I hadn't blogged in a while,but I have some things in my heart.
When I was growing up (yes, back in the day) there was a pastor who walked the neighborhood (no typo...he walked} and checked on all the residents, chastised all of the hard-headed kids,helped anyone in need, visited all of the sick in the hospital with a desire for visitation ...not just "his members." His name was Pastor Foster Covington.. He didn't have a contract and lived in the neighborhood where the church was. In fact he lived in a word that's foreign to most young folks-the parsonage of the church. The pastor didn't control the finances of the church; deacons where chosen by the membership-men full of the Holy Spirit.This was God's divine way of doing things. He (pastor) gave himself over to the studying of God's word and laying before the Lord for divine instructions.
True men and women of God are recognized because of the anointing of God, not a "name tag." They live a holy and righteous life and are "set apart" by God.They choose to live holy - free from sin. This is not to say that they won't error, but repentance is a necessary thing for them to do when needed.It is not important that they be out front or center stage. They walk in humility , knowing that in due season God will elevate them.They will carry themselves in such a way that people will know that there is something different about them. Whether in a three piece suit or-shirt and shorts the anointing is there.The anointing is what makes the difference! God's anointing destroys yokes. It cannot be bought,it can't be reproduced, it can't even be copied. People have tried but to no avail. The bible states that there is nothing new under the sun.........
The church should be a place for the (sin) sick to be healed and delivered. Old people use to call the church the hospital. Now it is almost like a circus in some places. Please don't think that I am speaking of every church. I am not. I am just sharing things that I have observed.Songs are sang about God's power and how we need more of it, but we're doing nothing with that which we have. The book of Revelation talks about the seven (7) different churches- we see these churches at work today.
Four letter words and three letter words use to not be a part of the church. Clarification? Four letter words were referred to as curse or "cuss" words. The alcoholic would would not even walk in front of the church when drunk, but would swiftly cross to the other side to continue his /her journey.Now curse words are spewed from pulpits like gathering at the club or anywhere else.Three letter words....they can be just as dangerous or more so.Example? CEO,COO....those three letter words, giving pastors complete control of churches. We know of cases where people have trusted the pastor because he/she was a pastor and the membership lost the whole church and the operation of it by blindly trusting.It is God who has all power, because He's God! Wisdom#101.
Let's not even talk about the open sin in God's house....well maybe just for a minute. It is running faster through the church than the church mouse. It is from the pulpit to the pew, and sadly in every organization - deacon board, mission, kitchen, program, greeters and even janitorial ministry. It use to be (yes, back in the day) that heads were turned the other way if it was assumed that someone was in sin. Let me clarify this. There is a difference in committing a sin and practicing sin. Yes, I hear your thoughts...lol. 1John 1:9 states that He is faithful and just to forgive us if we repent of this sin.When we error, that is one thing, but to practice sin is different. If you remember (back in the day)we had lead pencils and we practiced math (arithmatic). We would write those numbers over and over until we got it right. We would then have it down and would proceed to the next problem and would write the practiced number correctly. Now it seems that sin is not only "slipped" in but now heads are turned toward sinners and we don't only wave them in ,but welcome them in.
So I said all of this to not say so much,but to ask a question of my friends. Would you commit to helping me pray daily for our church. There is no plural on this because it was intentional. The bible states that (1Corinthians 12:) that we are many members but one body. The crooked places have to be made straight. People in Wichita (and everywhere else) know that we are saved and live that way.They can't bring ungodly things in our house or do such. No compromises.....we live holy. We tell them that they are welcome to come to our house as long as they abide by our rules. This includes or children and grandchildren.This is how God's house should be- His house,His rules. We have given power to the enemy,he hasn't taken it. But it's up to us to take it back .Jesus is soon to return! We have to get our spiritual man right -that's the house that he's coming back for! God bless you!!!!!Thanks in advance! Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous year!!!I love you!
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Very Well said! There is alot of compromise in the body of Christ, because people want it to seem as if it's the Norm, and since many lives reflect the same characteristic, everybody feels afraid to speak up! Only a few of us are willing to say it for what it truly is, But I have learn the Bible say we have to become "Watchmen" as well as prayer warriors, Hopefully as the day draw near many will begin to see that it's his will that we must remain faithful unto him.
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