TEMPTATION (Lust & Betrayal)

Temptation comes in many forms but one of the most potent forms is that of lust. Sex is a beautiful thing, that GOD created for the confinement of marriage. It is true most people have experienced it outside of this confinement including myself. With that being said, lets start the discussion.
I went to the movies this weekend to see Tyler Perry's movie Temptation: Confessions of a marriage counselor. It was a decent movie, conveying significant messages throughout. Now I can't speak from the perspective of being married, because I have yet to take that journey down holy matrimony. I can on the other hand speak to what I've seen over the course of my adult life. The basis of the movie centered around a married couple, where the wife feels taken for granted by her husband, and becomes intrigued by a successful client at her job that eventually becomes an affair. Regardless if it is the man or woman in a marriage or a committed relationship that cheats for whatever reason it is wrong. Not to excuse any behavior like that or play devil's advocate but the mate of the other person must be attentive to the signs of discontentment in the relationship. Men we should not take the woman in our life for granted and get so comfortable with the same routine and not appreciate her beauty, loyalty, and encouragement.
Women should not take the man in your life for granted and get so comfortable with the same routine and not appreciate his protection, love, and support. When both parties do this, you open up the door for that other man or woman to come in and present and provide everything that appears to be missing or desired in the current relationship. A lot of us have either seen this scenario happen to others we know or have experienced it ourselves at some point in life.
The bible says in Ephesians 4:19 "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continue lust for more."

Poetic Thought:

It appears the affection has gone missing,
Arguments exude from the lips instead of tender kissing,
No excitement or spontaneous spark in life,
Once an array of colors, becoming 50 shades of gray with spite,
Love is work, emotional, physical, and mental relation,
If you slack on the job, it can be taken by temptation! ~ JD

Some may say monogamy is a tough pill to swallow, but on the contrary it is a multi-vitamin that helps support your relationship immune system. If not taken daily along with the discipline to exercise your commitment to one another, it will cause your emotions and libido to become unstable and lead to lust and betrayal! Until next time, class dismiss!!!

COURAGEOUS

When faced with day to day adversity in life a person must be courageous. So many things happen these days that keep men and women paralyze by fear. It comes in many forms from sickness, broken relationships, financial stress, or simply self doubt. Sometimes we have to look beyond the horizon and go where others may be afraid to. Your mind must have the capacity of perseverance and your heart must be resilient. I know this all to well in my personal life. So I am speaking from experience not what I heard. Only you and GOD truly know the odds, vulnerabilities, or circumstances you've had to overcome or go through. Other people regardless of who they are only see from a limited view, the outside not the inside. Unfortunately a lot of the times it's usually the people close to you like family, friends, or someone you're in relationship with that may express some form of discouragement, jealousy, or hate. When others do this it is a twisted form of admiration, because secretly  they wish they had the fortitude to step out on faith to do what you're doing or attempting to do. The bible says in Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your GOD will be with you wherever you go."

Poetic Thought:

The battle is heated not for the faint of heart, but you're not alone,
Have gatorade endurance, not premature but staying power, go strong,
Adversity is the teacher, you will be put to the test,
Go in the fire as a piece of coal, come out a diamond, shine at your best,
Be positive not negative, both are contagious,
Your steps are ordered, stand boldy, be courageous! ~ JD

To be a courageous man or woman is think to outside the box, step outside the box, trust GOD and believe in yourself no matter where you're at in your life right now. Be COURAGEOUS! Until next time, class dismiss!!!

UNEXPECTED SETTLEMENT

As men and women we hear all the time the statement or proclaimation "don't settle for less than you deserve". Now as mature adults we know this to be true, but applying it to your life is a different ball game. At some point in our lives we've settled for less than what GOD has for us. Whether it was a relationship, career choices, how you were treated by family, and the list goes on. Why do we subsconciously settle for things in life that is less than what we deserve? Good question. My opinion is that sometimes the fear of  not having something to call your own, belonging to a group, or a sense of  feeling accomplished. Now there are a multitude of other reasons people settle but once again I am stating a few from my opinion that I have either experienced or seen myself. No matter your gender, perspective, or marital status settling for less is not the intended purpose GOD created you for.  In Isaiah 43:18-19 GOD says "Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look , I am about to do something new."

Poetic Thought:

I strive for more not less,
No mediocrity but the best,
Perserverance through struggle, rise above mess,
Counting the blessing that births out the labor of stress,
Engaged in life's olympics, going for the gold medal,
I'm a child of GOD therefore I won't settle! ~ JD

There is a gospel song by Marvin Sapp that is my favorite, its called the Best in Me. It really touches my heart because undoubtedly I can relate to the message as it pertains to my life. No matter how others view you, mistakes you've made, GOD always sees the best in you. Therefore never settle for anything less! Until next time, class dismiss!!!

SECURITY vs. SIGNIFICANCE

Today there are different perspectives that separate how men and women view each other and relationships. It is a never ending debate on whose agenda should take precedence. Single men and women date, get acquainted with one another, to see if there is a potential mate and commitment that can be achieved. Now there still are men and women out there regardless of their age who play games for their own selfish reasons be it sex, money, or other materialistic possessions. Bottom line when you are a mature man or woman with enough RLE (Real Life Experience) under your belt, you stop playing the games and tap into your GOD given wired instinctive psyche. Men seek significance and women seek security. Allow me to break this down with a few examples: Significance for a man is (1) Feeling that he's needed (2) Attentive to the possibilities of the future (3) Focused on where we're trying to go <Goal>
Security for a woman is (1) Feeling that she's wanted (2) Attentive to the realities of the past (3) Focused on how we're trying to go <Process>  
Now this is my opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, but it comes from personal experiences and observations over the years in relationships and dating.

The scripture Amos 3:3 says Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

Poetic Thought:

He shows her his ability to provide,
She shows support standing by his side,
He appreciates her and gives his undivided attention,
She encourages him with affirmation such an honorable mention,
He extends his love through physical touch, time and devotion,
She gives back love by opening up her heart and emotions! ~ JD

There is an ole school song by Johnny Gill and Stacy Lattisaw called Where do we go from here? I like that song because it is real and raises a relevant question that men and women have to answer at some point if  he or she is seeking a meaningful relationship. It starts with You! Until next time, class dismiss!!!

FRUITFUL or FRUITLESS

We all have heard the old adage " A tree is judge by the fruit it bears." As men and women we are called to bear fruit. Not just for ourselves in the literal sense of growing apples, oranges, or whatever fruit of your choice maybe. I am talking about service and positive influence in the lives of others. Whether it be your family, friends, co-workers, or strangers. We live in a society where its all about being self absorb in our own desires. Nothing is wrong for a man or woman to desire things or to better themselves in life, but we must remember Jesus served others in the form of healing the sick, teaching disciples, feeding the hungry, along with many more things.

The scripture John 15:16 Jesus says "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
When you are fruitful, you are a blessing to others and in return you will be blessed as long as you do it from the heart.


Poetic Thought:

Real men and women cultivate,
Sow seeds of love not hate,
Give of themselves freely with time,
Leave a positive impression on someone else heart and mind,
When you care for others, you are at your best,
Real men and women are fruitful not fruitless! ~ JD

Reflect on your life as a man or woman, take inventory to see if you are being fruitful or fruitless! Commit to doing better no matter which one it is. Until next time, class dismiss!!