If you know it’s the right thing to do, that’s your sign.
That conviction in your spirit, the knot in your stomach, finding yourself asking that famous question, “Why am I here?”
That’s your sign!
A young man told me recently, “I was asking God for a sign, and He told me, ‘I gave you a whole book! You know the right thing to do.’”
Don’t be like me, so determined to wait for a sign that God has to knock you out and drag you through the door in order to mercifully spare you from your indecisiveness and insecurity.
Thank God for His mercy, but seriously, don’t be like me. If the end were going to be different, wouldn’t God tell you? Doesn’t He always send encouragement in those times when we are meant to hold on and hold fast? Wouldn’t He give peace in the midst of the storm, if it were a storm we were meant to go through? Wouldn’t He answer that famous question once and for all with a new confirmation from His Word?
“Delayed obedience” is a very costly price to pay for the freedom the Lord already paid for and holds in store for you. Trust Him.
The sun was just peaking up from the horizon, when Zara lowered the bucket into the well. It was already warm today, so she was glad she had come a little early to gather water. Beads of sweat began to rise on her forehead as she pulled the full bucket up and poured it into her first jar. Some water splashed on her sandal and she found herself remembering a day long ago at the seaside.
It had been a day much like this one, but she and Isaac were newer and thought they had so much to look forward to in life. Zara was so happy to see the Galilee, that she had run right into the waves lapping at the shore. Isaac laughed at her childish heart—and her soaked sandals. But he found a high rock to dry them on and had rubbed a bit of oil on them when they dried, to soften them for her. He is such a kind man, she thought. He still treated her with honor, in spite of the grief she had brought into their marriage.
She lowered the bucket once more, and imagined she could feel the cooling breezes that had made that hot day long ago so bearable. She remembered he had laid down his cloak for her to rest on, while he caught fish to roast for their meal. She laid out a fresh loaf of barley bread, some lentil stew, and half-a-dozen figs from her father’s grove. They enjoyed quite a feast that day.
Remembering their happiness made Zara’s heart feel light. Everything about the day had been so special. How she wished they could restore the hope that once filled their hearts. Instead, their lives had been marked by grief upon grief, and she knew it was her fault. Still, Isaac loved her. A tear landed on her cheek. She quickly wiped it away. “Be strong, Zara,” she chastised herself.
Suddenly a voiced cried out from behind her, a friendly call that interrupted Zara’s daydreaming. She turned around to see her lifelong friend, Eliana, running towards her. “Zara! Zara! I’m so glad to see you here!” Eliana dropped her water jars beside the well and embraced her friend. Eliana’s eyes were bright and a broad smile crossed her face.
“Eliana, how are you? I am so glad to see you.”
“Oh! I am more glad to see you. Zara, I have wonderful news to share!” She held her friend’s shoulders and looked into her eyes. She could see the lingering shadows on her friend’s face, and felt all the more excited to share her good news. “Zara, have you heard that Jesus is coming today?”
“Jesus, the son of Joseph? From Nazareth?”
“Yes! The very one!”
“No, I had not heard.”
“He will be at the seaside this afternoon,” Eliana told her. “He will be there to pray for the sick, Zara.”
“The sick?”
“Yes! The sick are made well, when He prays for them, Zara. Just like that!” Eliana clapped her hands together. “Just like that!”
Zara had heard about Jesus. She had heard of the lame being able to walk, the blind being made to see. Could He…? She was afraid to think He could bring life to her womb. That must surely be too much to ask.
Eliana could see a glimmer of light in her friend’s eye. As if reading her mind, she answered the questions in her heart. “Yes, Zara, He can. I know He can.” Zara almost smile, but the fear of hoping caused her to turn away, She lowered the bucket and asked, “Where will He be?”
“He will be at Galilee.” Eliana took her friends arm and Zara turned back towards her friend, gazing into Eliana’s lively eyes. “Oh, Zara, let’s go. Let’s go see Jesus. It could be your day to receive a touch from the Master. Tell Isaac. I know he and Jacob have spoken about Jesus. I know he believes. We can all go together.” Zara’s heart began to fill with hope.
“I do want to go, Eliana. I really do!”
“Then, let’s hurry home and get ready.” Eliana was drawing her water now. Zara raised her jars to her shoulders. “Let’s meet at the great rock, and travel together. There will be many people, and this way we won’t lose each other in the crowd.”
“But, do you think there will still be tickets, by the time we get there?”
“Eunice told me that’s why He’s coming to the seaside, to allow for many more people to hear Him speak.” She positioned her jars and walked beside Zara. “It is five shekels more to have Him pray for you, but I’m sure Isaac will agree that it is worth the price.”
With every step back to their homes, hope and excitement filled Zara’s heart. Maybe, this really would be her day, the end of her shame and Isaac’s mourning. Oh, how she longed to give him the son he deserved. He was such a good and kind man. How could God continue to deny him a child? She and Eliana parted with a kiss on the cheek, and Zara hurried home to share the good news with Isaac.
“Isaac,” she called. “Isaac!” She saw him at the table and set her jars down. “Isaac, I have some—.” She stopped herself mid-sentence, as she stepped closer to him and could see his purse was poured out across the table. He had been counting his money, over and over. Her tone changed from excitement to concern. “Isaac, what is wrong?”
He looked up at her; weariness covered his face. “We have lost our ox. Phineas gave me the news. The ox died during the night.”
“Oh, Isaac.” She came closer and leaned over him with a gentle embrace.
“We don’t have enough to replace him. I will see what I can sell at the marketplace. Meanwhile, I’m afraid we will have to make due the best we can.”
“Of course. I have plenty of stores to get us through.”
“I thought I would have a happy surprise for you today, but instead I only have this bad news.”
“You are always my happy surprise, Isaac.” She knelt at his feet and rested her head against him.
“This was special, my Zara. Jesus is coming to the Galilee today, and I wanted to take you to see Him.” Zara caught her breath, stopping herself from revealing her disappointment. She forced a smile and looked up at her beloved. “There will be another day to see Jesus, Isaac.”
She turned her face to the floor and closed her eyes, forcing the tears back. Isaac bent down and kissed the top of her head. He had also heard of the miracles Jesus had performed. Hope had been rising in his heart that morning, too, but the news of their ox had once again shattered his dreams. The hope of a child of his own would have to wait. The price was too dear, when they had an ox to buy.
Eliana and Jacob waited for almost an hour at the great rock, but finally went on without their friends. As they were traveling with other neighbors they would learn about Isaac’s ox. Eliana openly cried for Zara and uttered a word of gratitude that she and Jacob were in better circumstances, at least today. At least today, they could afford to see Jesus.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:3 ❤
The last time I made this appeal to God, I was utterly frustrated over a situation in my church. It was so hard for me to understand what was happening. Instead of agreement on the objectives and rejoicing in the accomplishments, there was every manner of resentment, stress, opposition, criticism, competitiveness, deceitfulness, narcissism, and misuse of spiritual authority. I was so confused! Didn’t we all want the same thing? It wasn’t good, and I was not doing well. We say hindsight is 20/20, and I will say the Holy Spirit has been giving me eyes to see now what I struggled to see then. I ultimately had to reconcile myself with the fact that there was nothing I could do that would ever win me the grace of these sovereigns. That was a very painful thing for me, still so in bondage to the fear of man. but there came a point where God intervened. It’s just not healthy to want the acceptance or approval of a person who chooses to hurt and curse you.
When God hardened their heart against me1, they did what was most logical for them to do: expel the vermin! I continue to pray for them, but I remain sad for how the church has fallen away from what we think of when we think of the New Testament church.
Yes, we idealize. We forget that the NT Believers met during a time of severe persecution: the threat of death was real. They saw leader after leader tortured. Roman Christians met in catacombs, surrounded by human remains, to avoid being caught. It was illegal for these new Christians to “go to church,” yet, they we’re desperate to be together.
Church for us today is different. We aren’t so desperate for fellowship that we would risk torture and death. We don’t know desperate. I get letters from guys inside who long for fellowship, Bible teachers, Christian literature, someone to pray with, a Bible, someone to just talk to about God. Most of us can’t relate. We have the luxury of choice. And, I think that has played a big part in the Christian becoming a consumer, the pastor becoming a service provider, and the church becoming a business. What would 1st century Christians have to say about us?
Listen, if you attend a bad church, you should absolutely leave. You don’t need a sign from God. You know as much as I knew, but fear of man or fear of violating your club’s social norms keep you stuck. You think it’s virtuous to tough it out. “No,” you admit, “I’m not being fed there, I’m not growing from the ministry there, but I listen to sermons online and I worship God on my own.” If you need a sign, that’s it. It doesn’t matter if your club has the best music or potlucks, and all your closest friends are members, too. It doesn’t matter if you serve in a high position, or vowed you’d never go. God has nothing to do with any of that! Friend, if you aren’t leaving church well-fed, you’re being slowly starved. Eventually, you’ll lose your appetite for spiritual cuisine all together. You’ll lap up the slop you’re being served and learn to love it. In fact, you’ll soon not be able to tolerate solid food at all. That’s deadly, folks! Run away from any church with a pastor who fails at his only assignment: Jesussaid, “Feed My sheep.“ (John 21:17)
If we want to be in a New Testament church, we need to be New Testament Christians first. We need to be desperate for the presence of God. We need to be desperate for the preaching of God’s Word. Yes, preaching! That means a word from God, a fresh word from Heaven; an anointed presentation of scripture that convicts of sin and leads to spiritual transformation! It’s not recounting illustrations based on TV shows or movies. It’s not retelling another pastor’s sermon. It’s not standing in front of the sheep talking about yourself and all your good works. Don’t stay in those churches! Don’t make excuses for these men or women who carry a title. That is not God’s anointed, Brother or Sister. God’s anointed is as desperate for God as you are and knows they will give account for every word. They preach with fear and trembling, not jokes and personal anecdotes. Any pastor who isn’t spiritually nourishing Christ’s sheep isn’t a shepherd: he is a human trafficker. He doesn’t care about these who are trusting him with their spiritual care. He uses them! He counts his sheep each week, keeping score.
There’s just too much to say.
Christians are in trouble. They need pastors who don’t care about the numbers. They need pastors who care about them, pastors who seek God until they hear from Heaven. They need pastors who don’t answer to the sheep, but to God—they prove that by preaching what the sheep don’t want to hear, and then hold themselves to the same holy standard. I think Christians also need pastors like Moses, willing to weep before God on behalf of the broken, hurting, struggling, and back-sliding.
Is that too much to ask? No.
Folks, it’s time. Jesus is coming for a Bride without spot or wrinkle, and He isn’t kidding. I often think He delays His coming as much for His wrinkled and spotty Bride as He does for the lost. We really do need to repent for being willing to compromise by staying in a church that is compromised. Then, we need to go. Get out fast! If you’re saying, “But, where will I go?” I say, pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to that one He has called to pastor—not the one trying to build an empire or have the coolest club in town. Then, visit churches. Seek God. Get in His Word. Listen to nourishing sermons online2. Reach out to other Christians and fellowship. Pray together. Have Communion together. It’s okay for there to be a time of transition, but you do have to take responsibility for your spiritual life.
Anyway, church is a big topic and I have more to say about it, but I’ll stop here. It’s already a monstrosity, so I’ll be surprised if anyone gets to the end. LOL
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:3
❤
1 To be clear, I wasn’t in this alone, but I do not want to speak for others in my family. 2www.TSCNYC.org is a good place to find a lot of good, spiritual food.
“The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden as its gardener, to tend and care for it.” Genesis 2:15 (TLB)
I didn’t used to like pulling weeds when I was a kid, because that’s all I was allowed to do, and it seemed like a waste of time. “They’ll just grow back,” I’d complain. When I got older and decided to try my hand at gardening, I began to understand weeds better. Mind you, I know almost nothing about gardening, but I have learned four things:
Before you can even plant a seed, you have to make a place for it. If you tuck a seed in the middle of a patch of weeds, it won’t stand a chance. Weeds won’t make room for seeds.
Seeds need sun, soil, and water. Simple. Except, weeds deplete the soil, hog all the water, and grow so fast that they quickly overgrow the seedlings and block out the sun. Weeds are greedy!
If a weed is left to grow, it will spread. Some have very shallow roots, but they self-seed when left to their own devices. And, some will shoot their roots down deep into the soil, or across the garden bed. Those weeds can become entangled with the delicate seedlings, and pulling or digging them out risks injury to the plants you are trying to grow. So, the sooner you address the weeds, the better. Don’t let them take root!
The best thing I’ve learned though, is that if you stay on top of the weeds, you won’t have to weed so often. Nip it in the bud!
SUCH IS THE CHRISTIAN’S LIFE
We all have a “spiritual garden.” The Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 talks about this. It is where things of God take root and grow—or where they fail to grow and die. One thing that causes spiritual seeds to die are spiritual weeds. We need to uproot these weeds as soon as possible! However, sometimes we don’t recognize them for what they are, or the damage they can do.
Some weeds are pretty: we mistake them for flowers. Instead of taking them out, we make a place for them. We water them.
Some spiritual weeds are so deeply rooted, we haven’t got the strength to pull them out. We clip away at the green parts when they start to show, and hope no one notices that the root is still intact.
Finally, some spiritual weeds are so discreet, they’re hidden amongst the fruitful vines and secretly choking away the life of the good things we’ve planted.
These spiritual weeds, you see, are those little sins we justify; our worldly beliefs that have compromised God’s truth. They are grudges and unforgiveness, and unbelief in the Word of God that leads to us interpreting scripture according to what suits our will. It’s rejecting biblical correction, and resisting the Lord’s command to surrender and obey. Instead of resisting Satan’s temptation, we yield to our flesh and choose what feels right. These are all weeds in our spiritual life that will eventually choke out the goodness of God. The Word of God tells us:
“Try me, O God, and know mine heart: prove me and know my thoughts, and consider if there be any way of wickedness in me, and lead me in the way forever.” Psalm 139:23-24 (GNV)
If we will ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and shows us what needs to go in our life, He will show us. It’s God will for us to grow spiritually and thrive in our walk of faith. However, we have to tend our spiritual gardens. We have to stay alert and pluck those deadly weeds out as soon as possible. The Holy Spirit will be faithful to show us the things we need to change, stop, repent of, or surrender. Will we be faithful in obeying Him?
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 (NKJV)
We were locked out of our car, waiting in the parking lot of Market Basket for the AAA dude. Took this picture to help pass the time. Or, maybe I wanted to mark the time.
We were on our way to my sister’s house, the Historian. It was a very impromptu family gathering. People changed plans and food was thrown together – hence, Market Basket.
One of the things I’d purchased at Market Basket was an apple pie. The Historian had been very sick the past two weeks, not eating much. I knew she would reject apple pie, if I offered it to her. So, I almost didn’t buy it.
Yet, something in me said, “Get it, anyway.”
So much time was passing, I almost thought we should just skip going. I had work to do. She was going to get to see the littles, and that was really what the day was about, I thought.
AAA dude showed up. Cracked our window, but we got the keys and headed to Maine.
That was the last time I would see my sister alive. I look at this picture and the silly spontaneity in it is gone for me. Now, it’s just the last picture of me on the last day I got to see her alive.
I’m so thankful for that day. So thankful everyone came together. God was so kind to us. The last thing my sisters and I did together was pray. I still don’t like God’s answer, but Psalm 116:15 is a good verse to keep in my heart:
His loved ones are very precious to Him, and He does not lightly let them die. Psalm 116:15
While it is still hard to believe she is gone, it was six months ago this week. Time passes.
As I sat with my sister that afternoon, she said she had a taste for something. “What can I bring you? I’ll bring you anything you like.” “You know, I wish we had some apple pie. That’s what I’d like. A little piece of apple pie.”
I have two sisters. I gave them nicknames for social media: the Historian and the Philosopher. I don’t know who I am. I guess I would call myself the Director – it’s what we each studied in college.
Anyway, Jill was the Historian. She loved history and studied history and taught history. She kept history, and she wrote history. And, now, she has made history.
You see, two weeks ago Jill left this earth. Her body stopped. Her breath escaped for one last time. And, we who are left behind will now get to remember her for the rest of our own lives. She is a part of our collective history, unique and unforgettable. Incredibly fragile, yet impossibly strong.
Has it really only been two weeks?
Yes, it has only been two weeks. Actually, it has only been 13 days, and it has been difficult. I could not take time from work, because work can’t wait. So, I keep ushering grief outside. I can’t deal with you right now. Yet, it finds its way into my heart again and again. It’s that gentle gust that passes over the window sill and I hear myself saying for the thousandth time, “I can’t believe my sister’s not here.”
Jill kept saying how much she longed for Christmas to come this year. I’d say it came early for her. That is the great comfort I feel in all of this, that she is with Jesus now. She is with God. She is now fully aware of how much He loved her, and how much she pleased Him. She tried so hard. Now, she knows she succeeded. Her efforts were never needed, because her heart was His and He did all the work for her. That makes me glad. Striving has ceased.
There isn’t much more I will share. I just wanted to be sure there was a record, a historical record on my blog, that my sister is gone. She was, and now is forever. Her gone-ness from our lives is painful and is going to take time to accept, but let it be known that one of the most dear has been delivered. Pain has no victory today. Disease has no victory now. The tormentor and deceiver is forever denied another moment of torture. God said, “It’s time. She gets to win today.” It is a loss for us left behind, but she won. She took the victory crown. I can’t believe my sister is gone. I cannot believe she is not there. I don’t like that I am forever deprived of her friendship and laughter and love, but I would never want to take this victory from her. I will love her forever, and when I see her again she will be so excited to tell me what she’s been doing.
P.S. Friends, don’t miss a single moment to love, forgive, and give to the people God has given you – the people you were born to, the people who call you family. We don’t choose these people. so it is easy to neglect them for the ones we did choose, the ones whom we judge worthy and qualified. Don’t make that mistake. Mend fences the ones you share history with, the one who knew you before you were allowed to choose your own people, the ones who still choose you even when you reject them. Had Jill passed at other times in our life, I would not have the blessing of being able to say we were in right standing with each other. We worked through the bad times. You can work through them, too. And, if it’s too late, if that person is already gone, ask the Lord to forgive you for that love withheld, the forgiveness you would not give. Apologize to anyone left – their people. Let them have a chance to offer the comfort you need. If they fail to, forgive them, as well. Leave with a clear conscience. Let the Lord do the rest. ❤
The warning is for world-wide famine. Food shortages are already obvious in supermarkets. Products just aren’t there anymore. It is unsettling, and the rising costs of what is there can be rather stressful.
However, we must not live in fear. Be aware. Pray. Economize. Apply godly wisdom to your choices. Just don’t be afraid. God is able to keep us in any storm, Christian. He can provide manna and quail from Heaven and multiply a few fish and loaves to feed thousands! We can trust Him.
Personally, I am not stockpiling. I always store a little extra, but that’s because I grew up in Earthquake Country where having a two-week supply of food and water is drilled into you. However, I’m not trying to survive on this earth. I live, because God wills it. If He wills it, He will provide what I need. My life is in God’s hands. He is God of all creation, and He created me to depend on Him.
“God helps those who help themselves” is not in the Bible. It is not holy writ. It is a dumb saying full of demonic falsehoods. That is not God’s promise to me in His Word. God’s promise to His children is…
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Here’s the key – because every promise of God has a key to unlock it – the key is being in God’s will.
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
You may ask, “Well, how can I know God’s will?” It starts with obedience to His Word. Has you surrender your will to His, you will find yourself in the center of God’s will for you. That is our place of safety and victory. Allow no compromise in your life. Measure yourself by His Word and ask the Holy Spirit to do whatever it takes. When He prompts you to surrender, obey Him.
The days ahead may be very challenging, but if we learn to walk by faith and not fear we will be safe and secure.
Here is a sermon suggestion for you from Rev. David Wilkerson, August 5, 2007.
Key Passage: Isaiah 24:1-3
“Behold, the Lord makes the earth empty and makes it waste, distorts its surface and scatters abroad its inhabitants.
“And it shall be: As with the people, so with the priest; As with the servant, so with his master; As with the maid, so with her mistress; As with the buyer, so with the seller; As with the lender, so with the borrower; As with the creditor, so with the debtor.
“The land shall be entirely emptied and utterly plundered, for the Lord has spoken this word.”
I started selling Avon when I was a teenager, and I’ve sold it off-and-on over the years. I really do like their products, and really don’t like buying make-up in a drug store or department store. I just am not real keen on selling anything. Until I run out of something and need to replace it, I forget I even have a website.
None the less, I do have an Avon website. If you like Avon and don’t already have an Avon lady, check it out. The catalog is available online, and there are lots of sales and promotions. If you have questions about something, let me know.
I read something from a medical doctor who has gained much popularity in recent years. I think the respect he’s received is well-deserved—as a physician. However, he’s wasn’t writing about medicine. He was writing about spiritual things. In fact, he entitled his post, “A SPIRITUAL CALL TO ACTION.”
Now, I can get behind a spiritual call to action, but I’m not looking to a medical doctor—no matter how much I may respect him as such—to lead me spiritually. Yes, a pastor might be bi-vocational, or retire from medicine and later answer a call to pastor—I know a man just like that. Well, that is not what I am talking about here. The doctor I am talking about isn’tevenaChristian!
Of course, you might not be able to tell that from reading his call to action. Without godly discernment, it all sounds pretty good—even godly.
This concerns me a great deal.
Let me be clear: I believe God can raise up anyone He pleases to lead His people. The Bible is full of such examples. However, a man or woman God uses to call His people to revival is going to affirm biblical truth, with or without a degree from seminary. They are going to have a testimony of faith in Christ, and they are going to give glory to God.
I believe many Christians are being led astray by men and women who are saying things that sound biblical and rising up and being given a national platform by political Conservatives in conspicuously and in unexpected places, shouting to the people that they have the answer to the troubles in the world today. That message right there is an evidence of the Antichrist spirit. And, I see it everywhere.
The answer is stronger men! The answer is healthier women! The answer is more children! The answer is resistance! The answer is protest! The answer is voting red! The answer is unity! The answer is division! The answer is emotional healing! The answer is to question everything The answer is financial independence! The answer is in my book!
That step is found in 1 John 4:1-3
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.”
God has given us a simple test to apply. What do they say about Jesus? Do they confess Christ is God? Born of the flesh? Consequently, are they saying the answer is repentance and surrender to Christ, a life of obedience to God’s Word? Or, is the answer found in a policy or leader? If the hope they are extolling comes from this world, than it is certainly of this world and no hope at all.
Oh, he’s not of the Anitchirst. He’s a good man! This is God’s test for your sake, so that you will not be led astray. You see, these false teachers and false prophets are very convincing. They will even say some things that are true! Look, read it for yourself. Here is a bit of what he had to say. His words in quotation marks are exactly what he wrote.
“To merit divine help, humanity must observe God’s laws.”
“Accept the one true God.”
“Reject false gods.”
Accept the Ten Commandments.
“This is a war against demonic forces…false gods, murder of the unborn, desecration of marriage and gender, codifying immorality into law, theft, baseless hatred of fellow man.”
“Let’s start a world wide movement of reconciliation with God and our fellow man.”
That’s a pretty good message, right? Maybe, some disagree with a point here or there, but I think most Christians would say, “This is awesome! This is what we need. Count me in, too!”
Well, it is the last sentence in his call to action that brought me to my computer this morning. The good doctor ends with this final statement:
“The world WILL be redeemed through simple acts of goodness and kindness.”
Folks, those are the kinds of words that should send us all running and screaming at the top of our lungs. Anyone who suggests that the world can be redeemed by any means other than the blood of Jesus is not of God, and therefore has an Antichrist spirit. These individuals are to be exposed.***
This is a very dangerous and growing trend in America. Many are rising up in the name of Jesus, calling you to “action.” They preach a false gospel of good works and justice and restoring our nation. They look like righteous men and women, but they are speaking lies. Oh, they are very good at what they do! I have entertained a few of them myself for too long, trying to make myself ignore the things that just didn’t feel right. So, I know. I understand. We are always hoping for someone who will validate us, or at least someone who won’t mock us. A styrofoam cup of weak “church coffee” with a friend is better than a mug from a world class barista that we have to share with an enemy.A I get it. It’s just not safe or good. It is in fact very, very dangerous.
Honestly, I didn’t expect the wolves to come out of the political, public policy, and media world. Yet, I could name a dozen people right now who are not only speaking in the name of God, but being invited into churches to “preach.” These are not men B called and anointed of God to preach His Word, and they are not preaching a message of salvation, consecration, or sanctification. They are preaching a political message infused with misinterpreted and misapplied Scriptures. They are all preaching their own call to action based on their own set of values and worldview.
The politicization of faith in our country right now is deeply troubling, and I pray anyone who reads this will stop and ask the Holy Spirit to search their hearts. As Christians, it starts out feeling good, because we really want to be in the company of like believers—that’s human nature. So, when a person with a public platform mentions God or Jesus or church, we feel good. More importantly, we trust them more. We ignore everything about their life that does not bring honor to God and focus on the good, because we can’t really judge their fruit—we don’t know them! We have no relationship with them. We know only what their public relations firm and social media manager wants us to know.
However, we can judge the message. And, we must. If we find them pointing to anything or anyone other than the Word of God or Christ, we need to remove them from our lives. We really do. It doesn’t matter how much you admire them or trust them. This is an Antichrist spirit. We must have no fellowship with darkness.C Does that we mean vacate the political realm? No. It only means we stop looking to political solutions for the spiritual problems of the world. Look, you can remove all the sexually vile books from your school or public libraries, you can stop the wicked sex ed classes in your schools. This is not a secular problem, though. This is a sin problem. As parents, you are meant to be a guard at the gates of your home and your heart. If you are still watching movies with sex scenes or story lines with characters who are committing sexual sin, your kids don’t stand a chance.
I’m four hours into this, so it’s time to get ready for church. And, that leads me the most important thing I have to say: When there is a lack of leadership, it is natural for us to look for someone to follow. So, who do you follow? Who is your shepherd? There is the Good Shepherd, our Lord and Savior, but He gave us men and women to lead us on earth. These shepherds are the godly men and women who have dared to answer the call to pastor. They have dared to carry the burden of your spiritual growth. One day, they will stand before God and give account for the sheep in their care.D
Are you under the care of a shepherd, called of God to lead you in the truth of His Word? I look at churches today and I see too many empty seats. Even in very large churches, I see empty pews.
I talk to Christians and hear one excuse after another. If you aren’t in fellowship with other sheep, following a shepherd called of God, good luck. Might as well just send your children into the woods right now to be devoured by the wolves before they reach the age of accountability. I’m serious. That’s harsh, but there are Christians reading this from home this morning. Oh, sure, they turned on the TV. They’re listening to a good sermon. Bully for you. That is not what God’s Word says.F
Sure, some pastors are unworthyE , and all are imperfect, but God called them to protect us from the wolves. If we were hippos the wolves wouldn’t stand a chance, but Jesus didn’t call us hippopotamuses. He called us sheep. We were created to be pastored—in relationship with a shepherd and the sheep. It’s simple. It’s where spiritual safety is, too. If you are of sound body, you need to be with the flock.
OK. I gotta go. I love you and pray for you!
❤
A Proverbs 15:17 says, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.” B So far, yeah, they are all men. C “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11 D Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you.” E Don’t stop going to church, because you had a bad pastor. Find a new one! F Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The Saxophone Player's Wife 