We Need to Right What's Wrong

Hi there, my friends!  I know, I'm not a consistent blogger.  I have been working for many years to change that, but I am finding that maybe this is just not my thing.  But I really wanted it to be at one time!  I still enjoy leaving some thoughts for others to consider - I just want to do it on a more regular basis.  Anyway, here is what is on my mind just now.

I am horrified at the rise of violence in our nation.  The United States of America is under attack not from without, but from within.  People born and raised in this country are setting themselves up as executioners of others because of fear, hatred, bigotry, and misinformation.  It is appalling.  

Instead of celebrating one another, embracing our differences, and learning from each other, certain groups are spreading incendiary rhetoric that turns impressionable young people into murderers.  The sad part is, someone, somewhere, is happy about this.

All over our country, violence is on the rise.  Not just the domestic terrorism variety either.  Domestic violence, road rage, fights followed by gunfire - everywhere you turn, it happens.  Murder-suicides, people killing their own children - it is everywhere.

Maybe it has always been this way and we just didn't know it.  Maybe having 24/7 news reporting and global access to information by way of the internet has brought it all home to us.  Maybe I am the only one who didn't see all of this.  What can I say?  Maybe as I grow older, I grow more sensitive to the pain I sense all around me.  I pray to the Lord for clarity, for wisdom, for direction.  What can be done to turn the tide of violence?

I believe that God is the only answer.  One day, he will answer it all, executing justice and righteousness to the perpetrators of unwarranted violence.  I see that it is nothing new; violence dates all the way back to Genesis:

[Gen 6:11 KJV] 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

Just knowing that makes it a little easier to deal with.  I will have more on this later.  In the meantime, I ask you all to pray for both the victims and the perpetrators of violence.  Something is terribly wrong, and many lives will be forever changed by someone's foolish decision.  The only way to make things right is through the work of faith and the power of God.  We must pray, but we must act as well.  

Pray for me, that I will be of good courage, knowing that the Lord has overcome the world.  I am praying for all of that and for you!  I pray that hearts will turn back to the true and living God through the Lord Jesus Christ and see him through the eyes of the Bible and the wisdom of the Spirit, not just man's opinions and ideas.  I pray that our hearts be filled with love instead of shriveled up by hate.

Stop the violence!

Random or Ranting?

I was trying to decide what I wanted to write about, but I decided that what is in my heart will be enough. I am praying for many that have expressed a need. I am also standing, as they say, in the need of prayer. So many thoughts race through my mind that I wonder if any of them are worth sharing. However, even the most random posts hit home with someone at some point. I am spending less time online now. Much of what I see is depressing to me. Especially when it comes to the increase in people "speaking up" against Christianity. I am a Christian. I will not stop saying that so that I can be popular or go viral. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that He died on the cross for my sins. I am grateful that someone took the time to tell me. I am so grateful that God loves me and that His plan for my life has superseded mine. 

I cannot ever say that there have not been challenges. There have been times when I wanted to completely give up on life. However, I have always had something that told me not to give up. I do know now that God was with me even in my darkest days, giving me strength and hope. Everything that I have learned about God teaches me that even when I was in my sin, He loved me. what is so great about Him is that He loved me first. He wasn't like most people we know. He didn't force us to earn His love by sacrificing ourselves. We don't have to constantly prove our worthiness; in fact, even in our unworthy state He will accept us if we will simply humble ourselves. 

I think that is the hardest part for most of us. We don't like the concept of humility. We don't want to bow down; we want to be the center of the universe, not bow to the Creator of the universe. What's up with that? Where did we get that from? Well, I just want to be honest - that attitude is not of God. It troubles my heart at times to realize that humility is fading away and pride is taking center stage. We can see it on the news. Everybody is mad at somebody else for some small thing. Why? Because whatever they did does not revolve around me! We are constantly trying to make sure people know who we are. We all want to be important, honored, respected, loved. And there is nothing wrong with desiring to be important, honored, respected, and loved, if we understand that others are looking for the same thing. 

Let us learn to treat each other with love and respect. Let us learn to walk in unity. Why can't we agree on something? Why can't we disagree without becoming disagreeable? Why is my way the only way, or your way the only way? I know that this blog post is not going to answer all of those questions, but I would like you to think about them. All of us have the opportunity to do better. The only perfect, sinless person was Jesus Christ our Lord. It is our privilege to try to follow His example as closely as we can. We will not always get it right, but we can try. Try to love others as we love ourselves. Try to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Try to walk in a way that is respectful of others. We can put our best efforts into being better human beings. 

 You can do it. I know you can. I can do it. I know I can. 

 Is this random, or have I been ranting? You decide; I can't.

I Feel Like Pressing My Way

Hello, blog fans! I have been gone for a minute, but I am back. My heart is telling me it is time to exercise my mind and hands and get to writing something. I think I will get back to the inspiration writing I have been doing, and give you some information that you might find interesting. I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and I have been undergoing various treatments in an attempt to slow the progression of the disease. In the meantime, I have been working hard to keep up the pace of my job and ministry. I'm glad to report that Eternal Word Fellowship Church is doing well. The leaders are doing a great job of keeping us together. And they have been preaching so powerfully! I am so proud of them all. So anyway, I bless the Lord for the progress that has been made. I also thank Him for peace of mind. I tell you there is nothing better than a life lived in peace. I hope that all of your days are filled with love and laughter. I will blog about something important pretty soon, I promise. Today I just wanted to do a little musing. No matter what you are going through, I hope that something down inside of you tells you to keep moving forward. I think I should be asleep, but there was something that needed to be said. I am encouraged, and I feel like going on. I feel like pressing my way. Sometimes the way is hard, and we have to face challenges that we simply do not understand. But I want you to trust God. I want to encourage you to believe that all things are working for your good (Romans 8:28). I want you to believe that God has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Press your way. Press and pray. You can do it! And I will be pushing right along with you.

Be Still and Know

Psalm 46:10 (NASB95): Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth

Cease striving. What is God requiring of us in that statement? Other versions interpret this phrase as “be still”.

Today, I looked at one of the notes in the version above and it said “Let go or Relax.”

God does not want us in a state of turmoil. He wants us to stop. Wait. rest. Relax. Stop trying to do it on our own; stop trying to handle it without Him. It’s a two-part process - cease striving and KNOW. What is it that we are supposed to know? We are supposed to know that He is GOD. It’s almost like we can’t do one without the other. We can’t cease striving until we KNOW. We can’t relax until we KNOW. We can’t let go until we KNOW.

Honestly, this morning I am thinking hard about this. Because I know, but sometimes I don’t KNOW. There is a big difference between knowing something intellectually, and knowing it spiritually and intimately. I can read up on a subject and know a lot about it, but until I have experienced it for myself - I don’t KNOW.

Sometimes I wonder how God can expect us to be still when life is swirling all around us. There are so many demands on our time and attention. The only time most of us are still is in our sleep. Even when we are supposed to be relaxing, we are fixated on our cell phones or other devices, trying to keep up with what is going on in the rest of the world. So many demands!

Do you think God is not aware? Of course He is! I think that’s why He speaks to the heart of the psalmist and gives instructions. “Be still.” “Cease striving.” “Let go.” “Relax.” He knows peace is what we need. Actual peace, not just theoretical peace. The Lord wants us to experience peace - to KNOW peace. The Lord Jesus encouraged His disciples with the promise of peace. [Jhn 14:27 NASB] Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

I’m glad that I don’t have to figure out how to be at peace all on my own. We have been given peace by the finished works of Jesus Christ! As a believer, that gives me hope. I can actually be still because of Jesus. He says we should not let our hearts be troubled. I think that is the part where we have to work. To keep introducing peace, even when our circumstance or surroundings speak otherwise. Knowing that Holy Spirit is in you, that God is with you, and that Jesus is interceding on your behalf can push away anything that threatens our peace. I can actually KNOW because the Word of God reveals all of this to us. We can KNOW peace, and be at peace, because it has been provided for us.

I pray that today, you are encouraged to be still and KNOW.

Dear Woman of God

The Lord asked me to say a few things to you today, June 1, 2017. I thought maybe He was speaking directly to me (I needed to hear this). But as I went about my day, avoiding what I thought He told me to do (which I know you never do), I was more convinced than ever that this message was not just for me. It is, indeed, for you.

Dear Woman of God,

You are beautiful and anointed. You are special and powerful. You were chosen for this moment, and born for this hour. The Lord has need of you. He wants you to step forward, step further, and be convinced that it is He calling you to do so. Woman of God, you do not need to be approved or validated by any other; the Lord has approved you. You do not need to wait to get ready. You are ready!

There are some areas in your life that need correcting, tweaking. Yes, this is true. I say this not to condemn you, but to encourage you. The Lord is coming to work on your behalf! He is going to perfect those things that concern you. He is not going to neglect the Words that have been spoken over your life. However, you must begin to move in the direction of your promise.

Your tears may seem to have been cried in private, but He has seen them all. They are kept in some of the most beautiful jars in His collection. Your prayers have been heard. You are not alone. You are a jewel in the Lord’s crown, and there are many of you. Learn to celebrate the others because you reap what you sow. Learn to celebrate yourself – the chosen Woman of God!

Dear Woman of God, you are just that – dear. The Lord holds you close to His heart. He knows that your emotions are all over the place; He created you to be an emotional creature. But His desire is that you allow His Spirit to rule over your emotions, especially now. There are things you will be called to that you have not done before. Some will try to move you from the path that He has chosen for you; do not allow it! Do not allow how you feel to determine how you work your faith.

You are not in obscurity – the Lord sees you! He has hidden you from what would corrupt you if released to soon. You are not behind time! You are right where you are supposed to be. You are not too late! You have walked into a season of divine appointment. Be your best self and allow the Lord to lead you to your next divine assignment.

Dear Woman of God, encourage yourself! This is more than a mantra; it is a mandate! You must know that you know. Know who you are. Know Who you belong to. Know your strengths. Know your weaknesses, but do not magnify them. Magnify the Lord! Glorify your King! Your day is coming, and your day is here!

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book? (Psalm 56:8 KJV)
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. (Malachi 3:17 KJV)
The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. (Psalm 138:8 KJV)
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 KJV)
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:29-31 KJV)

One of the Best Days of My Life!

Just wanted to share this with my peeps: My book is finally released! And God's timing is incredible! On Monday, January 11, 2016, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Andrea Watkins of Fox 26 News about my book and some of the events that took place in the NFL over the weekend. Here is the link to her recap of the interview: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaWatkinsFOX26/posts/1026889644048544:0.

Surviving Your Season of Shame is available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Tatepublishing.com.


No video available yet, but that is a work in progress. Thank you, Houston and beyond, for your support.

DO BENEFITS COME WITH A CHANGED LIFE??

Just wanted to share this video with my peeps. Minister Jackson delivered his first message on the last Sunday of 2015.  He is the first minister licensed through Eternal Word Fellowship Church. Let's encourage him to continue to go forward in the Word of God.  This is raw, unedited video, exactly as it happened.



May your life be blessed to remember - you have benefits!

Do You Know Your Features?

I once heard a pastor say that everything is a sermon illustration. That may or may not be true, but I believe everything has a lesson to teach if we will take the time to learn. Let me illustrate:

I have a tablet that I carry with me every day. Not the pen-and-ink kind, but the electronic kind. I bought a case for it from Wal-Mart, choosing the one I bought for the color (purple) and the reasonable price. I also liked the contraptions used to hold the tablet in place. I got it home, ripped it open, put the tablet in, and never looked back.

I have carried this thing for months, day in and day out. I have propped it up on my desk at work for music and for break-time YouTube viewing. I have connected the tablet to the sound system at the church almost every Sunday. I have folded the cover a million ways. But one day I pulled my tablet out and it was different. It was at a slightly different angle inside the case – one I had never seen before.

As I began to try to straighten it out, lamenting that I had broken it somehow, I discovered something that I had not known all this time. The base the tablet rests on swivels! I can adjust the tablet to stand vertically or horizontally, and I never even knew it. I found out through experimentation that it is actually capable of a full 360-degree rotation.

It’s obvious that I missed that detail when reading the cover’s features. I can’t imagine the creator would leave out such an important detail. I never even tried to move it in a different way. Had it not gotten off balance, I might have never known.

Of course, that taught me a lesson. Some of us are not living up to our full potential because we have never thought we were capable of moving in a different way. We’ve always operated in a certain position, and have not grasped the fact that there is more to us than meets the eye. We are capable of moving in different directions, but we’ve never even tried. The one direction, the one move that worked for us at the beginning has always been enough. Or has it?

Maybe we missed the part, like I did, in our packaging that explains all that we can do. I think it was Dr. Myles Munroe who once said the best way to know the purpose of a thing is to consult its creator. Most things come with an instruction manual, or at least a listing of features. If we don’t consult it, we miss out on some of the benefits the creator built into the creation. In the same way, God left us an external manual, the Bible, and an internal guide, the Holy Ghost, to help us understand all the ways we were created to be used. When we fail to consult our creator’s instructions, we limit our usefulness based on what we can figure out on our own, or based on what others perceive we are designed to do. Worse than that, we open ourselves up to misuse and abuse because we don’t know, and cannot appreciate, all that we are meant to be.

We go about our daily business, thinking this is all there is to us. Our current job, ministry, or assignment is working for us. We are doing what we know to do. But some of us, I would dare say all of us, are capable of more. Believe it or not, it usually takes something knocking us off balance for us to find out what that more is, because it’s usually a problem that sends us scrounging for the instructions that we had all along.

I told you – it was not until I noticed my tablet off balance that I discovered it could move in a different way. For many of you reading this little note, let me say that your feeling that something is off in your life is actually God’s way of getting you to move in a different direction. He wants you to try something you have not done before. There is more inside of you than realize. But this time, instead of guessing your way through, consult your instructions. Go to the Word of God to find out the intent of your Creator. Ask the Holy Ghost to show you how to unlock your hidden potential. You are flexible and versatile! Dr. Munroe also said, I believe, that if you don’t understand the purpose of a thing you will always abuse it. I said that to say this: Don’t let anyone who has not consulted the instruction manual handle you!

Get familiar with your built-in features and the additional power available from your Creator, and prepare to be used by God in new and exciting ways.

[Isa 43:19-21 KJV] Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

What is this Noise I am Hearing?

It's amazing how the human mind works. I have a thing about pens. I love them – all styles and all colors. But I particularly like gel pens, and rollerball pens. Until recently, I had never met a pen I didn't like. But just a few days ago I bought a new set. They look good, and the colors are nice. But they make noise! And they don't write as well as I had hoped.

These pens are disturbing my peace. Some of them write well depending on what paper I am writing on, but every pen in the set makes a strange noise as I am writing. I don't like the strange noise. It sounds bad on notebook paper; it is even worse on printer paper.

I keep twisting the barrels, trying to tighten them up somehow. The noise is bothering me. I don't know if the pens are falling apart or cutting up my paper as I write with them. I don't like strange noise!

Thinking about that – my aversion to strange noise – got me to thinking about God. Why? Because nearly everything gets me to thinking about God sooner or later. God hates strange noise too! Strange noise is a sign that something is out of order, something is not working as it should.

I can think of at least two times in Scripture right off the bat where strange noise revealed a people operating contrary to God's will.

In Exodus 32, the noise coming from the children of Israel's camp was an indication of worship directed toward something other than God. While Moses was up in the mountain receiving God's instructions for the people, the people were down in the valley creating a god for themselves. Moses' first indication that something was amiss was the noise coming from the camp. He was so disturbed by what he heard that he broke God's law into pieces and tore the whole scene apart.

Exodus 32:15-20 (KJV) ¹⁵  And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written. ¹⁶  And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. ¹⁷  And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp. ¹⁸  And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear. ¹⁹  And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. ²⁰  And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.

 

In 1 Samuel 15, the noise coming from Israel's camp was an indication of disobedience to God's commands. God told Samuel that he was rejecting Saul as Saul had rejected Him. The noise let Samuel know that what God had said should die was still alive. Even though Saul claimed to have followed God's directions, the noise let Samuel know that Saul had not been completely truthful in his assessment of the situation. Samuel had to take the initiate to complete the work that God had assigned Saul to do and kill the king of the Amalekites. Saul blamed the people for his disobedience, which is really bad since he was the king!

1 Samuel 15:10-15 (KJV) ¹⁰  Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, ¹¹  It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night. ¹²  And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal. ¹³  And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. ¹⁴  And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? ¹⁵  And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.

 

In the New Testament, Jesus very plainly discussed the kind of sound His people should be seeking to hear: His voice. He said that a strange voice would not get their attention. Jesus implied from what He said that His voice would lead His true disciples; a strange voice would not have the same authority.

²⁷  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: ²⁸  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:27-28 (KJV)

So what is this noise that I am hearing? So many voices, all clamoring for attention and recognition.

Amy Grant sang a song years ago that said, "They're gonna hit you from all sides, better make up your mind, who to, who not to, listen to."

One problem seems to be that the strange noise is so loud these days. It's everywhere, inserting itself into all areas of life. And we like it because it gives us excitement. Because it is so loud, it seems important, vital.

Most of all, strange noise turns our focus outward. We don't have to work to hear it. We don't have to be still. We don't have to concentrate. We hear it and ignore the cries of wounded hearts and feeble souls.

The strange noise draws us to a place that we don't even know we're going. When we get there, we find out the truth, but sadly, it is often too late. We are trapped, caught up, and snared. The noise has us hooked!

The truth we find out is that the noise is just that – noise. There is no substance to it. There is nothing we can hold on to. We follow the noise over the edge and find out we are standing on nothing. Or worse, we are standing exactly opposite of where God wants us to be.

What can effectively treat our noise addiction before we have gone too far? Only the blood of Jesus. He died so that we could be healed, delivered, and set free from all bondage. He wants us to be unshackled from the noise and drawn into Him. He wants us to hear a sound that has meaning. He wants us to listen and truly hear. He wants us to focus on Him to the exclusion of all else. By becoming attuned to the voice of the Lord through the Holy Spirit, we learn to allow Him to filter the rest of the world for us.

What are you hearing? Is it the media, popular culture, society, or the opinions of mere men? If so, you must begin to silence the noise! These are strange noises that drown out the voice of God. As an act of your will, push aside anything that does not sound like God; remove any noise that is not reflective of Heaven. You cannot do it alone, but if you belong to Christ, you are never alone. The Holy Spirit is with you, He is in you, and He will help you.

Nothing Else Matters

Christ is All in All

I am sitting here trying to understand how to operate my new laptop.  The TV is on, the air conditioning is humming loudly, and I am sitting here alone.  I have two spiral notebooks at my side, and a variety of colorful pens.  That’s how I usually blow off steam – writing about what is on my mind.

Today, I have been pondering my ministry.  I am the Pastor of Eternal Word Fellowship Church. It is a great church, but it is not yet thriving as I hoped it would be.  I am praying that I not be controlled by numbers. I am praying that I will do all the Lord has put in my heart regardless of how others respond.  I used to worry a lot about the people that I felt turned their backs on me.  Sometimes I wondered if they actively opposed what I was trying to do.  Can Christians actually be blackballed? As you can see, my mind is racing, thoughts flowing, past, present, and future all ripe for consideration.

But today, sitting here, I realize that nothing else matters.  Marvin Sapp sings a song with that title that often speaks to my spirit in times of stress.  It is so true.  Nothing else matters besides seeing Jesus.  I long to sit in His presence and hear what He has to say.

Got to Be There

Turning off the electronic eyes that seem to be everywhere, and shutting myself off from the rest of the world, I often find it necessary to sit. And listen. And wait.  Many times we are tempted to spend our prayer times doing all of the talking, but sometimes, we should be quiet. Intimacy is often found in what is not said. Psalm 46:10-11 (KJV) reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” It is in the stillness of life that God speaks – He speaks right in the middle of it. As the Scriptures tell us, He is WITH us! And when He speaks, it is always what you need to hear, even if it is not what you want.

Our human relationships suffer in this bustling, busy world from lack of presence.  We sit in the room together but our minds are a million miles away.  Each one has their cell phone, tablet, TV, or pc to keep them company.  We have forgotten how to relate face to face. 

But face to face intimacy is exactly what is needed in order for our relationships to be strong.  We have to talk to each other, look at each other, and touch each other.  That’s what happens in real relationship.  I love technology and all that it does, but I am so afraid that we are more connected than ever, and less connected than ever, all at the same time.

Like many of the raffles we love to take a chance on, we must be present to win.

The Honor of Your Presence is Requested

“The honor of your presence is requested,” a line normally only seen on formal invitations, finds its way into my thoughts. Jesus requests the honor of our presence, no matter how worn out and weary we may be. The invitation is extended in Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV):

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

All we have to do is accept the invitation – to come as we are – into His presence.  Why is that so hard for us? We are willing to give Him almost anything – money, service, talent – except our presence. The sad truth is that all of our sacrifices for Him are useless without the sacrifice to Him – our presence, our lives, us! 

After all, our living sacrifice is God’s greatest desire. Intimate relationship between Him and us.  This is why Christ died – to absorb the sin that separates us from God. Nothing else matters.

 

 

Six Things Every Small Church Wishes Their Pastor Knew

I have only been a member of a few churches in my lifetime, and most of those congregations averaged less than 100 members (which, by the way, experts say is true of the majority of American churches). While attending one of those churches, I wrote this list, without the commentary that follows each number.  Now that I am pastoring a small church, I am trying my best to take heed of the following in leading my small congregation. It is written from the members’ perspective, because that is the one I know well. This is strictly an opinion piece – one woman’s opinion.

1.     Being small does not make us inferior

 

Being small only makes us small; it does not make us inherently better or worse than any other church. Our size can be an advantage because it lends itself to intimacy.  Every time you berate the church or even speak harshly against other churches for being large, you are giving in to the spirit of comparison. That spirit will keep you from giving your absolute best to whatever number of people the Lord has given you to serve.  Even though Jesus taught multitudes, His faithful congregation averaged from 12 to 70 members until his crucifixion.  At one point, he had as many as 500, and that number dwindled down to 120 on the day of Pentecost.  Not once did he complain about not having enough people following Him. And He did not excuse His disciples from the work they were called to do because there were only a few of them.

Granted, those few impacted the world and gave birth to the first megachurch when 3,000 souls were added to the church, but it was the leader’s faithfulness to the few that opened the door for that to happen.  As a pastor, how do you know whether one of your faithful few will one day impact the entire world?

 

2.     We don’t all have to do everything

We are a small church.  That means that every ministry will be proportionately small.  It makes no sense for everybody to be expected to participate in every ministry.  We have different gifts, different abilities.  If every member is on the praise team, who are we leading in praise? If we are all in the choir, who are we edifying through our songs? By all means, assign everyone to something; but please don’t assign everyone to everything. Pick out those of us who are anointed for particular ministries and allow us to share our gifts with the others.

On that note, cut out ministries that are unnecessary or which we do not have the personnel to support.  If we do not have enough people for a choir, what’s wrong with a praise team or ensemble? If we do not have enough children and teachers for various age groups to be separated, why can’t we try a multi-age children’s church/Sunday school format?

 

3.     Treat us like we matter

Whenever you are frustrated by the small size of the congregation, it comes out in your preaching. You act as if we are merely a stepping stone to your mega-ministry and that ministering to us is not worth your time. The bible says that he that is faithful over a few things will be ruler over many.  It also says to despise not the days of small beginnings. When you are seeking to become great (meaning numerically large – something about the church is already great to us or we would go somewhere else), do not forget that we are part of the foundation on which your future ministry will be built. Just as the parts of a natural body are not all the same size, the parts of the body of Christ are not either.  That does not mean that any one of them is unimportant to God.  Don’t make the mistake of letting us become unimportant to you. We will not invite others to a ministry that does not value the people that are already there.

And on that note, please seek God and ask Him if you are called to “mega-ministry” or a “mega-church.”  It could possibly be your assignment, even if only for the moment, to pastor a small church. You will frustrate yourself, and us, if you try to move outside of God’s assignment and timing.

 

4.     Tell us what you expect

Cast a vision that shows us what we can do where we are. Paint a picture of what the Lord is telling you this church should be.  We are small, not stupid.  And frankly, you get what you expect.  If you communicate to us that we cannot do outreach because we are small, we won’t do it.  If you make us feel like we are not capable of giving, we will live up to the level of your expectation. As the Pastor, you set the tone for the church. The minute you give up on us, you open the door for us to give up on you. Don’t do that – keep hope alive!

Try giving us something to look forward to; something to reach for.  Maybe the reason that we are small is because we don’t see where we’re going. Maybe we don’t know the vibrancy of the vision.  When was the last time you talked about it? Where is your enthusiasm? You are our leader; we will only go where you take us.

5.     Ask us what we expect

Please don’t assume that we don’t have any vision or that we don’t want to see the church go forward. We do. The reason we don’t offer suggestions or ideas is because it feels like they are not wanted. When we become grasshoppers in our own eyes, the spirit of defeat takes over.  We want to be able to take ownership in the ministry as well as you do. We know we can’t be the pastor, but we can help you if you let us. Just because the church is small doesn’t mean it has to be a one-man show.

Ask us what we are hearing from God. Ask us how we can help the ministry. Ask us how we can help you and how you can help us. We need to know that our thoughts count; that they are at least considered. If you are ministering to us faithfully, we are growing spiritually, and should be given opportunity to exhibit Christian maturity within the local church. It may not always work out, but let’s at least give it a try sometime.

 

6.     Plan for growth

If you truly believe that our church is supposed to be a mega-church one day (and even if you don’t), please prepare for growth.  Equip people to lead and teach us how to follow leadership. Determine how you will deal with newcomers and set the systems in place not for some mystical mark in the future (when we reach 500 or 1000), but now.  Strive for excellence now. Engage new believers now. Follow-up with visitors now. Clean up the website and make it more professional now. All the things you are saving for your mega-ministry, try them out on a small scale now. If you do that, you will have them perfected by the time the multitudes come and you will have people ready to help execute your plans.

Make contingency plans and be prepared for problems.  The more people you have in your midst, the more trouble will arise. And remember that growth does not always look like what you have in mind.  You may need to release some of us into ministry. Those ministries are outgrowths of yours.  If you establish someone in ministry and they draw in numbers that eclipse yours, take courage! You are a part of that ministry. Let the Lord determine what form growth will look like in your ministry.

Dear Pastor, never forget that God placed you in His ministry because He had confidence in your ability to lead. He knows how much (and how many) you can handle at any given time.  Teach us, your faithful few, how to pray with you and for you. Teach us how to pray for increase, and how to minister so that we can grow together. We want to see you reach your God-given potential, and we want to reach ours too.

What would you add to this list?  Take away?

(Keep your comments clean or they will be deleted)

I Yield

My heart and soul are stirred. I hope that someone else is feeling the same way. Why am I stirred? Because I care about people. I want to see us walking in love and unity, especially within the Body of Christ. It is so important that we learn to get along. The only way this can happen is if we yield sometimes. We have to give up our right to be right (not our right to be righteous). Sometimes, even if only mentally, we have to be able to say, "I yield. It's not my turn to have the upper hand; I don't have to have the last word; I don't have to prove how smart or powerful I am."

We all (if we are honest) desire to be loved and appreciated. We sometimes desire to be exalted and admired. I think that is part of our nature as human beings. But we get messed up when we let these natural desires stand in the way of our better judgment - our Godly judgment. We must be able to let go - not only of what hurts us, but sometimes of things we want. If it is truly for us, letting it go for the moment will not delay it for eternity. As the song says, "What God has for me, it is for me." And it is through faith in God - not fighting for our rights against our brothers and sisters in Christ - that we will receive all that God has for us.

Yes, I am guilty, too - my hurt pride roars; my shattered expectations scream. And I find somewhere within the nerve to assert my right to have my own way. But the Spirit of the Lord is upon me tonight for something other than preaching and teaching - it is on me for repentance.

Lord, I yield my right to be first - my right to be right - my right to be heard. Help me to humble myself and walk in a continual state of humility. I look to the ultimate example - Jesus Christ - for a way to pattern myself. I yield my sinful nature to the control of your Holy Spirit. I yield my will to your will for my life. Forgive me for my wicked ways, and cleanse me of my sin - selfishness, stubbornness, pride, and self-seeking. I know that you are able to place me in a right place with you and with others. Help me to trust you to provide everything I need at all times in all circumstances.  Thank you for your steadfast love and faithful grace extended toward me.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Proverbs 29:23 (KJV)
²³ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.


1 Peter 5:5-7 (KJV)
⁵ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
⁷ Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Colossians 3:12-17 (KJV)
¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Merry Christmas! Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill to men! Love to you & yours from Darryl & Catrina Blount

My Grandmother's Legacy Remains

My grandmother, Rosie Mctyere, passed away three years ago today, December 21. I remember that the news of her passing shocked me. She was only 90 years old, and ever since I was a little girl, I just knew she would outlive my entire family. Grandma had been strong and independent, seemingly in need of nothing but the Lord that she loved. The last few years of her life had been plagued by illness, but still she was Grandma, the one who told us what was on her mind and made us laugh. I really miss her, but sometimes I see her in my granddaughter. My Twinkie’s mannerisms are a lot like the great-great grandmother who was gone before she got here.

I was on my way to a Christmas Banquet the day Grandma passed. I had been asked to write and read a poem at the event, but for some reason I had not written anything. After I found out my gran was gone, I wrote the poem which follows. I don’t know what one thing has to do with the other, but somehow I have always felt like Grandma gave me these words. She loved the Lord with all her heart and she loved her family. She outlived all of her siblings, and took care of every family member that needed her.  She was Grandma to her entire community in Niagara Falls, New York. My family rejoices in the knowledge that Grandma is enjoying the fellowship of the Savior she loved, and I, for one, look forward to seeing her again one day.

BORN TO DIE

I still celebrate Christmas

Not a generic holiday

Because I have to remember the reason

That we give such reverence to the season

Because the messiah was brought nigh

It was Jesus, the Savior, born to die

Imagine his virgin mother

Herself not more than a child

Chosen to incubate the one

Who men to God would reconcile

I wonder if she asked God why

Her firstborn child was born to die

Imagine his earthly father

Entrusted to raise the son of God

A child born like no other

In a place that seemed so odd

I wonder if it made him cry

To watch a child grow who was born to die

The shepherds heard heaven’s announcement

The glory of the heavenly choir

They worshiped him when they found him

Amidst a stable’s muck and mire

I wonder if the angels prophesied

This was the savior, from heaven, born to die

The magi followed the shining star

To find out the birthplace of the king afar

Bearing gifts they came with joy

To worship the heaven-sent baby boy

I wonder if they even realized

They worshiped a king, anointed and born to die

Now they don’t want to remember his name

To delete Christ the savior is the world’s chief aim

To replace him with “x” as if that is the same

And to turn those who worship him to shame

But the reason this season exists – I won’t lie

Is to remember the heaven-sent king, born to die

©2008, Catrina Johnson-Blount

Poem to be published in the upcoming collection, “Observations of a Black Girl”

Worship, wisdom, & wealth continues. Meet us at EWFC at 11:30 am, at 8240 Antoine, Suite 209, Houston, TX 77088.

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No Longer Bound

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Galatians 5:1, NIV.

This verse is saying that whether or not to be entangled again is our option. I just want to encourage you not only to get free, but to STAY free! And if you are not free, then GET free! Once you get free, then STAY free! Christ came that we might be free, and once free, then free indeed. No need to be bound by sin anymore. We can walk in newness of life, released from the oppression of sin and Satan.

Today is America's day to celebrate independence from England, but it can also be your day to celebrate independence from sin!

One group sings about the day they got rid of their heavy load. Today can be your day. And once you are rid of it, why pick it up again?

Mary Kay Personal Beauty Profiler

You can get your own personal beauty profile at www.marykay.com/cblount (my website)! It would be my pleasure to minister to your beauty needs. God made us body, soul, and spirit. It is our job to maintain all of those areas for His glory.

happy!