Tuesday, November 3, 2009

But He Knows the Way That I Take...

I am amazed at how much time has passed since I have been to my own blog. It’s not because I haven’t had anything to say or that nothing major has been going on. It’s just called the changes of life. The twists and turns, or as some prefer the trials and tribulations of this life. I would love to share my testimony at this time, but I can’t because I am still in the fire! The message on Sunday was so powerful it just had us confounded. After service we were joking and I made the comment, “So if I die and I look over and see someone I used to know that means I have gone to hell.” Why did I say that? Because God is changing us into the image of His son, Jesus Christ. When He looks at us He does not want to see me, you, your pastor, or even angels. He wants every part of us to die!

My husband ended the message saying, “How the goldsmith knows the gold is pure is because when he looks into it he can see his reflection.” We may hate the trials of life. We find going through the fire, tiresome, wearisome, and disappointing. In fact, the word says, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11) The truth is without fire you will never be made pure. When Job was going through his fire he said, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) The book of Job is just an awesome book to read to comprehend the testing and making of our perfection.

Job learned God is just and fair. Everything He allows is for the advancement of you. The word clearly states,” Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.” (Hebrews 12:9-10)

Embrace the process. It’s only for our good! Our wilderness experience can either take forty days or forty years, or worse you never enter into rest! God knew there was a shorter way in the wilderness but God deliberately sent them the long way. The word says, “Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:17-18) Follow God’s lead, be as Job and say, “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Love the Leading of God today, be trained by Him and live in peace. Stay Encouraged!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Have You Ever Met Love

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. I Corinthians 13:4-8


Excuse me my friend, have you ever met Love?
If you’re unsure let me explain to you what He does

There’s no need to tell him how he’s expected to behave
He’s never unseemly or against the unsaved

He never sets out to seek his own
He exalts your needs above what’s known

He’s never out to deceive or use
Your mind he is careful never to abuse

He never tries to puff up himself
All his actions add to someone else

Do you think you know Him from what I’ve just said?
Well, let me continue because He can’t be misread!

Kindness and gentleness are his middle names
Yielding to him never makes you feel ashamed

And when you are blessed he doesn’t envy what he sees
He desires to give more of what you want, not only what you need

All he hopes for, is the best in all you do
He’s not testing and trying to see flaws and faults in you

He’s not trying to see where you have missed the mark
He thinks no evil concerning who and where you are

Is this Love someone you regularly see?
No? Well, let me show you where She can be reached!

She’s not the one you see behaving rude
She believes all things concerning you

She’s not persuaded by what the world says
It’s only the truth she keeps rehearsing in her head

No matter how tedious the task she refuses to quit
Endurance is her character that is very evident

Bearing rejection, heartache and pain
She knows giving into those spirits have nothing to gain

She knows she’s the greatest gift in this world
And the power she exhibits never fails

You say, often love has left you in doubt?
Beloved, then it’s not Him, so no need to scope him out.

His characteristics cannot be matched
Because He’s never provoking or attacks

His ways are so visible there’s no pressure to learn
If He is who he says he is or the need to discern

When love’s in your presence His presence is all you’ll see
He’s not quick to give up. He suffers long and endlessly

Not for Himself but for you and me
Hey Love, is easy to recognize wouldn’t you agree?

So, next time someone says, “Hi I am love.”
You will now easily examine all the things that he does

And if she isn’t exemplifying what she proclaims
In love, you can simply ask for her ‘real’ name

But continue to seek the One who is love
And He will lead you to the one who does what He does

He will allow you to see who love really is
The things He accepts and those things He forbids

The things He rejects and the things that He keeps
They’ll begin to stand out so vibrant and unique

Then when the ‘deceiver’ comes you’ll lift your eyes above
But then ask kindly and gently, “Have you ever met Love.”



© 2009 Meena International Presents "He's A Keeper"

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Get FREE!

This is a shout out to all my ladies who have been in bad relationships that have negatively affected their hearts and even the men. I implore you today to set yourself free! It is a sad day when you cannot give your spouse a compliment on how you love and wholeheartedly trust him/her without someone wounded and bitter in the background mumbling under their breathe how naive you are. Wounded women EVERY man DOES NOT cheat! Cut that foolishness out. If you keep attracting cheating men it’s because you are using what you think attracts a good God-fearing man and not what God says attracts a good man. I Peter 3:1-4 reads: Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. That’s God’s way!

Now I know the next question is: What if you’re not a wife yet? The answer to that is Be, Do, Have- You have to BE-come a wife/husband and DO the things a wife/husband will do before you can HAVE a wife/husband. Successful relationships are like anything else in life. No matter how much I desire to be wealthy me doing things my way when every wealthy person tells me to do it another way almost guarantees I will fail at becoming wealthy. Thus, doing what you think the opposite sex wants and not what the word says guarantees you will fail.

In this world sex sells everything! They sell sex to attract sex! So, if you use your sex-appeal to attract men when you get him expect sex, not respect, love, and commitment. Men if you use money to attract, when she gets with you she expects money, period. You run out of money you run out of her! Let’s be true to ourselves. God’s word is true; we have reaped what we have sown into the relationships that failed. If we want love and respect let’s set a precedence. And let’s not become too high-minded when setting it, living on Fantasy Island somewhere. A man of God once told me, “People got killed on Fantasy Island!” So let’s at least ask for who we are because in reality that’s all we will attract! God is a fair God. (That’s an entirely different subject for another time.)

Free yourself today from being the wounded victim which causes you to envy every healthy relationship. Find those who have overcome their past and found true love and cleave to them and the word. The blind cannot lead the blind! Lipstick, cleavage and vulgarity does not attract a good man, obedience does! God honors marriage, (Hebrews 13:4) in fact, He created woman for man. (Genesis 2:18) He wants you to have a relationship, so He knows how to instruct you in having a great one! Follow His lead!

The Word of God will do!

Psalm 46

1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Enough said.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

All is well, Trust God

I did not sleep last night. I napped off and on and in about three more hours I will have been up for almost 24 hours. Sleep is needed so me being up all night is not good. Many people interpret being up all night as if you are making things happen and some times that is true, but most people are doing nothing. I’ve come to see that people use the statement, “I’m busy” as if it’s a statement that places you in the category of the elite and dignitaries of our society. So, by me being someone most consider relatively busy I could have said I was up all day because I’m just making it happen, but I wasn’t. Although I want to say I’m not a worrier, it’s the cares of this life and me constantly attempting to figure out ways to solve all problems, that keeps me up at night. When I got up in the middle of the night I instantly thought of the scripture, You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

What makes me still not trust God? I have been saved 22 years! I say that I trust Him. I wholeheartedly believe I trust Him. But if I stay up all night trying to figure things out when God never fails me and always makes things go perfectly despite what I see or thought, there is definitely something I need God to remove so that I can trust Him. And unfortunately I know I am not alone. Today, I purpose to trust God. That sounds so elementary but if we are honest with ourselves we’ll find our trust in God needs some help. Wouldn’t it be awesome to never worry or waver in your faith in God no matter what life brought your way? Can you imagine losing all your money, home, family forsakes you and you never once are afraid or fret because you are fully persuaded you can trust God?

Today do not let this be something you say because it sounds right. The next time I say I trust God it will be because I trust God. I hate going through so many changes and facing disappointments but once I truly trust God these situations will be nothing. Disappointed?! That’s impossible, I trust God! Lack!? That’s impossible, I trust God. He is my exceedingly, great reward! (Genesis 15:1) Jesus said it best, “…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) All is well, trust God.

Friday, September 11, 2009

The Character Of Envy

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?’ For he knew they handed Him over because of envy. Matthew 27:15-18

The Character Of Envy

Who can stand against envy?
Just another form of jealousy
The highest level of cruelty

How can you want to be or have
Another’s life that it drives you mad
Their every adversity makes you glad

You watch and wait in privy
To find every opportunity
To condemn them with scrutiny

By you, their very presence is despised
Because there’s no equity in your own eyes
So an imitation of them is your disguise

They are on a much higher plane
Slander is the way you feel you can gain
Because their honor you just can’t attain

Relentlessly striving to destroy
The noble name that they employ
The praise of them saps your joy

How has the enemy made you this way?
How many hours do you spend with him per day
That he was so easily able to persuade?

Whenever we talk whenever we meet
Every flaw I have you boldly repeat
Longing somehow my character you will deplete

But in the end my friend you shall see
The enemy cunningly destroyed you, not me
And his hold on you won’t quickly retreat

The ditch you dug will be your own
The reputation you’ll reap is the one you’ve sown
Humiliation will never leave your home

Mercy you can never receive
Because in giving it you never believed
Many will rejoice at your calamity

They’ll say, “Is this the one who walked in pride?’
Our misfortune she arrogantly chose to deride
Now from disgrace and shame she cannot hide!

The righteous rejoice when the wicked fail
All their plans return to the depths of Hell
And the evil she wrought in her ears will bewail

I plead with you my ignorant friend
Destroy the wickedness of envy and sin
Repent for maybe the Lord may relent


© 2009 Meena International Presents "He's A Keeper"
 

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Liberty and Justice for ALL...I mean Chris and Rihanna

Wow. This Chris Brown/Rihanna situation is just really hard to put my finger or opinion on. My daughter is a huge CB fan which made me fall in love him. After the song ‘Umbrella” I fell in love with Rihanna. But the thing that is grieving me is not them per se but people going through domestic violence in ‘real’ life. A family member that I love very much has nine DUI’s that he has just acquired in the last couple years and two domestic violence cases that are overlapping each other right now today and after finally getting a 90 day jail sentence he only spent 60 days, if that, incarcerated. He has been going to court and spending a couple hours in jail until someone pays the bail for well over 10 years now, so what that says to me is if you’re a celebrity your perpetrator will be punished. However, if you’re not a celebrity you can get beat up horribly and your attacker will never be punished. His ex-wife’s domestic violence case keeps getting postponed for at least a year now and he can show up at her door whenever he wants, no restraining order was issued, so she has to hide where she lives from him on her own.

I guess my question to all is do we really care about domestic violence victims? Everyone is so hard on Chris because the woman he attacked make great music, she’s a star! And then there are countless others who want us to forgive Chris not because he so much deserves it, but what we’re really saying is “Give him a break, he makes good music and we love his career, don’t destroy that!” The word says God hates double standards or unjust scales.(Proverbs 20:10,23) If the law or individuals want justice, want justice for the small and the great. So, my two cents on this issue is the law is being way too hard on Chris because all the domestic violence abusers I know NEVER spent one second paying for that attack so why should Chris Brown be treated any different. The people I know and love have gotten abused and the police treated me like I was stupid for expecting them to do anything! If the law is to serve and protect, serve and protect us ALL not just if I draw media attention. Selah.

Monday, August 31, 2009

PRAISE IS A PRIVILEGE AND HONOR

“Let another praise you and not your own mouth; a stranger and not our own lips.” Proverbs 27:2

God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason: to be slow to speak and quick to listen. He even goes on to say, “Take heed to what you hear” (Mark 4:24) and to “take heed to how you hear” (Luke 8:18). Another characteristic that is frowned upon by most is an individual who proclaims their own glory yet tries to manipulate the hearer into believing others are praising them and not their own mouth. The word says let the king acknowledge you and call you to come sit in a place of honor, because if you do it yourself and then he tells you to move back you will be humiliated. Believe me, wanting praise is not a bad thing, in fact we inherited it from God the Father. He delights in us giving Him praise, however, it is freely given to Him because He is worthy of it. He does praiseworthy acts and deeds. If you desire high esteem from others do estimable things. Do not falsely imitate someone else’s accomplishment, noticeable gift or talent or earned and practiced character of esteem then pretend or deceive yourself into thinking you truly deserve the same honor and recognition that person has earned through longsuffering, persistence, and determination. Many desire the prestige and perks of the 'king' but very few are willing to pay the price to become 'king'. Character and integrity, and above all, wisdom keeps a person who is truly praiseworthy, sound and patient and enables them to rise above the perpetrators.

A praiseworthy person keeps silent, overlooks offenses and believes when the word says a lie last for only a moment but the truth lasts forever! (Proverbs 12:19) Psalms 37:8 says do not fret (become irritated in mind) because it only causes you harm. The word of God always pronounces to the reader, “Mark the blameless man, for his future is peace.” Proverbs 31 also says the virtuous woman laughs at misfortune today because she knows she and her family have a bright future. This same chapter ends saying charm and grace are deceptive and beauty is vain (because it is not lasting) but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord shall be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” That’s a wow moment! This pertains to men as well, very much so! =) Just because it says ‘woman’ take heed men, understand what you hear and it will exalt you and make you a person worthy of praise. Once praise is truly earned it is a sweet reward with many benefits. The road to praiseworthiness humbles you and makes you a true person of character worthy of all the accolades due you. If you try and beguile to make yourself receive honor you do not deserve it is called pride.

Taken from book “He’s A Keeper” Copyright ©2009

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Be Faithful

Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man? Proverb 20:6

When I run there are the faithful runners and walkers that I see everyday. However, there is one particular couple that I pay attention to and actually have conversations with. They are the most adorable couple to me because they are both short and round yet they walk together everyday. Today I happened to be walking behind them and I asked how long had they been walking and they said, “About four months.” Then the wife proceeded to say, “We walk eight miles a day, but I wish I could run like you then I would lose weight faster.” I told her, “No, I just get home faster! It’s about being consistent in your pace that makes you lose weight and if you walk eight miles to my three miles, you definitely are burning more fat them I am!” But instantly after that statement I thought of the fairness of God. We as people make anything the masses cannot easily do something elite. But whether you walk, bike, or run, etc. if you are consistent and persistent you will accomplish your weight goal and any other goal you purpose to accomplish in life. God honors and blesses faithfulness, so be faithful and watch your plans succeed.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Dollar Bill


“Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!” Job 6:8

The Dollar Bill

Money is the answer to everything
Is that what your bible said?
But is it truly the answer
To this confusion in my head
Can it really calm the sorrows?
I have carried for so long
Can it give me a vision for my tomorrow?
When I am weak, can it make me strong?

Can it fill my days of loneliness?
Can it dry all my tears?
Will it make me pure and humble?
Will it take away my fears?

Then I had to reread the message
Written by the Lord
Then I realized money answers everything
Things I desire, in this world, to afford

It does not make me who I am
Or who I desire to be
It cannot open eyes and ears
Or set captive souls free

It cannot change my status with God
Only with earthly vain man
It cannot interpret who I am
Or exhibit the strength I can

So many of us get caught up
In what wealth is all about
It is needed to build in this world
But in the heavens it’s useless, no doubt

The word says lay up your treasures in heaven
Where it cannot be destroyed
Then I realized when I haven’t any money
My strength is not null and void

My character is still priceless
My zeal is powerful and strong
My love for others is rare and needed
Jesus paid my price, so I’m free to press on

My obedience gives me favor
Even when I’m penniless I never lack
Because I am a friend to He who controls time
Without a dime, time lost I can purchase back

So when others try and tell me
I am nothing without their wealth
I don’t argue, get discouraged or fight
With all my vigor and good health

I simply keep on doing what I’m doing
Which is my Father’s will
And I will never place my worth
On the world’s dollar bill

© 2009 Meena International Presents "He's A Keeper"

Monday, August 24, 2009

The Will Of The Lord

This weekend did not go as planned, at all! My husband is a private contractor. Our car has been down so we planned and purposed to purchase a new car this week and lo and behold his contractors decided they would not be paying him after months of work and froze the contract. All our plans were thwarted. How do you deal with a blow of this kind, especially after months of dedicated, professional, and hard labor? Who do you blame? Certainly, not the devil. My older sister brought out a great point yesterday before church. She said, “I just realized that Job never once blamed the devil for all his misfortunes and in his case it was the devil’s attack against him.” Most times in life there’s no one or nothing to blame. Life has its ups and downs, thus we must live by faith no matter what comes our way. The Just shall live by Faith! (Romans 1:17) Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Never let life tribulations make you into the victim, because tribulations come with the territory! Have Faith in God and be a victor. He has a plan for you that never fails or can be altered. Be Encouraged.

The Will Of The Lord

‘The Lord is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high heels… Habakkuk 3:19

Though things may not be going according to man
Take comfort in knowing God has a plan
When things seem to be lacking and nothing’s complete
Know the Lord will make your feet like deer’s feet
He’ll make you walk on your high heels
So rejoice in the Lord and take joy in His will.

Copyright ©2009 Meena International Presents "He's A Keeper"

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Dedication to Jesus

My Beginning and End
My Comforter and Friend
My Joy and Peace
The One I seek
My motivation
My inspiration
The One who never settled for less
The One who overcame all stress
The One who persevered when obstacles came
The One who healed the blind and the lame
The One who died on Calvary
The One who set my soul free
My strong tower
My mighty power
His blood through my soul runs deep
He is the One who never sleeps
The righteous prayers He always hears
With Him around there is no fear
My Love and Light
My Wisdom and Sight
My Shield in the night
Lord, I dedicate this ministry to Thee.

© 2009 Meena International presents "He's A Keeper"

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Welcome to He's A Keeper!

Hello, I'm Felicia McCloud. I write poetry that ministers to the heart. It will encourage, empower, correct, reprove, edify, or comfort, but it will ALWAYS be the Truth! My book will be published in the near future so this is just a snippet of what's to come. Be Blessed =)