Truth Be Told

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. —1 John 2:4

Truth. It's such a simple word but a reality so hard for many of us to accept. When I got the idea to write this book, several thoughts went through my mind. Foremost was the question, Who are you to think that you have something valuable to share? For many years, self-doubt prevented me from starting this book. You know, I'd ask myself, I'm not some kind of scholar or even a college graduate, so why should I think that I can become an author? Then I remembered that I am who God says I am: wonderfully made and a vessel just like any other, blessed with gifts, and called to do what he has called me to do—that is, to fulfill my purpose in his kingdom and bring others to Christ.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. —Psalms 139:14

God wants to use our talents and passions for his work, and ultimately, recognizing that fact is what propelled me to write this book. I knew that God wanted me to share my wisdom with others, however little I may have. There was a constant nagging in my heart that this was something I had to do. I can only describe it as the Holy Spirit, and I am so happy that I am finally being obedient, if only to encourage other women or to share with them some of my personal insights and the love for writing that God has graciously given me. Every woman has been blessed by God with some talent or passion, and she is given that talent to use for his glory, to fulfill his purpose for her life.

Now, the pages that you are about to read contain information that you may love, hate, laugh at, or cringe at. But make no mistake: this information holds a truth we all need. We women are divine, beautiful, complex creatures, and this book only begins to explore who we are. As women, our emotions can sometimes supersede our logic, and this can block our recognition of the truth. We want to appease our emotions and believe that they are always right; on the contrary, they are very often wrong and can lead us down an ungodly path.

We must learn to recognize truth and obey it. That sounds so simple, but the older I get, the more I realize that truth is a rare commodity. We do things like telling someone what they want to hear even though it may be a lie, ignoring the truth if it is preventing us from getting what we want, or flat-out denying the truth to avoid having to suffer a penalty.

Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. —Leviticus 19:11

I trust that this book will be the inspiration that you need to enrich your spiritual and earthly walk and to help you discover God's true purpose for your life. I pray that God's blessings will flow abundantly in your life, more than you can ever imagine.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. —Ephesians 3:20

May we continue to follow Christ's greatest commandment: loving one another not as the world loves but as Christ loves us.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. —John 13:34

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. —Romans 12:10

This is my motivation, the reason that I live: my love for you, my sisters, and my love for Christ. Enjoy and receive ...

A Godly Woman

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. —Proverbs 31:30

The question of the hour is, Are we really godly women, or do we just say that we are but actually live in a world where we do ungodly things and then justify them? Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you go to church as much as the pastor but continue to gossip about your sisters or brothers?

2. Do you read your Bible every day but refuse to be a helpmate to your husband?

3. Do you constantly pray for material things, forgetting to be thankful for what you already have?

4. Do you look at your sister down the street and envy her nice car, her split-level home, or the beautiful necklace that she is wearing?

5. Do you turn into the devil himself when you're angry, losing all control?

6. Do you have such a sour, negative attitude that no one would ever guess that you're a Christian?

7. Do you express your love for God daily but express no love for those around you?

These are just a few questions we all should ponder—and I'm sure we all would say, "No, that doesn't describe me." But truth be told, these questions describe many of us Christian sisters exactly! If you are reading this book, then I trust that you're like me—ready to take on the task of discovering if you are truly a daughter in whom God can be well pleased.

And lo, a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased. —Matthew 3:17

I have to warn you: this book contains no pretense, only realities, so be prepared to read some things that will make you uncomfortable and possibly cause you to take a long, hard look at yourself. This is nothing to be ashamed of; after all, I have done so countless times myself throughout the writing of this book. I believe in being real about who we are and making the necessary changes that will give us our VIP tickets to the pearly gates! Yes, ladies, we have to do some serious self-examination if we want to be truly godly women. As I go about my daily life, I am amazed at our behavior as Christian women, and I am saddened because so many of us simply will not end up in heaven. Tradition will not get us there. Being good people will not get us there. Perfect attendance at church services will not get us there. The question we must ask ourselves is Are we really willing to do what it takes to be women of God?

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God....