GOD gets to choose which man (and sometimes, in some places – a woman) HE will use to save HIS people in this season. Men (spiritual church leaders) have no say on this matter although they like to act as if they do. [Hypocrites (see Matthew 7:22-23)]. 

In this world, which Satan controls and influences. A time will come, it is near, when a Pharoah like man will rise upon man, who will once again, severely persecute GOD’s people and others. (Compare to 2 Corinthians 4:4; Acts 7:19).

But in such a time of hardship, GOD’s people will not have to fear or despair. For GOD is with us to deliver us from the harsh hands of the pharoah. We must take note of what GOD has done for HIS people during times of persecution in the past. (Compare to 1 Corinthians 10:11). Notice what GOD did for HIS people when a Pharoah rose in Egypt to persecute; that is to kill, steal, and destroy, GOD’s people. (Compare John 10:10). Read Acts chapter 7, verses 17-22.
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​Now, there is a lot that is said in those few verses where the details were not provided for us to understand how and who GOD chooses to use to deliver HIS people from those who were trying to snuff the Israelites out. The details are left out here because it was not the appointed time for GOD to use HIS chosen vessel to help guide and deliver HIS people from the hands of Pharoah. 
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Verse 17 – “But when the time of the promise drew near which GOD had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt.”

Notice that, what GOD had promised Abraham years prior, was finally near. So, GOD was about to fulfill that promise. (Compare to Genesis 12:2-3). But Satan. That serpent who got a whiff of what GOD was about to do. What do you think Satan, the ruler and influencer of this world did? Sat back and celebrated this upcoming victory for GOD’s people with them? Yeah right. I know y’all know better than that.

Satan was not having that. Satan is the ‘accuser’ of those in the faith. (Compare to Revelation 12:10). So, he was not going to allow such a thing to take place within his dominion. Certainly not! If people are not worshipping and celebrating him, he is and was definitely going to put a stop to it.

So, there was no way Satan was going to allow GOD to elevate and fulfill any promise GOD had made concerning HIS people’s present or future. An example of this, we can read at Genesis chapter 3. As we see, when Adam and Eve were about to see true success from all the provisions GOD had provided for them. Just before it was about to really blow up for them and they would have all the joy, happiness, and comforts life can provide a person. (Keep in mind, this was only the case for them because they were following the lifestyle and game plan GOD mapped out for them).

Just before Adam and Eve were about to experience satisfaction where they would not only NOT LACK anything, they would have more than they want. But Satan stepped in declaring – I am not having this. They ain’t serving and worship me. So, I will put a halt to this mess right now that GOD is doing for them.

But I digress. To keep from getting bogged down on this part of mankind’s history, let’s move on. Because this is not my point of discussion today.

Did Satan, the one who rules and controls the world, achieve his master plan concerning Adam and his wife? (Compare to 2 Corinthians 4:4) Yes, he did. And his disruption of GOD’s plan and provisions for a successful and happy family and life has invaded and dominated the lives of all of mankind for centuries.
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​Verse 18 – “Till another king arose who did not know Joseph.”
 
So during this season, Satan who controls the governmental system used a man in political power and placed him, that is a new Pharoah, in control over a nation. (Now, I am not going to get into the reasoning why GOD allowed a tyrant and corrupted man to gain dominance over HIS people. But you can read it for yourself in the Book of Genesis and Exodus). Back to what I was saying.
 
This puppet Pharoah of Satan did not know Joseph who ran and controlled the Egyptian nation in previous years. Joseph was GOD’s man. GOD’s chosen vessel that HE used to deliver HIS people and others during the time of serve famine. (Compare to Genesis 41:30-49). 

​At some point, Joseph dies and over time, a new Pharoah rises to power who does not know Joseph. Nor is this Pharoah familiar with Joseph or his family who helped the Egyptian nation and political leaders to grow and maintain their political power, control, and clout. As a result, the new Pharoah did not care for, despised, hated, and even feared GOD’s people.
 
Satan as well as his puppet Pharoah did not want to see GOD’s people maintain the power, authority, political influence, wealth, increase, and success they were having in Egypt. He certainly did not want to see this Hebrew nation remain free and inherit the promised blessing GOD promised their nation and its people through the patriarch Abraham. So Satan being the sly devil he is. He attempted to prevent the Jews continue success under GOD’s reign.
 
So, as I mentioned before, Satan rises up his personal puppet master – Pharoah, a tyrant of a king, to begin Satan’s process to ruin and destroy GOD’s people. 
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When this new Pharoah came into power, he rule with an iron fist. He was hard on GOD’s people. His disposition was rough. And he lacked compassion, love, grace, and mercy. As a leader, he did not care for the people. Therefore, he placed a heavy yoke or burden upon them that would slowly program them to submit to their harsh rulership and kingdom. He implemented an agenda and propaganda campaigns that would eventually put much fear in GOD’s people and break their spirit. He used whatever was at his disposal to cause chaos and destruction among the Israelites. The whole purpose was to enslave and cruelly dominate over GOD’s people with the goal to destroy GOD’s nation – HIS chosen people.

Under Satan’s guidance, control, and rule, Pharoah’s job was to disrupt GOD’s people's confidence in GOD. Ruin them to a point where they would not trust nor believe in GOD. Satan needed Pharoah to bring the people to a mental and spiritual point where they would question the relevance of GOD in their lives.

So, we see, in verse 18, Satan raises a corrupted, crooked, and deceptive Pharoah who could accomplish what Satan needed to do in order to destroy those who serve and worship GOD.
Moving on.

Now, we see in verse 19, the mentality and behavior of this new Pharoah of Egypt. It said he was treacherous, an oppressor, and in any way he could, he “exposed” GOD’s people, particularly the children.

Verse 19 – “This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live.”

Let’s step back in time for a minute. When Jacob moved his family from Hebron due to the severe famine there, to Egypt, where the grain was plentiful. Jacob and his family thrived in Egypt mainly because of Jacob’s son, Joseph, who was appointed as Egypt's second person in command under the rule of Pharoah.

If I remember correctly, at the time of Jacob’s relocation from Hebron to Egypt. His family was about 70 members during the famine. But now, after moving to Egypt, and after about 215 years had passed. GOD’s people grew into a mighty nation with strong, vibrant, men, who were able to quickly defend their families, people, and nation if called upon to do so. This nation now had many capable warriors or soldiers at their disposal when needed it.

So, as Satan and this Pharoah watched this Jewish nation grow. Their wealth and political clout increased. As Pharoah observed the Israelites' spiritual relationship with GOD prospered and the families enlarged. Satan could no longer allow this to continue. This is when Pharoah’s behavior became barbaric, inhuman, and cruel toward Israelites. We have to be mindful, that all of this was done through Pharoah, the most powerful leader in Egypt, but under the guidance of Satan the devil. The ruler over the world.

Don’t get this twisted. The reason why the world is the way it is today. The reason we see so much corruption and destruction, crime and violence, and death and a lack of support in a nation is because GOD nor Jesus is NOT ruling nor controlling the world. GOD has not given Jesus yet the right to retake what Satan has taken from mankind (the first Adam) to reestablish God's original plan for mankind. This is why we see what we see in our world’s political system. GOD is not ruling it. Satan and his appointees are.

Turning our attention back to verse 9 of Acts chapter 7. Pharoah, under the guidance and influence of Satan, extirpated or “expose” the children of Israel. Many of us know the unfortunate event that occurred when Pharoah sent forth his decree that required his soldiers to go through the land where the Hebrews lived and to throw every male child under a certain age into the Nile River. (Exodus 1:22). This Pharoah was brutal..
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So, Acts chapter 7, verse 19 states that Pharoah “expose” the Israelites' children or babies. Let me provide clarity just in case any miss the point here. When Pharoah sent forth his decree to have the male offspring of the Hebrews thrown into the Nile. Pharoah’s goal was to persecute GOD’s people to the point where GOD could not fulfill Abraham’s promise in their lives. (Compare to John 10:10).
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The point behind Pharoah’s cruel acts were to control Israel’s power of influence and to decrease the expansion of the Hebrew nation. If Pharoah was able to kill, steal, and destroy the faith and physical being of this nation’s seed, their children. Then he could crush this nation. Preventing them from growing and populating their nation with their kind. 

Let’s go on to the next verse.

Verse 20 – “At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months..”
 
Do you see what GOD is doing here? As the plight of GOD’s people shifted due to persecution, GOD is already at work to put a young man in a place that would help free HIS people from bondage. That will deliver GOD’s people in their times of hardship. He is always ready and prepare to cease and undo the works of the devil on behalf of HIS people.
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So, to respond to Pharoah’s harsh persecution, GOD rises HIS future deliver as verse 20 shows. “At that time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to GOD….” (Compare to Jeremiah 1:5).

What is so splendid and powerful about GOD is that HE selects the one who HE plans to use to solve some major problem with HIS people, years in advance. (Compare to 1 Corinthians chapter 12). Then He positions that one from a young age to receive the right training, education; and allows that person to go through certain trials and testings to shape his or her charater and build up his or her abilities in such a way so that he or she can achieve and resolve whatever that is needed for GOD’s purpose, people, and Kingdom work. 

So, in this case, Satan puts into office a tyrant who was there to subdue and destroy GOD’s people. GOD allowed it because HIS people rebelled against HIM. And as a form of discipline, GOD removed HIS hedge of protection from over and around HIS people. (Compare to Hebrews 12:6). And this allowed Satan and his minions to come in and cause much turmoil in the lives of GOD’s people.

BUT GOD knows how to rescue HIS people from the hands of not only any tyrant. But also from the snare of Satan. GOD also knows, that sometimes, years need to pass before HIS people would realize and accept the responsibility for the error of their ways. Some, 400 years passed before it came the time for Moses, GOD’s deliver, to come onto the scene to challenge the king of Egypt. Each time Moses appeared before Pharoah, he would declare this one powerful and warning line to him. 'LET MY PEOPLE GO.'

But the shred pride and arrogance of Pharoah were not going to have that. Besides, he saw himself as a god before the people. In fact, Pharoah did not just see himself as a god. But he saw himself as the god who was supreme over all other gods. Go back and read your Bible history. Many kings and other pharaohs thought the same thing. And in GOD’s due time. After HIS people finally came to their senses. REPENT and beseech GOD for help from their enemies. GOD eventually sends in HIS chosen vessel, like Moses to reclaim what is HIS. For an extensive period of time, Moses confronted Pharoah, and demanded that Pharaoh ‘let my people go.'

Now, wait one cotton picking minute. Is this not the same Pharaoh who was persecuting, killing, and making life miserable for the Hebrews? So, what made Moses different? How did Moses, who was a Hebrew himself, was able to come into the palace of Pharoah and make such demands and not be killed for challenging the king of Egypt? Two reasons. 
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When we look at the accounts and events of GOD’s people. Nowhere in human history did GOD not provide for HIS people. GOD has never turned HIS back on them. HE always provided shelter, protection, and furnish them with everything they need. SO LONG AS THEY WERE OBEDIENT TO HIM AND ONLY HIM. But the moment GOD’s people start smelling themselves and did not feel they no longer need GOD. GOD left them to their own demises and the traps and snares of the devil. But once GOD's people came to their senses and repent, GOD rised up the right man to deliver HIS people. And anything HIS people loss during that period of rebellion or persecution, GOD restored.

But the key to the Israelites not being diminished or destroy under the rulership of ruthless Pharoah was not that Moses was all-powerful and had that level of clout. I am certain that wasn't it. Moses accomplish the things he did before Pharoah scared. He wasn't confident he could do what GOD was asking him to do. You cannot convince me that Moses was not fearful for his life each time he had to confront Pharoah.

Moses fulfilled his assignment before Pharoah scared. But the reason he was successful was because

1. GOD gave him all authority Moses need to complete the tasks.
2. Moses closely followed the instructions GOD gave him. He did not compromise nor deviate from the things GOD told him to do no matter what it was. Remember, the 10 Plagues. Imagine for a minute, GOD telling you to do these kinds of things. Just wow.
3. Moses placed his faith, trust, and confidence not in himself or the men who was with him. He put his explicit trust in GOD.

And that was the key, by means of GOD, Moses was able to defeat Pharoah, the king of Egypt.
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After Moses completed his main kingdom assignment for GOD. (And there were other tasks GOD had Moses to do). We see later, in our Bible history, Moses lived even a more wealthy lifestyle than he lived when he was considered the son of Pharoah. As the son of GOD who was well pleased with Moses. Moses eventually lived a life accomplished and satisfied, where Moses had no more want because GOD provided so abundantly for Moses’ household. 

The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham… and said… “GET OUT”! (Acts 7:2)
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Today, what is the Lord calling you to “GET OUT” of?

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• Debt
• Fear
• Unforgiveness
• Hatred
• Racism
• Loveless relationship
• Falsity
• A dead church
• From under certain leadership
• From a certain pace or relationship

​Today, what is He calling you to “GET OUT” from under the yoke of?
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There is so much God wants to do for us and in our lives. But the things we cling on to hinder or place handcuffs on the LORD and prevent Him from truly blessing us, cursing our enemies, and promoting us to new health, new wealth, a new mindset, a new heart, a new way of living, and even blessing us with new devils. Yes, I said new demons.
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Today, many of us only have to deal with little devils in our lives because we refuse to grow up, especially to grow up in Christ. We love our little status in life where we struggle with our health – saying, “this is my cross to bear” as so many erroneous teachers of Christ have wrongly taught us to believe. THIS IS NOT WHAT CHRIST HAS FOR YOU! Bad health – health problems of any sort. NO! This contradicts the Bible. The words God Himself has spoken. He said at Isaiah chapter 55, verse 1. “Ho! EVERYONE….” So, you see, these next few words He is about to speak, “EVERYONE” who wants it can have it. “Ho” (come), Everyone who thirsts. Come to the Waters and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
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My goodness! Did you see that? God first invites you to come. Your part is to come. And if you choose to come. It is THEN and only THEN God can bless you (do His part). But not based on this world system of doing things. But based on His monetary, emotional, and spiritual way of doing things through His Kingdom and Kingdom works. So, come!

Notice in that verse, He mentions the natural way this world system does things. To obtain things in this world that you need, first, there is a price you must pay. Therefore, you must have money for the things you need. But God says if you ‘come’, in His system, for the things you need, there is no cost and you don’t need money (Isaiah 55:1). Are you not thirsty for a better life, for restoration, for healing physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually? THEN COME!
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But for you to benefit from the ways that God’s system operates, you need to do as Acts 7:2 says. The word God expressed to Abraham, the one man He blessed so that he can be a blessing to all of mankind, which includes and benefits you and me. And that is YOU MUST BE WILLING TO “GET OUT”.
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​So, what is one thing God is calling us to GET OUT from among? Let’s take one example. 
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Oh, my goodness. This one word. This one act is preventing so many from not only coming as God has instructed us but it has handcuff God – preventing Him from really moving and changing our lives for the better.

So many of us are walking around in life and carrying the weight of unforgiveness. We refuse not to forgive our parents for their errors against us that happened –  what? 20, 30, 40 years ago. Some of us are walking around here hating on an ex, hating on our biological brother or sister. Even hating on a brother or sister in the faith for things they said or did to us out of fear, stupidity, hatred, jealousy, or some other form of sin they did against us. And this is hindering, preventing our forward progress and our blessings from the LORD.
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But the LORD says “GET OUT”. Get out so I can bless you. And you don’t have to do this alone. He knows it will be difficult for some. But you don’t have to do it alone. He wants to help you to “GET OUT” so He can really bless you. Turn everything around for you. But you, you have to handcuff Him in such a way that He cannot do it. He cannot move in your behalf. Because you refuse to do the things that He requires of you. Like
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C’MON NOW! FORGIVE.

Forgive the ignorance of your father, your mother, your brother, your sister, that friend who betrayed you, the ex that broke your heart, and the abuse and insecurity they caused in your life. Forgive the immaturity of people. Just forgive. So that the LORD can truly cleanse and bless you.
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Now be mindful, there is a difference between speaking with your mouth that you forgive from genuinely forgiving someone from your heart, within your spirit person, so that it changes your mind and how you feel towards and react towards that person. Because when we truly forgive others (no matter who it is) from the heart, which in turn will influence, affect, and change how we see and interact with that person. THEN AND ONLY THEN can God really move in our lives. Let me repeat that. 
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When we truly forgive others (no matter who it is) from the heart, which in turn will influence, affect, and change how we see and interact with that person. THEN AND ONLY THEN can God really move in our lives. (Compare to Matthew 6:14-15).
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Isn’t this what we want, what we truly need in our lives? For God to really move heaven and earth in our lives and in turn He opens up His heaven storehouse on our behalf. C’mon now. Just imagine that. God pouring out on your life and the lives of your children everything you need. We are going to come back to this point of how God does this in the book of Acts in a minute.
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God wants so much to bless you. But you will not have it. You will not allow Him to do so. (Compare to Matthew 23:37-39). How? Because you refuse to let it go and ‘GET OUT’! You refuse to do it because you are so set in your ways. Your ways! Your ways are killing you and your prosperity. Your future and your children’s future. It is hindering you. Preventing the LORD from really moving in your life. From pouring out all His gifts and blessings He has for you and only you.

Go back to the book of Acts, chapter 7. Look at this. Now, over the years, Abraham and his people (his children) experienced many different hardships. (They lack the blessings of God in their lives to the fullness).

There were many different things they had to go through that almost ruin them, wiped them out, and killed them. (Compare to John 10:10). But they eventually got it and understood the errors of their ways, the bad decisions they made. And what did they do? They REPENT – GOT OUT of the stupor they were in – their sins, bad decisions, unbelief, feeling of doubt, their hurts, hatred, unforgiveness, debts, etc. – whatever yoke that had that trapped and was hindering them from truly gaining God’s favor and blessings. Abraham and his children, over the years, all had to repent for the part that placed them in and under the yoke or burdens, they were experiencing. The strongholds that held them captive, in bondage for years. The troubles that captivated them. The pains and struggles they were suffering because they refuse to see and do things God’s way. But when they finally got it and understood the error of their ways and that the only way to succeed, and experience real prosperity, joy, peace, happiness, and love is through Christ and through true repentance and forgiving others for what they did to you. THEN God could forgive you. (Compare to Matthew 6:14-15). Then God can move in your life and heal and really bless you. Your truthful act of repentance, forgiveness, and getting out of your own mess, will enable God to truly move in ways in your life that will completely change your life. Notice what happened here in Acts chapter 7 to Abraham’s children after years of suffering and when they finally took the right steps to forgive, repent, and decide to get out of their situation.

At Acts chapter 7, starting in verse 7. It said.
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Did you see that! When we truly repent from the heart it will change our mindset about stuff that has happened to us in our lives over the years. THEN God can forgive us for our sins, cleanse us [take us through a process – (everyone's process is different) that will set us up to obtain everything God has for us]. Then He – God can move in our lives. Pour out a blessing until there is no longer want. (Compare to Philippians 4:19, James 1:17, Philippians 4:7).

Do you want that! Or should I ask, do you really not want this – what God has for you? Then first, find a way to truly repent and GET OUT of your mess (turn it around). That’s your part. We must always do our part FIRST. And when you truly have done this to a point and at a level God expects. Then God can truly bless you until your heart is completely content and full. He has done it for me. So, I know He will do it for you. 
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Also, listen to Felicia Crawford Ministry's Life Lesson - Take The Handcuff Off at 

​Is there something God wants to show you that you are causing to be delayed or hindered from seeing it because you are so tied and committed to your church’s commitments or dedicated to what your leaders want you to do for them or too loyal and devoted to what your family and or friends believe is right for you? And yet, we all often pray the following requests to God.

​BUT! Shortly thereafter, we slam the door to our promises because truly, we don’t want what God has or wants for us. We really don’t. We just want whatever pain or hardship we are experiencing to stop. We just want to live a comfortable lifestyle where we can do as we will with no accountability. Therefore, the above pray that many of us recite to God is really just superficial. Just a temporary method to stop the bleeding, and the pain, and to display a pretense to others that God is in what you are doing and experiencing. What hypocrisy! The prayers we cite are so fake because our motives are in the wrong place. For they are not about truly doing things God’s way, but our way.

So, what gives? Why do we as servants of God so often fake it? Why is it so hard to do what God says – that is to be obedient? Look, if I try to answer these questions, I’ll be here all day and you still won’t receive a word I say. So, let me not focus on that. Instead, let me draw your attention to something God said to Abraham while he was living in his native country of Chaldea with his family. 

Abraham is a significant figure throughout the Bible and plays an important role in mankind’s tradition and the history of religion. But to truly understand the role Abraham played in human history, we must know some basic background information concerning him.
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Abraham was a native of the county of Chaldea to which he was born in the city of Ur. At some point, Abraham had an encounter with God. To which God said the following to Abraham. 

​God wanted to release something to Abraham. But Abraham had to be a willing vessel and obey what God was requiring him to do. So, let’s explore what God wanted to release to Abraham and how Abraham responded to God’s requirements. 
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God made two significant promises to Abraham after telling him to leave his hometown and family and head in the direction God will show him. Now, we need to be mindful here that God did not reveal to Abraham where exactly God was sending him. All God told Abraham at this point was two things. (1) Leave your father’s house and (2) go. That was it.
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If Abraham was willing to follow these instructions, God made two promises to Abraham. (Also, see Genesis 12:2-3).
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​So, we see here, God formed a partnership or an agreement or covenant with Abraham and they each had a part to fulfilled in this relationship. God will do all the things that are listed in promises 1 and 2, but IF and only IF Abraham fulfills his part FIRST. I don’t want you to miss this point. In their relationship,
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​We have to be mindful of this. Many of God’s promises and or blessings are conditional. Meaning, that God will not fulfill the promises He has made, bless His servants, or answer many of our prayers UNTIL we fulfill our part FIRST. 

​So, when God instructed Abraham to move from his family, he obeyed although he did not know where God was sending him. (Compare Hebrews 11:8). Abraham trusted God implicitly to guide and direct him. As a result, for several years, Abraham migrated from place to place and lived in tents as he followed the leading of God to the place God was going to eventually show him. 

​In the New Testament, God’s instruction to Abraham is repeated at Acts chapter 7, in verse 1, where it says
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This is a good point to apply Abraham's encounter with God and the promised He made to Abraham to ourselves by asking. What is it that God wants to show you? Have you followed His instructions to see it? If you have not, you must ask yourself why? This is important to ask because remember the opening prayer I mentioned that many of us often recite.
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These are things we often say to God to gain something WE WANT. So, often these prayers are about and for us and not about God. We want something from God. In other words, we want God to do His part. But we do not want to commit to doing our part – whatever God requires of us.

And still, yet, we want God to bless us, to answer our prayers, to fulfill His promises He has made to us. And then we are shocked and often get upset with God when He fails to bless us, answer our prayers, or fulfill His promises.
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We still want God to show us the promise, or the land that He speaks of regardless if we are willing or do our part or not. What hypocrisy!

This morning, I do not know why God placed this topic on my heart. But nevertheless, I will discuss it. But let me address this question first – “where do my topics for discussion come from that I share on my social media platforms?”
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I do not want to sound super-spiritual or religious, but I know no other way to respond to this question. Truthfully, let me answer this question with two verses from the Bible. First at Luke 12:12 where Jesus said
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This statement by Jesus probably best describes my relationship and interactions with Jesus, God, and Holy Spirit. I really do not go looking at other people’s content on social media to see what they are talking about or looking for the latest trendy message or news that’s out there like some are known to do. I really don’t. I don’t even ask or beg God – “Oh, God give me something to say to the people that would inspire them and me.” NOPE! I do not do that either. And I don’t feel that I have to.
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Continuing on, Jesus goes on and says at John chapter 8, verse 28. 

This is how it always happens for me. I sit down for my traditional morning Bible reading & study time. And then when I less expect it, something I am reading just limps off the page at me. Then I start to hear words being spoken in my mind. Like an opening sentence to a story. I immediately sit down and listen to what I am hearing. As I am hearing what is spoken, I write down what I am hearing the LORD speaks to me. In that moment, I am like the LORD’s Scribe – capturing every word God dictates to me. I am God’s official or public secretary or clerk or communication agent as He once described me as. When describing me as His "communication agent", God’s Spirit took me to Jeremiah chapter 1 and had me read verses 7 through 9, which reads.
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The best way to describe this encounter with God from my perspective is like this. It is like God removes me from the physical place I am sitting and takes me into a courtroom setting in heaven. In that setting, you have a Judge’s bench, the witness stand, the defendant and plaintiff’s tables, the jury box, the public sitting area, and the clerk & court reporter. That last one is me – the clerk & court reporter.

Sitting in a public courtroom hearing, sitting right next to God, who sits on the Judge’s bench, I am His clerk & court reporter, capturing everything that is spoken by Him. 
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​​So, this morning, before I got ready for work, I was reading and studying my Bible lesson in the book of Acts; when suddenly, without warning, I kept hearing in my spirit two phrases – “relationships” and “disagreements”. I did not know why I was hearing these words repetitively. And then when I less expect it, I heard the beginning of a sentence. Before a complete sentence was stated, it would stop in the middle of the sentence and start the phrase all over again. This kept repeating until I finally realized it was the LORD speaking. So, I sat down and pulled out my pen and paper to record what the LORD had to say. What He wanted to speak concerning the thing(s) that was heavy on His heart this morning to His people, to a particular person who visits this platform this often. If He is speaking to you this morning, you will know it after reading this post because it certainly will prompt and pull at your heart. That’s God speaking to you through me saying, “Hey, listen, you are offended and you are not looking at this situation right. So, let me speak to your heart and correct the way you are handling this particular matter.” So, let’s get into what the LORD is saying this morning TO YOU.
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In relationships, it is only natural to have disagreements. Disagreements over words. Disagreements over actions. Disagreements over politics. Disagreements over any and everything. There is no way to avoid disagreements if you are human. (Compare to Acts 6:1; Acts 11:1-3; Acts 15:2, 7).
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But even with the contention that comes up between friends, lovers, family, and especially Christians, God has given us the ability to end all disputes. And this can be found in your character. Whatever kind of character or nature you possess often is displayed during times of disagreements or disputes. Especially with those you are close or forming new relationships with. For instance, we should ask ourselves. Will you use disagreements as an opportunity to understand the disposition of the other person? Can you properly discern whether or not the other person is trying to hurt or tear you down? Or are they trying to get you to see and understand another person's perspective that you would normally not see or overlook? Are you unknowingly being closed-minded concerning a matter? And is God using this person to open up your mind to something new or different from your usual way of seeing, thinking, or proceeding things? We have to be mindful that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Do we fully understand what this actually means? Proverbs 27:11 reads
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​The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sharpens as
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​​This is the goal or intent behind anyone who is trying to make you better than you are whenever you at odds with another or when one cannot see eye to eye on a matter. What another person says, or acts, or how they respond to you in time of disagreements should be done in such a way to sharper you. Hence, Proverbs chapter 27, verse 17 goes on and says.
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​What does this mean? The same dictionary defines “countenance” this way.  

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• Expressed both good humor and intelligence
• A calm expression
• Moral support

​​When a real (or true) friend challenges your perspective concerning a matter. It is not from the perspective of tearing you down. Or making social media comments that target you in hopes that you will read it and get the point. Or to make you look stupid. Or to embarrass you. Or to be negative. Or to disapprove of or show you disfavor. This is not the real aim of a real friend and a healthy growing friendship. If that is your view of your friend who disagrees or disputes with you, then you have to question

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1. Do I really know what it means to be in a healthy and thriving friendship?
2. Or, did you really ever see this person as your friend?

​​For every friend and or new relationship has disagreements. The closer you are, the more disagreements you will have. How you choose to view, handle, or resolve these disagreements will speak volumes about the nature of your true character. 

​With that being said, let’s end with this Scripture at Matthew 18:15-22. The first step that many, far too many of us skip is verse 15, which says. 
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It is our responsibility to approach our brother or sister that knowingly or unknowingly offended us and to tell them privately – “I was offended when you said when you did XYZ.” Your failure to approach your brother or sister or anyone for that matter, privately to air out, discuss, and resolve your dispute or disagreement with them speaks loudly to God about the nature of your character. Just the same, how your friend responds to your complaint says a lot about their character as well.
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To close out, you really need to read those remaining verses at Matthew chapter 18, verses 15 through 22. But for the sake of time, we are going to drop down to verses 21 and 22, where the Apostle Peter asked Jesus
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​Noticed how Jesus responded to Peter’s question which also applies to us today whenever and wherever anyone, especially in regards to our relationships/friendships – when knowingly or unknowingly offends us by words or deeds. Jesus said to Peter
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​Which simply means a lot –every time our friends offend us knowingly or unknowingly. So, go resolve your differences with your friends, relationships, and family, especially Christian relationships today. For God will hold each one of us accountable for every account and their lack in resolving any and every disagreement we have with our friends.