Ok, so everybody has to get mad over something - might as well get upset over someone telling the truth in an attempt to make as many as possible free from all the bondages that we put on ourselves - free to live for and serve Jesus without any man made baggage right..? ;)
I got this from the Lord directly a couple of weeks ago at 2:00 in the morning while seeking a strategy from heaven to introduce the Lord Jesus into some cultures overseas, and here in the states that have had way to long to allow the fires of revival to die down over time while instituting all their man made rituals - in effect, structuring Jesus right out of the equation - it was brilliant, so I thought I would do my best to package it up, articulate it carefully, yet firmly and share it with my brothers and sisters - listen with an open mind and heart and you might find yourself liberated; no pressure... ;) MM
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
We Must All Find Our Own Way...
As I've been pondering and observing a sort of phenomenon within the church over the past few years, I've come to a conclusion. I'm pretty sure that there will be many that will find my conclusion obvious; others will adamantly disagree, so this should be a good discussion...
There are sooo many church bodies that I personally know that have passed the baton to the next generation - as in, from father to son, for example - just because you are the son or daughter of a preacher, even a very anointed one, doesn't qualify you to be the next 'in line for the throne' sort of thing. Are you following me..?
So far, I haven't really seen one ministry, where the baton was passed to the son that has flourished..! Show me one..! Gee, I don't really see it in scripture either..! Hmmmm, makes me wonder why we do that.
It is true, that every man and woman must find their own way when it comes to relationship with the Lord and they must come into their own anointing and ministry - whether or not their daddy was anointed and used by the Lord. So far, experience seems to suggest that it is a recipe for major failure - the fact is, that many spiritual sons often emerge out of a really anointed ministry that are more often than not, completely overlooked because of personal favoritism toward ones own offspring. How comical to guys like me who know its going to fail, then to watch the effort that goes into trying to make it all work...
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob got it right..! Why..? Because they all had to make their own way in the world and because in their day church structures and formalities (including titles) didn't exist. They actually had to live it if they were going to experience it. Abraham could relate his experiences and insights to his son, but then Isaac had to take that and go do something with it. Had he decided not to, or if he had decided to take over his fathers purpose, it would have failed miserably... Kind of like what we are seeing today in so many ministries...
I heard a comment the other day while attending a meeting at just such a place; a person in the seats said something like this, "man, its so weird isn't it; when its time to pass the baton, what do you do when there is nobody there to take it up..?" He was referring to the obvious lack of anointing, power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost that the 'offspring' were trying to get, that their parents actually had, but now they were struggling to keep the old thing alive because they probably felt there was a duty to do such a thing...
My own experience was that it was very uncomfortable to watch... Can we learn from such things..? Can we palease use some creativity and wisdom in our personal relationship with the Lord and avoid the pitfalls of following such a course for our lives. Its pathetic, really it is to see such a waste of time and life... MM
There are sooo many church bodies that I personally know that have passed the baton to the next generation - as in, from father to son, for example - just because you are the son or daughter of a preacher, even a very anointed one, doesn't qualify you to be the next 'in line for the throne' sort of thing. Are you following me..?
So far, I haven't really seen one ministry, where the baton was passed to the son that has flourished..! Show me one..! Gee, I don't really see it in scripture either..! Hmmmm, makes me wonder why we do that.
It is true, that every man and woman must find their own way when it comes to relationship with the Lord and they must come into their own anointing and ministry - whether or not their daddy was anointed and used by the Lord. So far, experience seems to suggest that it is a recipe for major failure - the fact is, that many spiritual sons often emerge out of a really anointed ministry that are more often than not, completely overlooked because of personal favoritism toward ones own offspring. How comical to guys like me who know its going to fail, then to watch the effort that goes into trying to make it all work...
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob got it right..! Why..? Because they all had to make their own way in the world and because in their day church structures and formalities (including titles) didn't exist. They actually had to live it if they were going to experience it. Abraham could relate his experiences and insights to his son, but then Isaac had to take that and go do something with it. Had he decided not to, or if he had decided to take over his fathers purpose, it would have failed miserably... Kind of like what we are seeing today in so many ministries...
I heard a comment the other day while attending a meeting at just such a place; a person in the seats said something like this, "man, its so weird isn't it; when its time to pass the baton, what do you do when there is nobody there to take it up..?" He was referring to the obvious lack of anointing, power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost that the 'offspring' were trying to get, that their parents actually had, but now they were struggling to keep the old thing alive because they probably felt there was a duty to do such a thing...
My own experience was that it was very uncomfortable to watch... Can we learn from such things..? Can we palease use some creativity and wisdom in our personal relationship with the Lord and avoid the pitfalls of following such a course for our lives. Its pathetic, really it is to see such a waste of time and life... MM
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Will We Measure Up..?
I've said several times that the Lord told me a while back here "Your generation has the most access to resources, knowledge, insight and my power; will you be the generation that delivers back the least in terms of return on that investment..?"
Since I first published that Word, I've taken the time to put on my observe hat to see how well the Church is using its resources to conduct a world wide harvest of souls, discipleship of those souls and reinvestment of those souls back into the world wide harvest of souls...
Let me ask you some questions my friends. What makes you think that the 'gravy train' is going to continue to run at full speed..? Why would we be given access to great resources when we've managed them so poorly..? How many of us use what we get, whether through our jobs or other means, to facilitate the progression of the Kingdom of God rather than our own comfort..? Do you realize that the 'church experience' in America has become an "Entertainment Industry" that rivals Hollywood..?
I recently ran across a church body that spent over 15 million redesigning and building a new 'church facility' because they didn't like the old one - and now they are building an indoor wave apparatus along with a skate park to 'draw the youth'. What kind of result will come of such efforts; what kind of disciples will be produced - how many missionaries..? It is a predictable result that will perpetuate the waste and abuse of resources that is rampant within the church.
Or how about the 1.2 million that was recently allocated to build a larger meeting room and outdoor overhead to protect the elderly against the rain on a Baptist church locally..! The entire community is in distress economically; yet the church is fortifying itself and demanding comfort, preferring itself above its fellow man...
These stories are exponentially multiplied across the church and across our western world version of church prosperity - its an abomination to heaven..! How many have to die and go to hell while we continue to live the illusion of 'God's blessing'; claiming that we are blessed because we have so much cool stuff, while the world rots..?
Friends, I pray for you regularly that the Lord will have mercy on you and open your eyes and ears so that you will be liberated from such foolishness and that you will still have time to invest in those things that are eternal; where moth and rust can't corrupt. I pray that you and I will measure up in our generation... Selah
In the Kingdom of God, there is greater value in taking care of your brother/sister (rather than judging them because they got themselves into a financial mess), helping them in their time of need than putting a 4000 square foot mansion over the heads of your children..! There is greater reward eternally in feeding that family that is in need than taking your family out to a fancy restaurant..! Smarter to invest in making disciples than making your 'church building' nicer, bigger, prettier...
I have given you but a few examples of wise investing, now you and I are both accountable... Selah... MM
Since I first published that Word, I've taken the time to put on my observe hat to see how well the Church is using its resources to conduct a world wide harvest of souls, discipleship of those souls and reinvestment of those souls back into the world wide harvest of souls...
Let me ask you some questions my friends. What makes you think that the 'gravy train' is going to continue to run at full speed..? Why would we be given access to great resources when we've managed them so poorly..? How many of us use what we get, whether through our jobs or other means, to facilitate the progression of the Kingdom of God rather than our own comfort..? Do you realize that the 'church experience' in America has become an "Entertainment Industry" that rivals Hollywood..?
I recently ran across a church body that spent over 15 million redesigning and building a new 'church facility' because they didn't like the old one - and now they are building an indoor wave apparatus along with a skate park to 'draw the youth'. What kind of result will come of such efforts; what kind of disciples will be produced - how many missionaries..? It is a predictable result that will perpetuate the waste and abuse of resources that is rampant within the church.
Or how about the 1.2 million that was recently allocated to build a larger meeting room and outdoor overhead to protect the elderly against the rain on a Baptist church locally..! The entire community is in distress economically; yet the church is fortifying itself and demanding comfort, preferring itself above its fellow man...
These stories are exponentially multiplied across the church and across our western world version of church prosperity - its an abomination to heaven..! How many have to die and go to hell while we continue to live the illusion of 'God's blessing'; claiming that we are blessed because we have so much cool stuff, while the world rots..?
Friends, I pray for you regularly that the Lord will have mercy on you and open your eyes and ears so that you will be liberated from such foolishness and that you will still have time to invest in those things that are eternal; where moth and rust can't corrupt. I pray that you and I will measure up in our generation... Selah
In the Kingdom of God, there is greater value in taking care of your brother/sister (rather than judging them because they got themselves into a financial mess), helping them in their time of need than putting a 4000 square foot mansion over the heads of your children..! There is greater reward eternally in feeding that family that is in need than taking your family out to a fancy restaurant..! Smarter to invest in making disciples than making your 'church building' nicer, bigger, prettier...
I have given you but a few examples of wise investing, now you and I are both accountable... Selah... MM
Friday, December 25, 2009
Will You See His Glory..?
His glory, His presence, His anointing, His Favor, His Power - you get the idea... HIM..!
What is it about some that seem to have such a powerful, fresh, real walk with God and others can't seem to find Him no matter how hard they try, or where they look..?
I was talking with someone today relating the experiences that we've been having in Gretna, VA - how the presence of the Lord has intensified; as in 'open heaven' and that it seems that the Lord is showing up more and more, stronger and stronger as time passes - this person, who actually attended some of the gatherings there mentioned to me that they were completely bored with the whole experience and that they thought I was misrepresenting the whole experience...
Why..?
Same question, different context... How is it that Jesus carried out all the miracles that he did, but so many around him still didn't believe..? He even challenged them by saying "believe me for the miracles I've done if you won't believe my words..." Why do some believe and others don't..? Why can some perceive Him and others can't..?
I would submit to you that there is a common theme; a common denominator that separates those that will go all the way with the Lord, and those who just won't. Remember the rich young ruler..? "Sell all that you have and follow me..." - then he turned around and walked away... Just couldn't bring himself to do it. It was too much, too radical, too risky..!
So what is the common theme..? Are you sure you want to hear this..? I'm giving you fair warning that if you are one that struggles with these things and/or can't seem to come into this experience that I speak of - walking in the Glory of the Lord's real presence - then stop reading, because this piece of truth will eventually bring death to your life...
The common theme is this - you love yourself more than you love Jesus..!
Sounds pretty simple, yet profound at the same time. You attend church services, but your experience with the church or the Lord Jesus is built around what is convenient for you, not Him... You pursue your own selfish ambitions, and contribute to what you perceive to be 'Kingdom' when it benefits you or makes your conscience feel better; but deep in your heart you are scared to death to take any real risks and totally give something of real value to you up - like say your spouse, family, kids, job, career, house, or whatever - I don't give a rip - pick one...
You don't want to know Him enough to willingly give something that is of real value to you away... You find yourself preferring that which is temporary above that which is eternal. You consistently define success around worldly pleasures or worldly values - you are fooling yourself if you think you know the Lord Jesus Christ - that is the harsh reality and I suggest you find a way to remedy that in your life.
The Lord will give you and I mercy; they are renewed every morning. The more I get to know him and understand his mercy, his loving-kindness, his tolerance of our sin and stuff - the more I grow in 'The Fear of The Lord' - I have realized that he will love each of us, every moment of every day; right into the belly of Hell if we choose to go there...
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so the soul will be spared; or what it must be like to be allowed to be given over to a reprobate mind..? Keep serving yourself and you may just find out... Selah.
I know this sounds hard, but listen to me and you may save yourselves. The truth is that he is there..! He is and He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him. If your heart is right and you really want to know Him, he will be found of you - and he will reward you with the awesomeness of His Mighty, Holy, Wonderful Presence..!
Blessings, MM
What is it about some that seem to have such a powerful, fresh, real walk with God and others can't seem to find Him no matter how hard they try, or where they look..?
I was talking with someone today relating the experiences that we've been having in Gretna, VA - how the presence of the Lord has intensified; as in 'open heaven' and that it seems that the Lord is showing up more and more, stronger and stronger as time passes - this person, who actually attended some of the gatherings there mentioned to me that they were completely bored with the whole experience and that they thought I was misrepresenting the whole experience...
Why..?
Same question, different context... How is it that Jesus carried out all the miracles that he did, but so many around him still didn't believe..? He even challenged them by saying "believe me for the miracles I've done if you won't believe my words..." Why do some believe and others don't..? Why can some perceive Him and others can't..?
I would submit to you that there is a common theme; a common denominator that separates those that will go all the way with the Lord, and those who just won't. Remember the rich young ruler..? "Sell all that you have and follow me..." - then he turned around and walked away... Just couldn't bring himself to do it. It was too much, too radical, too risky..!
So what is the common theme..? Are you sure you want to hear this..? I'm giving you fair warning that if you are one that struggles with these things and/or can't seem to come into this experience that I speak of - walking in the Glory of the Lord's real presence - then stop reading, because this piece of truth will eventually bring death to your life...
The common theme is this - you love yourself more than you love Jesus..!
Sounds pretty simple, yet profound at the same time. You attend church services, but your experience with the church or the Lord Jesus is built around what is convenient for you, not Him... You pursue your own selfish ambitions, and contribute to what you perceive to be 'Kingdom' when it benefits you or makes your conscience feel better; but deep in your heart you are scared to death to take any real risks and totally give something of real value to you up - like say your spouse, family, kids, job, career, house, or whatever - I don't give a rip - pick one...
You don't want to know Him enough to willingly give something that is of real value to you away... You find yourself preferring that which is temporary above that which is eternal. You consistently define success around worldly pleasures or worldly values - you are fooling yourself if you think you know the Lord Jesus Christ - that is the harsh reality and I suggest you find a way to remedy that in your life.
The Lord will give you and I mercy; they are renewed every morning. The more I get to know him and understand his mercy, his loving-kindness, his tolerance of our sin and stuff - the more I grow in 'The Fear of The Lord' - I have realized that he will love each of us, every moment of every day; right into the belly of Hell if we choose to go there...
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so the soul will be spared; or what it must be like to be allowed to be given over to a reprobate mind..? Keep serving yourself and you may just find out... Selah.
I know this sounds hard, but listen to me and you may save yourselves. The truth is that he is there..! He is and He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him. If your heart is right and you really want to know Him, he will be found of you - and he will reward you with the awesomeness of His Mighty, Holy, Wonderful Presence..!
Blessings, MM
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Where Does Faith Come From..?
I'm just wondering - the Bible says that 'Faith cometh by hearing and by hearing the word of God' Romans 10:17 KJV - the Word of God is the only place, the only method and the only possible source of faith.
Some have asked me in the past, can't testimonies build our faith..? I would argue that it is a dangerous proposition to place too much trust, or too much stock into testimonies. What Mike..? Are you kidding..? We overcome by our testimony, yes according to the Book of Revelation. Our testimony is ours, we can share it with others to show the reality of the Lord in our lives, yes. I get all that...
But when you are up against the wall, and you must have a miracle I will say and agree with the Bible; "FAITH COMETH BY HEARING AND BY HEARING THE WORD OF GOD"..! That is where you and I need to put our trust, completely..! It is the only source that we can trust.
I have talked to many of my brothers and sisters over the years and have heard stories of how they questioned God, or stumbled in their belief, or had a difficult time obtaining some promise of God because they heard more testimonies from people that seemed to indicate that sometimes the Lord does things for some, and not for others at other times. It seems, that we have misunderstood the purpose, and yes, even the very substance of the 'testimony'.
Imagine this, I know its hard, but just try... I could easily argue that most who testify - add to it, embellish, interpret, misinterpret, or in some other way, taint the actual experience that they had. While we have all heard and maybe even cried during testimonies, we weren't there, we don't know whether or not the things the person is saying is really true (at least from God's perspective) or not... See where I'm going with this..?
I recently discovered that someone I was very close to for a great many years was recently featured on a well known Christian Broadcasting program - a testimony on TV - knowing the actual truth behind the testimony, I was saddened to discover that their apparent testimony was actually a pretty strong misrepresentation of the actual facts of the situation. There were key components that were left out and that others were harmed by the program. Just using this as an example, not meaning to take shots here - but I'm tired of the church being duped - I'm tired of 'political correctness' in the church - I'm tired of those who do harm and then pretend that the Lord was behind them 'blessing them' and the church just embraces them - we are way too trusting folks... Just getting tired of so much babble and lies and you should be as well...
Listen, I love a good testimony just like everybody else - but I'm not going to draw my faith from them. I'm not going to question the Lord or his willingness, or love for me, or anything else because somebody else did and got away with it. I'm in no position to judge unrighteous judgment, but I will say that its time we started putting our faith, or drawing our faith from the Word of the Lord - the Bible, that is the only place we can obtain it and where it will remain strong and right.
I was recently talking with a brother who is struggling with some healing issues - he mentioned that he didn't understand why the Lord wouldn't heal him - I love this brother and I tried to encourage him by stating the Word of God - he was healed 2000 years ago - by his stripes ye 'were' healed... We can trust God's word, but these days, I'm afraid that we have to be suspect of the many and varied testimonies that we hear coming from those in the church.
We just can't trust folks that much ya'll. The church is in trouble, truth is a rarity and requires great discipline and humility to present. Help us Lord... MM
Some have asked me in the past, can't testimonies build our faith..? I would argue that it is a dangerous proposition to place too much trust, or too much stock into testimonies. What Mike..? Are you kidding..? We overcome by our testimony, yes according to the Book of Revelation. Our testimony is ours, we can share it with others to show the reality of the Lord in our lives, yes. I get all that...
But when you are up against the wall, and you must have a miracle I will say and agree with the Bible; "FAITH COMETH BY HEARING AND BY HEARING THE WORD OF GOD"..! That is where you and I need to put our trust, completely..! It is the only source that we can trust.
I have talked to many of my brothers and sisters over the years and have heard stories of how they questioned God, or stumbled in their belief, or had a difficult time obtaining some promise of God because they heard more testimonies from people that seemed to indicate that sometimes the Lord does things for some, and not for others at other times. It seems, that we have misunderstood the purpose, and yes, even the very substance of the 'testimony'.
Imagine this, I know its hard, but just try... I could easily argue that most who testify - add to it, embellish, interpret, misinterpret, or in some other way, taint the actual experience that they had. While we have all heard and maybe even cried during testimonies, we weren't there, we don't know whether or not the things the person is saying is really true (at least from God's perspective) or not... See where I'm going with this..?
I recently discovered that someone I was very close to for a great many years was recently featured on a well known Christian Broadcasting program - a testimony on TV - knowing the actual truth behind the testimony, I was saddened to discover that their apparent testimony was actually a pretty strong misrepresentation of the actual facts of the situation. There were key components that were left out and that others were harmed by the program. Just using this as an example, not meaning to take shots here - but I'm tired of the church being duped - I'm tired of 'political correctness' in the church - I'm tired of those who do harm and then pretend that the Lord was behind them 'blessing them' and the church just embraces them - we are way too trusting folks... Just getting tired of so much babble and lies and you should be as well...
Listen, I love a good testimony just like everybody else - but I'm not going to draw my faith from them. I'm not going to question the Lord or his willingness, or love for me, or anything else because somebody else did and got away with it. I'm in no position to judge unrighteous judgment, but I will say that its time we started putting our faith, or drawing our faith from the Word of the Lord - the Bible, that is the only place we can obtain it and where it will remain strong and right.
I was recently talking with a brother who is struggling with some healing issues - he mentioned that he didn't understand why the Lord wouldn't heal him - I love this brother and I tried to encourage him by stating the Word of God - he was healed 2000 years ago - by his stripes ye 'were' healed... We can trust God's word, but these days, I'm afraid that we have to be suspect of the many and varied testimonies that we hear coming from those in the church.
We just can't trust folks that much ya'll. The church is in trouble, truth is a rarity and requires great discipline and humility to present. Help us Lord... MM
Saturday, November 14, 2009
What Will You Do..?
Listen to this as I challenge the church with real possible future scenarios and ask yourself, "what will I do" when these things happen..? MM
Monday, November 9, 2009
Follow Me..!
Jesus used a fascinating yet incredibly effective method to filter out those that wouldn't follow him, and test those that would before he turned them loose to turn the world upside down - listen as Mike McGrath shares the insights into what it really means to follow Jesus..!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Reputations..?
Why do we care about our reputation with men more than our reputation with the Lord..?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Holidays...
Ok, I had someone ask me my opinion of Halloween; imagine that as it approaches... Every year millions of American 'Christians' wrestle with this whole "Halloween" thing - should we participate, shouldn't we participate; is it evil, yada, yada, yada...?
My atheist friend Matt Oxley put a posting up on Facebook that I just loved; asked his Christian friends what they thought about the major holidays like Christmas, Easter and Halloween - mentioned their pagan roots and was wondering what we thought... What a great question..!
So I thought I'd publish my opinion - I'm sure I'll get calls and emails, but here goes. They are all meaningless in my opinion. Geez, you'd think that Christmas was some sort of high holy holiday that even Heaven celebrated because its just soo awesome - oooohhh, we must bow our knees to the almighty Christmas, or even Easter holidays... Look folks, all of them have roots in pagan religions - all of them were started by bored ancestors at some point that wanted some way to express their devotion to whomever it was that they were all worshiping at the time; and all of them were hijacked by those who professed Christianity in an effort to either nullify or at least diminish the effect that the pagan festivals were having on the populations that were participating in them...
But at the end of the day, do we all really want to be known as the guys that just diminished perceived evil..? Or should we rather be known as the guys that represented what we claimed to believe and changed the hearts of men (and women, you get me) that eventually changed families, that eventually changed cities, that eventually changed nations..? Cause right now, I get the feeling that our message is "hey, we are the best of the worst - look at us..!" - haha, I know, its hard to swallow - I don't like it either...
My opinion - all these holidays have completely lost any meaning they might have had in the past anyways - I still don't really know why we all even participate in them -they are just a show and have become idols of materialism anyways - but just like you all, I find myself participating, on some level, making the same excuses we all make "its for the kids"... Selah
Scary ain't it - that we do it for our kids - sure, lets just teach them the same foolishness that we've all been participating in for years so that they will all be bound to the same lame traditions that we've been bound to - what kind of logic is that..? Just thought I 'd share my opinions - but like everybody, we all got them; so there ya go, let the chaos begin... :) MM
My atheist friend Matt Oxley put a posting up on Facebook that I just loved; asked his Christian friends what they thought about the major holidays like Christmas, Easter and Halloween - mentioned their pagan roots and was wondering what we thought... What a great question..!
So I thought I'd publish my opinion - I'm sure I'll get calls and emails, but here goes. They are all meaningless in my opinion. Geez, you'd think that Christmas was some sort of high holy holiday that even Heaven celebrated because its just soo awesome - oooohhh, we must bow our knees to the almighty Christmas, or even Easter holidays... Look folks, all of them have roots in pagan religions - all of them were started by bored ancestors at some point that wanted some way to express their devotion to whomever it was that they were all worshiping at the time; and all of them were hijacked by those who professed Christianity in an effort to either nullify or at least diminish the effect that the pagan festivals were having on the populations that were participating in them...
But at the end of the day, do we all really want to be known as the guys that just diminished perceived evil..? Or should we rather be known as the guys that represented what we claimed to believe and changed the hearts of men (and women, you get me) that eventually changed families, that eventually changed cities, that eventually changed nations..? Cause right now, I get the feeling that our message is "hey, we are the best of the worst - look at us..!" - haha, I know, its hard to swallow - I don't like it either...
My opinion - all these holidays have completely lost any meaning they might have had in the past anyways - I still don't really know why we all even participate in them -they are just a show and have become idols of materialism anyways - but just like you all, I find myself participating, on some level, making the same excuses we all make "its for the kids"... Selah
Scary ain't it - that we do it for our kids - sure, lets just teach them the same foolishness that we've all been participating in for years so that they will all be bound to the same lame traditions that we've been bound to - what kind of logic is that..? Just thought I 'd share my opinions - but like everybody, we all got them; so there ya go, let the chaos begin... :) MM
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
What is Unity..?
I wanted to reference a video that a friend of mine did a few days ago on a website www.theway21.com where he takes a shot at articulating unity in the Body of Christ. I have heard some flack from some folks over his video, so I finally went and watched it today - thought it was very good by the way and I agree with what he said in it - if you haven't seen it, go and check it out...
What is Unity..? I'm not really sure that any of us can truly and/or truthfully answer that question. Oh yeah, most of the time we would offer up some mealy mouthed lame definition - getting along with each other, world peace, blah, blah, blah... You all know what I'm saying. The truth is it is very hard for us to explain what it is because we haven't really found a way to walk in it or live by it yet. We may have a few here and there, but by and large, as soon as some hard test comes our way, we are very quick to break our covenants and very quick to revert back to individual self-preservation.
I was reading about Nehemiah and the insane undertaking that he went and accomplished by dragging approximately 50,000 of his brothers and sisters half way across their known world to a burned out, demolished city called Jerusalem and their monumental task of rebuilding it. Can you imagine getting 50,000 people into any kind of agreement, harmony or unity. We can't even get a hand full of people in the modern church to walk together in agreement let alone that many.
At some point, we need to find a way to incorporate this into our lives and into our church family. The Bible says that it is pleasing to the Lord when we walk together in unity. It is a large contributing factor to why we can't get his presence, his anointing or harvest the souls in this world - because the truth is we are all so darned selfish about our approach to life and the Kingdom of God - we wouldn't for a moment check ourselves or our tongues and just shut the hell up about each other and stop the ridiculous gossiping; or would we..?
Would we if our precious economy suddenly went under and we were forced to eat at the soup kitchen every day, or live in a box with our kids, or maybe learn to speak Russian after they finally invade our country and take over via Marshal law..? What is it going to take to get us to the place where we begin actually helping each other, supporting each other's visions, defending each other against vicious rumors and slander. In the times we are living in, when someone defames another in the church, the leaders seem to take up for the one slandering, not the one slandered. We have it backwards I think.
What if souls became more important than careers, or charity more important than Christmas presents; what if taking care of the widows became more important than eating at fancy restaurants and paying the price in prayer for a greater anointing more of a priority than watching football on Sunday afternoons..? What if loving each other really began to happen, rather than bashing each other because we didn't like something about them?
I just think we need to start giving each other room to fail, room to be who we are, to discover what the Lord has for us rather than getting into each others business because we don't like what they are doing - we need to show each other a lot more grace and a lot more mercy... Wouldn't you agree?
Who wants to be the first to start..? MM
What is Unity..? I'm not really sure that any of us can truly and/or truthfully answer that question. Oh yeah, most of the time we would offer up some mealy mouthed lame definition - getting along with each other, world peace, blah, blah, blah... You all know what I'm saying. The truth is it is very hard for us to explain what it is because we haven't really found a way to walk in it or live by it yet. We may have a few here and there, but by and large, as soon as some hard test comes our way, we are very quick to break our covenants and very quick to revert back to individual self-preservation.
I was reading about Nehemiah and the insane undertaking that he went and accomplished by dragging approximately 50,000 of his brothers and sisters half way across their known world to a burned out, demolished city called Jerusalem and their monumental task of rebuilding it. Can you imagine getting 50,000 people into any kind of agreement, harmony or unity. We can't even get a hand full of people in the modern church to walk together in agreement let alone that many.
At some point, we need to find a way to incorporate this into our lives and into our church family. The Bible says that it is pleasing to the Lord when we walk together in unity. It is a large contributing factor to why we can't get his presence, his anointing or harvest the souls in this world - because the truth is we are all so darned selfish about our approach to life and the Kingdom of God - we wouldn't for a moment check ourselves or our tongues and just shut the hell up about each other and stop the ridiculous gossiping; or would we..?
Would we if our precious economy suddenly went under and we were forced to eat at the soup kitchen every day, or live in a box with our kids, or maybe learn to speak Russian after they finally invade our country and take over via Marshal law..? What is it going to take to get us to the place where we begin actually helping each other, supporting each other's visions, defending each other against vicious rumors and slander. In the times we are living in, when someone defames another in the church, the leaders seem to take up for the one slandering, not the one slandered. We have it backwards I think.
What if souls became more important than careers, or charity more important than Christmas presents; what if taking care of the widows became more important than eating at fancy restaurants and paying the price in prayer for a greater anointing more of a priority than watching football on Sunday afternoons..? What if loving each other really began to happen, rather than bashing each other because we didn't like something about them?
I just think we need to start giving each other room to fail, room to be who we are, to discover what the Lord has for us rather than getting into each others business because we don't like what they are doing - we need to show each other a lot more grace and a lot more mercy... Wouldn't you agree?
Who wants to be the first to start..? MM
Friday, September 25, 2009
America Is Disappearing..!
While I don't normally try to roil the Government, choosing rather to focus on how the Government and other factors affect the Church - I felt the need to post this up - they are like having two rottweilers in the back yard ya know - if you feed them enough they will leave you alone - but don't make them mad or they bite real hard...! ;)
Say Goodbye to the U.S. Constitution - as it dies a painful death...
Say Goodbye to the U.S. Constitution - as it dies a painful death...
From a Constitutional Lawyer
The following comment is from Michael Connelly of Carrollton, Texas , a retired attorney and constitutional law instructor who states he has read the entire health care bill and has some comments, not about the bill, but about the impact upon our Constitution. It's a broader picture than just health care reform.
"Well, I have done it! I have read the entire text of proposed House Bill 3200: The Affordable Health Care Choices Act of 2009. I studied it with particular emphasis from my area of expertise, constitutional law. I was frankly concerned that parts of the proposed law that were being discussed might be unconstitutional. What I found was far worse than what I had heard or expected.
To begin with, much of what has been said about the law and its implications is in fact true, despite what the Democrats and the media are saying. The law does provide for rationing of health care, particularly where senior citizens and other classes of citizens are involved, free health care for illegal immigrants, free abortion services, and probably forced participation in abortions by members of the medical profession.
The Bill will also eventually force private insurance companies out of business and put everyone into a government run system. All decisions about personal health care will ultimately be made by federal bureaucrats and most of them will not be health care professionals. Hospital admissions, payments to physicians, and allocations of necessary medical devices will be strictly controlled.
However, as scary as all of that is, it just scratches the surface. In fact, I have concluded that this legislation really has no intention of providing affordable health care choices. Instead it is a convenient cover for the most massive transfer of power to the Executive Branch of government that has ever occurred, or even been contemplated. If this law or a similar one is adopted, major portions of the Constitution of the United States will effectively have been destroyed.
The first thing to go will be the masterfully crafted balance of power between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the U.S. Government. The Congress will be transferring to the Obama Administration authority in a number of different areas over the lives of the American people and the businesses they own. The irony is that the Congress doesn't have any authority to legislate in most of those areas to begin with. I defy anyone to read the text of the U.S. Constitution and find any authority granted to the members of Congress to regulate health care.
This legislation also provides for access by the appointees of the Obama administration of all of your personal healthcare information, your personal financial information, and the information of your employer, physician, and hospital. All of this is a direct violation of the specific provisions of the 4th Amendment to the Constitution protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures. You can also forget about the right to privacy. That will have been legislated into oblivion regardless of what the 3rd and 4th Amendments may provide.
If you decide not to have healthcare insurance or if you have private insurance that is not deemed "acceptable" to the Choices Administrator" appointed by Obama there will be a tax imposed on you. It is called a "tax" instead of a fine because of the intent to avoid application of the due process clause of the 5th Amendment. However, that doesn't work because since there is nothing in the law that allows you to contest or appeal the imposition of the tax, it is definitely depriving someone of property without the "due process of law.
So, there are three of those pesky amendments that the far left hate so much out the original ten in the Bill of Rights that are effectively nullified by this law. It doesn't stop there though. The 9th Amendment that provides: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people;" The 10th Amendment states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are preserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Under the provisions of this piece of Congressional handiwork neither the people nor the states are going to have any rights or powers at all in many areas that once were theirs to
control.
I could write many more pages about this legislation, but I think you get the idea. This is not about health care; it is about seizing power and limiting rights. Article 6 of the Constitution requires the members of both houses of Congress to "be bound by oath or affirmation" to support the Constitution. If I was a member of Congress I would not be able to vote for this legislation or anything like it without feeling I was violating that sacred oath or affirmation. If I voted for it anyway I would hope the American people would hold me accountable.
Michael Connelly
Retired attorney, Constitutional Law Instructor
Carrollton , Texas
The following comment is from Michael Connelly of Carrollton, Texas , a retired attorney and constitutional law instructor who states he has read the entire health care bill and has some comments, not about the bill, but about the impact upon our Constitution. It's a broader picture than just health care reform.
"Well, I have done it! I have read the entire text of proposed House Bill 3200: The Affordable Health Care Choices Act of 2009. I studied it with particular emphasis from my area of expertise, constitutional law. I was frankly concerned that parts of the proposed law that were being discussed might be unconstitutional. What I found was far worse than what I had heard or expected.
To begin with, much of what has been said about the law and its implications is in fact true, despite what the Democrats and the media are saying. The law does provide for rationing of health care, particularly where senior citizens and other classes of citizens are involved, free health care for illegal immigrants, free abortion services, and probably forced participation in abortions by members of the medical profession.
The Bill will also eventually force private insurance companies out of business and put everyone into a government run system. All decisions about personal health care will ultimately be made by federal bureaucrats and most of them will not be health care professionals. Hospital admissions, payments to physicians, and allocations of necessary medical devices will be strictly controlled.
However, as scary as all of that is, it just scratches the surface. In fact, I have concluded that this legislation really has no intention of providing affordable health care choices. Instead it is a convenient cover for the most massive transfer of power to the Executive Branch of government that has ever occurred, or even been contemplated. If this law or a similar one is adopted, major portions of the Constitution of the United States will effectively have been destroyed.
The first thing to go will be the masterfully crafted balance of power between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the U.S. Government. The Congress will be transferring to the Obama Administration authority in a number of different areas over the lives of the American people and the businesses they own. The irony is that the Congress doesn't have any authority to legislate in most of those areas to begin with. I defy anyone to read the text of the U.S. Constitution and find any authority granted to the members of Congress to regulate health care.
This legislation also provides for access by the appointees of the Obama administration of all of your personal healthcare information, your personal financial information, and the information of your employer, physician, and hospital. All of this is a direct violation of the specific provisions of the 4th Amendment to the Constitution protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures. You can also forget about the right to privacy. That will have been legislated into oblivion regardless of what the 3rd and 4th Amendments may provide.
If you decide not to have healthcare insurance or if you have private insurance that is not deemed "acceptable" to the Choices Administrator" appointed by Obama there will be a tax imposed on you. It is called a "tax" instead of a fine because of the intent to avoid application of the due process clause of the 5th Amendment. However, that doesn't work because since there is nothing in the law that allows you to contest or appeal the imposition of the tax, it is definitely depriving someone of property without the "due process of law.
So, there are three of those pesky amendments that the far left hate so much out the original ten in the Bill of Rights that are effectively nullified by this law. It doesn't stop there though. The 9th Amendment that provides: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people;" The 10th Amendment states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are preserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Under the provisions of this piece of Congressional handiwork neither the people nor the states are going to have any rights or powers at all in many areas that once were theirs to
control.
I could write many more pages about this legislation, but I think you get the idea. This is not about health care; it is about seizing power and limiting rights. Article 6 of the Constitution requires the members of both houses of Congress to "be bound by oath or affirmation" to support the Constitution. If I was a member of Congress I would not be able to vote for this legislation or anything like it without feeling I was violating that sacred oath or affirmation. If I voted for it anyway I would hope the American people would hold me accountable.
Michael Connelly
Retired attorney, Constitutional Law Instructor
Carrollton , Texas
Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly is a retired attorney who is now a teacher, published author, and freelance writer. As a former Military Intelligence officer in the U.S. Army he is an avid student of American history including all aspects of military history. His father 1LT Roy E. Connelly was an officer in B Co. of the 87th CMB. He and his wife Kay reside in Dallas, Texas. They have six children including four sons who have all served or are currently serving in the military.
As a young man he became an Eagle Scout and as an adult was a scoutmaster for many years. All four of his sons are Eagle Scouts. Mr. Connelly is also an officer in American Legion Post 597 in Carrollton, Texas.
Michael Connelly also teaches Evidence Law, Constitutional Law, and Winning Strategy for the Courtroom via the Internet through colleges and universities worldwide.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Martial Law Coming and Checkpoints are in play?
Just keeping everybody in the loop as to the preparations that our Government is beginning to make to maintain control within our Country "JUST IN CASE"..? Hmmmm...
Thomas Jefferson 3rd. President, Democrat
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have".
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
What is Patience..?
James 1:3,4
3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Among several scriptures that discuss this major character placement in our lives, and among the 9 fruits of the Spirit... What is it? How do we know when we have it, or better question, to what degree we have obtained it..?
Some thoughts: Its not an excuse to be lazy, or to do nothing, unless you've specifically been told not to do nothing (happens very rarely in my experience). Its not easily won or earned. It tends to be forced upon us, rather than something we can 'make happen' - I mean the Bible tells us that it comes (get that? it comes) through trial and tribulation.
I recently had an opportunity to experience a greater degree of it and the process associated with it. I also had a rare chance to share it with my daughter, to teach her, while she was in great affliction, a struggle for her very life, a lot more about how it is obtained, and to watch as she wrestled with the trial that would bring it to her door step.
In my experience, I think I can sum it up with this; Having done all to stand, stand therefore..!
When you've done all you know to do, you've faithfully carried out everything, every act, every prayer, every effort, every thought, every ounce of you has been poured out upon the alter of your life as an offering to the Lord, it is then, when you can personally do no more, that patience begins to have its perfect work in you.
It is in that moment, when you are forced to endure, forced to push forward, forced to continue to live with the pain, the agony, the emptiness that fills your soul, your mind, your body; it is in that moment that the fires of tribulation burn their hottest, that the Gold of patience begins to be forged into your life. You experience it, you endure it, you suffer long through it, and when you come through the process, you know that you've been changed. You know that you've gained something that is worth more than anything on this planet - You gained a trust in Him, a faith in him, that you didn't have before... Selah MM
3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Among several scriptures that discuss this major character placement in our lives, and among the 9 fruits of the Spirit... What is it? How do we know when we have it, or better question, to what degree we have obtained it..?
Some thoughts: Its not an excuse to be lazy, or to do nothing, unless you've specifically been told not to do nothing (happens very rarely in my experience). Its not easily won or earned. It tends to be forced upon us, rather than something we can 'make happen' - I mean the Bible tells us that it comes (get that? it comes) through trial and tribulation.
I recently had an opportunity to experience a greater degree of it and the process associated with it. I also had a rare chance to share it with my daughter, to teach her, while she was in great affliction, a struggle for her very life, a lot more about how it is obtained, and to watch as she wrestled with the trial that would bring it to her door step.
In my experience, I think I can sum it up with this; Having done all to stand, stand therefore..!
When you've done all you know to do, you've faithfully carried out everything, every act, every prayer, every effort, every thought, every ounce of you has been poured out upon the alter of your life as an offering to the Lord, it is then, when you can personally do no more, that patience begins to have its perfect work in you.
It is in that moment, when you are forced to endure, forced to push forward, forced to continue to live with the pain, the agony, the emptiness that fills your soul, your mind, your body; it is in that moment that the fires of tribulation burn their hottest, that the Gold of patience begins to be forged into your life. You experience it, you endure it, you suffer long through it, and when you come through the process, you know that you've been changed. You know that you've gained something that is worth more than anything on this planet - You gained a trust in Him, a faith in him, that you didn't have before... Selah MM
Monday, September 14, 2009
Building Trust...Is There Not a Cause..?
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Trust is a word that is used prolifically throughout the Bible; mainly as an expression of the glue that bonds our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ as we are encouraged to trust him with everything we are and all we do.
In the realm of human relationships it carries just as strong a weight among the weighty factors of life. Most of us go through life trusting some, but not most others.
Now imagine, talking to my western world friends and family, that you grow up in a third world situation, or a country where you aren’t allowed to be who you are, but rather you must be who they tell you to be. Imagine how that must distort your entire concept of trust in others. Sure, if you play by the rules you may get fed, watered and sheltered; some even get work; but for the most part, for all your hard effort, you’re barely getting by and life is really hard.
Most of the world lives under that kind of lifestyle. We in the western world don’t know much about that kind of pressure.
As believers in Jesus, we are called to carry out his great commission; to carry the Gospel, or good news to the world. When it is done in the right way, it is a powerful message of hope and healing that delivers those in a variety of bondage's and situations. It is truly good news.
For many, however, in countries where it is outlawed to follow Jesus Christ, it’s a life and death decision. We here in American recently saw our court system get involved with a situation where a teenage girl fled her home in Ohio after giving her life to the Lord because she was afraid her Muslim parents would kill her, as is their custom to honor Allah. If that is happening here, imagine how much more in the Middle East..?
In Iraq, I’m told we have millions of brothers and sisters who are persecuted regularly; China, Sudan, and other places as well. As we undertake efforts to help them, let’s not forget that they really don’t know what true, deep and solid trust is. They don’t always know if they can trust us or not. We need a revival of character among ourselves if for no other reason, so that when we reach out to them, they will know that they can trust us; because we are trustworthy. That when our own battles get hot, we won’t back down and fight among ourselves like we do so often; but rather, we will preserve the unity of the Spirit for their sakes.
We are in a crisis in America and the western world. A crisis of character; my hope and prayer is that we won’t forget our brothers and sisters over in foreign lands that are relying on us to be there; to follow up on those leadings of the Holy Spirit and find a way to help them. In my heart of hearts, I know that they are waiting and hoping that the Lord will send them deliverance and help…
Can we be those vessels; those instruments that can be used by the master to bring them hope and help? Is there not a cause greater than ourselves that can help us steady our own lives and stop bickering long enough to carry out His great commission..? MM
Friday, September 11, 2009
Hard Words..?
I was recently accused of uttering very hard messages and words that were supposedly damaging the church and that I was operating in a spirit of rebellion... I've actually been accused of that many times before, this isn't new to me. The enemy will try anything to stop truth... I digress...
There is a book out there, and I was searching for it and found an excerpt from it, so I figured I'd post it...
I'm just sayin'... Reviving Common Sense - I actually like what he says in the book and would recommend that everybody that reads this blog pick up a copy and bless the author. The message was a pretty good one, albeit a bit hard... haha MM
There is a book out there, and I was searching for it and found an excerpt from it, so I figured I'd post it...
"We must individually realize and take accountability for the fact that the Church is covered in sin. Just because churches are filled with so-called Christians doesn’t mean that the church and these so-called Christians are the true Body of Christ. Rather, the true Body of Christ is comprised of true believers who live their lives in the Fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and most importantly, self-control. We must face the sad fact that Christendom is filled with hypocrites: Many preachers today will not want to hear this message because of the lack of accountability and self-control in their own lives. Due to their private sinful ways they are blinded in ignorance and darkness to the true meaning of God’s Holy Laws and Word."
I'm just sayin'... Reviving Common Sense - I actually like what he says in the book and would recommend that everybody that reads this blog pick up a copy and bless the author. The message was a pretty good one, albeit a bit hard... haha MM
Definition of Status..!
Buying something that you don't need with money that you don't have to impress people that you don't like..!
Matthew 23:5 - they do all their deeds to be noticed by men.
Thought you'd all get a kick out of that one - wound us oh Lord..! MM
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A Haunting...
My friend Gary and I were chatting earlier and a thought came to my mind. I wanted to share it, because its so true and I think you will agree.
This may sound strange to you, but I'm just being real. I am haunted by the idea that what could've been..? What could've been if men would walk humbly and rightly with each other..? I will never know, because so many give into the pressure to follow selfish ambitions, at the cost to the Kingdom of God and the unity of the Body... Let me expound a bit...
Relationships with people are very powerful in our lives. When we choose to create one with another person, there is a strange and powerful force that is unleashed as two human beings begin to form a bond. That bond is stronger than superglue, gorilla glue, or any other form of permanent attachment known to mankind. The Bible refers to it as a yoke, and dutifully warns us not to be unequally yoked to another person who is not holy.
When people do weird things that betray that bond, the pain that is felt is because of that bond. The pain is always felt deep, and generally lasts for a long time, no matter how hard we try to move forward and away from it.
This bond manifests in many forms and is damaged in many ways as well over time. The Bible says that the wounds of a friend are faithful in Proverbs 27:6, but that the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
When my oldest son was killed, my lovely wife of 20+ years felt such deep pain from the bonds being ripped apart, that she literally lost her will to live; and has suffered deeply in her heart ever since. When over the years, I started up several businesses and ministries and invited other brothers in the Lord to participate with me in those endeavors, only to have those folks abandon me to seek their own selfish ambitions, many taking the resources of the endeavors with them; it pained me greatly. So many would say to me, brother, its only a business, or brother, I had to do what I had to do because it was the Lord that I damage our relationship so that we could both move on into something better...
I disagree. The Bible clearly indicates that the "blessing of the Lord comes without sorrow". Relationships don't heal that easily when they are ripped apart. We are admonished in scripture to care for the relationships that the Lord gives us; to treat them with respect and honor, because at the end of the day, they are holy, a gift from heaven.
We are also given a specific set of instructions about how we are to treat and interact with each other when the perception arises that there is something amiss in the relationship. So many that truly do evil, bypass all that; choosing rather to mistakenly justify their actions as coming from God, yet we have no evidence to support that when they don't follow the Bible method for trying to deal with a breach in the relationship... Selah
If you are part of the Body of Christ, you and I are not supposed to be unequally yoked with the unbeliever. We are however supposed to be yoked to each other. Yoked in a way that doesn't cause damage or harm. The wounds of a friend always come wrapped in love and help the relationship get stronger, they don't destroy it. We should be very careful about whom we enter into relationship, because once its created, and once it begins to grow, we have a God given responsibility to nurture it, care for it, treat it as a holy thing, and honor it before the Lord.
We don't have permission to harm it, destroy it, steal from it, or kill it - that is truly the enemy's role in this lifetime. If you believe anything different my friends, then you are deceived. The Lord takes this issue very seriously when he declares in Mark 10:4-9
This may sound strange to you, but I'm just being real. I am haunted by the idea that what could've been..? What could've been if men would walk humbly and rightly with each other..? I will never know, because so many give into the pressure to follow selfish ambitions, at the cost to the Kingdom of God and the unity of the Body... Let me expound a bit...
Relationships with people are very powerful in our lives. When we choose to create one with another person, there is a strange and powerful force that is unleashed as two human beings begin to form a bond. That bond is stronger than superglue, gorilla glue, or any other form of permanent attachment known to mankind. The Bible refers to it as a yoke, and dutifully warns us not to be unequally yoked to another person who is not holy.
When people do weird things that betray that bond, the pain that is felt is because of that bond. The pain is always felt deep, and generally lasts for a long time, no matter how hard we try to move forward and away from it.
This bond manifests in many forms and is damaged in many ways as well over time. The Bible says that the wounds of a friend are faithful in Proverbs 27:6, but that the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
When my oldest son was killed, my lovely wife of 20+ years felt such deep pain from the bonds being ripped apart, that she literally lost her will to live; and has suffered deeply in her heart ever since. When over the years, I started up several businesses and ministries and invited other brothers in the Lord to participate with me in those endeavors, only to have those folks abandon me to seek their own selfish ambitions, many taking the resources of the endeavors with them; it pained me greatly. So many would say to me, brother, its only a business, or brother, I had to do what I had to do because it was the Lord that I damage our relationship so that we could both move on into something better...
I disagree. The Bible clearly indicates that the "blessing of the Lord comes without sorrow". Relationships don't heal that easily when they are ripped apart. We are admonished in scripture to care for the relationships that the Lord gives us; to treat them with respect and honor, because at the end of the day, they are holy, a gift from heaven.
We are also given a specific set of instructions about how we are to treat and interact with each other when the perception arises that there is something amiss in the relationship. So many that truly do evil, bypass all that; choosing rather to mistakenly justify their actions as coming from God, yet we have no evidence to support that when they don't follow the Bible method for trying to deal with a breach in the relationship... Selah
If you are part of the Body of Christ, you and I are not supposed to be unequally yoked with the unbeliever. We are however supposed to be yoked to each other. Yoked in a way that doesn't cause damage or harm. The wounds of a friend always come wrapped in love and help the relationship get stronger, they don't destroy it. We should be very careful about whom we enter into relationship, because once its created, and once it begins to grow, we have a God given responsibility to nurture it, care for it, treat it as a holy thing, and honor it before the Lord.
We don't have permission to harm it, destroy it, steal from it, or kill it - that is truly the enemy's role in this lifetime. If you believe anything different my friends, then you are deceived. The Lord takes this issue very seriously when he declares in Mark 10:4-9
4And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.5And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
6But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
7For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
This passage of scripture is related to marriage, I know; but it also gives us some insights into the way the Lord considers relationships within the Body of Christ, for we are His bride.
I've noticed in the Church a serious lack of knowledge in this area. I've also noticed the pain and offense that it has caused all of us by not abiding by the guidance and direction that the Bible gives us to handle it properly. We have completely messed this up; including most of the leaders who don't seem to understand the impact this principle has had on the Church. We need to find a way to begin repairing all of this or else the world will never know that we are different - why, because 'the world will know them by their love one for another'... Remember that..?
My take..? Be cautious about getting into relationships to begin with, but recognize that once you're in one, if its within the Body of Christ, the Lord himself has a specific opinion on the matter. Treat it holy, with respect; grow it, prune it, take care of it like you would your prize roses (if you had them, haha) - don't trash it or presume to think that God would have you destroy it, or harm it in any way. Anything less is not truth..! MM
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Fresh Perspective...
Following up on the events of the previous week - the Lord once again being faithful to reveal and give new intelligence; it appears that my friend WM was played by a couple of very evil and greedy men, bent on personal gain.
Let me explain how such things happen in the church. Young believers, with lots of gifting and talent and a passion for life and a desire to serve the lord; must be discipled by faithful and trustworthy men and women. Unfortunately, there is always a small remnant of wolves that prowl around the outside of the church looking to pick off the young. This is what happened to William.
A brother from Virginia whom I've known for many years decided about 3 weeks ago that the messages that the Lord has been giving me were too hard and were hurting the Church. He began calling WM regularly to protest and advise WM that I was in rebellion - he spread rumors about me to WM and started him questioning whether or not my spirit was right; I mean look at him, divorced, bankrupt, unemployed - surely this isn't a guy who has his heart right... Can you see the pattern and how easy it would be for a young Christian to bite on the hook..?
Another brother from Texas, who has a ministry of his own and another website has been courting WM for some time now... I have money and I will help you become something, just let me contribute to your site, let me become one of your leadership members and I will help you take this thing places. Oh, the allure of riches; the venom that pours from the greedy and ambitious - playing on the strings of the heart, especially in hard times - its easy to see how it would be very tempting...
And then there is the hireling - the voice of the one who is trying to protect his status quo. After all, he worked very hard to build all this; and its a nice living - comfortable Southern California lifestyle. Ahhhh, makes me think of all the nice sunshine and nice people (I digress)... This Mike character is going to mess all that up if we let him continue to rant and moan about how the church needs to change and morph into something that looks like the Book of Acts. Who does he think he is anyways..? (how dare he read the Bible) This is the way we've always done church. We will pull WM aside and make sure he understands that we approach change from the inside (a proven model that fails every time) - he will lose interest over time and our kingdom will be protected...
So, here is how I see it. God brought WM to me to be discipled, JIMF was just the venue. Reason, God knew the voices he was surrounded by and knew that they would all eventually fail, using WM's talent but abandoning him when the dark days came. The Lord used JIMF to teach and train Gary and I for whatever is next. We will see where it all goes, but I can say what a peace we have about all this. We still very much love WM and will stand by him if he needs us to; when the others leave...
The guy from Virginia - what can I say.? He has part of the message right. It was time to disperse and go our ways, one to get a good spanking in the wood shed of life, the other two to move on to whatever the Lord had next for them, having passed the test. The part that he got wrong? His own religious, judgmental and arrogant spirit - for which he will now be taken to the woodshed. The lesson, when the Lord gives you some prophetic insight, make sure your spirit is right; and don't presume that he also called you to enforce the word of the Lord, rather, just to deliver it... Selah.
The guy from Texas; man is he in real trouble. For this guy is older in the Lord and knew exactly what he was doing. He can't plead ignorance nor can he wiggle his way out by claiming any acceptable excuses. May his soul find rest someday and hopefully his family will survive it all - having lost a son, I can tell you its one of the most heart wrenching experiences ever and I wouldn't wish that experience on anybody - so pray for his family please...
If anything changes, I will write about it. In the meantime, I have recorded the experience for future learning and I will now move on. Just so's ya'll know, I have sent an email to those who perpetrated these actions and expressed my love to them - I don't hold anything against them all, just wish I could've helped them avoid all this.
It seems that this happens a lot in the church. Been happening to me about once a year; getting used to it. Not sure that's a good thing though - but hey, at least I still have my sense of humor, and my spiritual senses are getting honed better each time... Blessings, MM
Let me explain how such things happen in the church. Young believers, with lots of gifting and talent and a passion for life and a desire to serve the lord; must be discipled by faithful and trustworthy men and women. Unfortunately, there is always a small remnant of wolves that prowl around the outside of the church looking to pick off the young. This is what happened to William.
A brother from Virginia whom I've known for many years decided about 3 weeks ago that the messages that the Lord has been giving me were too hard and were hurting the Church. He began calling WM regularly to protest and advise WM that I was in rebellion - he spread rumors about me to WM and started him questioning whether or not my spirit was right; I mean look at him, divorced, bankrupt, unemployed - surely this isn't a guy who has his heart right... Can you see the pattern and how easy it would be for a young Christian to bite on the hook..?
Another brother from Texas, who has a ministry of his own and another website has been courting WM for some time now... I have money and I will help you become something, just let me contribute to your site, let me become one of your leadership members and I will help you take this thing places. Oh, the allure of riches; the venom that pours from the greedy and ambitious - playing on the strings of the heart, especially in hard times - its easy to see how it would be very tempting...
And then there is the hireling - the voice of the one who is trying to protect his status quo. After all, he worked very hard to build all this; and its a nice living - comfortable Southern California lifestyle. Ahhhh, makes me think of all the nice sunshine and nice people (I digress)... This Mike character is going to mess all that up if we let him continue to rant and moan about how the church needs to change and morph into something that looks like the Book of Acts. Who does he think he is anyways..? (how dare he read the Bible) This is the way we've always done church. We will pull WM aside and make sure he understands that we approach change from the inside (a proven model that fails every time) - he will lose interest over time and our kingdom will be protected...
So, here is how I see it. God brought WM to me to be discipled, JIMF was just the venue. Reason, God knew the voices he was surrounded by and knew that they would all eventually fail, using WM's talent but abandoning him when the dark days came. The Lord used JIMF to teach and train Gary and I for whatever is next. We will see where it all goes, but I can say what a peace we have about all this. We still very much love WM and will stand by him if he needs us to; when the others leave...
The guy from Virginia - what can I say.? He has part of the message right. It was time to disperse and go our ways, one to get a good spanking in the wood shed of life, the other two to move on to whatever the Lord had next for them, having passed the test. The part that he got wrong? His own religious, judgmental and arrogant spirit - for which he will now be taken to the woodshed. The lesson, when the Lord gives you some prophetic insight, make sure your spirit is right; and don't presume that he also called you to enforce the word of the Lord, rather, just to deliver it... Selah.
The guy from Texas; man is he in real trouble. For this guy is older in the Lord and knew exactly what he was doing. He can't plead ignorance nor can he wiggle his way out by claiming any acceptable excuses. May his soul find rest someday and hopefully his family will survive it all - having lost a son, I can tell you its one of the most heart wrenching experiences ever and I wouldn't wish that experience on anybody - so pray for his family please...
If anything changes, I will write about it. In the meantime, I have recorded the experience for future learning and I will now move on. Just so's ya'll know, I have sent an email to those who perpetrated these actions and expressed my love to them - I don't hold anything against them all, just wish I could've helped them avoid all this.
It seems that this happens a lot in the church. Been happening to me about once a year; getting used to it. Not sure that's a good thing though - but hey, at least I still have my sense of humor, and my spiritual senses are getting honed better each time... Blessings, MM
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
As the Dust Settles...
Ok, so the last two days were akin to something out of an old "B" rated Armageddon movie for me and many of the members of the Jesusismyfriend.com site. A lot of swords were swinging and accusations abounded, but it seems the beautiful oil of the Holy Ghost has been abundantly poured out upon us old dumb sheep so that we wouldn't hurt each other too badly...
The battlefront is quieting down now and cooler heads are hopefully beginning to prevail. What an interesting experience; to see just how everybody responded... The various positions and opinions on what should be done - who should repent and who should be in charge, who should be scolded and who should explain. Like the large family that we are, when Uncle Fred tries to kiss cousin Susie and she slaps him on the head we all had our say and watched as the various responses were logged for all to see.
Hey, if nothing else, transparency ruled the masses; not WM though - still hiding in the shadows he is. I'm thinking he is afraid to come out and play because when little Billy was playing with those matches it was just sooooo much fun; until the forest caught on fire. Then it was time to run and hide if yaknowhatamean... ;)
So we will see where it all goes - and I will try my best to record the experience so we can all learn what happens when little ones play with matches; or should I say older ones who are young in the spirit decide to crown themselves king for a day when it wasn't authorized by the King...
Gary and I have moved on - we were told by God to do this and just because the third guy decided to jump out of the ship doesn't mean we have to get thrown out of the ship by the crew... Check us out at our new site www.theway21.com and pray for us as we have to reconstitute the ministry that the Lord gave us - sucks that we have to do so much rework, but hey, what would life be like if it was all boring all the time, right..? MM
The battlefront is quieting down now and cooler heads are hopefully beginning to prevail. What an interesting experience; to see just how everybody responded... The various positions and opinions on what should be done - who should repent and who should be in charge, who should be scolded and who should explain. Like the large family that we are, when Uncle Fred tries to kiss cousin Susie and she slaps him on the head we all had our say and watched as the various responses were logged for all to see.
Hey, if nothing else, transparency ruled the masses; not WM though - still hiding in the shadows he is. I'm thinking he is afraid to come out and play because when little Billy was playing with those matches it was just sooooo much fun; until the forest caught on fire. Then it was time to run and hide if yaknowhatamean... ;)
So we will see where it all goes - and I will try my best to record the experience so we can all learn what happens when little ones play with matches; or should I say older ones who are young in the spirit decide to crown themselves king for a day when it wasn't authorized by the King...
Gary and I have moved on - we were told by God to do this and just because the third guy decided to jump out of the ship doesn't mean we have to get thrown out of the ship by the crew... Check us out at our new site www.theway21.com and pray for us as we have to reconstitute the ministry that the Lord gave us - sucks that we have to do so much rework, but hey, what would life be like if it was all boring all the time, right..? MM
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