TEO 5: My Apology to Men

As God continues to reveal himself to me, I see my flaws clearer and working to become a better woman for him. He is truly molding me into his image. With each step on this journey, staying focus on God, I recognize what is important in life.

Previously being so self-centered with dealing with men, I never loved them like they deserved. Heck I didn't even love myself. In relationships I would throw in the towel when things didn't go my way; I didn't see myself as a Godly woman and put everything ahead of God. Not knowing my worth allowed me to become a distraction to men and my foolish ways blocked them from seeing God. It permitted me to be blind to things I deserved as well. Instead of being a positive influence and pointing men to God no matter the circumstances, I wanted my needs met and wanted them to fill a void they could never fill. Rather presenting you a woman that is a jewel I gave you a stone that could be played with and throw to the side when you were done. I can honestly say I am grateful that God didn't answer my prayer to get married because it's evident I wasn't ready and I'm sure would've been divorced by now.

So today I want to apologize to you, men. Not only for my actions but on behalf of other women who are blind to their value. I pray that your experience with us wasn't too bad. We are still a work in progress and I ask that you don't give up on us.

Truly thanking God for a reality check. I thank you, men, for the experience because it allowed me to seek God's face and be the woman that is strong enough to stop blaming others for previous pain. I know now I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I ask that you pray for me to continue to grow spiritually and I am praying the same thing for you. Have an awesome and blessed day.

Love & Peace

Crystal Freedom Baskin

8 Steps to a Simple Life with God

Introduction

I made the comment the week, "the closer I get to God I realize how life is so simple." I was shocked at the response of disagreement. This prompt me to pray and discuss with God why this was so. I was also sadden by so many lives are filled with stress when God never intended for us to live this way. I felt compelled to write the journey I took to get to this simple life. Review each step and give it a try for just 30 days and maybe your life will become simple.

1. Develop a relationship with God
   

   When I first got saved I felt there was no major change in my life. After a while I noticed I was missing something major. I heard a lot of people say they had an intimate relationship with God but I didn't know what that meant. I started praying that God would show me what an intimate relationship with him would look like. This was the ultimate goal that I wanted to accomplish. I will never forget being at a women conference at my church and God through the guest speaker answered to my prayers. We were taught us to think of building a relationship with God the same way we would build a relationship with a mate. Create a date night where the focus was on him. Dress up, cook dinner, dance and worship, and share conversation with God. I did just that and the experience was like none other. I made sure all distractions were gone. I grew closer to the God and for the first time in my life felt peace in his presence. Now I can be honest and say I didn't maintain my date nights like I should have and the peace disappeared. Now looking back I realized my focus went away from God and back on me. Where does your focus lie?
   

   
    

2. Study the steps of Jesus from the Garden (Gethsemane) to the Cross to Resurrection
   

   In order to understand God completely you must understand the ultimate sacrifice he made for us. Yes he sacrificed his only begotten son but it is deeper than that. During bible study it took over two years to study Jesus steps from the Garden to Resurrection. To understand that even Jesus came to God and asked him to take the cup away but not his will but God's will showed me just how human Jesus was. Do you know he went through court trials, was totally innocent and was found guilty? You need to understand every detail of the beating he took as you. The pain he endured was so severe that no movie can scratch the surface. Get a clear understanding what the body goes through while being crucified so you can comprehend God's love for you. Realize that Jesus went to hell for us and got up with all power is so important because he left us with the power. I suggest you set up a time for personal bible study on this topic and get to work.
   

   
    

3. God loves you but do you know?
   

   As time progressed I found that I was surrounded by people that had a revelation of God's love. I had heard about this unconditional love but couldn't say I felt it. So I asked God to show me his love. One day while meditating on a beach I opened my heart to God expressing honest feeling and sitting in silence waiting for his to speak. With all I had I focused on him. Suddenly I heard God's voice whisper to me I love you. I wept like no one had ever told me they loved me before. God engulfed my spirit and I felt his love. I knew what unconditional love truly meant and I was floating on top of the world. I left there sharing with everybody about his love. Ask yourself do you know how much God loves you?
   

   
    

4. Pursuit for God's purpose for your life
   

   One day in church my Pastor mentioned that our ultimate goal should be doing God's will. He suggested we ask God what he wants from us rather than always asking for stuff as if God is to serve us or grant wishes. Every day I woke up asking God how I can serve him today. This started the pursuit for God's will for my life. I prayed he would show me how he wanted me to be utilized for his glory. The more intense my search the more my focus was on God. Worry and stress disappeared and the only things that mattered were God. Are you chasing after your own desire or are you chasing after God's will?
   

   
    

5. Renew your mind daily with the word
   

   Read/Listen to the word throughout the day. Bible Gateway is a perfect site to allow you to do this. The more I allow my spirit to absorb the word of God avoiding sin become easy. I am shown the areas that I need to work on and how to improve my life so I am truly a living sacrifice. When was the last time you spent an hour reading/listen to the bible?
   

   
    

6. Trust God 100% in all areas of life
   

   Planning my life was a must for me. Having been independent for so long it was hard to trust God in all areas of my life. For example I thought I was going to leave my job. I was told I was being laid off soon so I put my plan together and started looking for a different position. Every position I applied for was perfect for me. Everything I ever wanted in a job. Went on interviews and every person I met said they loved me. After every interview I felt compel to ask God for his will to be done because he knew what was best for me. One by one the doors to the new jobs closed. So I decided to get rid of my plan and trust God decision. God moved so big that a job was created for me at the very company that was supposed to lay me off doing what I love, writing. Now I trust God with everything I do. I ask him to keep my eyes open and acknowledge his presence no matter where I am or what I am doing. Ask God to show you what area in your life you lack trust in him?
   

   
    

7. Abide in Me
   

   God called me to a liquid fast for 31 days. During this time I asked God to heal me of baggage and reveal flaws I needed to work on. God allowed me to spend all day with my thoughts on him. I truly understood the scripture that state praying without ceasing. I listened to only encouraging music. At 5am every morning I woke up acknowledging him and sat in his presence. I talked to him every chance I got because he was my best friend. I asked him for help with every area of my life. Celibacy became easy because I was doing it with the right intention. I belong to God and everything I have belonged to him. How could I not obey him and revere him. In the midst of us growing a closer relationship I became whole and truly content with life. After my fast was complete I have continued everything above and life is so peaceful. Who are you abiding in?
   

   
    

8. Fall in love with God
   

   All the previous steps have allowed me to come to understand the true meaning of falling in love. I had a distorted view of the definition of love from the world. Now I can say I am in love with Jesus. Not because he provides for me, is patient, kind, surprises me with gifts and love me just as I am but because he loved me first. With this truth I have to give him my best. I want to share his love with others. Paul said he was content in every situation and when you experience a love like this you see nothing else matters. The devil becomes insignificant because you know has your back. You find blessings in trials and tribulations. You start having compassion for others. You see the world as God sees it and you can't help but want to increase his Kingdom. So I ask you are you in love with God?
   

   
    

If you feel life is not simple ask God to show you were you are off track. The 8 steps is the journey I took to get to the point of a simple life with God. Your journey may be different. One thing for sure, when you stay focus on God completely life is truly simple. Give him a try today.