WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT THE CHURCH

Originally posted in April, 2010, I felt led to post it again. It is so easy to take our eyes off Jesus and become so discouraged that we fail to see the good in anything including the church. It was at such a moment that the Holy Spirit convicted me and I began to think about what a blessing The Church has been throughout my life.




Recently, Steve was talking with a man who wanted to change his life. He confessed that his attempt to change on his own wasn’t working; he could be good for a short time and then his desires would overwhelm his efforts. Steve, of course, began to tell him that being filled with the Holy Spirit was his answer. It is only through the Holy Spirit that we have the power to overcome our sinful nature. As the conversation continued, the reasons for his resistance began to spill out; he had been failed by the Church. It wasn’t really “The Church” but people who claimed to be members of “The Church.” He had been betrayed by people who talked “Christianese” but didn’t carry it through to the action phase. BEEN THERE!!!

I have yet to find an individual who has NOT been disappointed by a church member or a church member who has NOT disappointed someone. I have been let down by pastors, SS teachers, Christian “friends,” choir members and the list goes on. Sometimes as I sit quietly on a Sunday afternoon, I realize that I am the one who disappointed that member who needed encouragement, a friend or someone just to care. Yes, The Church is full of imperfect people; people who get angry, act hateful, betray trust, are insensitive and even sin; people just like you and me.

If you talk to enough disgruntled people or read enough religious news you will begin to get the picture that The Church is just a “Club for Hypocrites.” Is there anything good about The Church? This is an excerpt from a devotional by Christopher J. Harris called The Church Has My Vote. I’ve seen church members that take their faith serious and walk that out in their daily lives. I’ve seen Pastors have such an encounter with God that they live what they preach. I’ve seen choir members that were the same righteous people in public and in private. I’ve seen more preachers that were committed to their wives than I have seen the opposite. I’ve seen more Deacons support their Pastor’s than the opposite. I’ve seen church members that love people so much that they’ve given money, time, and their talents just to help someone that they’ve only met a few minutes ago. I’ve seen people cry together and laugh together. I’ve seen men connect with other men when otherwise there were walls of mistrust. I’ve seen women get restored when they’d decided they would never trust again……….That’s the other reason why I’m sold out to the church. It doesn’t belong to any one person. It is God’s!

I was introduced to the church at 10 months old and 54 years later, I still love The Church. It was a place where I learned to love God’s Word. Beginning with wonderful Sunday School teachers who lovingly taught me not just Bible stories but the awesome truths they contained. I had pastors that cared about their congregations and sacrificed personal opportunities to follow the call of God and preach salvation to lovable and unlovable sinners. It was surrounded by The Church that I gave my heart to God and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit at 9 years old. It was The Church that encouraged an awkward teenager to sing, teach and learn to play the piano, and then use her talents for God. Church has always been a place of safety, where I could feel an arm around me as I poured my heart out to God. There are so many good things about The Church but the best thing about The Church is that I have been accepted as a member. Now it’s up to me. My behavior and attitude will determine if seeking people can find something good about The Church. Will they find welcoming arms or an exclusive club with a closed membership? Will they find the truth of God’s Word or an ear-tickling, back-slapping homily that leaves them unchanged? Will they find the power of the Holy Ghost or dead religion? God, help me to be a part of what’s good about The Church.

IT DOES MATTER - A WOMAN'S PERSPECTIVE

MODESTY - regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress; simplicity; moderation. Synonyms include constraint, inhibition, innocence, propriety, reticence, chastity.

In our modern world, modesty seems to be one of the concepts that we can give a dictionary definition for but have trouble defining in regards to our person. For several years society and the church were on the same page when it came to MODESTY, as many of our laws will reflect. Then we entered the era of “personal liberation” in which society deleted the word MODESTY from its vocabulary and seemed to be at war with the church. Sadly, enough, the church and society are closing the MODESTY definition gap once again and it appears that society is winning.

Many pastors have obviously made the decision, “why fight it, I’ll just ignore it or perhaps join it.” Others are so afraid of being called “legalistic” that they too have erased the word, modesty, from their vocabulary, sermons and Bible studies. It is becoming a lost Biblical truth and we are raising up a generation of young people who are not even aware that modesty is one of the Godly principles in the Bible.

This was made evident to me recently when I reposted the following conversation from a friend, “Me to Sweet-Young-Thing in her daisy-dukes & bikini top, "I love having you come over, but you are going to have to cover up. I'm keeping my house a safe place for my husband/boys eyes/hearts" long conversation ensued, followed by SWT- "I wish MY mom would keep our home a safe place for my dad’s eyes/heart". Train up a child....” Having raised two boys, I can totally relate to this mother’s heart. I, too, tried to keep our home a safe place for my son’s eyes and hearts because I knew there were too many unsafe places that would try to steal their hearts and minds from the things of God. This posting of course caused quite a stir. Many posted that they agreed but some disagreed and gave their reasons. The most prevalent disagreement was that men’s eyes, hearts and minds were their responsibility. Men must be mature enough to just say no and turn away. Why should women have any responsibility in the matter? We should be able to wear and show whatever we desire; it is our bodies and “guys, keep your eyeballs in your head!” Is this true? Does it matter what we as women wear? Am I my brother’s keeper? Is there a Godly principle that addresses this issue without going into legalism?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reads, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE #1: YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN FOR YOU ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE. It doesn’t matter what society tells you if you have committed your life to Jesus Christ, you don’t have a right to do anything you choose to do with your body. This includes the places you go, the words that come out of your mouth, the things you put into your mouth, or up your nose, the things you put in front of your eyes, what you listen to with your ears, what you do with your hands (including inappropriate gestures) and yes, what you put on your body. Jesus paid a high price to redeem you and if you belong to Him the only right you have is to GLORIFY GOD in your body and in your spirit.

Romans 14: 13 says, “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” Verse 21, “It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak”

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE #2: DO NOT DO ANYTHING WHICH CAUSES YOUR BROTHER TO STUMBLE, BE OFFENDED OR BE MADE WEAK. When we make a decision to join the Family of God, we are extended a privilege by God to become His sons and daughters, thereby gaining brothers and sisters. With privileges come responsibilities. One of our responsibilities is to help guard our sisters and brothers from stumbling. Now that does not mean that we have to lead them over every pitfall or be responsible for their actions but we MUST be responsible for our personal actions that could put a stumbling block in their path. Stumbling blocks could include sharing gossip or unseemly stories, inviting them to go with you to a venue that would feed their personal struggles and yes, even wearing articles of clothing that enhance or reveal body parts that could place impure thoughts in their minds. The comment was made that a lustful person is going to lust regardless of what another person is wearing. That is true but what about the young man who is struggling and is not mature enough to know how to say no? What about our husbands, sons, fathers or brothers who may be doing everything within their power to live a pure and Godly life? Biblical Principle #2 says, “Don’t make it more difficult for them by putting your scantily clothed body in their way.”

Exodus 20:12 “Honor thy father and mother.” Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;” 1 Peter 2:17 “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” 1 Thessalonians 4:4 “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor.”

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE #3: HONOR; WE ARE TO HONOR OUR FATHERS, OUR HUSBANDS, OUR BROTHERS, AND OURSELVES. Another word for honor is respect; we are to respect one another and respect ourselves. When we display ourselves in an immodest fashion we are disrespecting or dishonoring our Fathers, Husbands, Brothers and Sons. Also when a scantily clad woman displays herself in front of my Husband and Sons, it is dishonoring me. Furthermore, putting on clothing that would cause anyone to look at you with impure thoughts is dishonoring yourself.

My dear, dear sisters our clothing DOES matter. It’s quite simple, every morning ask yourself, “Does my ensemble displease or bring glory to God, would it cast a stumbling block in someone’s path and does it honor or dishonor the men in my life?” As women we will never get away from the desire to be fashionable, decorate ourselves with clothing unique to our personality and surround ourselves with beautiful things. That is exactly how God wired us. If the world was left up to our men we would live in a black, gray, and brown world. So go for it, bring out the beautiful colors and silky feminine fabrics, buy shoes to match and crazy handbags but don’t leave Godly Principles out of your selection.

Mary K. Mohler sums it up best, “May God give us both the desire and the wisdom to live lives that are holy in every aspect. A lost world is watching.”

ENTERING THE DANGER ZONE

We love to watch football and today's news that the NFL is close to reaching a deal is exciting news to many of my family members. Most autumn weekends will find us watching University of Michigan on Saturday and the Chicago Bears on Sunday. My husband and two sons define a good football game as a “Chicago Bear Win” but as all football fans can testify; sometimes you win “ugly.” Every football team walks onto the football field with a game plan in hand that they are sure will guarantee a win. If the plan is followed exactly and everything goes according to plan, then absolutely, a win is guaranteed. Now, I have watched football for over 35 years and I have never witnessed a game that followed the coach’s game plan exactly. Number 1, no matter how solid the game plan is, the coach has no knowledge of the rival team’s game plan and how to account for their “surprise” plays. Number 2, the players are human and the game plan cannot counteract human failure to perform. There will be dropped balls, fumbled snaps, pulled muscles, twisted ankles and missed extra points. Sometimes teams can compensate for their mistakes or capitalize on the other team’s errors and still come out on top. The team that wins consistently, however, will be the team that doesn’t allows mistakes or distractions to get in the way even when they have ENTERED THE DANGER ZONE.

What is the DANGER ZONE? After many years, I have observed that the most dangerous period for a team immediately after scoring, is the next possession by their opponents. They have achieved a goal and in their euphoria they deviate from the game plan. Their success becomes a distraction. Many times the opponent will have a great run back on the kickoff or score on a long pass down field. The team must be ever vigilant as they enter the GAME DANGER ZONE.

How many times have I watched this scenario play in other areas of my life? One day I am praising the Lord for victory only to allow Satan to score by wondering how God is going to lead me out of the next day’s dilemma. The Children of Israel are a prime example. God miraculously delivered them from Pharaoh, yet they stood panic stricken at the Red Sea. God gave them water from a rock and manna from Heaven but they feared weakness from a lack of protein. The disciples participated as Jesus fed the 5,000, and then questioned His ability to take them through the storm on the Sea of Galilee. If at all possible, Satan will attack you immediately following a wonderful blessing or victory by placing doubt in the way of climbing your next mountain. You cannot allow your success to distract you from Satan’s devices. Your weakest moment may come after your greatest victory; you have entered LIFE’S DANGER ZONE.

Whatever your challenge is today, step into it without fear. Enlarge your territory and set your goals high. Outline a strategy with mini-goals along the way. Every victory does not automatically signal an impending defeat. If you suffer a setback, reassess your position, tweak your strategy and keep pressing on toward the prize. Most importantly trust in the “Coach” and His game plan. He knows all the other team’s “trick plays” and He has never had a losing season. Celebrate each success and be aware of LIFE’S DANGER ZONE.

YOUR ANSWER IS ON THE WAY

Steve and I have been fasting and praying for a mighty move of God at Cornerstone. On Friday morning, I felt such a powerful presence of the Lord in my living room as I prayed. Then about 1:00 Friday afternoon, I was watching Louisiana District camp meeting online when suddenly the Holy Ghost spoke to me and said, "You have your answer, it is on the way." I was so overcome, that I got up from my computer and began to dance in the Spirit all over my house for about 20 minutes. Anyone who knows me is aware that is NOT my normal behavior. When Steve came home from work, I shared what God had told me and we rejoiced together.

Sunday morning, I got up early to pray, asking God for a mighty move of His Spirit in our service. We arrived at church for 10:00 prayer and as we began to worship and intercede for the morning service, I received a vision from God. In the vision I was in the throne room of Heaven, on my knees in supplication before the Lord. As I began to pray, asking for a move of His Spirit, Jesus stood up, stepped down from the throne, with arms out stretched and walked toward me. I knew; the answer was on the way and it was the Holy Ghost; the move I had been praying for. All I could do was praise, worship and speak in tongues.

During Sunday School, I continued to quietly pray in the Spirit. The Mighty Presence lasted all through the praise and worship. But as Steve began to preach, I felt an oppressive spirit begin to move in. Again I began to pray, rebuking the devil in Jesus Name, claiming the anointing for the Word that was being preached and liberty for the preacher. The devil had to flee! During the altar service a couple of people came up to pray, but God was not done. Some more made their way up to the front and the wave continued. Suddenly, the Spirit of the Holy Ghost came down full force and swept the congregation. Sister Pat gave a message in tongues and interpretation. I came down off the piano and fell at the altar, as did others. The altar was filled with hungry hearts and the sound of travail, worship and praying in the Spirit filled the sanctuary. Every time it would die down another wave would begin. What a refreshing. The answer was and is a move of the Holy Ghost. God had made me a promise on Friday; the answer was on the way. I am still feeling the thrill from this morning and looking for the wave to keep going as we continue to pray and seek His face.

Every Sunday, the reports start pouring in over the internet of the mighty move of the Holy Ghost all over the world. God wants to move in our hearts and lives and in our churches. The key? PRAYER, SEEKING THE FACE OF GOD, PRESSING IN, DETERMINATION, AND NOT GIVING UP UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR ANSWER.

We read in the Bible where Jacob wrestled with the angel and would not let go until he received his blessing. Is a move of the Holy Ghost worth enough to us that we are willing to seek God and hold on until we receive our blessing? Is the answer you seek worth sacrificing a meal and a few hours of prayer every week? Are the souls that are coming to be saved worth your travail? I say, “YES LORD, YES LORD, YES, YES LORD.” The Holy Ghost has been unleashed on our congregation. This is just the beginning for Cornerstone Apostolic Church in Morristown, TN. To quote T.D. Jakes, “GET READY, GET READY, GET READY!”

WHEN PASSION MATCHES HUNGER, YOU’RE GONNA EAT!

There have been times I’ve been “kind of” hungry but nothing really sounds good. I rummage through the pantry and finally settle for whatever is handy. But then there are times when I am hungry for a donut. A cookie, a piece of pie or chocolate candy won’t do; I want a donut!!! It doesn’t matter if I have to drive to the donut shop across town, I will not be satisfied until I am eating a donut. That is passion!


Hunger identifies the emptiness inside that needs to be filled. Hunger lets you know that something is missing. Passion, on the other hand, is the driving force that moves you into action on behalf of the hunger. Passion says I’ve identified the need and I will stop at nothing to fill that need. Every mother can relate to the hungry wail of a baby. You may be in the middle of an important project or involved in your favorite activity but when the baby’s hunger intensifies and its passion rises to the same level, everyone in the house including Mama is going to know that something must be done, NOW!

We read in Mark 10 of a man named Bartimeus who was blind. I am not sure if he was born blind or experienced an accident or illness, the Bible doesn’t give us much history concerning Bartimeus, except he was blind and sat by the road begging. No doubt this day began the same as every other day; stumbling to wash his face, throw on a cloak and make his way to the road, hoping someone would have mercy on him so that he might buy his daily bread. He had learned to cope with his lack of sight. True, something was missing but what could he do about his misfortunate. Little did he know as he sat asking for alms that this was his day. His ear caught bits and pieces of conversation, “Jesus of Nazareth was passing down this very road.” A stirring of hope began to push his passion toward his hunger and he began to cry, “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.” The Bible tells us that many tried to quiet him but when passion matches hunger, you’re gonna eat!!! Instead of quietly melting into the crowd, Mark 10:48 says, “but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” At that point the most beautiful thing happened, Mark 10:49, “And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called.” This was the day, the moment that his passion matched his hunger, his need was met; Bartimeus was no longer blind.

There are many more examples of passion matching hunger. A woman with an issue of blood was no longer satisfied to go from one physician to the next only to be told there was no hope. When she heard Jesus was in town, her passion caused her to push and press her way through the crowd. Zacchaeus needed salvation. As his passion matched his hunger, he began to climb a tree. Somehow, he must get to Jesus. Jesus saw him and said, “This day is salvation come to this house.” A roof was torn off, an alabaster box was broken and a little girl was raised all because PASSION MATCHED HUNGER!!!

Back to the baby, he may fuss a little until Mama sticks a pacifier in his mouth to lull him back to sleep. As long as the baby is satisfied with the pacifier, he will starve to death. But let his passion match his hunger and he is gonna eat. What is it you want from God? Have you allowed life to stick a pacifier in your mouth to appease your desire? You will never get anything worthwhile as long as you are satisfied with the pacifier. When you finally begin to get hungry for a move of the Holy Ghost and your passion rises to the same level, GOD IS GONNA MOVE AND YOU ARE GONNA EAT!!!

DECLARE YOUR INDEPENDENCE

On July 4, 1776, the Colonies declared Independence from England. As of that date it was only a declaration, their freedom had not yet been won. The colonists were not deceived into thinking that merely writing a declaration would secure their independence. There was still a war to be fought. There must have been time of discouragement and battles that were lost, but the Colonists fought on. Finally, on September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed; the Americans were victorious and free.

If there is something in your life that is controlling you, declare your independence today, July 4, 2011. Be prepared to fight. You will win some battles and lose others but remember a battle is not the war. If it is a spiritual battle, Satan will come up with a new strategy every time you win a victory. If it is a physical or emotional battle, be prepared to meet that which you are trying to conquer face to face every day. Phenomenal bargains and the latest gadget will present opportunities to deter you from financial battles. If you can keep your eyes on the goal you will be victorious. I challenge you to write your Declaration today, prepare for battle, and start to fight tomorrow.

“I am endowed by the Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To continue to enjoy those rights, I must become disciplined and learn to say NO!!! From this day forward, I declare my independence and will no longer be under the control of my desires and passions but will control their use thereof.”

God bless you, God bless America and Happy Independence Day.

LET FREEDOM RING

Monday, we celebrate the 235th birthday of the United States of America. It all began with a declaration of independence birthed in the heart of a people who were tired of being in bondage to an abusive government.

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,

It seems there are many Americans who degrade this great country yet still want to enjoy all the benefits of citizenship. The wife of one prominent politician made this statement a few years ago, “for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country.” Hollywood stars declare that if their candidate is not elected or certain laws are not passed/repealed, they will move to Canada, Great Britain, or France. Former MN Governor, Jesse Ventura stated that his government had lied to him several times and he could not believe anything they said. Yet he was a part of that government and considered running for the Senate. Citizens burn flags, hold protest rallies and declare their opposition to current policies all because we live in freedom in the greatest country on earth. I declare that I feel blessed to have been born in the United States and I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.

On October 9, 1966, I declared my independence from Satan and the bondage of his abusive government. I was born into the Family of God and awarded citizenship in Heaven. This citizenship comes with rights and privileges, such as: the right to live in freedom from the bondage of sin, the right to have someone raise up a standard and fight my battles, the right to live free from the fear of death, the right to live free from pain and want, and the privilege to be called a Daughter of God. Here are some excerpts from my spiritual Declaration of Independence.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. 33They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed

Romans 8:12 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God; they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Today in Christianity as in the United States, there are those who are no longer proud of their salvation experience and try to blend in with those who have not been born again. Others declare that it is bondage and threaten to leave the church for “more freedom.” Many, because of past hurts and experiences, declare God has failed them and His policies no longer deserve their vote. I declare today that I am thankful for my born again experience and PROUD TO BE A CHRISTIAN.

As we celebrate Independence Day, thank God for His saving grace and the United States of America for our liberty and LET FREEDOM RING.