Compromise and cancer

Wow! Eye opening!

While listening to the Lord He showed me quite the comparison for the modern church. It's so blatant and obvious yet sick and sly!

Many churches today correlate growth with "increase", right? For many it's about numbers... membership, attendance, salvations (repeating a prayer), baptisms, dedications and so on. "So what?" you might say, "they kept record at Pentecost and when Jesus fed the multitudes by miracles". Yes! They did. But was it the same meaning behind it then as it is now?

Let's take a look!

Today congregations all across America and even many around the world have adapted to "business structure" from planning, meetings, Finances, name it! Being in business for nearly 12 years, it's quite easy to see.

Many say, "that's not so bad, it all works to the good". Does it though? Whose good? Man's good or God's good?

Going deeper, not once did Jesus and His disciples "plan". If Jesus held a "business meeting", please correct me. Truly, I welcome it.

Deeper still, here's the portrait He painted for me.

In order for these churches to "grow in number" they've had to compromise. By this I mean little by little letting the world's ways creep in. Adding this, adding that, music styles change, ploys to bring people in change, adding teachings and doctrines, all this in essence is welcoming sin.

Ok with that said, in comparison, we can look at one of the most deadly ailments to hit a human body, CANCER! What does cancer do? Does it not mimic the very cells it attacks? Yes! Oh but there's growth! Not exactly a healthy growth, actually it's quite opposite.

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matthew 7:15

Sadly the compromise within the church is no different than cancerous cells. Cell by cell, church by church, the good as God intended deteriorates. Each compromise allowed weakens the solid foundation it may have been initially been built upon.

The craziest part is, we've been warned by Christ Himself of this apostasy! This great falling away from His Truth! There's growth alright, a deadly compromise and it's spiritual cancer to the soul.

He said, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before." Matthew 24:24-25

In essence, these things boil down to "another Jesus" being preached, embraced One who cannot save, cannot heal, cannot restore and one who does not live, cannot hear, cannot love, does not confront sin and is not the only begotten Son of the Living God!

Indeed we are living in the last days before the Son of God is sent for His perfect and spotless Bride. Upon that day, many of these so called churches will be just as full of lost, confused and hurting people as there is now!

If you've been apart of a church for some time I can guarantee apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit you will NOT recognize these things as harmful. It is God who grants the increase, yes, and without compromising Himself.

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," 2 Corinthians 6:17

Dare to take a step back from the known and allow the Almighty to show you His Truth? Is the gathering by which you routinely partake of truly apart of His set apart and chosen Bride or is it a dessert up "biblical" form of morality?

Knowing God is personal

I remember in my younger days a lot of people knew who I was, but not because they knew me personally; they knew me by association-- they knew others who did know me... that were close to me.

Even still with business I encounter similar situations. Many know who I am but aren't close enough to know me personally. I'm not into popularity. No, I share this because as I pondered these things the Lord spoke to my heart.

He brought this passage to mind:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:21-23

Many know of Jesus yet very few know Him personally. Key question is: Does He know you?

He said, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:14

Knowing Him is personal. Religion leads one to believe it's collective or a grapevine experience. It is not by customs, traditions nor through any other coattail experience that we are forgiven, redeemed, and set free... Come to know Christ, turn to Him. Only He has the power to save.

Will you be a stranger saying unto Him, "Lord, Lord..." only to hear those dreaded words, "I never knew you" and be eternally cast away?

Ladies---> Contentious or Quiet?

A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike." Proverbs 27:15

Contentious means brawling or to fight noisily, usually in a public place. Now think of the rain that goes and goes, especially in a certain area the drippings are continuous. Drip... drip... drip... After a time it becomes irritating and annoying.

I know I'm guilty of this. Praise God for showing us the right way and granting mercy & forgiveness in our stumblings! However, especially in our day women seem to enjoy causing a scene publicly. Remember, this can be social media too, doesn't have to be in the streets.

Of this I'm certain, where there is drama there is sin! Ladies, our voices do count... in the right way and in the right place. Outside of this we push others away! If you have a point to prove, in what manner will you handle it?

Corrupt character and chaotic consequences

"But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up." 1 Kings 21:25

It's likely we've all experienced a "Jezebel", some maybe more often that we'd like. Let's look at this one chapter and see a few of her characteristics.

Vs 5- She plays off Ahab's emotions
Vs 8- She takes control, taking matters into her own hands.
Vs 10- She manipulates the situation and twists truth
Vs 11- She has others do her dirty work, murdering an innocent man

I encourage y'all to read the full chapter, it's quite intriguing! Over and over throughout 1 Kings 16-21 she causes quite the whirlwind, causes many to stumble and fall as well as murder and taunt those who belong to the Lord! However, in the end we see the victorious strength and power of the Almighty God.

Fellas, be cautious as to the kind of lady you have and hold. Jezebel caused quite the commotion with & for her husband. Ladies, be mindful too of the friends you keep and let close.

Bad character is contagious and is quite destructive. However, theres no evil so great that the Great I AM is not even greater still. His perspective and our focus upon Him always are huge! Will we seek His approval regarding those we allow in our lives?

A moment in the mind

Yesterday my daughter had a bad day at school. When I picked them up she tried to bring her attitude home. After talking through things she said, "I was so mad, I almost said a bad word. I didn't say it though, only in my head."

I thought for a moment & prayed quick before I replied to her. I said, "You know the devil doesn't know our thoughts, but that's where he starts to make us fall. However God does know our thoughts. So, really you thought that bad word between you and Him."

She sat very quiet and quite attentive. I told her it's good she caught herself by not saying it but it's better in life's emotional Rollercoaster to ask God for help. She agreed and we moved on.

I'm reminded of Job as he replied to the Lord. "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee." Job 42:2

"Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off." Psalm 139:2

Today my son started his day much the same, living off emotions. Please keep my kids lifted in prayer. May we be extra mindful all things we "think" we keep to ourselves are actually between us and God. He knows, He sees.

Things are much smoother when keep on our helmet of salvation and are actively "... bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" 2 Corinthians 10:5

When history & modern day collide

In preparation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I went over a history lesson with my kids about his life, how things were in his day as well as his purpose.

We talked about slavery, human rights, civil rights and freedom. Of course we talked about Ms. Rosa Parks too. My kids were in shock at how people of color were treated, but even more than that they were shocked there were laws that made this way of life "okay".

There were many points we talked about but mostly the high cost MLK, Jr. paid. Hate is learned and love requires a sacrifice. Man's laws may say things are good as it was with segregation but not quite so in God's eyes.

Then we talked about a couple modern day laws that are just the same: abortion and the LGBT Movement. Just because majority or man may approve doesn't mean God's laws, views and requirements have been changed to suit society.

Pray for the leaders but if we live for God we must stand as He stands, love as He loves and hate what He hates. As I share these things with you, I'm sure there are many who may disagree but the Lord assures me in His Word, of these simple truth...

Proverbs 17:15
"He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both areabomination to the LORD."

Isaiah 5:20-21
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"

Our country has had many dark days as well as plenty of sunshine. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, it's up to us to see people as people, who all bleed blood red, as individuals Christ lived & died & rose again to save. None are perfect but Him and the greatest way to equality is love, pure love.

Chaos in control

While watching my kids play this weekend, I had to remind myself daughter about control. She loves to be boss and things to go her way. She gets so frustrated when things backfire or don't go as she's planned.

I gently reminded her, "You'll be a lot happier if you don't try to control every detail." She just gave me her famous, "I know" look.

As I spoke with her, the Lord spoke to me. He said, "People do this all the time. Attempting to control things only I can do & change. This is where faith and trust must walk hand in hand. I am able, but faith is required to trust."

So, I dig in the Scriptures and He reminds me of His truths...

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to pleasehim: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:1,6

"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." Psalm 9:10

We can drive ourselves crazy trying to control the uncontrollable or we can seek the Lord's hand in His help in our letting go. Trading our panic for His peace and walking by faith, trusting He has our best interest in mind. Will we let Him do what needs done?