charge towards eachother, and out of the Rider’s mouth comes a sword glinting with razor sharpness.  With this sword comes all the Word’s of God, all the prophecies of His justice and victory; the voice speaking forth the Word thunders.  The Rider’s words pound like all the rushing waterfalls of the earth reverberating to the ground at one time, and they pierce the army of the beast straight through – slicing their very joints and marrow like a million daggers.  Instant death.  Not so for the beast and his main leader; they are captured and thrown by the King of Kings into the depths of the universe, the very fiery pit boiling with every evil imaginable which torments and burns souls for eternity.  Later, satan himself follows the sentence of his followers, and sin is terminated…forever.

 Justice is served to the earth. The clouds of corruption dissipate, and the abused creation collapses to be replaced by a new, glorious, and perfect earth connected indefinitely with heaven. The light of the Rider in White, now upon His throne, brings splendor to everything and everyone, never again to be touched by tears, pain, or dark.  The King rules in a new city with all His faithfulness – a city glowing.  Every kind of gem is inlaid in the walls, streets shine of gold, waters sparkle like crystal, and gardens so green they appear as emerald, with fruit of every kind available.  Everywhere you go, people are singing and dancing, praising and rejoicing…never a negative word or cry to be heard.  Zinging through the very air is holiness and reverence.   The people are pure.  Perfect.  And in constant contentment as they live their lives in unity, respect, love, and relationship before and with their King, their Lord, and their GOD…forever. (Revelations 1:13-16; 19:11 – 22:5)

This is the future. 

The real future. 

It’s not some hypothetical, sci-fi flick I am re-enacting a scene from, but it comes straight from the scriptures (go read it yourself!  It’s incredible).  I tell the story of the future of the earth to remind myself, and others, of the power of this Jesus I talk of so much.  He is not just Jesus, but He is Jesus CHRIST – Christ means “anointed,” or “anointed one” in the original Hebraic text.  He is anointed by the Spirit of God to ride forth and bring Justice, and fight against evil in this world!  And he glows, blazes, shines with the brilliance of this cause!  He is not tame, clean cut, or small…He is fierce. 

Certainly this reality gives me confidence, knowing I serve a God who’s not just beautiful, loving, and gentle, but He is just, a warrior for what’s right and true. 

But there is more: 

the future impacts our now.

 This battle starts now. 

There are aspects of Christ the Rider and Warrior that we are to display.  You see, our battle against this evil force occurs daily, and we ARE a part of the heavenly army.  This is going to blow your mind…

That Spirit of glory and fierce power that anoints Jesus lives within us!  Romans 8:11 says that the Spirit that was in Jesus is now within us; and “He has anointed us” (2 Corinthians 1:21) while we’re on this earth to do His work.  Like the armies of heaven, we are clothed in this splendor – “He has clothed me in garments of salvation and arrayed me in robes of His righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). One thing of note is that, through Him, we have not a touch of red upon our garments and no blood marking their purity; He has removed the scarlet stains (Isaiah 1:18) and taken them upon Himself.  He wears our sins.  We have been given the right and privilege to have faces filled with radiance (Psalms 34:5) and we receive from Him “white clothes to wear” (Revelations 3:18) because HE TOOK THE SHAME AND SIN.  So, my first point is to honor this.  Do not choose to put back on the garments or face of shame when He gave everything so that He may clothe you in brilliance and anoint you with power.  Live to part the clouds of darkness as you walk in this holiness.  In HIM, in the power of His Spirit, the forces of satan tremble before you. 

Secondly, the weapon of the Rider also has been granted for you to wield; for the Rider is called “Word of God,” and what comes out of His mouth, the sharp sword, symbolizes this Word.  We have been given the sword as well; it’s called the Bible – “for the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).  I believe that when Christ, the returning Messiah, uses the Word it literally pierces people like a sword, for this is what is said to destroy the armies of the beast in Revelation.  However, for us, the sword has this effect in the spiritual realm.  We are commanded to TAKE IT UP – “take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).  Today, we are entrusted with the sword of Christ; we are charged with the mission to penetrate sin with the Word’s truth – even to set free souls from the clutches of evil spirits, as it says that the sword has the power to divide soul and spirit.  Do not ignore the weapon that Christ Himself uses (even Jesus in the wilderness used the Word to fight satan)…begin to use it daily!

This future is going to happen –

and we have a profound effect on this future.  We are, after all, “Christ’s ambassadors” (I Corinthians 5:20) on the earth.  Before any battle, ambassadors are sent to negotiate peace, and minimize damage.  We have a message for the people of this world to surrender now to Jesus and accept the garments’ of His army; the less who have to suffer with the beast’s fate, the better.

Our mission is profound.

Our covering and weapon is anointed.

Our leader is resplendent.

Our future is secure through Him.

…but, there are those who’s futures are still burning with turmoil, and there is time still for them to join the army of heaven, before final Justice rides in in His Fearsome Glory to demolish sin for eternity.    

ALL OF CREATION IS CRYING OUT FOR US TO STEP UP AND BATTLE NOW WITH THE LIGHT AND TRUTH BESTOWED WITHIN AND UPON US. (Romans 8:22-25)

Part II: The Display and Connecting of Beauty

(Read Part I: "The Thing About Beauty" first)

Women long to display beauty.

Men long to possess and connect to this beauty.

We need to display or hold beauty.

Which is why I write this piece – part two on “The Thing About Beauty.”  We have a need for human display of beauty upon this earth, and it connects once again with the basic definition of beauty.  Let’s revisit this definition:

  “The quality(s) in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit; a beautiful person or thing, especially a woman; brilliant, extreme.” (Webster’s Dictionary)

Even this definition singles out women specifically.  Women were created to be beautiful, and display the image of God’s beauty to the world, which is why ladies long so much for this.  And, if women truly are an image of HIS beauty, it affects the mind and spirit of others – it draws them to God.  It causes them to pause.  To ask – “What is it about her?”

Most my life I’ve heard this “fact”:  that women represent God’s beauty.  I always wondered where this detail could be found in the Bible, though.  I mean, where does it say, “Women are the beauty of God on this earth.”  As I studied beauty, I began to understand the reality of this statement.  As we established previously, GOD IS BEAUTY…His face and His presence is beautiful.  When God created man and woman, He created them “after His own Image; in His image.”  Adam alone was not enough – he was incomplete without Eve, because the image of God was incomplete.  (Genesis 1-2) What was Adam missing?  Beauty. 

Throughout the Bible, this fact is re-affirmed.  Women are called beautiful – men are called “strong,” even “well-built” and “handsome” and their hard work and valiant qualities are highlighted (see passages on David or Joseph).   But, let’s read some of the verses describing women in the Bible:

• ·      “The daughters of humans were beautiful” (Genesis 6:2).
• ·      Abraham’s wife, Sheri, was “a very beautiful woman” (Genesis 12:11)
• ·      Rebecca, married to Isaac – “She is beautiful” (Genesis 26:7)
• ·      Of Rachel, who’s husband was Jacob, it was said, “Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful” (Genesis 29:16)
• ·      Abigale was described as “an intelligent and beautiful woman.” (1 Samuel 25:3)
• ·      Tamar, daughter of Absalom, “became a beautiful woman.”
• ·      Ester was said to have “a lovely figure and was beautiful” (Ester 2:7)
• ·      “Nowhere in the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters” (Job 42:15)
• ·      And, of course, there’s Song of Songs, “How beautiful you are my darling! Oh, how beautiful!” (1:15); “You are all together beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you” (4:7). 

These passages are only a few selections out of numerous; obviously, there’s something about a woman’s beauty for the scriptures to mention it so frequently.  Now, I pause:  I hear the beat of the hearts and tears of the souls of so many women who have gone on the quest to display beauty and it’s lead only to pain and incompleteness.  BEAUTY AS THE WORLD DEFINES IT IS NOT THE BEAUTY THE BIBLE TALKS ABOUT.  Physical beauty is certainly part of it, but physical beauty without a beauty which is deeper holds no power at all.  It doesn’t take the breath of the world away.  It does not last.  Notice, when the passages above talks about the figure of women, it refers to the physical aspect as “lovely,” but when referencing beauty, it references the whole of a woman.  As Song of Song 4:7 puts it, she is “all together beautiful.”  So, for the women who believe they must shape the perfect form to be beautiful, for those girls starving themselves to display “the image,” for the one who hates herself because she sees nothing pleasant looking back at her, please listen up:  you are created to be beautiful!  Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time.”  Everything!  That means you, and your time of beauty shines forth the more you spend moments gazing on God’s beauty; spending time in His presence; absorbing and becoming a part of the song of His beauty all around.  A woman’s physical appearance eventually mirrors of her Source of beauty – for human beauty is fleeting (Proverbs 31), but there’s something about an inner beauty that’s “unfading” (1 Peter 3:4).  In a woman’s desire to display beauty, she must never forget it is GOD who draws out the splendor of His beauty that IS within her. Woman of God: “Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty [because] the splendor I [God] had given you made your beauty perfect” (Ezekiel 16:14).  Perfect beauty that a woman longs to display IS GOD’S BEAUTY.

Now, through the ages, men have sought this beauty, because they have a longing need to possess such beauty.  Once again, this returns back to what he was missing at the beginning: beauty.  For it exalts and inspires his mind and spirit!  Men will conquer nations for true beauty –  however, he will try to conquer woman for false beauty…for the “sexy” worldly version of beauty inspires actions out of lust, not of strength and valor.  But, pure and perfect beauty fulfills that need which God declared man was incomplete without.  There’s the saying, “behind every good man, there’s a good woman…” look back at the scripture passages: the men of note had a beauty by their sides.  There’s fulfillment that comes in connecting with a truly beautiful woman, because if it’s pure beauty, it’s GOD’S BEAUTY THEY’RE CONNECTING WITH and taking possession of.  All of this need connects back to Jesus – for He came to conquer the evil in the world for pure beauty as well!  He came for a Bride!  His church He longs for, and He sacrificed His life for the sake of her beauty – to have her beside Him in heaven one day.  Read Revelations! 

Women, please don’t shrink or withdraw here; please understand that a man’s longing for beauty is a wonderful thing!  For, a man of God is drawn to God within you strongly…he recognizes “unfading beauty.”  I repeat once again, it’s not about being perfect the way the world thinks of perfection!  Women, consider our need for man’s strength and provision – do you not think that it is intimidating to him?  Do you not think he fears failure and falling short?  But, a woman of God realizes that true strength isn’t about being perfect, but about going to God first and having His heart; just as a man of God recognizes that about true beauty.  After all, the church is incomplete and imperfect, but through GOD it becomes a reflection of PURE BEAUTY.

Ultimately, displaying beauty is vital for the world; and it is vital for all of humanity to redefine beauty and recognize the presence of true Beauty.  This is why women need to display beauty, and men need to have it as a part of their lives – it completes the image of God!

This completion, under God’s covenant, is a whole-other thing of beauty.

© Krinda Joy, August 2011