Archive for the ‘Leadership’ Category
Pentecostal Driftwood Dealers
Pentecostal Driftwood Dealers
Driftwood was once a strong growing limb connected to a tree trunk. It received its nourishment and source of strength from its roots. But, something happened that forever changed its appearance and characteristics. The harshness of the wind and sea forever marked it as unsuitable for residential or commercial construction. Lumber Yards do not sell driftwood.
Now and then, in coastal areas, a passerby may spot a store that seems to specialize in driftwood.
As a rule, the best that one can expect it to be now is a space filler or maybe an ornament. It can be painted, sprayed, bleached, washed, stained, and overlaid, but it is still what it is.
Most of us look at its unusual formations and decide whether or not it’s something we would like to look at all the time. Occasionally, pieces are picked up by some and taken home. Sometimes, a piece of driftwood is used as decoration on the lawn or flower bed.
If a cottage is located on a beach and a storm brings driftwood on the property, it’s next residing place is the county dump. Or, at best, dried out and used for firewood.
Driftwood dealers are unusual at best. The strangest driftwood dealers of all are the… Pentecostal Driftwood Dealers.
Some Pentecostal Churches seem to have a custom of keeping all the driftwood that appears in their pews. At best, it only fills space.
But, What Do You Expect To Build Out Of Driftwood?
Do those Pentecostal Driftwood Dealers ever wonder or ask where the driftwood came from, or why it detached itself from its source? Do they ever trace its back trail and call the former pastor? No? Why not? Sadly, some Driftwood Dealers play finders keepers.
Driftwood Has Also Been Called:
- Flotsam
- Jetsam
- Debris
- Wash-out
- Wreckage
- Junk
- Trash
- Waste
- Scrap
And, about sixty more names on https://www.powerthesaurus.org/driftwood/synonyms
Pastor… Is This The Material You Expect To Use To Build Your Church?
How can you better your congregation by taking in someone who left their home church because they had a problem with Holiness or Standards?
Why let someone who has a problem Submitting to their Pastor’s Authority influence your congregation?
Warning!!! Their past Moral problems may easily continue.
If you expect driftwood to once again become connected to any root system you will be disappointed. You do know that what floats in, may also float back out? Is it the need for numbers that drive you to take in whatever you can regardless of the cost?
Are you so dishonest and unscrupulous that you never pick up a phone and call their former pastor? Or, even ask for a letter? Your greed for new members cheapens your ministry.
Who was your pastor? Why weren’t you even taught the basics of ministerial ethics? What keeps you from just sending the driftwood back to where it came from or let it continue on its way? Are you happy being known among your brethren as a Driftwood Dealer? Good men will question that about you, and if you persist, they may also question other things about you as well.
Ministerial ethics doesn’t carry any particular color of fellowship card. One is either ethical or not ethical at all. How can you consider yourself ethical when you keep what is not yours?
God Has A Problem With Those Who Keep Their Neighbors Sheep When It Strays Into Their Pasture.
Lev 6:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Lev 6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
Lev 6:3 Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:
Lev 6:4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,
Lev 6:5 Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.
Lev 6:6 And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:
Lev 6:7 And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.
*If God Required Gopher Wood For The Building Of Noah’s Ark…
*If He Demanded That Acacia Wood Used In The Construction Of The Tabernacle…
*Then Know That The Lord Is Particular And Will Not Build His Church Out Of Driftwood!
God Detests Driftwood Dealers.
Neighbor Pastors Detest Them As Well.
Sir? Are You A Pastor According To God’s Heart, Or Just A Driftwood Dealer?
What Type Of Spiritual Leader Are You?
Guest Blog By Ramona Yandris
Ramona Yandris
My Sister, Ramona Yandris is married to Bishop Nathan Yandris. They have served for many years at Faith Tabernacle Apostolic Church, Tracy, CA. She has served a lifetime as a gifted Speaker, Musician, Singer, and Music Director. May her words be a blessing to you!
What Type Of Spiritual Leader Are You?
This is in no way meant to reference any one person… this is just the musings and thoughts while studying God’s Word.
Great Spiritual Leadership has always caused a great and notable outcome! It is getting harder to find Spiritual leaders that rise up in this day and age and lead with no guile. (Hear me out before you judge) But when they do… The Miraculous happens! In this day, when pulpit ministry looks so glamorous….when crowds follow speakers to every conference to “hear” a sermon… then we raise up a “glorified speaker!”
If that same speaker… builds a church… rolls up his sleeves… also puts his shoulder to the wheel, outreaches his own community, tends to his own flock tirelessly, prays for the sick, gives to the poor, lifts a hand to the down and out, builds faith and instills Gods Word in his congregation and actually “Leads” then he raises up ministers and workers in the “Harvest” under him who also will replicate his work!
We learn so much from each leader…
- Some are called to evangelize…
- Some are called to be Apostles…
- Some are called to Pastor…
- Some are called as Prophets…
- Some are called to teach…
Then there are secondary leaders, those who are called to “help.” Someone who feels supporting the ministry they were called into as essential in upholding the arms of God’s man! They defend Him. They take the load off of him. They love him for what he is and are loyal to the cause, seeking nothing in return! This is a rare gem in ministry to find such a secondary leader as most only want advancement and the ultimate spotlight. Although most are called to advance further, it is refreshing and a blessing to see someone understand and walk in this secondary leadership role hand in hand with God’s appointed leader.
Sadly, in this day we rely on a vote for a man (most times it is necessary) and have gotten away from a man who was so in tune with the Holy Ghost that he could say with power and knowledge, “God has called me to ???,” and then wade through many adversities until a monument for Christ is built to Glorify God and win the lost! My proverbial hat is off to church builders who work it from the ground up. They literally give everything to the Kingdom of God. The next man stepping in reaps the rewards with no labor… seems not fair… right?
I began to think what story certain leaders in the Bible left us with that revealed traits like character, strength, honor, dishonor, compassion, True Agape love, dishonest, Loyal/disloyal, offended, cruel, harsh, gentle, Anointed, prayerful, righteous, lovers of God more than lovers of self, and steadfast. I ask myself, “How do so many with these obvious human flaws get used by God?” See, we humans think “YOU” (we don’t include ourselves in that exclusion) have to be perfect before we can be “used.” There are so many places God can use us all! We just have to first know and always remind ourselves that “Kingdom First” should be our motto.
If someone sings better than you, don’t attack them and use jealous tactics to get the part you crave. Be a team member in ministry!
Be the first to give up your seat at the piano/organ/bass/guitar/drums/bongos/tambourine/etc. if someone else can more skillfully bring others to worship. Yes, there is a place for us all but none of us own our positions. We should all ultimately be on the “Kingdom Team” and want God Glorified!
He literally can use ANYBODY! It just takes a WILLING and Anointed VESSEL!
So, in each church leadership, you might recognize some of the following traits in these biblical examples. See where you fit in or where you recognize the reference.
Let us also not be so quick to point our finger at the reference of others. There are always at least a few fingers pointing back at us. That is humbling!
Here goes…
The Elijah Leader!!!!
1 Kings 18:22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
Some are like Elijah. They operate in hopelessness. They think they are doing it all alone. They whine and gripe that they do it alone. They simply do not know how to delegate and use others. Sometimes God has to remind them that He has many more doing the same thing! We are not in this alone! We need and use each other to advance not our Kingdom but rather God’s Kingdom!
The Jezebel (wannabe) Leader
Jezebel. This spirit wants to control everything and everyone! It can be male or female.
Every spirit of control in the church that does not line up with the pulpit, the man of God and God’s Word is OUT OF ORDER! You are an accident waiting to happen! You cannot muzzle the Ox (referring to the pastor), nor can you insert your control over the man of God and the departments of the church! God will see to it that you and your household will come to ruin. You simply have the wrong spirit and outlook on God’s man and His Work! If you don’t love the man of God (your pastor), then how can you say you love God? Don’t worry though pastor… God’s got this. You just keep right on working for the Kingdom. The Jezebels will fall by the wayside and the church will roll right on!
The Jonah Leader!
Jonah leaders run from responsibilities. Oh, how easy this temptation is for humanity. Like the saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” In this day of ease, most don’t stick it out. They crash and burn at the first sight of trouble! Their blinders have been removed and they get overwhelmed at the very thought of the “work set before them!” They forgot that God promised that His Grace was sufficient for EVERY need! He gives us sometimes (as the song used to say).
“Just enough to take me through one more mile.
Just enough to dry my eyes a little while
When I get home…
I won’t need it.
But as I travel, this weary land
He always gives me
Just enough Grace to stand!”
If God calls you into a difficult ministry or position! Stay the course. Don’t quit or defect EVERY-TIME you think someone is talking about you, or you have adversity.
If God calls you TO it,
He will bring you THROUGH it!
Stay the course and quit being a QUITTER!
The Moses Leader!!!!
Moses let anger lead. So many events happen in our lives as ministry that brings us to anger. Yet, the scripture says “Let he who rules WELL be worthy of DOUBLE Honor!” The decisions a pastor makes has to be from a clear head. We may have our own personal opinions about someone but remember the person you are angry at is STILL a child of God and your outburst of anger can not only cause defeat in your flock but can also keep you from where God actually intended for you to attain to in your own promised land! If people disappoint us and walk away, let them go. Let them go! Let them go! Not everybody fits our unique circle or within the personality of a church. Don’t assault them with unkind and angry words. We bless them and pray God’s best for their life. It doesn’t mean you have to have contact. In fact, it’s best to not. What’s the point? It keeps your anger and bitterness at Bay. So, allow people to go and flourish elsewhere. God always sends a replacement usually sooner than later who will be faithful.
The Saul Leader!
Saul tried to destroy other anointed leaders. This is one of the most commonly used tactics among ministry today. If someone is offended at you for ANY reason, the petty flesh tries to tear down a person’s reputation. If they can destroy you among the brethren then you just might quit coming around. If you will quit coming around then they can remain “King of the Roost!” This type of man (or woman) is definitely not Kingdom minded and seeks only to elevate themselves! They also promote their flock to honor only them and have “preacher worship” mentality. A premiere flock (and a tribute to the former pastor) is one who stays and is loyal to the Kingdom in spite of XYZ! Love and honor your pastor (this is Biblical), but don’t have preacher worship! Have God worship! He shares His Glory with NO ONE!
The Judas Leader!!!
Judas… untrustworthy! Reveals secrets to wound another to gain power. Will sell you out for advancement or validation! This takes the life out of so many of us. It is a trick of the enemy to cause offense! Yet in the end, the person you are really hurting is yourself! God will fight the Battle of those wronged! He keeps excellent records and you will be judged by your words and your deeds! Keep your tongue in check! If you are a friend to the ministry, be confidential! You are there to support not tear down! If you are a minister and friends with another minister and you have information that tears down the other person… don’t go sell those secrets to the highest bidder. Shut your mouth and pray for your friend! Go to them and in the spirit of love and unity reason with them regarding the error of their ways. Only then have you done what the Scriptures say to do!
Just for the record, the scripture says to “Mark them that cause division among you AND avoid them”. Nowhere does it say if a brother/sister is in error or taken in a fault to mark them and avoid them! Yet, sadly that is what we do and we wonder why the person finally goes to another group… well it just may not be because they WANT an easier way… it just might mean they were treated so unjustly and unscriptural that in their mind, they had no way out. Let’s love people back into our fold… My goodness! Aren’t we tired of the “exit?” It’s not all standard reasons folks…a lot of it is simply offense gone wrong!
The Enoch Leader!
Enoch… had a prayer life unrivaled!
The ministry friends that I have had in this day and age that greatly affected my life are the ministers that had an obvious powerful prayer life. One in particular who was my pastor for a short season was Bro. Verbal Bean… Do you want a demonstration of the Holy Ghost like he had? Get a prayer life like he had! I can name so many men and women of God that has become an icon, not because of their gifting but rather because of their anointing resulting from their prayer life! If you want to be caught up in the Heavens like Enoch, then DAILY walk with God! Don’t leave it to “after service” prayer, but find your own space, your own room, no matter how “Big” you become. Keep that prayer life consistent. You don’t need to “tell” anyone “while I was in prayer today.” Your actions and unction will tell on you!
The Esau Leader!
Esau will sell out cheaply for an easier way. You don’t prepare for the task ahead? You don’t value what you have been given? You take it for granted? Your decisions are based on fleshly desires? Then yes, we have another Esau in our hands. One who will abandon what God meant for him because he wanted to quickly satisfy his flesh! These people will sell out to the first person that will advance them… make their life easier and not make them accountable. This simply speaks for itself! No more words needed here!
The John the Revelator Leader!
John The Revelator works even though abandoned and wounded. Tortured for Christ sake and sent to die alone. This man of God decided I will leave a mark in this world for the sake of the Kingdom. God trusted him that He gave him visions and placed him in a solitary place where his mind and writings were solely devoted to what God gave him. “They” meant it for evil, but God meant it for GOOD!
The struggles and the trials you go through as ministry may not be to destroy you but rather to save the lost coming up behind you. God has a purpose and a plan. If you truly mean for Him to use you, don’t get upset when things go bad. When you can’t see the way, when you can’t figure out the why, just trust Him! We may not understand it until we reach the other side. When you are sold out, you are there to the bitter end.
We better toughen up! As the “Day” approaches we are all going to be that much more offended, hurt, rejected, wounded, talked about, mistreated, persecuted. Instead of giving up… Take up YOUR CROSS, take up a pen… write encouraging words to yourself and to others! Be strong and faint not!
The Peter Leader!
Peter let fear rule his actions
Yes, he was so afraid of Jesus going to the cross that he cut a man’s ear off… (yet he was bold enough to do that). He was so afraid of being found out that he was a disciple that he cursed and lied to prove he was “not of His!” He was so afraid that he never showed up at the cross!
When you are so sensitive that when things do not go your way or turn out like you would like them to, when the dream you had is shattered and fear grips you… affecting your words… your actions… your loyalty… (all of this was nothing more than a lack of faith) yet through all this foolishness… Jesus had great faith in Peter! So many times, Jesus had to emphasise a point to Peter. ”Peter, do you love me?” I often wondered why this line of questioning until you look at the overall high/low passion of Peter. Jesus knew he operated out of passion. Anger/Fear falls under that category. Yet, emotional people can sometimes be the worst friends and worst leaders! They always feel someone is talking about them. They are fatalistic in their words and kill hope and faith every time you converse with them. They are Spiritually Bi-polar! You are exhausted when you leave their presence. But Jesus knew one thing… if He could “channel” the passion Peter had in the right way, then there would be no stopping him.
- Knowing that Peter denied Him.
- Knowing that Peter disassociated himself from Him.
- Knowing that Peter was angry.
- Knowing that Peter was offended.
- Knowing that the Disciples were offended at Peter.
Yet, when Jesus arose from the tomb he left a “young man, clothed in white” with a special message to the Disciples AND to PETER! See at this point Peter had angered and offended himself (in his own mind) right out of the ministry. Yet Jesus, knowing Peters temperament left an angel to speak to him….to make this reference so the Disciples would accept him back….made special mention to the emotional future powerhouse in Mark16:7….”Go tell the disciples AND PETER that He (Jesus) goeth before you into Galilee”
That was a potential fatal flaw in Peter. Anger and Fear can destroy a ministry… a marriage… a job… if you are in any ministry you MUST keep your emotions in check! Peter was so overwhelmed at Jesus’s tolerance and forgiveness that he was humbled and became a Holy Ghost powerhouse for the Kingdom.
The John the Beloved Leader!
John stayed at the cross even though he could have been arrested. Real leaders walk with you through the fire if you will allow them to! Before Jesus bowed His head and died He looked at His mother and said of John “Woman Behold your son!” Take a look at someone who is sold out and will stay with you even though the odds are stacked against you!
He was one of the first to reach the tomb after Jesus arose.
John 19:26-27
John 20:1-10
Follows Jesus even though the other disciples questioned his involvement…
John 21:20-23
He was one of the 7 fishermen that fished all night when it looked hopeless… yet his persistence paid off when Jesus showed up!
John 21:1-25
Even though the other disciples cut him out of written involvement… he still kept ministering!
No wonder he was the “Beloved” of Jesus! He exemplified more fruit of the Spirit than all of them put together! He was completely “Christlike!
Maybe jealously caused him to be shut out!
So, whatever Style of Leadership you are given to, make sure it lines up with advancing the Kingdom of God! Don’t allow the flesh to rule spiritual things!
Please above all rule in love. Don’t Lord over God’s heritage, nor be a Pharisee! Be humble in spirit and in deed and let God be Glorified in all that we do! If you have no ability to bind people together in love and in unity, you may merely have a desire, not a calling.
This is the Will of God!
The Church That Wouldn’t Grow
A re-post from The Home Missions Chronicles.
A true story of a real place and real people.
The Church That Wouldn’t Grow
The modest little building stood on the corner with a small sign announcing Sunday and Wednesday service times. It had been a church now for almost 30 years. The pastor and his wife had started it themselves. They were glad to have a revival because revivals were rare for them. They couldn’t afford to have an evangelist, and they couldn’t afford not to. For some reason, members didn’t last very long at their church.
They survived on a very modest income from her job. He became disabled years ago. She played and sung beautifully. The four people in the audience joined in. He apologized for the low number. He tried to describe in detail the last family or two that had left. Jobs. That had to be the reason, he was sure.
The church would grow to twenty or so and then the people would move off or quit. Now it was down to it’s smallest size in a long time. (When you are preaching to four people, it is hard to keep from getting downright personal.) They just could never get it past twenty and it stay there very long. What was the problem? What was the fix? The reason the church did not grow was amazing to him. The pastor and his wife were the sweetest of people and folks in the city seemed to love them. Why wouldn’t it grow?
The evangelist had pulled his trailer there, paying his own expense and knowing the lack of funds available to the pastor, he had informed him that he would not take an offering but rather would like to be a blessing. No visitors came. No outreach was noticeable. The only person without the Holy Ghost never prayed during the 2-week revival. There was no jubilant worship. No hand clapping or shouting. No conviction in the service. Not one ‘Amen’ was said. The only songs were sad, sweet hymns sung by the pastor’s wife as she played the keyboard. No one else joined in to worship.
The pastor wasn’t young anymore. He felt he had tried everything. Why wouldn’t it grow? Was it the people? Was it him? Was it the location? The economy? What was it? Was God done with him here? Where would he go if he left? The city was beautiful. Jobs seemed plentiful enough, but the church never grew.
Why couldn’t they have revival?
Was it that God was not adding daily to the church?
Was it the lack of pastoral and leadership skills?
Was it that the new people never got grounded in the doctrine?
Or, was it a the kind of city that the pastor needed to shake the dust off of his feet and move on? He really didn’t know. He couldn’t figure it out. The pastor died not knowing.
Sadly, the church is still really not a church today. A couple sweet old ladies pray together now, but that is about all they have.
This Too Is Home Missions!
_______________________________
P.S.
If your church is alive, vibrant, and a revival church… be grateful. Be a witness. Be a worshipper. Be faithful. You are very blessed! (Remember, Church is what you make it!)
The Sound Man Was Blind!
The Sound Man Was Blind!
It was Youth Rally Night in the little Tennessee country church. I sat in the audience, only two or three of the people even knew me. The small building was very full. The weather very bad. The guests had all braved the storm. They opened the service with prayer. They prayed for the storm to pass on by. “We beta hope de Ward heas our pwayer!” That was what the tongue-tied service leader said, trying to encourage faith in the congregation.
Something was terribly wrong with the microphone. They tapped it, they shook it, and then examined the cord. Nothing worked. All heads turned toward the small sound booth. The sound man was not looking down; he was looking up while he adjusted the board. What? Then it became apparent. He was blind. The sound man was blind and he was the one adjusting the board! Someone had changed the microphone settings and he was trying to restore them by feel. He got it back pretty close to normal too. Unbelievable.
He also ran the computer music software for the overhead projector. The slides on the screen did not always match the words being sung. But, no one seemed to care.
The organ player was taking pictures of the congregation with one hand while playing with the other. She extended her arm full length toward the audience as she took the photos.
They sang! They worshiped! They Shouted. The visiting ministers were all asked to testify. The teenage guest preacher for the Youth Rally was really nervous and it showed. He had never “preached out” before. He preached with anointing and then conviction fell. Young people moved to the altar area to pray. While she played for the altar call song, the organ player took flash photos with her left hand, of the folks coming down the aisle.
No, it wasn’t “perfect church”, like some of the big churches might have, but the congregation went home rejoicing and happy knowing they had been in the presence of the Lord.
This is Home Missions
The Danger Of Being Too Friendly With The Evangelist.
The Danger Of Being Too Friendly With The Evangelist.
On occasion, your Pastor will invite a guest speaker or an evangelist. He wants you to like them and enjoy their ministry. It’s a compliment to his good judgment of preachers and ministries if you do.
Where there becomes an issue that is uncomfortable for your Pastor and his friends are when you give the guest preachers nicer and more frequent compliments than you give to your own Pastor.
After all, he’s the one that worries over you, prays for you, counsels with you and answers to God for you. Not the others. They may like you, they may like you a lot, but there is a line that must be drawn between them and you.
Make sure you give better compliments to your own Pastor than you do to anyone else.
It’s kind of like a man giving another woman a compliment and he doesn’t even compliment his own wife. Something is very wrong in their relationship. Something is very wrong in your relationship with the Man of God if you are guilty concerning this.
A seasoned evangelist can often spot those who have a problem with their Pastor and then try to give the guest speaker the personal attention and honor that belongs to their Man of God. That is just so wrong.
It even gets more complicated than this…
There are many Godly, precious people who dearly love their Pastor and would never knowingly do a thing to injure him. In innocence, they attempt to interact with another preacher they admire and sometimes feel put off or hurt because of the lack of warmth in his response to them. Actually, in good conscience, he can’t. So, don’t take it personal. He does like you and appreciates you, he’s just trying to be careful. His allegiance is to your pastor.
In the day of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Messenger, emails and text messaging, don’t try to personally interact with other preachers (unless they are family) no matter how much you like them. It easily becomes quite an uncomfortable position for ‘ethical minded’ preachers.
Don’t expect him to respond to your emails or private messages. His loyalty is to your pastor. Do you realize that if word got out that an evangelist was having conversations, exchanging emails, phone calls, private messages on Facebook, and text messages with saints, that his days as an evangelist are numbered? It’s not right for you or him. Don’t give him your information and don’t let him give you his.
Any contact with other preachers should be directed through your Pastor. If he sees fit to pass your message or request on, then fine. If he doesn’t, then trust his judgment. He knows what he’s doing and why. Your spiritual safety is his greatest concern. Work with him on that.
Guest preachers who ‘work the crowd’ by lingering long with each saint, buttering up them, and learning personal things about their world should raise everyone’s eyebrows. Why would he make comments on your Facebook posts all the time? What’s his motive? Ethical evangelists know to stay on the platform after service or near the Pastor to protect themselves and for proprietary’s sake.
If you don’t understand why, imagine you as a woman contacting, calling, writing or leaving messages for a male acquaintance of your husband. Or maybe it’s him calling you. Your husband would have serious questions for you both, and rightly so.
If he didn’t run when you attempted to contact him, then if he has even part of a conscience, he would not be comfortable around your Pastor anymore because of guilt. He’d know he had crossed the line of ministerial ethics. His days would be over. It’s not worth it for him or you.
If you love your Pastor then protect him. Protect how he feels about you. Protect his relationship with other preachers. Protect yourself. He’ll love you all the more for it too.
Don’t try to private message other preachers. Don’t force them to cut you off, block you or ignore you. They want you to like them, sure! But they hate it when you push them into an uncomfortable situation.
Don’t walk up and hand them gifts, or even money. If you want to give an extra offering to the evangelist, then talk to your pastor and he will guide you through a process that is comfortable to him.
Any evangelist that would contact you and ask for money or any favor is unethical. They are to be ignored, blocked or unfriended. Their actions should be reported to your pastor immediately.
Your Pastor is to be loved, respected and honored. His office as Pastor is above all others, and I personally thank you for loving him. He’s God’s gift to you and your church. Love him. Show it by your loyalty, and your respect. Let no other preacher, family or not, come between you and your pastor. That is a sacred area that should never be defiled. It is a line that must not be crossed.
On his behalf, I thank you.
We Will Adjust To Your Lifestyle
We Will Adjust To Your Lifestyle
The dietary nurse stood beside my Memphis hospital bed with a clipboard in her hand. I was confident that I already knew the speech she was about to give me. I’d heard it almost seven years earlier, the first time I had gotten blood clots.
“Is this the Anti-Vitamin K speech?” I asked her, expecting that I would not be able to eat anything green as long I was on the Coumadin blood thinner again. Nothing green had entered my mouth in over a year during my first bout with blood clots.
“Oh No!” she responded with enthusiasm.
“We don’t do it that way any more. We now adjust the medicine to fit your lifestyle. We’ve had too many complaints from our patients. They didn’t want to change, so we changed. They didn’t want to change how they ate. That’s why we changed our approach to the treatment of blood clots. We now tell the patient to keep eating like they always have and we will adjust the medicine to suit them.” She said this with a big smile, feeling certain I would share her enthusiasm.
“Really?” I said with my eyebrows raised in surprise.
“Yes,” she said. “For example, if you eat two helpings of turnip greens this week, then just eat two helpings of turnip greens next week too. Keep on living like you always have and we will adjust the meds to adapt to your lifestyle.”
I looked at her not believing my ears. I remembered the many monthly trips I had made to medical labs around the country to let them draw my blood for a PT-INR test. The results were faxed to my doctor so he could check up on my dietary compliance.
She smiled and assured me that I now could have all the salads, green beans, and broccoli I wanted. This news was unreal. The doctor would adjust the medicine to accommodate me. I wasn’t going to be required to change. The doctor and the medication would have to change, but not me. I could live like I always had.
My mind went back to the incident Bro. Wayne Huntley experienced with his heart some years ago. When he returned for his check up one year later, the doctor congratulated him and said, “Most of the patients like you do not make it to their first year check up because they refuse to change their diet. You’ve changed how you live, that’s why you are still here.”
Gentle Reader? The reason you got sick in the first place was because of how you were living, and now you say you want to be healed but aren’t willing to change? Oh my!
What was I missing? Doctors once required their patients to change and adjust their lifestyle, but not any more? Some tell me it’s progressive thinking. But then again, that is the spirit and mindset of the end times, especially for the church.
Evidently, not many want to change their lifestyle to live for Jesus. Over a hundred years ago church folk sang songs like:
Leaving All to Follow Jesus
Ida M. Budd, 1898
Leaving all to follow Jesus,
Turning from the world away,
Stepping out upon the promise,
All I have is His today.
Refrain:
Leaving all to follow Jesus,
Turning from the world away,
Stepping out upon His promise,
All I have is His today.
Some folks don’t want to give up much anymore to live for God. There are women who say they are Pentecostal but still wear their flashy jewelry and make up. They certainly want to wear their tight pants. Even if God did say it was an abomination, it doesn’t bother them. They will not change. They want the preacher to adjust his doctrine and standards to suit their lifestyle while they keep on wearing their skinny short skirts and other immodest apparel. Holiness is distasteful to them.
What do the preachers do about it? Not much as a rule. A surprising number of Pentecostal pastors are presenting the Gospel of Christ in much the same way as my dietary nurse. Pastors who are people pleasers are not God pleasers. The Scripture calls them ‘hirelings’. They are pastors who are not real shepherds. They are employees of the people, nothing more. The wishes of people govern their form of the Gospel, (Which is not a Gospel.) They are truly Laodicean.
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
To understand the meaning of the word ‘Laodicean,’ and why it is used in this passage, examine the Greek root words from which it is derived: Laos (Strong’s #2992, meaning ‘people’) and Dike (Strong’s #1349), meaning ‘principle, decision’. Laodiceans trusted in their own ability to rule themselves, judging and deciding matters while disregarding Christ and His rule in the Church. The people wanted to rule the church. They didn’t want a pastor who was a God-called pastor to lead them. But, that is really nothing new. The same problem existed in the Old Testament.
Isa 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
Oh yes! Some like their modern churches with their hireling pastors because no inward or outward change is required. (Just put your money in the basket.)
On The Other Hand, The Bible Is Full Of Examples Of Men Changing:
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
The Rich Young Ruler didn’t want to change.
Ruth was willing to change.
No one in God’s Kingdom will ever be healed of sin until they are willing to change. Even before the Holy Ghost was given, Jesus continually reminded those He healed to go their way and sin no more. He told them to change.
Obedience Always Brings Change.
Arguments Come From The Disobedient Attempting To Defend Themself.
The reason you argue about Holiness is because you don’t want to change your way of living. You want to find a church that will preach a message that comfortably conforms to how you want to live, and you will.
Don’t tell me you are not convicted by what is written in the Bible. Don’t even say you’ve prayed about it and don’t feel it’s necessary to obey. If it’s in the Bible, believe it and obey it!
Men change, fellowships and organizations change. Denominations change. God’s Word NEVER changes. The very fact that your hireling pastor won’t preach and enforce God’s Word should be enough to keep you up at night. How can you stay in a church with a compromising pastor and a worldly congregation who like it like that?
In the Old Testament, Israel never argued about God’s Holiness requirements. They just obeyed. On the Day of Pentecost no one argued about the need of Jesus Name baptism or the need of the Holy Ghost. They just repented, got baptized in Jesus Name and were filled with the Holy Ghost.
Paul changed every day. (1Co 15:31… I die daily.)
The High School Driving Instructor taught my class, in 1960, that the average driver makes approximately sixty corrections or adjustments per minute while driving. What if they didn’t make any changes or adjustments?
When a couple marries they must make adjustments and changes, those who refuse will likely divorce.
If someone wanted to play on the football team, they must be willing to change their life to reach that goal. If they don’t change, they won’t make the team. Yet, in living for God, with Heaven in view, we foolishly refuse to change. Why?
So You Want To Be Your Own Pastor?
So You Want To Be Your Own Pastor?
Some Have Tried To Be Their Own Lawyer, By Defending Themselves In Court.
- There’s an old adage: “A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.”
- We have often laughed or shaken our heads in disbelief at such people.
Some Have Tried To Be Their Own Doctor, And Operate On Themselves
Dr. Leonid Rogozov cut out his own appendix.
http://www.southpolestation.com/trivia/igy1/appendix.html
Johannes Lethaeus had a kidney stone the size of a hen’s egg and could not pass it. He got his brother to hand him a knife and he sliced himself open to remove the stone.
- We have often cringed or shaken our head sin disbelief at such people.
Some Have Tried To Be Their Own Dentist, By Pulling Their Own Teeth.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1135582/Man-pulls-13-teeth-pliers-NHS-dentist.html
- Some pull their own teeth
- A few have tried to fill their own cavities.
- There are reports of others making their own braces.
- We have often cringed or shaken our head sin disbelief at them as well.
Some Try To Be Their Own Pastor
- “A man who is his own pastor has a fool for a saint.” – MJB
- Why would we expect people to respect and honor such behavior?
Jude 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Jude 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jude 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Thayer Lexicon: poimainō ποιμαίνω
- To feed, to tend a flock, keep sheep
- To rule, govern
- To supply the requisites for the soul’s need
Feeding Themselves Literally Means, “Pastoring Themselves” – (Without Fear)
- Feeding themselves without fear.
- No fear! That alone amazes and scares me.
- Not willing to be pastored by anyone.
- Refusing to submit.
- Unwilling to obey.
- Believe they know best for their own soul.
- Remember, they’re pastoring themselves without fear!
Some Even Sit In Church And Refuse To Receive The Preached Word.
- They hear but they are not doers.
- They hear but they are not convicted or convinced.
- They feel what the pastor said was unnecessary for them to obey or comply.
- They attend church but never change their heart, their mind or their life.
- They drag their feet when it comes to submission.
- Remember, they’re pastoring themselves without fear!
Others Quit The Local Church And Start Having Church In Their Own Home.
- They want to do it their way own way.
- They fearlessly start their own church.
- They feel competent to interpret the Bible for themselves.
- They take their family with them to the very brink of destruction.
- They rejoice in their newfound freedom and liberty while doing so.
- Remember, they’re pastoring themselves without fear!
Both types of individuals are so foolish and Biblically ignorant that they never understand they cannot be saved without a God called Pastor in their life.
Some day their Pastor will have to stand before God and give an account of their obedience, and their submission before the Great White Throne Judgment.
- You will not be able to represent yourself before the Throne of God.
- Your pastor is going to be the one God asks that question to, not you.
- His opinion and report of your conduct while under his pastorship will be most important to God.
You may leave your pastor and go elsewhere thinking you are free. But you are not. You quite possibly have left a trail of evidence behind you that will incriminate you on that day. What report the pastor gives to God on Heaven’s witness stand will only fall into two categories, either Joy or Grief.
You may leave your home church because you don’t like the holiness standards or you got crossed up with your pastor. But, remember this, you are still his in the Judgment according to Hebrews 13:17, no matter if you have found another church in the meantime.
Your Pastor will be forced to explain to God that you left because you would not obey or submit.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
God Will Ask The Pastor.
- “Did they obey?”
- “Did they submit?”
Understand That It Is Possible To Obey Without Submitting. But One Cannot Submit Without Obeying.
- Go ahead and sit in church all rebellious and come when you want to.
- Lay out of church when you want. Remember, you’re fearless
- Withhold your tithes as a protest to your Pastor.
- Stay home and read your Bible and have your own devotions at home instead of going to church.
- Keep your family home with you. Remember, you’re fearless.
- The scriptures already spoke that people would be foolish just like you.
- Remember, you’re pastoring yourself without fear!
Jude 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear:
- Your spirit of trying to pastor yourself and make your own eternal decisions just got you included in Heaven’s Hall Of Shame along with Balaam and Korah.
- You are no different in God’s eyes.
- Was submission such a big issue for you that you took your soul in your own hands and willingly gambled on your eternity?
- Nothing could be sadder for you.
There Are Those Who Say They Left Because They Are Not Being Fed. Some Continue To Come To Church And Make The Same Claim.
- If I were you I would be embarrassed to admit I was not being fed. Here’s why.
- Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
- Isa 1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
- Only the willing and obedient are eating the good of the land.
- Unwillingness and disobedience will keep you at arms length from the blessings of the Lord every time.
The Old Testament Refers Those Who Pastor Themselves As Backslidden.
Prov. 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
Prov. 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
The actual chance of someone who has become their own pastor and ever resubmitting themselves to God’s Word and God’s man again is not very good.
- Can such a person repent? Sure.
- Will they ever come to themselves and repent? Not likely if we are to go by all the others we have seen.
- Remember, they’re pastoring themselves without fear!
When Someone Rebels Against God’s Word And His Plans For Our Lives, It Is Seldom That We See Such A One Recover.
- Do we try and talk to them when we see them make bad decisions? Yes.
- Do we pray for them? Sure.
- Do we fellowship them after they leave? Not if they have talked against the pastor or the church.
1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
- Railer: Noun. One who rails; one who scoffs, insults, censures, or reproaches.
If I were a saint who tried to pastor myself, knowingly or not, I would repent before God and ask Him to restore the Fear of the Lord back into my heart.
I would repent to my Pastor and ask him if I could resubmit myself.
If I was having my own church at home and pastoring myself, I would repent to God and realize God would never advise me to go against what is already written in His Word.
I would close up my ‘self’ church. And repent to my spouse and family. I would go back to my local church where God had placed me. I would repent to the pastor and the church family. I would pledge my obedience and submission. I would plead with the pastor to give me the honor of coming home.
This blog today was not written to invite bad stories about pastors, but rather is a warning to those who choose to become their own priest.
The coming of the Lord is nigh at hand. May His coming not find any of us living in a fearless manner.
I’ll Ask The Question Again… “Do You Want To Be Your Own Pastor?”
Surely Not! Your Precious Family Deserves Better!
Every Judas
It is my great honor to have The Together Magazine publish this article in their current issue. For those readers who may not have access to this wonderful publication, I am posting a copy of it here: – MB
Every Judas
Just ten miles from Hebron and eighteen miles from Jerusalem was the little known village named Kerioth. It was a haven for bandits, thieves and highwaymen. People from the area were known to be assassins, murders.
Into this environment a man named Simon raised his son Judas. In Holy Scripture he was called Judas Iscariot, signifying that he was from the town of Keriot(h)
Simon must have been somewhat responsible for his son’s raising and behavior. His name is always mentioned together with his son’s name. He was called Judas, Simon’s son.
We know nothing of the boy’s mother. What was she like? What kind of teaching did she give him as a boy?
By the time the scriptures introduce us to him, we quickly see that Judas was outspoken and didn’t hesitate to disagree with what he saw.
“Why wasn’t this sold and given to the poor?”
That’s what he said criticizing Mary’s extreme sacrifice. But the Bible is quick to point out that he cared not for the poor, but was a thief and that he held the bag. There was a reason that was said. Why would Jesus allow him to carry the bag?
As a Judean he was a misfit among the disciples. The other disciples apparently were Galileans. He was no doubt a loner. He couldn’t let them see him sneaking money from the bag. He was a thief. I am sure that Judas had a less than stellar past before he met Jesus. Some Commentaries even call him a murder.
The sad news is, that no amount of the preaching and confronting that Jesus did seemed to change Judas into a John The Beloved. The same is true today. If all the words and actions of Jesus could not transform Judas in the Bible days, then neither will our preaching and confronting convert a modern day Judas.
Thirty is number of pieces of silver Judas agreed on to betray Jesus. There are thirty obvious and negative characteristics of a Judas. The Judas Iscariot of the Bible may be dead, but his spirit is still alive today.
Here Are Some Keys To Recognize The Judas In Your Midst.
- Every Judas Shows Enough Potential To Be Placed In A Leadership Role.
- Judas was hand picked. He was allowed to be a privileged disciple. He was chosen to be in charge of the group’s finances.
- Confidence was placed in him.
- Every Judas Thinks And Acts Like He Owns His Appointed Position.
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
- Every Judas loves to take the finances with him when he goes.
- Every Judas Lives On A Carnal Level And Is Oblivious To The Spiritual.
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
- Every Judas Lets His True Colors Show At The Wrong Time.
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
- Every Judas Has A Personal Agenda That Is Separate From The Leaders.
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
- Every Judas Gets Disenchanted With His Leader.
- He is willing to sabotage the whole thing if there is enough in it for him.
- Every Judas Receives A Warning From The Lord But Continues Anyway.
John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
John 6:71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
- Every Judas Sees The Same Miracles And Hears The Same Sermons But Is Unaffected, Unconvinced And Unconverted.
Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Peter Talked About Judas In The Upper Room
Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
- Every Judas Plans His Move Carefully.
Matt. 26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
- Every Judas Is An Opportunist.
Matt. 26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
- Every Judas Is Driven By Greed.
Matt. 26:15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
- Every Judas Courts Those Whom He Thinks Can Help His Cause.
Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
- A modern Judas may recruit his people with private meetings,
- Private dinners
- Facebook likes
- Every Judas Possesses An Evil Spirit.
Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
- Every Judas Can Even Fool His Own Friends And Brothers.
John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
John 13:28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
- Every Judas Gets His Key Players In Place Before He Makes His Play.
Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
- Every Judas Gets A Divine Warning And Still Ignores It.
Matt. 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
- Every Judas Should Have Been Still Born.
Matt. 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
- Every Judas Gets Revealed By The Lord And Has A Chance To Repent.
Matt 26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
- Every Judas Lives In Denial To The Truth And Deceiving Himself And Others.
Matt. 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
- Every Judas Makes His Move When He Thinks The Odds Are In His Favor.
Matt 26:16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
- Every Judas Is A Hypocrite.
Matt. 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
- Every Judas Is Controlled And Guided By Satan.
John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
- Every Judas Displays False Affection Toward The Leader.
Matt. 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
- Every Judas Is Surprised When God Still Manifests Himself In The Midst Of The Betrayal.
Luke 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
- Every Judas Is Temporarily Happy.
- He could go back to doing what he was doing before.
- He had brought Jesus down in his own mind to the point that he no longer believed in Him.
- He actually believed he could live with his choice.
- Every Judas Has Second Thoughts.
Matt. 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
- Every Judas Tries To Appease His Guilty Conscience.
Matt. 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
- Every Judas Wakes Up To His Horrible Sin Too Late.
Matt. 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
- Every Judas Repents Too Late.
Matt. 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
- Every Judas Will Hang Himself.
Matt. 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
In Spite Of Judas
In Spite Of Judas – The Will of God was accomplished.
In Spite Of Judas – Jesus rose from the dead.
In Spite Of Judas – The Holy Ghost was poured out.
In Spite Of Judas – The Church was established.
In Spite Of Judas – Revival came.
In Spite Of Judas – The Gates of Hell did not prevail.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – God still has a triumphant church.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – The church will prosper and go forward.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – The Glory will fall when the bad spirit is gone.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – The church will rally and unify like never before.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – Worship will be better than ever.
In Spite Of Every Judas Today – The Pastor will be loved more than ever.
Judas Was Replaced With A Man Named Matthias.
His name means, “Gift of God.”
There was a gift of God for the church back then. There will be a gift of God after your storm today.
Have You Had To Deal With A Judas?
Take hope, your Matthias, your Gift of God is coming!
Twenty Feet From Stardom
Twenty Feet From Stardom
The news on the web reported this year about a documentary showcasing the mostly unknown background vocalists of famous singers which I have never seen, but am very impressed with the title.
- They all stood there and heard the words, “And the Oscar goes to…”
- They were the ones who made the lead vocalist more famous.
- They were the ones who created the harmony the leader basked in.
- They made the song sound better.
- Very few even know their name.
- They never got the limelight.
- They are not the ones looked at, the lead singer is.
Whether the lead singer was Ray Charles, or Elvis Presley, not many can tell you the names of their background vocalists. They stood just 20 feet from stardom and never got any for themselves.
Many if not most, lived the rest of their natural lives without receiving much recognition for their efforts.
- Could you live like that?
- Would you be content to let others always benefit from your efforts?
- Could you be content to stand 20 feet from stardom and never grasp it?
In The Church
God has blessed His work by giving us pastors according to His heart. He also placed into the church those who would stand just 20 feet away from the pastor and never receive much in the way of recognition.
The Bible called these people: ‘Helps.’
1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
- They were not called to be the first man.
- Maybe they are a great Assistant Pastor.
- Maybe they don’t even have a title.
- Yet they stand twenty feet from ‘stardom’ and their contributions seldom receive honor.
- God planted them as helps in their church for a purpose.
- But some were too proud to stay in that position.
- They wanted recognition too.
- They got impatient, disruptive and messed up their lives and the church too.
On The Negative Side
Judas Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom
Absalom Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom
Lucifer Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom
Demas Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom
On The Positive Side:
Peter, James And John Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom.
Elisha Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom
Calkers
Ezekiel 27:27 Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that are in thee, and in all thy company which is in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin.
- Calkers weren’t mariners.
- Calkers couldn’t read a sextant.
- Calkers weren’t allowed to pilot a ship.
- Calkers weren’t men of war.
- Calkers weren’t merchandisers.
All They Did All Day Was Work Below Deck
- They never got to feel the breeze.
- They seldom saw the sunshine.
- They lived in the heat.
- They were used to the foul odors below deck
- They worked below the water line.
- They had sticky hands covered in the pitch and tar they dipped the hemp in to plug leaks.
- They were responsible for keeping the boat afloat.
- The ship wouldn’t make it without them.
- Yet no one praised them nor is there a mention of their name.
- They did their dirty jobs without glory or fame.
- They never got to hobnob with .the big shots
The Caption Got The Glory.
- They plugged the leaks.
- There may not even be a ship afloat if it wasn’t for their efforts.
- The labored their lifetime 20 feet from stardom.
It is dangerous if the Kingdom of God to seek our own glory. God delights in those who choose the role of servant hood. Those who are willing to labor 20 feet from stardom and still smile. Labor and let God receive the glory. Labor and let another receive the attention.
Remember This:
If God has chosen to place you in any capacity in His Church…
- Be humble and be grateful.
- Seek not your own glory.
- Decrease so that He may increase.
- Never overstep your authority or boundaries.
- Be content with your placement in His service.
- Support your Pastor and those in the limelight, and God will always bless you for your faithfulness.
- Elisha was first known as the man who poured water on the prophets hands.
It Is The Calkers That Keep The Boat Afloat…
And They Work Just 20 Feet From Stardom!
Your Uncelebrated Service Helps Keep This Old Ship Of Zion Afloat.
Thank You!
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 