Friday, October 21, 2016

Who Is It?

There is a peace that surpasses all understanding, a warmth that covers your whole person (Philippians 4:7 KJV). There is an indescribable knowing that clears up all confusion - it is undeniably God (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV). Most Christians understand that description and can't help but to smile remembering when the love glove encapsulated each one of them for the first time.
Every experience that involves God will remove yokes, remove burdens, cause peace, reveal joy, and/or will show where we got off of the path of righteousness. If none of these things happen in what you say, hear, or do, it is unequivocally not God!

One Sunday morning I arose to make my son and I some breakfast. While eating, I heard a scream and then a wailing going on outside. About half a block away, there is a church in a the middle of services. Apparently, the praise and worship service overwhelmed a congregant to the point of not being able to contain himself. So instead of disrupting services, the person stood outside of the building and wailed. Wailed so loud that he could be heard at least half a block away with windows and doors closed. I suppose it is acceptable behavior. My question, is it God? Is God pleased with you disrupting an entire neighborhood with your praise?

Have you ever used the search engine to look up "the Holy Spirit" dance? When you watched it, did you sense the Spirit of God being in that? Was it the Spirit of God that told the person to video tape it and post it online? If you think it was, why would He do that?

There is a show about pastors on cable. I watched a few episodes wondering if it was another scripted
"reality" show or if there is a premise of truth to draw more souls to Christ. One of the pastors divorced his wife, opened a church in another part of the country, living with a woman he wasn't married to and expecting a baby The church of past would have frowned at this man and signed him off as a devil worshiper. Truth be told, I was frowning too especially finding out that his father is a bishop...but...(and I seriously can't believe I am writing this) God has given us all allowances so that we could apply what we know from the truth. I cannot fault him for following in his father's footsteps nor can I fault him for following the call God has on his life with his music. With that understood, what about all of the other dirt? Well, what about it? Is the plank out of your eye yet?

Look, I don't like it either when scandal is attached to the name of someone belonging in the clergy especially after all of those sermons for the congregation to live a better life. What can he/she speak about after that? Its just that in the show, there is that pastor that put it all out in the open. Is it arrogant or just being honest? Can he preach about not sinning or would he be a hypocrite? I don't know, but the Word is clear when it comes to deacons and bishops (1 Timothy 3:1-13 AMP). Is there more slack for a pastor? if there is, who do you follow and how would you know? Still, it's in the Word. You cannot follow God and mammon. It's as simple as that.

The voice of God is clear, concise, and it doesn't waiver. There are no loop holes in His instruction. People might not like hearing the truth because they know that they will have to change (John 8:32 KJV). Change for us is inevitable. God will forever remain the same. By now, you know the voice of the Good Shepherd (John 10:27 AMP). Disregarding Him in this day and age is just foolish!

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Getting To Heaven

In this life as a Christian, we have one purpose. This may astonish some of you because you have been walking down a path that has not taken you to where you thought you should be (Proverbs 3:6 AMP). There is a good reason for that and it also answers as to why you have been asking God, "Why is this happening to me?" Psalm 84:11 AMP

When I was a Social Worker, I asked a woman who was a survivor of domestic violence, what was it that she needed in order for her to be happy. She paused for a moment and answered, "I would like a job in a factory." The residents in the shelter knew that I had a reputation of getting resources for my clients in order for them to have the tools to be successful adults. The effort was up to them. So in asking this woman the question, I assumed she had this information and was thinking on the resourcefulness level rather than the actual thing that would make her happy. I explained myself. Her answer was the same. She had no idea what she could do other than work that could cause her more enjoyment. I had to meet her where she was and didn't prolong the agony any further. I then thought about the rest of us. If God has given us all that would make us happy but we don't recognize it, who's fault is it (Hosea 4:6 AMP)?

When going to church, what is it that we are looking for? Are we there for spiritual support, motivation for the rest of the week, to be seen, or just to say that you were there for church attendance? It is what I found with some of the members volunteering. The purpose is to assist the pastor with the vision God has given him. In so doing, we have prayed to make sure God places us where we can do the most good. The pastor doesn't even have to know you exist. The supervisor just needs a body in position to do the task. Unless it requires for you to talk or God has told you otherwise, why say anything? Think of the human body. The fingernail has a purpose and doesn't substitute itself to be the mouth piece for God. The toe is assisting the other toes. It doesn't just decide to become a knee. So then, where are you supposed to be? What are you supposed to be doing to be pleasing unto God (Ephesians 5:1-14 AMP)?

You see, that is the real purpose for any of us in this world that we temporarily reside in. It is not to be seen in the latest fashion only to throw the outfit in the bottom of the closet because it was already worn. No one cares. It is not to show off how many dollars have overwhelmed your money clip. Once that money has been spent, who cares? It is not to show off your new car that loses its value the moment you drive it off the lot and if someone keys it or bumps it with a shopping cart, what is it worth then? No one cares. Joe Cool in high school lasts for less than 4 years. Josephine the Queen on the stoop lasts for as long as all of the neighborhood children grow up and have successful lives of their own and the queen is still on the stoop telling the same lies (James 5:1-6 AMP). What have they done with their lives? Where are they fitting in the body? Is God pleased?

There was a woman in the ministry I used to attend. I have mentioned her before. She volunteered for everything in the church. When  the announcements were shown on the big screen, there she was in almost every auxiliary. She worked so hard. I wondered what was she hoping for. I volunteered too. I didn't know where to work in the ministry only where they needed someone. It wasn't until later did I try to find my specific niche. There was nothing available in writing and so I resorted to pray for people on the 24 hour hotline. That same woman told me later that she was trying to be seen for ministry. She desired to preach. Not having that calling, I could not advise her either way only that I knew doing absolutely everything in the church was not the way to go (nor doing nothing). A few months later, she lost her job. She then lost her home. She went to the ministers on staff for prayer. I don't know what they told her only a few weeks later, she passed away. Who saw that coming? Did she build to get to heaven? Was she on the road in pleasing God? What did those ministers tell her? Was their information straight from God or did they encourage her to continue working like a Hebrew slave in the ministry? Clearly, she stated what her motivation was. Would she go against the very ministers she needed in order to obtain the position she was seeking? Selah.

The people of Babel began building a tower. Their purpose was to literally get to heaven. Together, they were in agreement and fixed on obtaining their goal. Do your realize how much work and ingenuity had to go into that plan? They had to make brick by hand, the bricks had to dry and then carry them to the next level in order for the building to reach the height they were seeking. The science of their building wasn't going to work simply because the base had to support the height of the structure. Eventually it would sway and the builders would come to their death. There was also the lack of oxygen every time in making the trip higher and higher. Would the workers make it or the trip back down? Was God pleased with all of this effort in getting closer to Him? You would think so; however, the outcome was that they were struck not understanding each other and could not continue making the structure because there was no longer in agreement. When there is no agreement, there is no peace. How could God be pleased with that (Genesis 11:1-9 AMP)?

When Jesus was teaching the disciples, He commented on Peter. He said that the church is founded on a rock. The rock spiritually as well as literally is a sound structure. It can withstand any height that is built. Spiritually it is the hope that we are all in agreement that we continue to build getting closer and closer to God (Matthew 7:15-28 AMP). Stretch and make it without limits. Do the best work you can. You will sense God smiling.

Picture this, the rain forest is called what it is because of the structure of the trees. It is its own ecological system. The seed that is not used for food is allowed to burrow in the soil and grow. The trees are already well nourished because of all of the algae and constant moisture all around. The only thing the tree needs is sun. It maneuvers around other trees to get the maximum sunlight that it can. Some have twisted its branches around others just to get that light. Finally, the forest is covered with leaves and though there is warmth, it is difficult for the other trees to get the height that it seeks. A storm comes and those roots that are secure withstands the elements while others have been ripped from the earth. When the skies clear, the little ones get the chance to see what all of the other older trees were drinking in. It is the sun. Understand?




Sunday, February 7, 2016

Fleecing The Flock







I listen to John MacArthur on the radio while driving to work. His focus for this week was love. I figured this topic has been taught to pieces and if born again believers don't have a clue by now, its just not going to happen (1 Corinthians 3:2 AMP). But his perspective had me sitting in the parking lot and considering what  I have been doing in being the "salt of the earth" or "the light of the world" according to the scriptural reference.

How many of us  have instead of saying anything derogatory of a topic would rather stay quiet and pick his/her battles? In fact it became my mantra. The reasoning was: why waste so much energy on a topic that meant little to nothing. Why not use the emotion and passion on something worthy of the debate?


Its menial to you because you know better. Remember, God gave you wisdom liberally and upbraids it not (James 1:5 AMP). Now there are all of these others that has relied on what man has done for them. They think they have the correct answers but you know otherwise and you don't think its worth your time or trouble to make the truth known to them. Really (Matthew 24:14 AMP)?

I am employed in a Jewish elderly community. There is a Jewish woman that came and moved into the community about 5 years ago. She had some diminished learning capacities but claimed to love the Lord with all of her heart, mind, and strength. She always spoke kindly of others, as far as I knew, and made those around her aware of what she went through in her past. Around her neck she wore a gold star of David and a gold crucifix. The Christians never asked her why nor had issue with her attending services every Sunday while still going to temple every now and again. However, her own community asked why would she wear both around her neck. She tried to explain to them but their would reply was for her to choose. Her concern was that she didn't wish to offend anyone. Recently, she was honored, along with a group of others, for her service as a volunteer. That weekend, suddenly she passed away. In the Jewish community when someone dies, the family and friends sit Shiva. I was told her family never came and sat in the community where she resided. The ones who came and sat were the Christians from the church that she attended and was welcomed.

At her funeral, there were 2 people in particular that came. These 2 elderly people talked about her behind her back and loud enough for her to hear what they said. All 3 of them are of the same ethnicity. She had never done anything to them, but those 2 charms around her neck spurned the intolerance they had for her. When she passed, those 2 people came to report their findings of the funeral. They even mentioned how when it was time for the pall bearers to move the casket, none of the family budged. The women considered getting up to do it themselves when a few of the males stood to do the task. I listened and wondered why did those 2 go to the funeral at all. I was told that it was to pay their respects. Payment is null and void.

Respect to who? Respect for what?


I thought of this when John MacArthur was speaking. He used the scripture, if you have done all of these things without love, it means nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1 AMP). It was a waste of time. Who are you going to tell of these things you have done; and then what is supposed to happen if you have not gained anything in heaven? A trophy? A car? A new suit (James 5:1-3 AMP)? What will all of those things prove when God says, depart from Me, I know you not?

I also thought about the church and how it has changed in the last 10 years. I have listened to a number of pastors. I have seen their children walk in the footsteps of their fathers and others do what ever they needed to get away from the church and everything they believe it stands for...including marrying spouses that aren't saved. I watched men state that they have been raised in "holiness" yet could not keep a position of authority in ministry until all of their unruly children were grown in houses of their own (1 Timothy 3:12 AMP). I have seen men leave the church because the rules were too strict and those men start their own ministries to do as they pleased and call it in the name of Jesus. What has happened? What are we doing? Where is the faith? Has our capacity of learning been diminished? Has our ability to know the truth and walk in it been compromised?

A divorced mother listened while her grown children reminisce of their childhood. All of their memories were not pleasant and at those times, there were pauses of silence before they continued on with something else. The mother in the past would interrupt her children and try to justify why she had to work 2 shifts or had to allow their father to share custody even though their father believed in corporal punishment most of the time. Those interruptions were always met with intensity and ended with hurt feelings or regrets of harsh words spoken. However, this time when the reminiscing began, the mother said nothing. The children would start again and still the mother had nothing to add nor made any excuses for what she had to do in order for the family to have clothes and food. She remained silent. Then one of her eldest sons asked, why. The mother closed her eyes and sighed before replying, "forgive me." For the first time, her children were at a loss for words but oddly enough -  satisfied.

Could this not be a lesson to many in the clergy who have taught things that had nothing to do with the scriptures or preached from anger when the Word tells us to be angry and sin not (Ephesians 4:26 AMP)? Teaching anything that did not come from the truth is a sin - in case you didn't know. We can all justify our actions but when we have learned what the right thing is, how many of us have asked for forgiveness and make that wrong thing right? Too much pride? You know what God says about that too (Proverbs 16:18 AMP).

I challenge anyone reading these blog entries. Many times I have written things from anger but I try to keep it in the Word to make applicable changes in our lives. If there is anything you find that doesn't, please let me know. I do not have an issue with apologizing. I know how much that little statement can do. I will never with hold an apology especially if some action I have done is keeping that person from developing in his/her fullest potential. What about you? Pastors, are you feeding or fleecing us?

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Confused?

This is the beginning of 2016. Like many people, this also commemorates when resolutions are being declared like a promise to never be unfaithful to God. Good intentions but without knowing what all there is out there and God at the helm - futile. You and I both know at the end of 2 weeks all of those promises made to self rarely sees December of the same year. If you have read this blog for any length of time you already know what I think of resolutions.

Wouldn't it be nice if we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, could keep fast to principles we learned way back in Sunday School (Hebrews 5:12-13 AMP)? For instance, we know that we have power in the words we choose to speak on others and ourselves (Psalm 19:14 AMP). We know that not only should we think good things but speak those good things as well (Philippians 4:8 AMP). The world has been taught from back in the day, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." What happened to that age old lesson? The thing is, I have been hearing in the last 365 days a saying that doesn't seem to perk anyone else's ears. A saying that certainly must have Jesus wincing and God cringing. I have no idea why the righteousness in God through Christ Jesus would allow such words to escape from their mouths. It truly makes my stomach queasy.

Are you confused right now? About what? You don't know what I am referring? Would that make you actually confused? Really? So you don't know up from down, right from wrong, good from bad - right now, as you read this? Because that would be confused and destined for hell. No? That doesn't describe you? Then why, why, why, have you ever said it....ever?!! WHY?

Let's break it down for the newbies in Christ. I use newbie affectionately and not to be offensive. I would think babe or novice would be insulting especially if you think otherwise...as I did, even though I was still wet behind the ears (1 Peter 2:2 AMP).

Confused (sigh), its the new fad saying that started in 2014 (or that's when I first heard it). As Christians we know God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV). So that would make our enemy the author of confusion. By saying you are confused means you now identify with something you have no relationship with. Picture it. When Adam went against God by disobeying Him, God returned to walk with Adam and asked, "Adam, where are you?" Unrecognizable? Adam was the only man on earth. Adam was the only one He created when God said, "let US make man." This only 3 part being was now unrecognizable to God? Its a scary thought.

No? How about the verse, "depart from Me, I know you not." If you are confused, then you can relate closer to something then what God has for you. He said, the Holy Spirit will lead you into ALL truth and shew you things to come (John 16:13 KJV). He said, "...in ALL of your getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7 KJV)." He said, My sheep know My voice and the voice of a stranger they will not follow (John 10:27 KJV). So...are you still confused? Does it sound scary now?

Its not a play thing. I have heard ministries take the Word and flip it to make it convenient. The sayings the world has is used in sermons to make it relate able. But God doesn't need for the world to be infiltrated in His word. He asked for pastors to do 1 thing. Feed My sheep. Its the only thing that is needed. The Lord already prepared the table. Why, why, why is it necessary to doctor up what the Lord has prepared? You do not know better then GOD!!! The Word is plain and easy to understand. There is nothing confusing in it....unless you aren't HIS. Understand?