The Love Of Shechem For Dinah – Something To Learn From!

WILL YOU GO THROUGH THE PAIN OF 'CIRCUMCISION' JUST FOR THE ONE YOU [CLAIM TO] LOVE?

"But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised; Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son. AND THE YOUNG MAN DEFERRED NOT TO DO THE THING, BECAUSE HE HAD DELIGHT IN JACOB'S DAUGHTER: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father. " – Genesis 34:15-19

• Shechem, a whole prince known to be the most honorable in his family & probably the palace, was ready to go through the excruciating pain of circumcision just to have the woman he loved, Dinah. The process of circumcision is known to be more painful when you are all grown up than when you are a child - so, just imagine (??). First, he had defiled her; call it lust! Though he was considered the most honorable, but defiling Dinah was also considered sheer folly (Vs 7); so untypical of a so called honorable man!

-          LESSON ONE: Lust can cause an honorable person to wrought folly! Watch the rising of lust in you before you do anything 'foolish'! – anything that will degrade your honor/dignity; anything you might regret later! Like fornication! Like adultery! Uh huh!

God gave JESUS such honor and dignity because He loved and walked in righteousness; not the lust of the flesh (Hebrews 1:9; Philippians 2:8-11; Jn 12:26; Rom 2:10)

• Shechem’s defilement can be called lust, but then the Bible says his soul cleaved to her afterwards; he loved her and he spoke kindly to her (Vs 3)…

-           LESSON TWO: If you love someone, if truly your soul is cleaved to that person, you can’t help but allow ‘kind words’ to proceed out of your mouth to that person. How can you brag to yourself about loving someone when your mouth lavishes painful, hurting, mean, rough, harsh, insulting, demeaning, cursing, fatal…words upon such a person? Where are the kind words that nourish, empower, repair, make happy and feel loved, cherished and respected?! SELAH!

JESUS sanctifies and cleanses His bride (the church) by the washing of His Word (Ephesians 5:26)

• Shechem was ready to do or give anything, even pay excessive dowry, in exchange for the woman he was in love with (Vs 12).

-          LESSON THREE: If you truly yearn in love for somebody, you will give, pay or do anything to be with the person. Calling him/her every minute will be a pleasure and not a pain. Travelling long distance to be with him/her will not be a bother to you. Whatever is the blockage or hinderance to being together, you'll do anything to take it away! You will just pay any price to have him/her. Because of His singular love, Jesus paid for us the price of our redemption just to have us be with Him eternally! Although I must as well say this. Money and material things, even in their excess, really aren’t the most important accepted token of our love. Yes, love is giving, but giving has the most prior – giving of your time, affection, listening ears…etc; giving your whole self counts more! Sacrificing!

JESUS gave HIMSELF! All of Him! His life! As a token of His love for us (Ephesians 5:25).

• The sore pain of circumcision was pricey than perhaps the most priced gifts or dowry. It took days to heal; it made the valiant man weak (Vs 25)! What is so expensive to a man than his valor?! What is so egoistic to a man than his physical power and strength?

True love is ready to let go of the most prideful, expensive possession just to let the relationship work!

Nevertheless, worst of all, let’s just say Shechem was ready to go through that pain of circumcision because what he had for Dinah was lust, then it becomes something of concern when you claim to have true love for your partner and yet you are not ready to go through the ‘pain’ for that special one. If lust is ready to suffer to have that special one, ready to sacrifice the pleasure of no pain for the torment of pain, how much more must true love do?

-          LESSON FOUR: There is always a bit of pain to suffer, a 'circumcision' to go through, when you truly love; some 'possessions' you'd have to lose or consciously give up for the love for your partner and for the sake of the relationship! You must be ready and determined to go through that ‘pain’ if you want to have the one you love, or continue to be with him/her or to see your relationship flourish!

Circumcision in the New Testament is not of the physical but of the heart, the spirit (Romans 2:29) – allowing the Lord to cut off anything of the flesh (Colossians 2:11); anything in our hearts that causes us to sin against God, ‘harm’ another person or corrupt us.

Whatever thing is part of us – a character or trait, behavior, habit, attitude, likes or dislikes, etc – that is and has been detrimental to the success of your relationships needs be ‘circumcised’!

Letting go of the ego, the self pride/selfishness, the ‘I’ factor, the status quo…can be so painful. Letting God chisel away the excess flesh of anger or quick-temperedness, the impatience, addictions, laziness, nagging, bitterness, unsentimental trait or dispassion, sheer impassiveness, manipulation and controlling, offense/grudge/unforgiving attitude…even the lust – anything that will diminish the grace and presence of the Lord in your relationship – is sometimes so painful! Yet, taking the pain that ‘weakens’ your ego/pride/selfishness, your carnality, just for your loved one is worth it and what proves your love even more…. Do you brag about truly loving that woman or man? Then do you have any suffering of pain to equally brag about? SELAH! 

JESUS, the only One who has ever truly loved, left His throne above, took the humblest form of a servant, went through the most painful pain just to prove His love for you and me; just to have us by His side! Just for us to be with the Father as He delights!

• Shechem alleged his love for Dinah, but then his act of disproved love, or should I say his disproved act of alleged love – defilement – made someone (in fact, some people) come after him! Someone was looking out for Dinah! Someone was her defense! Someone got hurt that she was abused of love…and Shechem had to pay! Someone who loved her took it personal! Simeon and Levi, two of her brothers came after Shechem, and in fact the whole men in the country, and slew them! (Vs 25) Dinah was the child of Jacob, and no one dared defile Jacob’s child and wrought such folly! To the two brothers, such a person deserved to be punished!

-          LESSON FIVE: Don’t expect to abuse a child of God in a relationship and go scot free! God is looking out for His children in their approved relationship! Anything you do to His child in the relationship, He takes it personal! He is the witness in the covenant of your marriage (Malachi 2:14) and He will come after you if you ‘breach’!

Thank God He is full of mercy and grace, unlike Simeon and Levi with no mercy and forgiveness. Although God is merciful, He will forgive you if you repent, but His Spirit will come after you when you ‘defile’ His child through your words, actions and inactions! Even your prayers will be hindered! (1Peter 3:7)

You cannot disregard, disrespect, dishonor, and disobey the Lord JESUS (being our Bridegroom) and yet expect to have favor with God! (Mark 9:37; 12:6-9)

• Before Shechem would be given Dinah, he had to be circumcised; to be like her people who were circumcised. They were God's people and they were circumcised! and they would have nothing to do with any person who wasn't circumcised as far as relationship was concerned.

-          LESSON SIX: God does not cast His pearls before swine! (Matthew 7:6) God's 'pearl' is the one who has gone through His process of refinement to be Christ-natured; 'Who can find a virtuous woman (man)? (Prov 31:10)' 'A prudent wife (husband) is from the Lord (Prov 19:14)'. God's pearl, His virtuous and prudent child is His (New Testament) 'circumcised' child! For God to give you His pearl, his prudent child; to be the one to find a virtuous mate, you must be God's 'circumcised' child!

ULTIMATUM: Prove your love by being ‘circumcised’! Saying, 'God put me together to be a great husband/wife & to have the best marriage' is a right attitude. Taking the step to see God help you through that is a step in the right direction! IN ALL, JESUS IS THE BIGGEST GREATEST EXAMPLE…LET US LEARN OF HIM! HE IS OUR ONLY HELP, LET US SOLICIT FROM HIM… Selah!

(Credit: Reindorf Mantey

General Overseer: Crusaders Ministries Int.

- www.crusaders.biz;  www.oracletvnetwork.com;  www.spiritpreneur.org)

"The Vow" - By LOWLA DEE

“I, Sarah Adams take Lawson Kuti as my lawful wedded husband, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, till death do us part” she smiled at him through her veil.

“You may now kiss your bride Mr. Lawson” The Pastor beckoned.
Lawson’s heart raced as he gently unveiled his bride’s face. She looked so beautiful. He gently bent over and placed a soft kiss on her lip. Sarah in turn embraced him tightly with tears of joy streaming down her face.
“Never leave me Sarah” He whispered in her ear.
“I will never leave you” she whispered and they slowly released themselves from the embrace.
“I present to you the latest couple!” The Pastor exclaimed excitedly
The church cheered and Sarah cried more in her husband’s arms

5 years Later

Sarah silently tip toed behind her husband. He was in his study, engrossed in reading. She smiled to herself and gently covered his eyes with both hands.
“It’s just you and I in this house Sara, plus, I smelled you the moment you walked in” He dropped
Sara released her hold, sighed and sat on the study table, “Why do you figure me out so easily? I can’t even surprise you! That sucks” she curled her arms around his neck
“You are my wife, nothing you do is supposed to surprise me” He playfully pecked her nose.
“But you’ve been in the study all day and I’m bored!” She rolled her eyes
“So what kind of fun do you suggest we have then?” He swooped her off the table in his arms
“No! no that kind of fun!” She hit him playfully till he put her down
“Ok”, He folded his arms on his chest, looking into her eyes, “So what do you want us to do?”
“Not us. Actually, all I want is to play with your play station and you’ve hidden it again! Just give it and you can continue your reading. pleaaaseee” She blinked her eyes playfully
“No way”, He went back toward his study chair and sat, “Not my play station”
“Why! You never let me touch it…like its your baby” She sulked
“Well”, he rolled his eyes, “Not like you’ve given me a baby yet”
Sara paused for a moment. Did he just say that to her? The words struck her deep down
“You shouldn’t have said that Lawson…” She managed to say, her countenance changing.
“But it’s true…I’m only saying the truth Sara” He turned to face her, still sitting on the chair.
“The truth? You think I don’t want us to have kids?”
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that…” He stood to face her now.
“Then what are you saying Lawson? Tell me, what is the truth?”
“Let’s not do this today…please. You can have the play station and play all you want. It’s in my footwear locker and the key is in my Bible”
“You always do this…hurting me with your words” Her voice began to shake
“Don’t start Sara please”
“Tell me why you said those words to me! I want to know!”
“Because I’m tired! I want to be a father! I want to have my own kids Sara…”
” and you think I don’t?!” Sara flared, trying not to let the tears pour
“Then why can’t you get pregnant Sara? This is the fifth year we are trying.” He clenched his teeth and walked out of the study.
Sara was in shock. She sat on the chair for some seconds, stood up again and sat on the chair again…this time she held on to her blouse and burst into tears.

2weeks after

“Lawson, wake up please” Sara tapped him
Lawson gently opened his eyes and looked at the alarm clock by his bedside, “It’s 2:00am Sara…”
“It’s urgent”
“I’m listening” He said drowsily
“Mother says we should come for tests. She says she’s spoken to her doctor and he said we should come.”
“What?” Lawson opened his eyes now, “Your mother is the UK for Christs sakes”
“Let’s just do it. We can go for the weekend, lets just give it a shot, please.”
“No. That would be rather expensive and…”
“It’s my birthday today and the only thing I want from you is this trip”
Lawson fell quiet now. For the past two years now, his wife’s birthday skips his mind…totally.
“I’m…I’m sorry Sara…It skipped my mind…”
“It always does” She lay down back on the bed, backing him.
Lawson wrapped his arms around her waist, “I said I’m sorry…”
No response.
Lawson sighed, “Fine, we go this weekend”
“Really?” She turned sharply, excited
“If it will make you happy today”
“Thank you baby” She hugged him.

A week after

Sara jerked at the vibration of the phone in her pocket.
“Hi mom!” she pressed the phone to her ear with her shoulders, wiping the washed dishes with her hands.
“Honey…”
“What is it mom?” she pressed it harder
“The result…the result of the tests…” her mother cried
Sarah gently dropped the plate and the wiper, heart racing…”Just say it mom…”

That night

“I can never have children Lawson…” Sara cried
Lawson felt his world crash right in front of him, “W…what?”
“Mama called today…she’s gotten the tests results”
“Jesus Christ” Lawson stood, placing his palm on his head, “b…but you told me you were ok before we got married, you told me the doctor said your abortion didn’t damage your womb”
“Don’t bring my past into this!” Sara flared
Lawson laughed and got serious almost immediately, “You are crazy. I married a crazy woman!”
Sara looked at him in shock, like he’d lost his mind.
“The results say you can never have children and we both know that this has to do with the abortion you had before we met!”, he flared, “are you happy?…you know we’re screwed right? No kids? what re we going to tell the world?”
“Lawson we can adopt…” Sara cried
“Adopt? Wow!”, he laughed again, “I married a funny woman too!” He got serious again, “Its still not our baby! The damn baby is not my flesh and blood! You are full of deceit Sara” He looked into her eyes. Sara could see him fighting his tears.
“Lawson stop…you are hurting me…” Sara fell on her knees crying
“You want to know what I’m thinking?” Lawson looked at her with disgust, “I’m thinking how on earth I’m going to stand seeing your deceitful face for the rest of my life”
Sara cried harder, “Don’ t give up Lawson…So far I have a womb…I can still carry our baby…”
“I am not giving up on having my baby, I’m giving up on you” Lawson turned around to leave
“Lawson!” She held his feet, “I’m hurting too…”
He only dragged his feet from her hold and drove out of the house. She wept.

A month Later

“Mother, he’s not even talking to me. All of a sudden we are both strangers…He doesn’t eat my food, comes home late…he hates me so much and its killing me. I’m confused…to think that it’s me truly hurting…”
“For how long will you hide this truth from him. You’ve got to let him know…you can’t carry his…”
There was the sound of a car horn
“Mom I’ve got to go…he’s back”
“Baby, you’ve got to let him know. It can work when you two are one in mind”
“Bye mom” she ended the call.
Lawson came into the house, about to walk past her.
“Lawson” She held him
“I’m tired” He didn’t want to look at her face
“I know…can we talk for some minutes?” She tried to help him remove his suit
“Look what is it?” He jerked from her
“Do you hate me this much? you can’t even look me in the eye? you can’t even stand my sight? Lawson…it’s me Sara…your best friend…” Her eyes grew moist
“I’m in no mood for this” He turned around to walk away
“Don’t you dare leave when I’m talking to you!” She dragged him by the suit. Just then, some papers fell to the floor. Sara quickly bent to pick them up…her hands shook and her body became numb all over.
“D…divorce papers? Lawson?” She searched his eyes
“Answer me goddammit!” She held him by the collar of his shirt, crying
“They are for you to sign. I want out” Lawson dropped
“Y…you what?” she slowly freed him from her hold
“It’s not going to work Sara, can’t you see?”
“Lawson I can’t believe you would think of a divorce and even go this far…why are you so wicked!” she cried, angry
“No! Why are you so wicked!” He retorted, flaring
“Think about me for once. I am a man for Christs sakes. My children are my pride! and you are about to deny me that for the rest of my life because of your stupid mistake!”
“What about me! have you stopped for once to think about what I’m going through”
“Its your cross, carry it” Lawson fixed his angry eyes on his wife
“No, its now our cross and I am not signing those divorce papers! We vowed never to leave each other!”
“Isn’t it better Sara, that you save yourself more hurt and sign these papers than to see another woman move into this house before your very eyes?” he said with a tone of sarcasm
Sara’s heart thumped, “What?”
“You heard me…another woman who can help raise a family, so save yourself the stress and sign the damn papers. I need it tomorrow”He turned around to leave again
“She still can’t carry your baby” Sara dropped
“Not all women had abortions. Not every woman was like you.” He scorned
“You are the one who can’t give me a child!” Sara let out, crying.
Lawson stopped now, turned around and walked towards her, “Whatever your plan is won’t  work”
“I told you I could never have a child because its you who can’t make me pregnant”
“Shut up! shut up Sara! what the hell are you saying!” He shook her shoulders violently
“You are infertile Lawson…the doctor says you have primary infertility…”  Sara burst into tears
Lawson gasped, loosing his balance.
“Mother called me to give me the news. I was shattered, I felt like my world was over but more importantly I thought of you. I thought of what the news could do to you, I thought of the best way to tell you… never for once did i think of leaving you. I bore your insults, your scorn, because of my past. It was so easy to judge me and think of yourself. I am the one who is hurting, I am the one who should bring some miserable divorce papers…but I thought of you…I thought of hope, faith and a miracle…I thought of my vow to you on that altar. In sickness  and in health remember?”, she smiled through her tears, “all of a sudden you are as weak as a baby…looking in your eyes, I can see you suddenly have lost all your guards, You are so wicked”
“Sara…” Lawson fell on his knees, torn.
“No!” She quickly fell on her knees too, “No Lawson…” She couldn’t bear to see him cry
“I’m…I’m infertile”, he cried, “What is left of me?” he searched his wife’s eyes
“Lawson please…” she held his face, “I understand…it has been so hard for me…I have put myself in your shoes since the first day…”
“You don’t deserve this…you deserve better…I can’t believe I scorned you all along…please let me leave you”
“No” she shook her head, “You are my husband. I won’t leave you. I won’t let you leave me…I believe in miracles”
“I’m doomed…Sara I’m doomed…”He allowed his wife take him in her arms and on her shoulder he wept like a child.

In the Morning

Sara gently opened her eyes, looking beside her bed…it was empty. She quickly sat up on seeing a note gently placed on the bed. Hands shaking, she opened the letter to read.
Sara,
I cannot bear the shame. I have treated you so unfairly, yet you love me still, you are with me even in this condition of mine. To think that you knew all along and you never for once gave me a clue that it is my fault we are in this mess, makes me so unworthy of you. I love you enough to let you build another life with a man who can make you happier. I’m torn Sara and all I ask is your forgiveness. I have always loved you and if you truly love me then please start your life over again…without me…I am truly sorry for disappointing you.
                                                                                                                                                Lawson.
Sara couldn’t control the tears. She couldn’t think straight anymore. She picked her cell phone, shaking…
“Hi Mr. Lawson’s office please”
“HI Lola…” she cried, “have you seen my husband today?”
“No…no ma’am, we’ve been expecting him at work. He has a presentation is fifteen minutes”
“Oh God…God…” Sara dipped her hand in her full hair
“Everything ok ma’am?”
“Thank you” she ended the call.
She quickly got down from the bed and in her pajamas she ran into her car. She dialed his number repeatedly as she drove…no answer.

At 2:00pm

She sped into Fred’s compound, a close friend to her husband.
“Fred!” she banged the door hastily till the door flung open
“My God Sara what’s wrong?” Fred held her
“It’s…its Lawson…have you seen him? is he here?”
“No…Haven’t heard from him in a week”
“Oh God” she held her hair
“What’s wrong?”
But she was already walking away into her car.
“Sara!” He called after her.
She zoomed away.

4:30pm

“Mom, Dad, I can’t find Lawson…I can’t find your son…” she cried as she paced in front of the two who looked lost
“You have to calm down and tell us what happened” Lawson’s mother put her arms around Sara.
Sara burst into tears, “Please Dad could you try his number, maybe he’d pick your call?”
“Have you been to his office?” He picked his cellphone and dialed his son’s number
“I have been everywhere I know him to be likely available”
“It’s ok…calm down please” Lawson’s mother pet her
“He’s not picking. What exactly went wrong between you two?” Lawson’s father searched Sara’s eyes

9:00pm

Sara was still in her pajamas and on her way back home, exhausted and stuck in the traffic. She had told Lawson’s parents everything. The poor couple was so shattered and also begging her to begin a new life. Sara buried her head on the steering, crying. she hadn’t realized the green light.
“Hey get off the freaking road!” a driver cursed from behind her
“God please don’t let him harm himself…keep him safe and lead me to him…please God…” she quickly started the car and began to move.
Suddenly she remembered the church where they wedded and took their vows. It was two hours from here; she made a u-turn and headed for the church hoping to find some peace.

******************************************************

She tiredly got down from the car, drenched and exhausted. She trudged into the open entrance of the church. She paused for a moment; shocked…it was Lawson sitting at the front row of the empty church, facing the altar.
“Lawson!” She began to run towards him, happy, relieved that he was ok.
“Sara?” He quickly stood as she approached him, “Sara…”
They both ran into each other’s arms. He hugged her so tightly
“I looked for you everywhere….this was the last place I thought you’d ever be…I just came and I saw you…Lawson….I’m so happy you are ok” she touched his face
“I didn’t know where else to go…It just feels like I cant face the world anymore…” he slowly released her from his embrace.
“Take my hand” Sara stretched out her hand, “C’mon, just take it”
Lawson gently clasped his hand into hers and she took him to the altar and stood to face him. She searched his eyes so deeply and hadn’t seen him so weak and helpless.
“Five years ago Lawson, we both stood on this altar. Remember our vows? Remember you whispered in my ear never to leave you. I told you I wouldn’t…that’s why I’m here. I am your wife Lawson, I am meant to be with you forever, through the bad and good times. We’ve had good times, why would I leave you now? All I want from you is to believe that you can still give me a child despite what the result said…I want you to believe in a miracle”, she held his face, “remember when you told me I was a miracle in your life?…our children will be our miracles too. Trust God with me because I know it won’t be long…”
“Who are you Sara…” Lawson was weak with her words
“The one who vowed to be with you till the end” she smiled through her thin tears
“God I love you so much” He hugged her again
“So will you come back home with me?” Sara searched his eyes
“I have no other place to call home” He placed a soft kiss on her lips.

2 years after

Lawson and Sara were on the sofa watching a late night movie. Sara was resting on his shoulders when she felt the movement
“Lawson Lawson, it moved again…don’t miss it this time touch touch” she gently placed his palm on the side of the stomach. Both felt the movement of their child
“I can feel him…I can feel him” Lawson placed his head on her belly
“I can feel him growing each day inside of me…”
“What do you think its saying now by this movement?”
“Thank you dada for believing in me” she laughed. They both laughed
“The movement has stopped” he slowly removed his head from her stomach, “I think he’s sleeping”
Sara rested on his shoulders again, “In six months you’d be a father, “You finally got your miracle”
Lawson tilted his wife’s face to him, looking into her eyes, “Sara…you were the miracle I needed. Thank you for not leaving me.”
Sara tickled his nose with hers, “I love you too. Always will”, she smiled, “We missed a whole lot on our movie”
“Movie can wait, but this can’t” He gently planted a kiss on her belly.

Hi Friends,
First, we forget our vows so easily, so quickly that once our marriages start hitting the rocks, we fail to realize that there is power in union. When there is union, every mountain can be subdued. The problem is people don’t yet understand the concept of marriage and trust me, until you do, please don’t go to the alter because what you don’t understand will eventually become a burden and confuse you. The concept of marriage is ‘for better, for worse’. The ‘worse’ moments always come. I am not saying expect bad things but I’m saying that challenges come in marriage to make you stronger in oneness so don’t use it against yourselves.
Second, miracles are real and I hope we all learn to have the patience to have our miracles in the end. Remember that marriage is a ‘stick and stay’ relationship not a ‘hit and run’ thing.
Remember your vows each day, enjoy your marriage, you deserve it!
Rock on!
Lowla Dee.
(http://www.lowladee.com)

Single & Searching: Be Still And Know That He Is God - A Complete Love Story

This is a complete love story of Shin Yee....

She shares this "to encourage people. I decided to post up on my blog so people can read or show people and be encouraged that God cares about this thing called B.G.R. = Boy Girl Relationship. Not just any other BGR. YOUR SPECIAL one and only COLLECTION OF BGR THAT GOD YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WANTS TO UNIQUELY CRAFT AND WRITE IT FOR YOU. Will you allow Him to?"

"BGR - Boy Girl Relationship - is my all time favourite topic. Something close and dear to my heart. I believe many of us long and desire to have someone special in our lives, so did I. I remember myself as someone who was quite ‘desperate’ after guys. When I was in high school, it was so normal for people to have boyfriends after boyfriends…. However, I never knew what it was like to have a boyfriend. I assumed that because back then I was ugly and fat, no one will desire to be with someone like me.

After I accepted Christ, I began to question God, "Why don’t I have a boyfriend? Most of my friends have someone special in their lives, what about me God??”

However, somehow, God never answered. Years past and I began to think "Hm...maybe God wants me to have the gift of celibacy, singlehood, to serve God and love God only!!” I ran to my mum and asked her “Do you think God has given me the gift of celibacy?”, she laughed and asked me to go and pray about it.

I remember I was spending my quiet time with God and was reading this verse in Habakkuk 2:3 “But these things I plan won’t happen right away, slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to past. Just be patient, they will not be overdue a single day!”

"Ok", I told God, "I will surrender my desire to you and If it is your will that I have someone special in my life, You will confirm with this verse".

Few months past, and one day, as I was spending time with God, my devotional guide taught me about that verse in Habakkuk. Little did I know that in the afternoon, my mentor will come and teach me about that same verse. Moreover, I was hearing a sermon my mum bought in her lady conference and it preached about that same verse. Not only that, but my monthly Christian girl’s magazine (brio mag) decided to arrive that day with a poster with that verse (I still have that poster in my room)…. I really freaked out, because God showed me that verse 4 times in a day!

I ran to my mum and told her the incident and she laughed again and said "God wants you to have that special someone ~ just trust God".

I thanked God for showing me that I was going to have that special someone and I decided to wait on God. I read a lot of books on BGR and one of them was “I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris. In that book, Joshua pledged 5 years for God, and as a young silly girl, I decided to follow Joshua’s footstep and pledged my 5 years to God. I signed a contract with God and told Him "I am giving You this 5 years!!!"

God is a very cute God that took my vow for real....

During this 5 years, it was not easy. I had 5 good friends and all of them had boyfriends. It was not easy to be among them because what they chatted about was their boyfriends and what I could boast of was my God.

One year went by, two years, and I started to realize that kind of "SHIN YEE~~~, er…..do you know that you are getting older??? To pledge for 5 years is silly!! Why not just 3 years?" Then I negotiated with God if I could pledge for 3 years. God never answered because I think God has a good memory; He remembered that contract I signed for 5 years.

Truly, I would say that those 5 years was not easy. However, God never failed to comfort me and assure me to wait for His best. He was truly my number one Cheerleader, Comforter, Encourager, who never failed to show up on time. God was so used to my whining and crying. When I was down, He would remind me of the verse in Habakkuk that He promised me. When people started to laugh at me that I do not have a boyfriend, I would shout out that Jesus is my boyfriend.

Finally, in 2007 October, it was the end of my 5 years pledge to God and no man of my heart desire showed up. Seriously, I would say that those 5 years was a privilege. Because it had been a wonderful and beautiful 5 years with my Maker, my Creator. It was (and is) an honor to be solely His and His only, to know Him so intimately and personally.

Not only that, but during those 5 years period, God transformed me inside and outside. First, God molded what was inside of me, my heart and my character, feeding me with His word and telling me that heart matters to Him. He wanted me to know that beauty lies in the eyes of the Creator. As He molded my heart, guess what? God also took me through an ‘extreme makeover’. My mum tried very hard wanting me to lose weight; she took me to see nutritionist, took me to slimming center, but nothing helped.... My mum gave up and decided that the only person that could help me was God. She prayed to God that I lose 20kgs. Truly, her prayer came to pass.... I lost 23kgs in 2 years plus time! I thank God from the bottom of my heart for molding and transforming me inside and outside. I thank God for having signed up for this 5 years package that made me who I am today!

(This testimony is not asking you to make a 5 years pledge to God; more of….challenging you to trust God. God is your Creator, He knows you the best especially your heart desire. He will definitely give you the very best in His time.)

These 5 years pledge came to an end without any man showing up. However, it did not stop there because I truly believed that someday, this someone special would definitely come just as God had promised, and that he will be the man worth waiting for. (Till then, I really encourage all of us to trust God, wait on Him and enjoy this period of time with God ALONE. Get to know your Creator intimately and personally, you will discover that He is so interested in you and everything about you...and so this part of BGR that matters to you and I, how can He ever forget? He will definately make it beautiful for you, in HIS TIME.)

On the LAST DAY OF THE PLEDGE (30/9/2007), Rayson was revealed to me. It was a Sunday during 'Praise and Worship' while I asked God again about that special man. Actually, my shepherd asked me to pray about Rayson. In disbelief, I kept rejecting and telling my shepherd it wouldn't be him. This was a guy I had a crush on for 3 years. And I still remember how my white gold cross necklace got lost, and while I was praying, I was battling in my mind and thought God wanted me to really give Rayson up; to focus on God and truly serve and love Him. I told God during 'Praise and Worship', "If Rayson is from You, then You wouldn't want me to give up!"

Then, in a still small voice, He told me, "My dear child, do you remember... this is the LAST DAY of your pledge? This is my gift to you". I teared and teared... and in my heart I knew, HE IS A GIFT FROM MY FATHER IN HEAVEN...!"

(Edited).

The Process Of Finding Your Partner For Life - Reindorf Mantey

"And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him." - Genesis 2:20b

The bible expresses the futility of Adam's quest to find a mate after he had named all the animals. He had hoped that his zeal to fulfill the divine commission will accrue a dividend of his expectation. His desire for a mate fueled his zeal to name the animals hoping by so doing, he will find a mate. However, he was disappointed. He might have been confounded because it was God who brought the animals to him after he had made him aware of the need for a mate. God awakened in him a passion for a mate, set him up with the opportunity by presenting all the animals for him to name them and yet his quest ended in futility. Why will God make him aware of a need, generate a passion and yet lead him to a futile search? The bible blurts out the futility of his search:

"...but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him." - Gen 2:20b

Many single Christians find themselves in such dilemma. Their hope is dashed, emotionally drained by the quest of finding a decent mate; they succumb to their disappointments and quit their search. Many have concluded that the mate of their dreams cannot be found in their world. All the right people are all taken so they don’t even bother to try so they don’t get hurt. They deceive themselves that they can bottle up their feelings in a false sense of spirituality until circumstances break out their façade and spill out that emotional feelings they are dying to serve a mate of their dreams with. Until many singles understand divine intimacy cannot replace the warmth of human intimacy which is consented by God, they will come up with excuses to quit the quest for the love of their life.

Adam could not give up after all the disappointments in naming all the animals. Do you know how many animals that Adam named and yet could not find a mate? He could have just picked one of the animals to be his mate because of the scarcity of his kind. However he could not do it inspite of all the disappointments. To be true to who he was, Adam could not just pick any of the animals. They might be cute, some were closer to his morals, some had resemblance to his features but they were still animals. He could not bring himself to choose one and hope God will do a creative constructive plastic surgery and turn them to human in the future. Adam will not degrade his ethics and shame God by picking an animal just because of the scarcity of his kind.

The Importance of the Process

Why will God lead him into a quest that will lead him to such disappointments? God knew that his pursuit will end up in emotional bankruptcy, yet He urged him to go on anyway. Though his search was futile, some good was done. The animals got named which was consented by God.

Though God knew that he would not get what he desires, He needed the animals to be named anyway. Such was important, that God allowed him to go through the process. It might not have been what Adam wanted, but it was fulfilling a divine good. God did not hurriedly create him a woman, because the process was necessary for him to pick the right mate and to be a good husband. He was created perfect but had not developed character. Character is not just created but lived. You can be created with high morals but you must be given the opportunity to live it out. The process of finding a help mate equipped him to be the person God wanted. He learned to use the judgment of God, as he named the animals the way God wanted. He learned that opportunity does not mean divine sanction. The mere fact that God has presented the animals does not mean that he has to pick all of them to be wives. He learned how not to pick anyone contrary to his image and likeness. He was created in the image and likeness of God and could not stay true to himself if he picks an animal. He learned that scarcity does not have to force you to compromise your ethics. He learned that there is always a divine option when man has exhausted his means. The process was a teacher to equip him for the marriage.

“Let patience has its perfect work so that you will be entire, wanting nothing.” - James 1:14

As you go through the process, God is working on you, so you need to be patient. As God places you in a quest to search for your mate, do some good by naming things the way God will call them. Fulfill your divine commission as you search for your mate. Stay true to your calling and dreams that God has given to you.

“All things work together for good to them that love God.” - Romans 8:28

Adam did not know the significance of what he had gained by naming the animals until Eve was presented to him. What he had gained by naming the animals was utilized to name the wife. “...This is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh...” - Genesis 2:23

God had not told him that was the process that he will use to identify his wife. However as he obeyed God in naming the animals, he acquired the judgment to identify his wife. The process helped him to name the wife well. God could not trust him to name Eve, if he had not gone through naming the animals first. The process was necessary. After he had passed the test of naming the animals with divine consent, he passed the test to meet his wife; and he named her prophetically to divine admiration. If he had quit the process, he would not have been equipped to name Eve....

Get busy pursuing your calling and learn from the process because it is necessary for your marriage.

BY: PASTOR REINDORF MANTEY

(GENERAL OVERSEER)

CRUSADERS MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
- www.crusaders.biz

PS: If you have any questions concerning this article or any other questions on singles, kindly post them at the comment or send them via email @ lilly@crusaders.biz

How To Be Single And 'Satisfied'!

First of all, I want you to know that marriage is good and the most honorable! If God wants you to marry, don't give excuses or hide behind other facets, like this article; you MUST marry at the right time! There are many wonderful things for you in marriage - not just any marriage but the one designed & confirmed by God for you!

But that doesn't also mean you are done with if you are single! Let's see....

SATISFY - to fulfill the desires, expectations, needs, or demands of (a person, the mind, etc.); give full contentment to

SATISFIED - content 

It is interesting how many think their life has no meaning or that they are unfulfilled without a partner. Women especially have this negative stigma. Mainly, this is because we have some wrong definitions of what marriage must be. Many of us desperately run into marriage because we are not satisfied as singles. We enter into the marriage with this wrong perception of what we are in for and what we must be doing in it. Yet, even to have a great marriage, one of the important factors is to be complete and satisfied as a single person before we enter in.

Many singles are faced with the challenge of societal stigma of dishonor, loneliness, incompleteness, unhappiness and non-productivity which they believe can be dealt with only with the presence of a partner. But the truth is, you don’t need a man (as in either a man or woman) to be complete, dignified and honored, fulfilled, happy, fruitful or satisfied.

So, the question is, how do you become satisfied as a single person?

In the account of the birth of Jesus in Luke, Mary conceived and gave birth to a son without the natural intercourse of a man. The Holy Spirit overshadowed her and made which needed man’s ability baseless! It can be deduced Mary’s main purpose on earth was to give birth to the Messiah. Seeing such purpose coming to pass, she could be said to have been fulfilled. Yet, she didn’t need a man to be fulfilled. But for such supernatural tendency to come true, Mary had to surrender to the will of God. She had to yield to the purpose of God for her life.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” – Luke 1:38

If single people would submit to God and His will and embrace His purpose for their lives and live in it, then His Spirit shall overshadow them to do all they want to do to have a fulfilled life. Because you are carrying a divine mandate in your womb like Mary, God’s protection will be with you; no 'Herod' can succeed in killing that divine mandate which contains your prosperity, happiness, glory, dignity and fulfillment. You’ll surely birth out at the appointed time and everyone will see and call you blessed.

Many singles are concerned of the status quo and are disturbed with the societal stigma of singleness. They embrace the societal fib that if you are not married, especially as a woman (and yes many men have this stigma too), you don’t have dignity, you don’t belong. Yet, it is not man (a husband or wife) but God who gives honor and dignity.

Mary was honored and dignified amongst other women because she carried a divine mandate. She was highly favored (Luke 1:28). Although she was betrothed to Joseph, she didn’t need to be married before she had such honor and favor. In fact, her situation demanded disgrace and disrepute in the natural sense, for she had taken seed before marriage. Yet, with such humanly disgraceful circumstance, she was honored, favored and dignified and called blessed just because she was on the Lord’s side and He was with her!

True dignity, honor and respect come from God and not man (Ps 104:1). It comes from obedience to God’s Word; fear of and love for God (Ps 15:4; 91:14-15; Prov 22:4). As Psalm 91:14-15 says, much as you set your love upon God by doing His will, He shall honor you.

Again, many single women especially think they need a man to take care of them financially and materially (and yes you wouldn't believe some men have this intent too). No. You are a rich person yourself who can take care of yourself. In your God-given mandate are talents to fulfill such mandate. God has endowed you with such special talents in which are millions and billions of whichever currency you could think of; in which is an extraordinary fiscal value only if you’ll use it!

Yes there are some people God has said their financial and other prosperity will manifest after marriage, but if God is truly the One who has said it, He knows how to take good care of you that you don’t necessarily need a man to supply you with. But some of us, we claim this widely accepted fib to ourselves; that God made the man to support and provide for the wife therefore we will be much better off financially/materially after we marry. If only you’ll embrace the purpose of God for your life, obey Him and keep His Word, love Him and be more intimate with Him, He shall prosper you! (Deut 29:9; Josh 1:7-8; Job 36:11)

Some singles feel incomplete without a partner. Let me tell you that you are a complete person yourself! Actually you must be complete before you marry. Being single is the best moment to be transformed in every area of your life in order to be the best husband or wife! God molded Eve and put her together before He brought her to Adam as his wife. She was made complete as a wife before she married. God endowed her with all she needs to be a help meet to Adam. She was with God and walked with God and God molded her. God cannot mold you for you to lack anything good. It is said God brought Eve to Adam meaning she was walking with God till she got to Adam and married. Walk with God for Him to mold you and complete you as a single person even before you marry. You don’t need a man first to be complete. You need God to complete you.

Perhaps some of us are unsatisfied as singles because we think we need someone to make us happy, to comfort us, and fill our loneliness. You need God and not man (wife or husband) to satisfy you in these areas. We’ve embraced the worldly fib of only being happy by the nearness of a man and have neglected the intimacy with God that is why we are frustrated, unhappy and feel lonely.

Do you know you can be married and yet be lonely and therefore unhappy? You can also be single and be happy and not feel lonely. True joy comes from God.

You do not marry to get rid of your loneliness but your aloneness. There is a difference between the two. God didn’t say it isn’t good for a man to be ‘lonely’ He said it isn’t good for a man to be ‘alone’. He didn’t create marriage to satisfy your loneliness but aloneness. Loneliness is only you inwardly; aloneness means only you outwardly. Loneliness is normally what produces sadness and stress. Adam was alone without Eve but not lonely for he had God with and in him! We can deduce he was happy and satisfied for he wasn’t the one who requested for a wife. You need God to satisfy your loneliness and not man! Be intimate with Him and experience true companionship!

What is making you unsatisfied in your single life? Is it that your biological clock is ticking and so you need a man? You are only under the oppression and pressure of societal stigma of dishonor. But if only you will throw away the worldly ideologies and yield yourself to God in serving Him and living righteously for Him, He’ll give you such dignity and honor in the eyes of others that even some married people might not have. Or are you scared you’ll enter into menopause and not be able to give birth? Remember Sarah! So long as you live for God, He’ll do with you like Sarah. Or are you feeling lonely and unhappy? Spend more time with God, be intimate with Him and that loneliness will vanish...!

Be happy in your single life! Rather than being passive and sorrowing in your singleness, see this moment as a blessing! Stop flirting around with other men or women that depreciates your honor. 'Flirt' rather with God! Chase God and appreciate your value & dignity! Get up and do what you are supposed to do! Use this moment to be more intimate with God! Remember what Paul said in ICorinthians 7:32-35..relatively, the best moment to serve the Lord without distraction is when you are single (note that it doesn't mean you can't serve the Lord properly when married). Check the areas of your life where you need to work on that will affect your marriage (your emotions, physical appearance, speech, words) & allow yourself to be transformed, equipped & enriched in every area by the help of God; know how to take care of yourself physically, secure yourself some honorable profession. Discover your God-given purpose and get busy with the use of your talents and gifts in accordance with that purpose. Be independent of a man but dependent on God! Let your single life be useful, then you will be satisfied you are (or were, after you marry)!