Believe!!

Several years ago, one of my little boys came into the room and asked if I could play.  In our home this was normal “mommy” behavior and was something that I did routinely.  Unfortunately though, that day I had a splitting headache and “playing” wasn’t anywhere on my agenda.  I told him that I could not play because my head was hurting; therefore, he insisted on praying for me (normal behavior for children who are brought up in church).   He put His hands on my head, asking God to "heal his mommy in Jesus name" and then he walked away.   He returned after a short time with his cars in his hands.  He said, “Are you ready to play?”  I said, “No honey, I told you that my head hurts!”  He looked at me confused and said, “No… I prayed for you!”

That was a very long time ago but I remember that I did get up and play. I wanted him to hang on to the faith that he had in his prayer.  Even though our sons aren’t little boys anymore (one in the Navy, one away at college, and two in High School), they still believe in prayer.  They have had many set-backs and failures but they still believe in prayer.  Their world is full of pressure, struggles, temptation and drawbacks; but they still believe in prayer.  Through war zones, motorcycle wrecks, peer pressure and even a best friend’s funeral; they still believe in prayer.  Problems, heartache, stress and pain… so far, they seem to understand that it is prayer that will help them make it through.

So today, if you feel like you live in a war zone, a wreck, or some kind of pressure cooker… pray.   Maybe there’s a set-back or you have fallen down in some way or another… you can still pray.   If you feel hurt, worried or tired of the same old struggle … don’t be too tired to pray.  Prayer alerts heaven and God will always send us His best reinforcement.   Through prayer, problems are solved; battles are won; folks are healed; paths are cleared; provision is made and people are saved.   In the Bible we are told to never stop praying and that our prayer profits greatly!  If you have stopped praying because you thought things weren’t changing or that God wasn’t listening… then it’s not only time for you to start praying again but it’s also time for you to start believing again. Prayer changes things.

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

Jacob's Story

From the Series, "Between Two Women"

Jacob is where we will end "Between Two Women."  He was the one that all of the women in this story rallied around.  Rachel didn’t seem to put up a fight over marrying him even though he had already been with her sister.  Leah once bargained with Rachel offering her some special mandrakes (some kind of plant used back then for medicinal/fertility purposes) for a night alone with him.  And neither Bilhah nor Zilpah seemed very eager to leave the awkward "let’s all share him" family circle.  Doesn’t that sound outrageous to all of us?  I mean, what woman with any pride would put up with such a crazy mess?  Lol!  Hmm…  I could tell you many stories about women from today’s generation and their ridiculous behavior over a man that is just as outrageous as these four! 


What was so special about Jacob anyway?  Why would all these women agree to such a defrauding environment?  Could it be that these women found satisfaction in what Jacob could provide for each of them individually?  Rachel was her daddy’s favorite, so in order to leave, she needed a man who could outshine her father and Jacob obviously didn’t disappoint in the "shine" department.  Leah was rejected by their father so she needed to be with a man who could offer her some much needed affirmation (many women seem to find some kind of validation through a sexual union with someone they consider to be elevated).  Jacob stood out and was thought of as "special" by all of the people around him; so for Leah, getting to be his wife made her feel special too.  Bilhah and Zilpah needed refuge and a future for the children that they wanted to bear; Jacob provided both.

As Christians, of course we don’t practice nor do we condone polygamy but I do believe that women can learn a lot from this study of a "less than perfect" family:  Our attraction to man can be more about our greatest need rather than our greatest wisdom.  Sometimes, our greatest fear can outweigh our greatest pride.  Our greatest love will always come from God above.  And, we have a great promise in life but generally can only find it by what we are willing to sacrifice. 

 God was able to give them a good return on what they were willing to surrender.  He had a plan for each of them and was able to bring something good out of their heartache and misery.  What was really between them was an opportunity to reach for God and rise above their situation.  He became everything they needed and He stood in place of everything that was lacking.  God caused man to do everything that he could do and God did everything else that man couldn’t do.  Between Two Women was a good place to find desperation, trouble and some people at their worst but it was also the place that God used to show His sovereignty, kindness and His great love.

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

Bilhah and Zilpah's Story

From the Series, "Between Two Women"

Even though they are often overlooked, Bilhah and Zilpah were two very important women in the Bible.  They were the other mothers of the twelve tribes of Israel and that fact alone should place them in high regard.  So why is it that they don’t seem to get the recognition that Rachel and Leah do?  In my opinion: it’s because they were not from a significant (family) bloodline and were not legal wives only concubines.  It’s sometimes difficult to understand bloodline promises and the privileges of wives versus concubines from the biblical standpoint.  It is also difficult to understand Middle Eastern culture from so long ago…  Back then, legal wives had a position of honor, rights and respect.  Concubines had their basic needs met but they had no public esteem and no legal right to anything (the law protected them from being thrown out onto the street and that was about it).

Millions of women from all over the world are born into similar circumstances, like these two, where they feel powerless or helpless to change things.  That’s why it is so important to support the outreach of the Gospel of Jesus Christ beyond our local churches.  Our God is a freeing God to every woman from every nation.  Although Bilhah and Zilpah were called maids, they were basically slave girls who worked for their mistress (owner).  They were both given to the husband of their owners to have his babies.  In those days, maids could bear these children and hand them over because according to the law and custom anyone born in the house was considered property of the mistress.  We have no way of really knowing how they each felt about this situation.  There is a similar story from an earlier time between Abraham and his wife’s maid, Hagar, where it seemed she was proud that she had given birth to his child.  But I’m sure that she wasn’t so proud on the day that she and her child were both sent away almost empty handed.

I can’t speak for Bilhah and Zilpah personally but I can tell you that a normal woman would want to be given a place of value and treated like she was somebody, no matter where she came from.  No woman in her right mind would want to give her body to be used to provide a service instead of being in a relationship where she is deeply loved and cared for.  But sadly, Bilhah and Zilpah weren’t born with the same opportunities as Rachel and Leah.  Somehow, someone failed to protect them and offer them a secure future or else they would have never ended up as maids for mistresses.  One thing that is great about this story though, is that their sons were given what they never had!  They were given an inheritance with the rest of Jacobs’s offspring.  Normally, sons from concubines weren’t considered heirs.  Bilhah and Zilpah were smart enough to understand the rights and privileges of adoption.  They knew that handing them over to Rachel and Leah would ensure the father’s blessing over their sons.  Between these two women was a pitiful beginning but a much better ending for their children -  all because of their choices based on the ending result instead of an emotional now.  Wow!  God grant all of us that kind of wisdom!!

Next week...  Jacob.

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

Rachel's Story

From the Series, "Between Two Women"

Oh to be born Rachel... Beautiful eyes, beautiful figure and I imagine a beautiful smile!  I say beautiful smile because it’s easy to smile when everyone in your world treats you like you are something special.  You can tell that Rachel’s father knew that she was a valuable girl, thinking he could use her as a bargaining tool to get more work out of Jacob… and he did.  We can easily determine that Leah was probably very jealous of the way that Rachel was treated by the men in their family.  How many of us have known of a situation where a woman is chosen not because of her “good works” but because of her “good looks?”  I’m sure we have all seen it at one time or another. But aren’t you glad that God’s love for us isn’t tainted by the way we look?  God is never impressed with outward appearance and His attachment to us will always be based on a love that goes much deeper than our skin.  Don’t you wish that more men had that kind of depth and character?  Well either way, one thing that I can surely minister to you today is that whether you are born a Leah or a Rachel, you still need God!

Man’s acceptance and approval surely feels good to us but it is a very weak substitute for faith.  When it comes down to the big issues in life, we are going to need the help of someone much bigger than man.  The biggest stumbling block in Rachel’s life was the one thing that most women want desperately. Because of the favor and acceptance that she had with man, Rachel didn’t know how to go to a higher power.  When she couldn’t conceive a child, she sought the help of her maid and not God.   Instead of praying, she cried out to her husband thinking that he could fix her!  And when they finally left out on their journey, she stole the little fake gods from her father’s house that he worshipped (small wooden statues)?!  Even though Rachel was desperate it seems that she had no earthly idea who it was that could really help her.  I’m thinking that she should have paid more attention to the names that were given to Leah’s sons…  Reuben (behold, God sees); Simeon (He has heard); Levi (attached to the Lord); Judah (let God be praised); Issachar (God's reward); and Zebulun (dwelling of honor)!

Rachel had a good start in life but no promise of one without any problems.  Just because a woman  looks like she has everything, doesn’t mean that she does!  You wouldn’t have to take too many steps in her shoes to figure that out.  No woman will be exempt from issues or pain in this life and a deeper look into that wisdom is a cure for much jealousy and envy.  It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that some women have it made or that maybe their life is easier or better.  Every woman will have something to contend with and each of us will have something to overcome.  A good ending will be all about who we decide to serve and make our God (remember there’s only one, the great I AM). Rachel did eventually seek and find the one true God and as He did with Leah, He heard from heaven and gave her children as well - two sons!  She died giving birth the second time (sad) but in that sadness, she did leave a legacy that lives on today.   Rachel’s agony over the state of her children is mentioned in the New Testament during the time that King Herod was seeking and attempting to kill Jesus.  We are reminded that on her deathbed, Rachel left mothers everywhere a message:  it is God who we can cry out to and He will hear, help and save.  God’s love for Rachel was purer, greater and more beneficial to her than that of any man.  How sad that it took her so long to figure it out.  But I’m thinking, better late than never… Next week, Bilhah and Zilpah… Between Two Women.

Loving U Like a Sister,
 
Regina

Leah's Story

From the Series, "Between Two Women"

Poor, pitiful and weak-eyed Leah...  Her dad sure didn’t think much of her...  I mean, how many of us had a dad who thought so little of us that he had to trick a man into marrying us?  How was her husband supposed to respond to her after that kind of deception?  Leah was more of a burden and obligation to Jacob than someone that he chose (sad).   Remember, he was in hot pursuit of the beautiful and eye-catching Rachel.  Not her...  Imagine how Leah must have felt on her wedding night knowing that she wasn’t the one that he really wanted and then imagine the week they had to spend together closed in from all the others.  Through the years, I have talked with women who seem to think that they know exactly how she felt.  In some very private conversations, a few women have made statements to me like, “my husband doesn’t love me, he just uses my body.”  This is not a confession or prayer request that you will hear in the morning church service (smile).  That’s why the Journey ministry is so important.  It is a place where women can find answers and help for intimate problems and questions that have the potential to bring unnecessary exposure and shame if presented anywhere else.  God will always hear a sincere prayer and He will always offer help to every woman who seeks him in truth.

Back to the story… so Leah finds herself stuck in a relationship with a man who offers her no friendship, intimacy or love.  But our God, who can do anything, looked down from heaven and saw everything.  He saw that Leah was unloved, unappreciated and in a lot of ways, ignored.  So He decided to level the playing field.  God caused Leah to give Jacob sons.  Now, you must understand that back in those days, this placed Leah in high demand and honor.  Ooh! Her sister was so envious and mad!  Giving birth to sons placed the highest value possible on a woman, whether she had gorgeous eyes or not (lol) and Rachel knew it.  Funny how God can flip a thing!  God gave Leah help and hope for a long future with her husband Jacob.  Leah never failed to recognize who it was that was helping her and her praise of God went into the very naming of her children.  Women who want to be given something better or a "better hand in life" can learn a lot from Leah:  never fail to give or leave a testimony when God decides to move on your behalf and give you help or favor and never pass up an opportunity to let the next generation know that out of every mess, IT WAS GOD!

So, God gave back to Leah her place of value that was lost in the beginning but what about friendship and love?  It’s in the story as well.  Some people seem to overlook the concept that in order for Leah to keep getting pregnant time and time again, Jacob had to keep returning to her time and time again.  Once Jacob saw that Leah could conceive he routinely spent time with her.  At that time Jacob had access to both Leah and Rachel but he obviously wasn’t ignoring Leah.  Women need to know that it is nearly impossible for a man to be repeatedly and routinely making love to a woman and not feel any affection for her.  Even though Jacob may have never felt the same passion for Leah that he did for Rachel, there had to be a bond built between them.  We know that Rachel died giving birth on their journey, so she didn't get to be buried with the rest of the family on the ground that Abraham had purchased years before.  It was Leah who not only got to grow old with Jacob but she also was the one who got to be buried with her husband in the family cemetery (I know what you’re thinking, but trust me, back in those days it was an honor).  So for Leah, the ending of this thing was better than its beginning… God looked down and saw that Leah was unloved and HE DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

Log on next week to find out more about Rachel... 

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

Between Two Women...

INTRODUCTION:  The story of Rachel, Leah and Jacob is one of the most interesting situations found in the Holy Bible.  Jacob gets deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel.  He wakes up the next morning to find out that his new bride is not the bride of his dreams.  Then, he’s promised Rachel too, if he will just work for her father a little longer.  Rachel can’t conceive but Leah surely can and does, giving birth to boy after boy!  Jacob then starts having kids with Rachel’s maid and then he has some kids with Leah’s maid...  Leah gives birth a few more times and one turns out to be a girl.  After what must have seemed like an eternity to her, Rachel finally conceives and gives birth to a son.  But sadly, while nearing the end of a long journey with the entire family, Rachel dies giving birth to a second son.   So there goes the story of Jacob (later known as Israel) and the beginning of the twelve tribes of Israel (all those sons that belonged to the four above mentioned women added up to twelve). 

Does this story sound more like a soap opera than an actual event from the Bible involving God’s chosen people?  Many women have been shocked to read about polygamy and some of the specific events from the Old Testament.  Especially our generation of women who frequently ask me questions like, “Did God let them away with that?” lol!   Ministry on this earth has always come packaged in human flesh and even though this story is from long ago, Jacob is a great example of a man reaping what he sowed.   Trust me, no one in the Old Testament or anywhere else in the Bible got away with anything.  Bad decisions will always have bad results.  Still though, you would be amazed at how often God uses carnal people to teach spiritual people valuable lessons.  The truth is that God can use anyone from anywhere at any time to do anything that He pleases.  The focus for us as women should be on the good news of the story which is:  if God took a dysfunctional family like Rachel and Leah’s and began a godly heritage, there is definitely hope for us and ours!  

Rachel and Leah had a complicated life, to say the least.  They both lived on the opposite side of what women want.  Rachel desperately wanted a child, or in today’s language, wanted something to make her feel alive and accomplished, while Leah desperately wanted to be beautiful and loved by a man.  Take note that God never scorned neither idea from either of these two women.  He never once scolded them for what they desired and longed for.  God understands that in every woman there’s a deep desire to be loved and at the same time a deep desire to accomplish something worthwhile.  The truth is that most women are somewhere in the middle of these two women’s dilemma and can usually be found fluctuating to either side depending on the season they are in.  

Rachel and Leah’s story is where many familiar problems are commonly found among women.  It’s where most women give up and are defeated or either persuaded to finally seek the face of God.  Our most difficult circumstance can be somewhere in the middle of these two identities.  It’s where we can give up and live in despair, just wishing we could live on the other side or it can be the place where we find the greatest truth about God, man and self-acceptance.  The study of "Between Two Women" begins with Leah.  Log on next week to find out all about her.

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

#7 Her Responsibility to the Younger Generation

# 7:  Her Responsibility to the Younger Generation - the final segment in the study of the Shulamite woman from the series "Then I Became in His Eyes as One Who Found Peace"


In our nation, we see many examples of people being blessed to be a blessing.  Celebrities give out of their wealth.  Social clubs and colleges are routinely involved with humanitarian work.  I’ve even seen people living here from other countries send back assistance to help family and friends reach selective goals in business or education.  Many of us have caught on to the idea that when we find ourselves in a better place, we should help someone else.  For the church though, our outreach should exceed the work of the average helping hand.  Christians have a responsibility not only to reach out, but also to help carry the Gospel to every nation while living a life of enticement that will inspire future generations.

In Song of Solomon, It seemed that the Shulamite woman understood her responsibility to the next generation.  Her role as Queen was an opportunity for influence and favor given to her by God.  It’s interesting and inspiring how she used her position to instruct the young women who ran after her.  She was careful to help them understand her success.  The Shulamite woman not only made it to a better place but she wanted to teach other women how to make it as well.  You would be surprised at how many successful businesses and ministries have been built on these same desires.

Today, there are many offers on the table for women.  The world is offering promises and rewards from many different products in many different ways.  As women, we are more likely to be targeted by manufacturers than men.  They understand that a lot of women are not only desperate for change but they are more than willing to pay for it.  Unfortunately though, most of what the world is selling women is a farce and the end result will probably be pain.  God’s offer is and shall remain the best on the table.  He offers truth with an end result of peace.  The Shulamite woman found peace.  She put all of the elements of virtue and godliness together and found lasting peace.

If you are searching for a better result than what you keep getting then it’s time to make a change.  If what you are applying is not bringing a return of peace then it’s time to apply a new principle.  Sometimes we blame a bad harvest on the ground and never check into the kind of seed that we are sowing.  Only the word of God has power in every principle, that when applied, can and will bring a positive change.  God’s word works!  For the women who said amen to that last sentence, what are you doing right now to help the younger generation?  Let me challenge you to make it a priority today to tell a young woman about the love of Jesus Christ and the peace that is genuinely found in GOD.

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

#2 The Importance of Her Self Esteem

Insight Number Two: The Importance of Her Self Esteem

It’s easy to feel insecure in a world that constantly tells you that you’re not enough.  Most women have to battle negative thoughts and feelings about themselves. It’s funny though - most of us never even question where those negative thoughts are coming from. We need to stop and consider where it is that we are getting our information. As Christian women, we have God’s Spirit of truth and acceptance that lives on the inside of us. We can train our ear to listen to what His voice says about us instead of what the world is telling us.

The Shulamite woman seems to have battled thoughts that caused her to doubt and question her value as she compared herself to other women. How many times have we been there? In the first chapter of Song of Solomon, she is apologizing for the color of her skin as if she’s not enough or not as beautiful as all of the other fair skinned women (how funny is that to our generation of tanners?!). It’s interesting though, at the beginning of the very next chapter she is referring to herself as the rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys. It seems that a deeper voice of esteem and assurance took dominion over those insecure thoughts. According to the scholars, she was a poor country girl who worked with her family tending grapes. She would have had every imaginable reason to feel less or lower than the others but her words reveal that she was able to identify herself as something beautiful that she was offering the King.

The Shulamite woman was able to exemplify that being different from everyone else doesn’t make you less it makes you unique. She found favor and acceptance through looking into the eyes of the King instead of comparing herself with everyone else around her. I believe that she decided not to compete for a position that was already hers. You would be surprised at how many women end up there! She was able to withstand the challenge to a power struggle and never gave into the pressure to perform. Again, you’d be surprised at how many women end up there! Her response to the King was with words of the utmost sincerity, honesty and vulnerability. Now, as women, we all need to end up there!

Near the end of the last chapter in Song of Solomon, the Shulamite declares that she had found peace. Her self esteem was the second element that was a part of her finding it. Knowing that we are enough will not only help us win a serious war, it will also keep us from silly little battles that rob us of our time and energy. Next week's insight: #3 Her Attraction to Him!

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

Men... Who needs them???

It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that people are more confused today about their relationships than ever before.  Women are bombarded with information about love and sex but aren’t convinced that they are getting all the facts.  They seem to have caught on that magazines from the checkout aisle are lacking depth about these subjects and they are now more inclined to seek the truth which can only be found in the Word of God.  This is a good thing.  I mean, it’s great that women are coming back to the Bible for answers and help.  The world’s contradiction is very noticeable as it sends messages that blatantly disdain men (especially tv sitcoms where men are portrayed as incapable and useless) and at the same time, give women tips and suggestions on how to entice and captivate one!  A great relationship between women and men will only be built upon the high value that God places on both sexes.

To begin this teaching, we must understand God’s design for women:  a normal woman would want to be loved and desired by a man.  It was His plan and His design for women.  I have had women shamefully confess to me at the altar that they wanted a husband.  They drop their head as if they were seeking the most inappropriate, hideous thing.  It would be humorous to me if it weren’t so sad.  I find it interesting that "the world" has tried to convince women that they don’t need a man and now they feel guilty that they want one.  Another disheartening situation that I have frequently witnessed is women who feel that their marriage is a lifeless, loveless, even hopeless situation.  They are not convinced that God will change things.  They seem to think that He could care less or that He is just not concerned with that part of their life..….Oh but He is…..that is why the Song of Solomon was included in the word of God!

In Song of Solomon, we see a couple who had everything good that God ordained for marriage.  They seem to have had a fairy tale romance and marriage but God’s word is no fairy tale book at all -- it is The Book of Truth!  God wants women to know that He desires for them to have the same type of intimacy and friendship with their husband that the Shulamite woman had with King Solomon.  It was written to be proof that awesome relationships not only exist but they are worth praying, waiting and working for.  Just like anything else though, we each have a responsibility to learn what the Word of God says and apply it to our lives in a daily walk.  I tell women, "God’s Word works:  if you don’t have what is says you can have then it’s because you are not doing what it tells you to do!"  His Word is a system, and like any good system, you must learn how to work it to get results.

I have and I am a personal testimony that great relationships can be built.  It’s good to know that we have been given a way to build one because most of us will not inherit one. You too can build something so awesome between you and your husband that will make others jealous - just kidding!!  I mean it will be a light and offer hope to others in a lonely world where people are desperately seeking help and wanting something lasting and real.  Get out the Bible, go to the book of Song of Solomon, and read it this week and I will begin the teaching in a few days…….come on its only eight chapters!!  It will probably be the most interesting and steamiest thing you’ve read all summer!

Loving U Like a Sister,
 
Regina

Where are the Titus 2 Women?

We (my family and I) attended an awesome 2000-seated church on Sunday.  The service was contemporary, of course, strategically structured and precise.  I was extremely impressed with the speaker. He was solid!  I did notice a very similar situation in this contemporary church that I see in the traditional assembly though. When they gave out the announcements there was an event for women’s ministry coming up and they apologized that there had not been anything for women in a long time.  I thought how sad it is for the church when women’s teaching is so few and far between. 

Paul plainly stated in Titus 2 that the older women needed to be involved in teaching women in specific areas of their life.  If you look at the magazine racks in the checkout area of stores you would easily see what women need to be taught and where their interests are.  You would see that Paul knew that women were needed to help teach on women’s issues such as their relationship with their husband and children, discretion, chastity and so forth.  Women struggle in very intimate areas of their personal life and need the help that only another woman can offer.

I have seen pastors (men) try to teach in these areas.  I guess for a lack of female teachers they try and do what they can but it is so distasteful to say the least!  We need some women in the church to be more concerned with women’s ministry.  I am not talking about crafts and the keeping of the cleaning schedule.  I am talking about Titus 2 women who understand that women need to be encouraged and admonished in the things that really pertain to women.  God is not concerned with whether a woman can make a quilt but He is concerned about the feminine role in general.  I can tell you:  we think that women understand their identity better than they used to, but they don't - they actually understand it less!   The younger generation of women are more confused than they have ever been.  The older women in the church have so much more to offer than what they are giving.

It is in the local assembly that women's lives will be changed.  Don't rely on a one time event to take the place of training that comes from consistency and the daily routine.  We raise our children, relying on consistency to shape and build who they will become.  We wouldn't expect one youth event to take the place of daily parenting.  We expect special events to enhance what we have taught.  That's what I am saying about women's ministry in the local church.  It is needed regularly.  Put a high value on the women in your church.  Get involved with helping them.  Teach and please make it accessible (remember the need for childcare and flexible schedules).  Women are worth the investment!!

Loving U Like a Sister,
 
Regina

Zealous for the House of God?

Good Morning!  In the word of God there is a passage that says, “zeal for your house has eaten me up”. In the New Testament, Jesus went into the temple and ran out the merchants. He not only ran them out but overthrew their tables! He was ZEALOUS for the house of God. It was certainly a time when you saw the lamb become a lion!

Today, I am wondering if you are zealous for what goes on in God’s house. In the past few years I have seen countless numbers of people trying to sell themselves or their merchandise in the church! I am not so aggravated by their trying to sell to the church as much as I am for their manipulation. Let’s face it: all of us want to earn a decent living… Many of us either have kids in college now or they will be attending in a few years. Most of us are looking to get ahead or just stay ahead whether in continuing our education or business opportunities but please, not at the expense or the integrity of the church!

Don’t try to flatter or manipulate God’s people just to make a sale... Don’t be a fake and try to develop relationships based on anything other than your sincerity! I have a great Idea... Let’s get more concerned about souls being saved! Let’s make disciples of Jesus’ followers and not customers! I know that this is a little more than blogging… But God’s church should be called a house of prayer. Who wants to come into a “market place atmosphere” where everyone is after you for a selfish reason or ulterior motive? Be real with me! I don’t care if you accept or reject me, just be real about it. We shouldn’t let people continue to manipulate the church for selfish gain.

My prayer is that the leaders in the local churches would take a stand against marketing in the church house. I personally could tell you of many situations of young converts being sought after and preyed upon by church members. I had to really hold my tongue as I watched a pastor and his wife manipulate a dear young friend of mine a few years back. I was so limited on what I could say because it was more of a gut feeling I had and I wasn’t sure of what I should say. They took her for close to fifteen hundred dollars for a “Business Opportunity”!

She never saw a dime of it back and she had small children to feed and buy diapers for. She trusted them because they were her leaders. Sometimes as women we want to be pleasing to those who are positioned over us. Do you know what I mean? We love the support and need the affirmation they offer. I call it an abuse of authority! I will also call it tacky when church members try to use the LOVE connection that Jesus gives us as a BUSINESS connection. I might make you mad today. I hope I make you mad enough to pray about it! I love all of God’s children but I will look after the weak and I pray that I will always be able to differentiate between good and evil. I pray that all of us as ministers will never stop being zealous for the HOUSE of GOD.

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina