Be Thankful!

This is a re-post from 11/24/11. Blessings!

 

...Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

~ Col. 3: 12-15 NLT

     We have so much to be thankful for every day. In spite of the many historical controversies surrounding Thanksgiving Day, thankfulness should be a part of every day if we have life. Even if everything around us is going completely wrong, we can still give thanks and praise to God:

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

~Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)

       Being thankful doesn't mean that we are in denial about our situation, it is really about humbling ourselves and trusting God to work things out for us in His way.  We give thanks in the midst of the situation, (not for it) and believe by faith that He will give us wisdom, guidance, and peace until we get through it, knowing that He always has our best intrests at heart.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

~1 Thess. 5:18 (NLT)

        There are many who will say that they have absolutely nothing to be grateful for, and are angry at God for the way their lives are going. The Word says that people would be increasingly ungrateful in the last days..

...in the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.

~1 Tim 3:1-3

     Don't be counted among the ungrateful ones! Give thanks and praise to God at all times. He's done so much for us that we can never thank Him enough. Have a Happy Thanksgiving today, and every day.

Don't Get Caught Up!

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.   Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

~ James 1:16 (NKJV)

     Every few years, another newly found doctrine or fad comes into the church and creates a buzz. I am constantly reminded of what the church mothers used to say a long time ago: "If it's new, it ain't true". God's Word does not change, and although there is no limit to how He may choose to manifest Himself in our midst, He will never operate outside of the confines of His law, which is His Word. If God says or does something, you will find always the basis of it clearly stated in the Bible. 

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

~ 1 Cor. 12:4-7 (NIV)

    The gifts or manifestations of the Holy Spirit are listed in 1 Corinthians 12, and according to the Word, the purpose of these gifts are for the common good of people. We can hear from God for ourselves, but sometimes God can and will use others to speak a word from Him to us. Sometimes we need a miracle, or we need healing, and God knows how to bring what we need through others at exactly the right time. If you have a question as to whether or not something is from God, look it up in the Word! God has placed all kinds of checks and balances around us to keep us from being led astray. One of the reasons there is so much confusion and circus-like activity in many churches today is because we are not paying attention to God's Word and are allowing all kinds of strange practices to go on. If you don't believe this, go on You Tube and see some of the things that are being exalted in the House of God. You will see a man being crowned as king and paraded around in the church, preachers are using quasi-profanity to bring spice to their messages, and New Age gurus are getting platforms at what used to be Christ-centered events.  Where is God in all of this?

You crazy Galatians! Did someone put a hex on you? Have you taken leave of your senses? Something crazy has happened, for it’s obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives. His sacrifice on the cross was certainly set before you clearly enough.

~ Galatians 3:1 (MSG)

    Although it's true that everything in the Bible is not always clearly stated, if you have to stretch and twist the Word to make it fit something that you are doing, that's a sign that it's not from God. There is enough truth available so that no one has to go around making up new gifts and devising ways  to get a crowd to gather. Be careful of whom you allow to speak into your life or give you information that has its roots in occultic practices. By participating in this, you are giving the enemy access to your soul, and tainting your ministry. Discern the source of people who are quick to offer spiritual methods in finding your destiny and life purpose outside of prayer, fasting, preparation and being led of God. No matter what anyone says,the only power for a Christian is in the Name of Jesus! 

   It's never popular to not follow the crowd, but in these times, letting the crowd go ahead of you is often the safest choice to make. Be prayerful, be watchful, and don't get caught up!

A Few Questions...

    

  God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.
~ Gal. 5:22 (CEV)
 

     At the beginning of a new year, we often stop to ask ourselves where we are, where we're going, and how we plan to get there. We also look back at past years and think about the various mistakes we've made along the way, to make sure that we avoid those pitfalls that will hinder our future progress. Now that I've said this, I'm going to go out on a limb and ask a few questions: Why is there so much nastiness, cattiness and cliquishness in the dance ministry? Before you answer, think about the number of dancers that you know, and look at some of the numerous videos of dance all over YouTube and other sites. Have you noticed that in some churches there are more people dancing than sitting in the congregation? These are not rehearsal tapes, these are actual church services where dance is going on. Do you ever wonder what many of the dancers would do, or where they would be, if there was no dance ministry?  Yes, God is the judge...so this is not judgment, it's just an observation of what the dance ministry has become. The popularity of dance in church has grown exponentially, but is the growth affecting the number of people coming into God's Kingdom, or is it just another activity to add to the program? Why are so many people being  mistreated at the hands of leaders who may be excellent performers and creative spirits, but have no idea or concern as to how to love others?  Why have so many dancers left the ministry, and no one has gone after them? Why is being "ministry-minded" more important than having the mind of Christ? Do we understand that a minister is a servant, and having a ministry means that we serve other people, and not the other way around? What happened to the saying we all learned in Vacation Bible School: "Christ first, others second, self last"?

Do to others as you would like them to do to you.~ Luke 6:31 (NLT)
 

   There are many dancers who love Christ and only want to worship Him with their whole hearts, yet there are still not enough servants in the ministry today. Do you know how I know this? Look at the number of praise dance competitions and showcases that are being put on in the name of ministry. Listen carefully to the conversations, and look at the ads and promos for recognition for Best Choreography, Best Garments, Best Make-up and vying for spots along celebrities on award shows. It's wonderful to honor people for their contributions to the world, but when constant award giving becomes the focus and center of every gathering, who is really getting the glory? Remember, whenever there is a "Best" of something, then there can only be one winner, which immediately opens the door for competition because everyone wants to win! We should never settle for mediocrity, but the same spirit of competition that caused the enemy to be ousted from God's presence is the same one that has silently crept into the dance ministry...and is trying to compete with the anointing of God. If we are not careful, we can lose the presence of God because we are too focused on our works, how we look, and what we do, instead of keeping the heart of worship. Will you allow this to happen?  Are we willing to step away from our conference tables, garments, flags, music and choreography and put our focus back on Christ?  Has the dance ministry become our whole life?  Have we neglected family responsibilities to chase after a title in a dance organization?Are some of us even willing to admit that we really never had a relationship with Christ and just love to dance? What would some of us ever do if we ever found ourselves physically unable to dance for a long period of time? Would we still worship God? Can some of us honestly admit that we have rejected, mistreated, stepped on or over others, or really don't like people, but love being in leadership positions? Can we admit when we have done wrong, and  simply say: "I'm sorry"?

I will go much higher than the clouds. I will make myself like the Most High~Is. 14:14 (NLV)

The one thing I ask of the Lord, the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

delighting in the Lord’s perfections

and meditating in his Temple.~ Psalm 27:4 (NLV)

There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven that are hated by Him:  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that kill those who are without guilt,  a heart that makes sinful plans, feet that run fast to sin,  a person who tells lies about someone else, and one who starts fights among brothers.

~ Prov. 6: 16-19 (NLV)

     We are in the last days...Christ is coming soon. Don't be deceived and caught up in the spirit of this age, which glorifies the flesh and masquerades as God's way! We know better, and can do better. Selah...
 

House on Fire...

I know what you have done, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. But since you are lukewarm and not hot or cold, I’m going to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, ‘I’m rich. I’m wealthy. I don’t need anything.’ Yet, you do not realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.  I advise you: Buy gold purified in fire from me so that you may be rich. Buy white clothes from me. Wear them so that you may keep your shameful, naked body from showing. Buy ointment to put on your eyes so that you may see.  I correct and discipline everyone I love. Take this seriously, and change the way you think and act.  Look, I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I’ll come in and we’ll eat together. ~ Rev. 3:15-20 (GW)

 a house is on fire
and its foundation is burning to the ground
its frame engulfed by flames...
like Ichabod the glory has departed from its inner chambers
and its honor is long gone
respect has been destroyed
its faith has fallen out of context with reality
souls are dying inside of well -dressed bodies on display
with camera ready smiles on cue
but who is watching TV when the TV is really watching you?
people are tired of the games, the show and fakery
money changing hands like dozens at the bakery
going through the routine with nothing ever changing
except for the scenery
God is judging his people
from the pulpit to the walls
His spirit is grieved for us
because we fail to recognize and follow His way
we make mockery of His words and use them for unjust gain
mega ministers backslidden and living in sin behind closed doors
trying to decide which side of the fence to play on
being blindly followed by those who only shout and say "Amen"
with no real respect for holy things or love for others
titles have taken the place for real power
the hungry are expected to feed themselves
and blamed for their own demise
spirituality is just a game we play to get by
while the children are lost and forgotten
you have been commanded to care for the sheep
and devour them instead
a house is on fire
it’s just a social institution
a meeting place
a breakfast with no prayer at a table with no meal
a gathering with no oil
no real word
and a place to wander in and out of freely with no purpose
but remember that time is running out and this world will pass away
eternity waits at the end…
and where will you be then?

selah

Don't Give Up!

"...Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!”

~ 1 Kings 19:18 (NLT)

Have you ever felt like giving up, or walking away and never looking back from the worship arts ministry due to all of the competition, compromise, and other ungodly behavior that you have witnessed?  Do you feel that participating in dance, drama or music ministries is just not worth it anymore because of being mistreated, taken for granted, disrespected, or intimidated?  What about being:

• persecuted
• ostracized
• criticized
• exploited
• lied on
• talked about
• excluded
• humiliated
• threatened
• etc...

Guess what...you're in good company! Elijah the prophet was on a mission from God. He challenged the prophets of Baal to see who the true and Living God was, and destroyed them and their altars. When Ahab's wife, Queen Jezebel learned of this, she threatened him with death...and Elijah went on the run. Queen Jezebel's goal was to overthrow the worship of God, and would destroy anyone who got in her way:

When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal.  So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.”

 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there.  Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” 1 Kings 19: 1-4 (NLT)

Imagine for a moment, what Elisha must have been feeling. He had done everything that God commanded, and was now running from Jezebel's threats. He knew that she was very capable of making good on them, and went to find shelter in a cave. But look at God's response:

[...And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

 He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

 Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram.  Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.  Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha!  Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!"~ 1 Kings 19: 13-18 (NLT)

Something to Think About...

      I heard a message one Sunday morning entitled: “When It All Falls Apart, What Will You Do?” In light of  recent events, what is really important? The things that happen in one part of our world could happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. The devastation in Japan is one of many that have literally rocked the foundations of unsuspecting people, and no one has the right to say “This is God’s judgment on them because…(fill in the blank)”. In fact, the Word says the opposite:

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
 (Luke 13:1-5 NIV)

     No one understands why these things happen but when they do, they affect us all. We are all connected to others in some way, whether it is by blood, friendship, aquaintance or just because we all share the earth as our temporary home to carry out our God-given purpose. This is not the time to make comparisons of how one group of people respond to tragedy vs. another, or to start making doomsday prophecies. It is time to stop, think about the direction that we are going in, and make sure that we are found doing God's will. Let the pettiness go...if you have something that you need to settle with a friend, enemy or family member, do it today! Because when it all falls apart...what will really matter?

     Please enjoy this thought-provoking video of "Homeless" by Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Sarah McClachlan...