have ever been written. While reading my morning paper, I cam across these word in an article about preaching:
"Generic and abstract homilies which obscure the directness of God's Word should be avoided, as well as useless digressions which risk drawing greater attention to the preacher than to the heart of the Gospel message." Pope Benedict XVI
These simple, clear words should be heeded by ministers of all denominations. In the words of a modern song "it's not about us; it's about Jesus."
Lets get our focus back!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
We Made This Mess
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to talk with a friend of mine as he was sharing how he came to a recent revelation on how he would be handling a certain aspect of ministry in the future. He shared how he had invited a minister in to minister at the church God has entrusted him with specifically because he believed in his gifts and desired him to minister according to the gifts he had demonstrated in the past.
When the minister arrived he flipped the script so to speak. He went a whole different route, teaching on a difficult subject matter rather than preaching and ministering through word of knowledge - which was why he had been invited, He attempted through several ill placed comments to imply that the subject matter was so deep that he needed to be invited to stay there a couple of weeks to teach in order for them to fully receive the knowledge of what he was teaching. When he flowed in his God given gifting he was on point. When he started to teach he sunk faster than a lead balloon. Needless to say it was not received and he might never get another opportunity to minister again at that church.
My friend lamented on why he did not just handle the assignment that he had been given. Why did he feel the need to do something different just to prove he could do it and because it has become the new in thing for ministry "teaching" - and yet fail so miserably. God revealed to both of us in that conversation that We made this mess.
It is time for us to stop blaming God and the adversary for what they are not doing. We as members of the Body of Christ have created this monster. An old quote came to my mind that God will never do by miracle what he requires us to do by obedience. Simply put, it is up to us to fix this mess we made, not God.
No matter how much we try to teach and explain the value and importance of every gift in the Body of Christ, as pastors and leaders we are also too often guilty of promoting one gift above another. It is evident in who we "allow" to come and minister at our churches. As a result we become hypocritical when we say we value the teaching gift but never bring anyone in to teach. We exalt preachers that can "bring it" and "kill it" but those gifted in other areas are never called. As a result these ministers who aren't getting opportunities to minister in the area of their calling try to spiritually diversify themselves to appeal a greater audience often at a cost of minimizing or sacrificing their true gift from God. This places them out of order and in disobedience to God. Yet we fail to see how we helped create the enviorment for them to disobey.
We protest that many preachers are pastoring that should not be. But why are they doing so? Are they rushing God? Are they simply being impatient? Or have we effectively silenced them by not even giving them opportunities to use their gifts to the point the only way they can do what they believe God has called them to do is start a church or ministry, or pastor an existing church?
Pastors not training and teaching those young men and women God gives them in the things of ministry have left them vulnerable to all sorts of chicanery. Too many preachers are laying unholy hands on new ministers claiming to want adopt them as spiritual sons and daughters not to pour into them Godly wisdom, spiritual things, Bible knowledge and ministry understanding but to pick their pockets of dollars. Seeking fame and fortune at the expense of those whom God has called you to serve.
We made this mess. We need a pretty big broom to get to cleaning it up. Let's start with repentance.
When the minister arrived he flipped the script so to speak. He went a whole different route, teaching on a difficult subject matter rather than preaching and ministering through word of knowledge - which was why he had been invited, He attempted through several ill placed comments to imply that the subject matter was so deep that he needed to be invited to stay there a couple of weeks to teach in order for them to fully receive the knowledge of what he was teaching. When he flowed in his God given gifting he was on point. When he started to teach he sunk faster than a lead balloon. Needless to say it was not received and he might never get another opportunity to minister again at that church.
My friend lamented on why he did not just handle the assignment that he had been given. Why did he feel the need to do something different just to prove he could do it and because it has become the new in thing for ministry "teaching" - and yet fail so miserably. God revealed to both of us in that conversation that We made this mess.
It is time for us to stop blaming God and the adversary for what they are not doing. We as members of the Body of Christ have created this monster. An old quote came to my mind that God will never do by miracle what he requires us to do by obedience. Simply put, it is up to us to fix this mess we made, not God.
No matter how much we try to teach and explain the value and importance of every gift in the Body of Christ, as pastors and leaders we are also too often guilty of promoting one gift above another. It is evident in who we "allow" to come and minister at our churches. As a result we become hypocritical when we say we value the teaching gift but never bring anyone in to teach. We exalt preachers that can "bring it" and "kill it" but those gifted in other areas are never called. As a result these ministers who aren't getting opportunities to minister in the area of their calling try to spiritually diversify themselves to appeal a greater audience often at a cost of minimizing or sacrificing their true gift from God. This places them out of order and in disobedience to God. Yet we fail to see how we helped create the enviorment for them to disobey.
We protest that many preachers are pastoring that should not be. But why are they doing so? Are they rushing God? Are they simply being impatient? Or have we effectively silenced them by not even giving them opportunities to use their gifts to the point the only way they can do what they believe God has called them to do is start a church or ministry, or pastor an existing church?
Pastors not training and teaching those young men and women God gives them in the things of ministry have left them vulnerable to all sorts of chicanery. Too many preachers are laying unholy hands on new ministers claiming to want adopt them as spiritual sons and daughters not to pour into them Godly wisdom, spiritual things, Bible knowledge and ministry understanding but to pick their pockets of dollars. Seeking fame and fortune at the expense of those whom God has called you to serve.
We made this mess. We need a pretty big broom to get to cleaning it up. Let's start with repentance.
Divorced? How dare you serve!
The following article surfaced on my Facebook page this morning from a friend of mine.
http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/162709-the-divorced-deacon-dilemma.html?p=1
The following is my response: Just wanted to share it with all.
It is amazing to me that we do more to keep folks from serving, then complain we need more folks to serve. God qualifies the unqualified. He uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Correct me if I am wrong but He has never, ever called a perfect person to serve in any capacity to do His work. Now those that we choose to nominate to work for Him is another matter altogether. Those that the world - even the church in it's attempt to seek God - declare have no right to serve God, are the same ones that God has a way of using for His glory and His Glory alone. This disqualification taken from a time where there was polygamy, if implemented to the letter of the law starts with Deacons and Pastors to be sure but beware as it will be quickly extended to every auxiliary in the church. So who will serve since all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God?, Who will they serve since it is now a church of those with no uncomfortable and divisive issues to confront?
Nowhere did the original author state that many people get married for the wrong reasons. Even in the church - ministers get married because they know the majority of churches will not even consider them as a possible Pastor if they are not. I have known too many ministers who have done just that. How many marriages of convenience have been entered into so that he could say he was finally a Pastor? How many marriages have been forced down the aisle by the church or supposedly well meaning church members on a young couple so they would not "sin" against God? How many never really knew what the covenant of marriage means and simply got married to keep from letting someone get away or because it fit the mood of that moment - and later ended up divorcing?
God alone is the righteous Judge. I may see what has occurred on the outside but it is God that searcheth the reins and trieth the heart. He alone knows the inwards dealings of man. Truthfully if many had their way in our lives we would not even be writing these responses, let alone sitting in a church serving God in whatever capacity we do. At the end of the day I prefer to let God do His job and I concern myself being found acceptable in His sight.
http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/162709-the-divorced-deacon-dilemma.html?p=1
The following is my response: Just wanted to share it with all.
It is amazing to me that we do more to keep folks from serving, then complain we need more folks to serve. God qualifies the unqualified. He uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Correct me if I am wrong but He has never, ever called a perfect person to serve in any capacity to do His work. Now those that we choose to nominate to work for Him is another matter altogether. Those that the world - even the church in it's attempt to seek God - declare have no right to serve God, are the same ones that God has a way of using for His glory and His Glory alone. This disqualification taken from a time where there was polygamy, if implemented to the letter of the law starts with Deacons and Pastors to be sure but beware as it will be quickly extended to every auxiliary in the church. So who will serve since all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God?, Who will they serve since it is now a church of those with no uncomfortable and divisive issues to confront?
Nowhere did the original author state that many people get married for the wrong reasons. Even in the church - ministers get married because they know the majority of churches will not even consider them as a possible Pastor if they are not. I have known too many ministers who have done just that. How many marriages of convenience have been entered into so that he could say he was finally a Pastor? How many marriages have been forced down the aisle by the church or supposedly well meaning church members on a young couple so they would not "sin" against God? How many never really knew what the covenant of marriage means and simply got married to keep from letting someone get away or because it fit the mood of that moment - and later ended up divorcing?
God alone is the righteous Judge. I may see what has occurred on the outside but it is God that searcheth the reins and trieth the heart. He alone knows the inwards dealings of man. Truthfully if many had their way in our lives we would not even be writing these responses, let alone sitting in a church serving God in whatever capacity we do. At the end of the day I prefer to let God do His job and I concern myself being found acceptable in His sight.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
We Will Never Forget!
History has shown that with the passing of time numerous atrocities are rewritten, injustices are legitimized and the wrongs that have been committed on innocent people justified by those seeking to be enlightened and empathetic to the plight of others. It is not that we do not know the truth, but we don't want to face squarely the truth and what it means for our lives. The horrors and hatred of those that deliberately chose to attack innocent men, women, boys and girls because of their hatred of our country's ideology, prosperity, freedoms and the perceived wrongs they felt were unjustly perpetuated upon their people shall never be rewritten or whitewashed by those of us who experienced it. The pain extended well beyond ground zero and is still felt across this world. This was never a deserved act. This was an act of war calculated to bring America down to it's knees, living and cowering in fear.
Yes it showed that we were vulnerable. That in spite of our military might, we could be hit and hit hard. That we would feel pain and grief on a level that most in this lifetime had never to deal with. But it also showed that we can put our differences behind us - regardless of political party affiliation, social status, race, gender or orientation. That we could come together, cry together as one, bow together as one, get ourselves together and stand up girded with indefatigable resolve as one. We don't always agree with each other but on that day, we all stood as one America.
Let us never forget the lives that were lost, the sacrifices made, the heroism shown by our sons and daughters. Let us not forget those who died while living. Let us not forget the lives lost by those coming to the aid of fellow souls in distress. Let us not forget the lives of those who mutually decided to take control of their fate and do what they could even if it meant their own death. Let us not let this event ever be swept under the carpet of political correctness. Teach your sons and daughters what this means, where you were, how you felt and how it has changed this world in which we live. Say a prayer for those who are still healing. Resolve to make this world a better place each day that you live. Starting with you.
Yes it showed that we were vulnerable. That in spite of our military might, we could be hit and hit hard. That we would feel pain and grief on a level that most in this lifetime had never to deal with. But it also showed that we can put our differences behind us - regardless of political party affiliation, social status, race, gender or orientation. That we could come together, cry together as one, bow together as one, get ourselves together and stand up girded with indefatigable resolve as one. We don't always agree with each other but on that day, we all stood as one America.
Let us never forget the lives that were lost, the sacrifices made, the heroism shown by our sons and daughters. Let us not forget those who died while living. Let us not forget the lives lost by those coming to the aid of fellow souls in distress. Let us not forget the lives of those who mutually decided to take control of their fate and do what they could even if it meant their own death. Let us not let this event ever be swept under the carpet of political correctness. Teach your sons and daughters what this means, where you were, how you felt and how it has changed this world in which we live. Say a prayer for those who are still healing. Resolve to make this world a better place each day that you live. Starting with you.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Relationship Quandary
There are times when we don't have any answers for what is going on around us. As intelligent as we believe we are, as spiritually connected to God as we are, sometimes we just don't have the answers. For me this is another one of those times.
Lately I have heard several - repeat several - women say that they have been told by men that "The Lord said you are to be my wife." If it was only one man per woman I might not be in this quandary. But each of these women have had several such pronouncements. They are in different locations in this country. As many as 25 different men have approached several of these women and said the exact same thing. This seems not to be isolated incidents.
So they ask me as a man of God what is going on. Honestly I don't have a clue. The common characteristics of all of them are strikingly similar: They have a intimate relationship with God. They are faithful church attenders, including evening services and visiting other churches. By all accounts they work very closely within the context of ministry. By their own admission they are not looking for a husband at this time in their lives.They are content with their lives as it currently is and are not looking to make any major changes. They have jobs, careers, and lives outside of the church as well. There is not a lot of "down" time where they are lonely and needing company so to speak. Finally that are not crying about the lack of available men as they are approached everyday it seems.
So if it is truly God, would God tell over 25 different men to tell one woman that they were sent by God to tell her that she was to be their wife? Is God that desperate to get them off the market that He has sent an APB via the Holy Ghost out to every available man that comes within her circle to push to marry her? Are these somehow some of the final things that must happen before the Lord comes back?
You know what I really think don't you? I do not say that this comes from the Lord but from my own experiences as a man and having also been "spiritually claimed as their future husband" by several women in my life. I still shudder over being in a church service in Maryland and hearing Prophet Todd Hall telling everyone in the audience to lay their hand on that thing that they are asking God for and claim it and feeling the hands of a woman I never met in my life laid on the back of my head from the pew behind me.
This has become the latest in a set of manipulative attempts by men to get in women's pants. To use the one thing that the majority of women want (a godly husband who knows the word of God) against them so they can have sex with them. They twist the word of God to attempt to manipulate women to attack them at what is usually a very vulnerable spot. It has become another card to play in their arsenal of weaponry. If they don't fall for the regular lines, switch to this tactic. To claim the Lord's inspiration for their misguided calls and conversations. Correct me if I am wrong but if this was truly of God, would God then tell them to violate His word (have sex before marriage) which is where this scam usually ends up. If the woman gives in she is left more hurt and wounded then ever in her life.
I could be wrong. I am willing to re-educated on this. I am well aware of the adversary replicating anything that is of God so that it could potentially be one right person and 24 put up by the adversary to confuse and confound these women. However if I am right, a lot of men will be going to hell with gasoline drawers on for real.
If what happened to me, happens to these women they will become increasingly cynical over any man's attempt to converse with them on any level. This to me will be the ultimate tragedy. That they will cease to truly hear the voice of God through any man because of the shameful exploits of those few who only wanted to sleep with them and used God's word to try to make that happen.
Lately I have heard several - repeat several - women say that they have been told by men that "The Lord said you are to be my wife." If it was only one man per woman I might not be in this quandary. But each of these women have had several such pronouncements. They are in different locations in this country. As many as 25 different men have approached several of these women and said the exact same thing. This seems not to be isolated incidents.
So they ask me as a man of God what is going on. Honestly I don't have a clue. The common characteristics of all of them are strikingly similar: They have a intimate relationship with God. They are faithful church attenders, including evening services and visiting other churches. By all accounts they work very closely within the context of ministry. By their own admission they are not looking for a husband at this time in their lives.They are content with their lives as it currently is and are not looking to make any major changes. They have jobs, careers, and lives outside of the church as well. There is not a lot of "down" time where they are lonely and needing company so to speak. Finally that are not crying about the lack of available men as they are approached everyday it seems.
So if it is truly God, would God tell over 25 different men to tell one woman that they were sent by God to tell her that she was to be their wife? Is God that desperate to get them off the market that He has sent an APB via the Holy Ghost out to every available man that comes within her circle to push to marry her? Are these somehow some of the final things that must happen before the Lord comes back?
You know what I really think don't you? I do not say that this comes from the Lord but from my own experiences as a man and having also been "spiritually claimed as their future husband" by several women in my life. I still shudder over being in a church service in Maryland and hearing Prophet Todd Hall telling everyone in the audience to lay their hand on that thing that they are asking God for and claim it and feeling the hands of a woman I never met in my life laid on the back of my head from the pew behind me.
This has become the latest in a set of manipulative attempts by men to get in women's pants. To use the one thing that the majority of women want (a godly husband who knows the word of God) against them so they can have sex with them. They twist the word of God to attempt to manipulate women to attack them at what is usually a very vulnerable spot. It has become another card to play in their arsenal of weaponry. If they don't fall for the regular lines, switch to this tactic. To claim the Lord's inspiration for their misguided calls and conversations. Correct me if I am wrong but if this was truly of God, would God then tell them to violate His word (have sex before marriage) which is where this scam usually ends up. If the woman gives in she is left more hurt and wounded then ever in her life.
I could be wrong. I am willing to re-educated on this. I am well aware of the adversary replicating anything that is of God so that it could potentially be one right person and 24 put up by the adversary to confuse and confound these women. However if I am right, a lot of men will be going to hell with gasoline drawers on for real.
If what happened to me, happens to these women they will become increasingly cynical over any man's attempt to converse with them on any level. This to me will be the ultimate tragedy. That they will cease to truly hear the voice of God through any man because of the shameful exploits of those few who only wanted to sleep with them and used God's word to try to make that happen.
Beware Drinking from Poisoned Wells
Too often we form negative opinions of others based solely on the negative opinions of others. We never truly get to know people as the beautiful individuals they are because our introduction to them has been clouded by the poison of other's opinions. Sometimes it is as little as saying "I would not trust him/her because they did me wrong at some point in time" conversation. It is an area where the poison well simply has not come to grips what with whatever has happened, forgiven them and moved forward. At the worst it is a concerted effort to try to destroy another person and any relationship that could be of value to them. It is a perpetual effort of slander and defamation on the part of the poison well. These types will not rest until they see their dire predictions of doom and despair manifested in the life of the one they are seeking to destroy.
If we are honest with ourselves, at some point in life we have either been the poison well, or have drunk from poisoned wells. It happens in marriages, on jobs, in communities and in the churches. Every relationship in your life can be potentially ruined by poisoned wells. The challenge is to realize when you may be potentially drinking from a poison well and to spit out that poison. You are a poison well, forgiveness is the antidote. In no way am I advocating ignoring warning signs, what I am advocating is you dealing with it one on one yourself, instead of basing your every decision in your life off the opinions of others.
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