CHAPTER 1

Staffs

Kesha

I have had some extremely positive and life-changing experiences withstaffs. These women saw that I was in pain when I was going through adifficult time. They immediately came to my rescue, threw me a lifeline,and didn't let me go. For this I am eternally grateful, and I strive tobe just like them. They gave me the Word in due season, and I felt asthough they put me in a hospital bed and nursed me back to spiritualhealth. The phone calls, the friendships, the retreats, and advice revivedme, gave me breath, strengthened me, and taught me endurance. Theyfasted and prayed with me. They used humor to pull me from mydespair. They did not judge me because of the situation I was in, and Ireceived God's Word, not carnal counseling.

Jennifer

Even as I type these words, I happen to be in a bit of a trial. Today Ifeel encouraged and victorious, but sometimes, when I hit a moment ofpain and get kind of sad, I have a staff in my corner. Amazingly enough,she's just as human as I am and also has times when things seem a littlebothersome. God never allows both of us to get discouraged at the sametime, so we never have those "woe is us, let's throw a pity party andfeel sorry for ourselves" days. Remember: God does not show up at pityparties, but he will drop in on a praise party!

Description

Staffs are used for guidance. These are women who will always be therefor you, no matter the situation. The staff spirit offers biblical adviceand lovingly guides you through each and every problem. She will prayfor you when you need the prayer.

A staff is used for protection. She protects you from your own thoughtsand actions by constantly feeding you scriptures and practical advice.She will be able to tell when something is bothering you because shehas a discerning spirit. Nothing you disclose to her will be repeated toanyone else but God. (She will pray for you in secret, not in an openforum) It is in her nature to go to Jesus as your intercessor, and she willstay on her knees until your situation changes. God uses these staffs towhack she-wolves on the head in order to protect his sheep.

I was a bit upset at a family member who stole some money fromme. I called my mother and told her that I would not visit oreven speak with this person anymore. My mother told me thatwe are required to treat others as we would have them treat us.She also reminded me that the same measure that I compareothers to, God would use on me: "Forgive us our debt as weforgive our debtors." Lesson learned.—KB

Staffs are used for balance. They are great for helping you keep yourperspective clear, so you can stay in the presence of God when youremotions would otherwise lead you astray. The staff is ole faithful,dependable, semper fi. She is the shoulder that you lean on; she is thestaff that helps you walk upright. You will find yourself attempting topattern yourself after her because she is centered and focused on theWord of God. The staff genuinely wants you to prosper, heal, grow andsucceed in your life inside and outside of church. She is aware that we allwear different hats as mothers, wives, sisters, employees, praise leadersetc., so she prays that you don't overextend yourself, and she teaches youways to multitask effectively.

The staff is ole faithful, dependable, semper fi

Identifying Features

She has a sweet look on her face and speaks life every time you seeher. She is dressed modestly. This is because she knows that dressingprovocatively is distracting and will hinder her witness. (Think aboutit: if she comes to offer advice and she is scantily clad, will you accepther advice?) Their lives may not be perfect, but they are content andconstantly striving to be like Christ. (Philippians 4:11)

Warning

If you want to be left alone and are a person who does not want godlyadvice, you will not need a staff. Remember, staffs want you spirituallyand emotionally well so you can get back on the battlefield. Please don'tbe disrespectful or indifferent to a woman who possesses this spirit,because she is a gift from God. There are spirits who are able to simulatesincerity, but only for a time. If you have difficulty identifying others'spirits, take time to get to know them before you pour out your heart,as you don't want your issues to be broadcast at the beauty shop. Pray toGod to send his mentor to you, and you will recognize the Spirit. John14:17 KJV tells us, "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannotreceive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye knowhim; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

Scripture Study

Fill in the blanks

"__________ be God, even the Father of our LordJesus Christ, the Father of __________, and the God ofall __________; who comforteth us in ____________________, that we may be able to __________them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselvesare __________ of God" (2 Corinthians 1:3–4 KJV).

1. What is our responsibility to one another? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people,...