ALONE NO MORE...Saved, Single, SATISFIED!

Hello Readers,  I'm lending my blog this week to a dear sister who wanted to share her thoughts on biblical womanhood from a single's point of view!  Please welcome Chandra, whose name means "Illustrious" in the Sanskrit or Indian language...I pray her words will enlighten you as much as it did me! -CB

I am a Single, Black, Saved, Born Again Christian woman!  I have never been married and I have never had any children.  These facts used to bother me for a long, long time.  I used to spend many lonely nights crying over this BUT NOT ANY MORE! I have been set free from those tearful, lonely and sad, sad nights! I have found my freedom in Christ Jesus!  He is my Husband (Isaiah 54:5).  He is my Friend (John 15:15).  He is My Rock (Psalm 18:12 ) as well as my Savior.  Jesus is my EVERYTHING!

I once wrote a song called, Jesus Is My Everything.  Yes, I also love to write!  I write poetry, and I've even written a few praise and worship songs in my life! When I feel down I go to my poetry and songs and they cheer me up.  You see I don't write for man, I write for the Lord.  When I get to heaven I want to sing to Him all these songs and recite the poems I've written just for Him!

Please don't feel sorry for me!  I'm okay with being single, but if God brings a single, saved man in my life for marriage, that's okay too...I would be happy....but it's got to be His will!  If not., well that's alright too!

My favorite Psalm is Psalm 27.  The theme of this Psalm is God offers help for Today and Hope for the Future.  Unwavering confidence in God is a single woman's antidote for fear and loneliness.  The first line says, The Lord is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear.  I love that!  I also have what I call my Golden Nugget verses:  Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me and Philippians 3:14 - I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

There are some True Advantages for being single:

>> I belong to Jesus and not to a man (He's my only Boss!)
>> I can pray, sing, and recite my poetry to Jesus any time I want to without disturbing anyone.
>> I can go wherever I want, whenever I want, and minister as long as I want without worrying about sharing my attention or time with another.

God is my Jehovah Shammah:  The Lord who is always there!  Thanks be to God for His Presence in my life and...

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR HANGING OUT WITH ME!

I'm Chandra...SAVED, SINGLE, AND SATISFIED!

**If you'd like to comment on Chandra's post, send an email to 

sisters4sisters@att.net  OR  use the comments section on my blog page:   http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com

For The Sake of FREEDOM, PART THREE

"Render to Caesar...."
Mark 12:17

This is the third and last post on my thoughts regarding  Religious Freedom in America and the continuing conflict some Christians are having with legislative acts of the past few decades.

I'm not a lawyer nor a politician. In fact, I have a tendency to be politically incorrect  most of the time.  But I do have a voice, some basic knowledge of the bible, and the indwelling Holy Spirit to help me sift through controversial issues.  As a result I have formed  a Biblical Worldview! I hope these posts will help you do the same!

I've taken three verses from the Gospels to give you my take on Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).  They are Matthew 7:12; I Peter 2:13-17, and today's scripture Mark 12:17 (ESV).   "Then Jesus said to them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar and to God, the things that are God's.  And they marveled at him."

The historical context is critical to this verse.  Having said that, Bible scholars dispute over its many interpretations.  By the way, let me give you one more disclaimer... I'm not a theologian either! But, even if I was, there would not be enough room in this post to elaborate on each one of those interpretations here!

Let me just say, read, Mark 12: 13-17 for yourself including some previous chapters and you'll find that the Pharisees (ancient church folks!) were trying to trap Jesus!  This verse is not about
 taxes!  Like today,  people had to pay taxes to the government and if you were a Jew you not only paid State taxes, but Temple taxes too, perhaps more there than anywhere else!

This verse is not the basis for arguing the Separation of Church and State which some say  supports the First Amendment.  This term has been misinterpreted in so many ways since the days of the Founding Fathers of America that it barely resembles the original intent.  It does not even appear in the U.S. Constitution at all. So let's not even get into that!

By posing the question of paying taxes (vs. 14), the Pharisees wanted Christ to incriminate Himself.  If He said yes, pay these taxes, then He discredited Himself with the Jews.  If He said no, don't pay the taxes then He would be considered a traitor by the Romans and charged with sedition.  So what did our Master do?  He cleverly evaded the question!  We still don't know what He meant by His response at the time!  But there are some key lessons from the whole scenario that are most relevant to our topic!  

Christ looked at that Roman coin and He saw the face of Caesar! On it was an inscription declaring Caesar as a son of a divine being.   The word render, means simply to give back.  Give back to Caesar that worthless coin, because in essence, both Caesar and the coin belongs to God! (Psalms 24:1)  It was really of no concern to Christ!

In the latter part of verse 17, however, He causes us to think deeper regarding His response.  In our rendering...Who is your God?  Christ is asking us to make a choice!  When it comes to our Christian Liberty who has the greater authority in our lives?  Caesar (government, legislation, culture, science, people, etc.) or God? 

As the end grows near Christians will find themselves in the middle of many disputable matters (issues that the bible does not speak specifically about like the RFRA)  The choices we will have to make will become more frequent but not necessarily more difficult as long as we remember WHOSE WE ARE!  We have a dual citizenship,  one on earth and one in heaven (Philippians 3:20); therefore we can not expect that we will  always be understood or popular!  We  should however, follow the teachings from the scriptures in my prior posts,  along with these  guidelines from I Corinthians 8:1-13 when we have to make the choice.

OUR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CHOICES MUST:

1.  Edify (build up) not tear down fellow believers (8:1-3)
2.  Not cause us to judge other believers' practices in disputable matters (8:4-5)
3. Reflect a convincing belief that we are right in doing something before we do it ( 8:6-7)
4. Not violate our own convictions/conscience (8:7-8)
5. Not make another stumble even if it is acceptable in itself (8:8-9)
6 Follow the self sacrificing example of Christ (8:10-11)
7. Not discredit Christ or Christianity (8:12)
8. Show we are willing  to voluntarily set aside our rights in certain cases (8:12-13)


REMEMBER, FREEDOM IS NEVER TOTALLY FREE...IT ALWAYS COSTS SOMEBODY SOMETHING...FOR CHRISTIANS, IT COST CHRIST HIS VERY LIFE!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

For the Sake of FREEDOM, PART TWO

Show proper respect to everyone...
(I Peter 2:17) 

Last week, I challenged my readers to consider the price of religious freedom here in America!  It's not something we think about often because unlike other countries, we've had it relatively easy when defending our right to worship, read the Bible, and otherwise express our beliefs as we choose!

This is not so in many Muslim countries where beatings and threats, job loss, and death comes as a result of Christian conversion!  We've had a bit of a wake up call here lately with the growing support and protest of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) recently passed in Indiana.  Even with the quick fix by legislators, the publicity has not abated.  I think we'll be talking about this for many months to come.

So my Christian brothers and sisters when you're inadvertently drawn into the conversation and asked where does the Bible stand on this issue what will you say?  As I said in my last post, I'm beginning to formulate a response from three scriptures:  Matthew 7:12; I Peter 2:13-17; and Mark 12:17.  I'm finding these three are only the tip of the iceberg, for real clarity, but all I can handle right now!

I discussed the first one at some length last week.  You know it as the Golden Rule (see it below).  Now let's look at I Peter 2:13-17

•  Matthew 7:12 (NIV)  So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. 

• I Peter 2:13-17 (NASB) 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

I read the above scripture from several translations to make sure the correct interpretation was applicable to this contemporary issue and was pleased to see that it was.

 God's Word is timeless! Here's a synopsis of what the Apostle Peter says concerning a Christian's duty to government and obedience to God.

1.  Christians do not need to fear government if their motives and actions are pure. God is Sovereign and in complete control of everything! We can be subject to government because government is subject to God.  (Romans 13:1-5)  It is simply a tool of God to be used either for our good or our chastisement--it's up to you.
   
2.  We obey those in authority over us not because we're weak in our faith or defenseless but because it pleases God to do so.  We do it for the Lord's sake! (2 Cor. 5:9; Gal. 1:10; I Peter 2:13, Ephes. 5:22) There are times when one must choose to wage a physical battle or a spiritual one. Make sure you choose wisely!

 In the name of Christ, abortion clinics have been burned down and homosexuals beaten and dragged in the streets.  Name calling, unlawful assembly, and a deliberate disregard of the law has been perpetuated by so called Christians.  The same ones that point fingers at others, saying we are cowards and afraid to stand up for the Bible if we're not doing the same.   Do you really think this pleases God?  Which behavior silences the ignorance of foolish men, those in the Prayer Room or the unruly ones in the Court Room?

3.  Obey government up to the point that it violates God's law and your spiritually induced conscience.  One must always use discernment in matters that conflict with God's Word.  Yes, we ARE called to defend our faith!

 If you cannot in good conscience abide by a ruling don't do it and be willing to suffer the consequences! (Gal. 1:10; Acts 5:29) But remember, conscience is a matter of individuality.  One Christian's conscience may allow him a freedom that another Christian's won't!  (Let me say though, that this does not refer to a clearly understood sin act!)  Read Romans 14 for a better understanding of  Christian's liberty. 

4.  All men are not my Christian brothers but all are members of the Brotherhood of Mankind. As such if I respectfully disagree on a matter and do so with the intent of preserving peace and provide a means for godly dialogue, then I will not abuse my freedom for personal reasons. In this I do all of what verse 17 requires:  Honor all people, love the brethren, fear God, and honor the king.

REMEMBER:  I'M STILL WAITING TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS. 

 Respond by email at
sisters4sisters@att.net  OR  use the comments section on my blog page:   http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com

UNTIL NEXT TIME  ... (Last Part of this Series Coming Up Next Week!) 

For the Sake of FREEDOM, PART ONE

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
(Galatians 5:1)

Lord, stop the world, I wanna get off! Don't you wish dealing with life was as easy as saying that?  My mind has been absolutely exploding recently with the obvious clash of my Christian beliefs with the world at large!

Radical Muslims slaughtered 148 Christians in Kenya a few days ago.  Timing it ironically or purposely during one of our most revered holidays, Holy Week! According to statistics from Open Doors, USA, a reporting agency for Christian persecution worldwide this is only the beginning.  Persecution doubled in 2013 from previous years.

 Praise God!  Our Sunday services haven't been interrupted yet with anything of this magnitude or devastation,  but can America, be that far behind?  This has me thinking and perhaps you too.  What price am I wiling to pay to exercise my liberties in Christ?  Exactly, how far should I go to insure that both my civil and religious rights are preserved? When have I crossed the line into discrimination, the same kind that Blacks so valiantly fought against? How can I practice the law of love (love the sinner but not the sin) in practical ways? This post won't answer those questions for you but perhaps it will make you think!

 If you're like me, education is needed from some reliable and truthful sources as to what those rights actually are... on both sides.   As black people we know how it feels to have the law used for immoral and illegal purposes.   So, I don't think you can  find that  truth in the media.  Too many opinions from people with a dog in the race.  Also, you can't count out the  influence of special interest groups that are powerfully organized and have the money and means to push their agenda  using everything at their disposal to do it !

Case in point is all the brouhaha over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) that Indiana and Arkansas are wrestling with.  It's making for some confusing talk all the way around!   Is it just about the language of this bill  or is something else happening? Whose rights are being protected--Bible believing Christians or those using it to open the door for a number of other issues they want legal sanctioning for?

 I've had brief conversations with several Christians, all sincere, godly, and adherents of the Word who still  don't know which side to take!  I'm having less of a struggle.  Not in regard to God's stance on the issues of what constitutes sinful behavior but as to the degree of my own social and legal compliance should it come to that.  I am earnestly examining this issue in terms of what the
 Bible teaches in three verses:  Matthew 7:12,  I Peter 2:13-17 and Mark 12:17.   (This week I'll  focus on  Matthew 7:12)

•  Matthew 7:12 (NIV)  So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. 

Matthew's account of the Golden Rule (7:12) is a No Brainer!  Common respect and decency should be given to everyone regardless, of race, creed, or sexual orientation.  God is the Creator of all  mankind (Psalms 24:1) and the ultimate Judge of all.  Jesus, Himself tells Christians that if a brother is hungry, feed him, if thirsty give him drink  for as much as we have done this to the least of humankind we've done it unto Him (Matt. 25:35).

The writer James reiterates the necessity of putting real faith into practice (James 2:15-17).  So  unless you're boasting of  dead works, if I'm a Christian business restaurant owner and a homosexual couple sits down to be served, I'm going to serve them with the same respect as any other couple. But they in turn would be responsible to abide by any rules or conduct I have for my other customers.  I would not discriminate.

On Sunday morning, if a transexual took a seat next to me on my favorite pew, would I get up and move?  Treat them rudely during Share the Joy time or in other ways make them feel marginalized as a human?  Absolutely not!  But if I was preaching would I change my sermon points to assure that I didn't step on his toes or back pedal on any bible truth?  Not a chance!  Christ's message of love through the redeeming grace of the Gospel would still come forth and if the brother walked the aisle, I'd be the first to shake his hand and lead him to Christ!

**I must add that this was not the African American's  experience in similar situations during our fight for Civil Rights! 

These are the finer points of Christian Freedom that we must consider.  These are my thoughts.  I'd love to hear what yours are!  (See the Comments Section below)