Where is the passion for God?

My soul is burdened by the lack of passion and zeal in people who are on staff at ministries and churches. Do they not realize what they are doing? Do they not realize that the chief of staff is Jesus Christ Himself? Do they not realize that all things done apart from Jesus leads to nothing?

Why do I see church staff members not fired up about Jesus? Do they even experience getting into God’s presence daily? This should not be so.

For there to be revival in the body of Christ, which infects the world, there needs to be revival in church leadership! How? By pursuing Jesus Christ more passionately than anything else on this planet. By obeying the first commandment. By loving the Lord your God first, and then loving your neighbor.

People in our churches are dying. Spiritually dying. Who is taking them the medicine? It’s like going to an obese, overweight, unhealthy doctor…really. This doc doesn’t even do what he should, how greatly will he impact his patients? Just as a complacent, lukewarm pastor will not impact his church. It is a sad, sad thing. An epidemic I tell you.

If you are waiting for the church leaders to lead you…you may be disappointed. They too are sinful man and fall. Put your eyes on Jesus, the truth, the life, and the way. He is the one who laid down His life for you. He is the one who has the final say-so on this life. He is the one who created a plan and purpose for your life. Put your allegiance in Him. Put your faith back in HIM only!

Historically, revival has started after  (corporate) prayer and fasting…a place of repentance, sacrifice, and complete physical dependence on God. This leads you to become so spiritually dependent on God…leading you to return to His presence routinely. Experiencing God’s presence regularly keeps you conscientious of your sins and His help and forgiveness. Through this dependence on God, you become anointed by His spirit, anointed with His power to carry out that which He has shared with you in those silent moments with Him.

What the body of Christ is lacking is the presence of Christ.

The churches will continue in this downward spiral of morals and morale if they do not sober up and pursue a life that pleases God. The Bible tells all on how to please God. Moreover, is it safe to say that the body of Christ is lacking biblical knowledge?

I read a statistic given by Billy Graham in 1992 that 11% of believers read their Bibles. I read in a counseling book, published 10 years later that 10% of believers read theirs. Proof is in the pudding. With the advancement of technology and social media, I’m sure that numbers continue on the decline due to greater distractions. As a result, spiritual poverty is on the incline.

What do we do?

• Love the Lord God with all our soul, strength, and might.
• Refuse to live a life separate from Him. Pursue Him.
• Long for His presence.
• Talk to Him; tell Him about your grief, joy, struggles, and accomplishments.
• Read His Book of Life daily, meditate on it.
• Call out to the Holy Spirit for help, strength, and guidance.

We have to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways

so that we live on His path for our life.

This takes making your relationship with Christ TOP priority. Then you must make your schedule accommodate your priority. Make the time. Set it apart. Make an appointment with Jesus & don’t break it out of laziness or lack of discipline.

Do you realize that He wants to do something amazing in your life? He wants to use you in this life to change the face of the world. REALLY! So show up with your Creator and see who He is, what He has for you, and where He wants to use you!

If you don't meet the needs of your spouse, someone else just might!

Do you do for your spouse, ONLY what YOU can do?

Do you hold them?
Do you kiss them?
Do you rub their back, neck?
Do you listen with concern?
Do you take time for them?
Do you romance them?
Do you eat with them?
Do you call them throughout the day?
Do you pray with them?
Do you share responsibilities?

Maybe you read this, and you reason: Well they don't do it for me, so I won't for them. What if you started doing these things? What if you committed to doing it for 3-6 months? Don't you think at some point it would be reciprocated? And if you continued pouring into them...they would pour into you? Just maybe, do you think that might happen?

In reading about how extramarital relationships start, I realize that for the most part it comes down to a word:

V O I D S

 

There are numerous areas in marriages these days that are void of attention, intimacy, time, and interest that is ONLY appropriate for the spouse to fill. Spouses are not pouring into eachother.

 

What saddens me is that many wives or husbands express these voids, to one or the other, time after time, only to be left feeling more rejected and neglected when their needs and heartaches are left unfulfilled.

 

Do you hear irony in this:

Husband says to his friend:

"My wife keeps nagging on me to kiss her more."

 

HELLO - If your wife is 'nagging'

about needing more kisses...

then get to kissing - right?

 

What came first - the chicken or the egg? For some cheat out of an unsatiable, perverted, lustful obsession that is something that needs personal deliverance from and deeer help. And in reviewing material and observing things, I see that some don't ever intend to fall into an affair or extramarital relationships. It seems that some instances of cheating stems from years of neglect compounding, physical and emotional needs going unmet, and the person (sooner or later) becoming vulnerable.

 

Sometimes, the heart's cry just for someone to listen and care is met by another lonely human being...and the two meet their own needs with eachother. Some reason and justify it was way of survival. Really, it's a result from internal brokenness.

 

So many emotions are entangled with these scenario. My mathematical mind loves to narrow things down into formulas.

 

   Wife fulfilling her husband's needs

+ Husband fulfilling his wife's needs

= Satisfying Marriage

 

Can it really be that simple?

 

My nature is to be a problem-solver...and very proactive. If we individually were committed to doing our part and fulfilled our roles of husband or wife, would our spouse have any reason to cheat on us? (Outside of the lustful, sex-crazed addictive kind of stuff.)

 

I don't know. I would like to find a prevention recipe. Where I'm at, I see that powerful praying spouses who resort to fasting and prayer have great results within their marriage. Would you agree with the following?

• Couples who are not afraid and humble enough to go to marriage counseling tend to do better.
• Couples who do not hide their problems, but reach out for prayer do well.
• Couples who protect their marriages by NOT making (close) friends with people of the opposite sex are less vulnerable.
• Couples who pray together, stay together.
• Couples who are transparent and reach out to help others seem to be strengthened.
• Husbands and wives who fear the Lord stay more in line with His will for marriage.

 

So then, if we were to cultivate the following things in our lives, would we set up many safeguards that would protect our marriage? Would these secure our families?

• Wisdom
• Boundaries
• Purity
• Devoted Prayer Life
• Bible Study Time
• Accountability
• Honesty
• Humility

Just some thoughts inspired by what I've been reading in preparation on my final topic of 'Sex Apart From Marriage'. I agree their are ALWAYS two sides to every story...but ALL affairs victimize, cause serious pain & trauma, jeopardize trust, and create insecurities...among other things.

 

This is not an exhaustive summary of the epidemic, just some thoughts to try and draw a conclusion:

 

If we can figure out the 'whys'...we can figure out the 'how-tos' for prevention!

Have you been jaded by helping others?

Risk is involved when you set out to serve the Lord by helping and serving others. For God’s will to come to pass, it takes everyone involved to hear the Lord and be obedient. Just like building a house takes the electrician, the plumber, and the carpenter to work together and do their job. Moreover, to bring an assignment through to completion for the Lord requires everyone involved to do what they are supposed to. Imagine the house, if the plumber showed up but didn’t do the work?

I believe that God can very well call you to help, knowing the final outcome is not what you are expecting, however, the role you play, the example you give, the obedience you exhibit is for all the spectators. To be an example of doing what the Bible says.

I talk the talk, and walk the walk. I talk about helping people. I go out and help people. It’s up to the people involved, receiving the help to be obedient themselves and receive, accept, submit, and appreciate, etc.

Here is where we must realize that while we live in a fallen world of sinful, carnal men, we must remain faithful to God. We cannot always see what He is doing - our job is to show up and do what He says. If our efforts fail, we dust off our knees and start over.

Many times our efforts fail because of those we are serving/helping not submitting to God’s instructions to them. Everyone has a role to play. People should be filled with work ethics, integrity, honesty, etc.

I empathize and understand that many of them have been jaded by the world and now seek their own. They live for only themselves, they make attempts to take advantage and come up. They resort to being petty, picky, unappreciative, and walk in the flesh. They disqualify themselves. But as a servant of God, you did what you were called to do and allowed God to use you.

You may find yourself scratching your head and wondering: Why did I even try? What was that all about?

God is sovereign. Even with Judas who betrayed Jesus, God used his sin and greediness to turn the switch on God’s sovereign plan of Jesus going to the cross.

The Bible says that those who ‘endure to the end shall be saved’. I turn to this verse when I am confused, taken advantage of, broken by believers, persecuted by hypocrites, and abandoned. See, I must know that I did what God called me to do and stay committed to remaining obedient for the next time God gives me an assignment.

God has given us freewill. We are not robots. People have the choice to do their part, keep their word, and be faithful themselves. I have the choice to let it ruin me, discourage me, and no longer endure.

I serve a redeeming God. He can do what He desires at any time. I am mindful always that this life is all about the sanctification process. Enduring through peoples disobedience sanctifies you. Suffering sanctifies you. Being rejected sanctifies you. Look at Jesus Christ: He was rejected, betrayed, persecuted, and crucified. Can we honestly expect life to be free from disappointment and suffering?

Through all of it, we cannot give up ourselves and allow our hearts to be hardened. Becoming more Christ-like requires us to remain unstained by the world, and this is the goal as it says in James.

Success in the Kingdom of God looks NOTHING like the success in the world. Power, prestige, and riches are what the world measures success by. A dirt poor missionary in a 3^rd world country, with nothing to their name can be more successful than Steve Jobs. How many people did that missionary win to the Lord? But many idolize Steve Jobs for his intellect, brilliance, marketing, and inventions. Where is he spending eternity? Who is richer, the missionary or Jobs?

See, this is where the world’s ways of operation cannot invade how the Holy Spirit operates. And too often, too many measure you by your worldly success, or lack thereof.

For the record, worldly success is not what I am after. It’s all vanity and grasping for the wind (Read Ecclesiastes).

Jesus Christ didn’t come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). So it’s clear that serving others is walking the real walk, true? What walk are you walking?

The Journey with Favour! She moves in today!!!!!

About 4 weeks ago today, I took on a project that was truly a compelling push from the Holy Spirit. I cannot take any credit for anything...it's was a matter of me obeying what I was told.

I put out my abilities and experience from working in a church and in real estate, used my gifts of prayer and administration, and my personality of being highly driven, determined, bold and passionate to help my new Nigerian friend get off the streets and into a home.

She had done the leg work for Section 8, but the house needed stuff to be approvable by section 8. God was faithful to bring all things to pass!

She is moving in today!!!!!

Honestly, it has taken only 6 married couples who gave items, resources ($$$$$), time, and help to get her in this house and off the streets/out of the homeless shelter/out of the motel.

ONLY 6!!!! (SO FAR!!!) God reminded me: His ways are not our ways!

Today, Favour is getting the keys! (That's the plan...Lord willing.)

Stability - straight ahead!

If you are still interested in helping, please let me know. I have a friend networking her FB list and getting items like dishes and things...but there are still some main priority items that Favour needs, this weekend....

GOT BEDS????

A twin for Divine...and a full size for Favour! Oh, and sheets and stuff for the beds.

Then, the next item will be a table and chairs...and then dressers.

Please let me know if you want to help! Thanks so much...and thank you to all who gave...this couldn't have happened without your generous hearts!!!! I pray God blesses you 100-fold for all that you gave!!! I know that He will!

My hope is renewed by truly faithful servants!

Writing is my way of venting. And what I want to vent about may make you uncomfortable if you are a church leader.

It is so sad that my foundational thoughts on why people are hurt by the church have continued to be confirmed through this project of helping Favour, my on-fire Nigerian friend.

For the record, I did reach out to 3 churches...and I do have quite a list of 'pastors' on my Facebook friend list. How many churches have shown up so far? NONE. Now, before you are offended or discouraged, read on.

My hope is renewed in the fact that God's FAITHFUL servants who have the finances to give, have given to Favour's cause. I have met some amazing people who seriously love God and have the right heart to help.

Nevertheless, it is odd to me of why it's such a struggle for finances to flow through churches to the poor, needy, impoverished. The churches talk of 'outreaches', yet they are void of reaching out???? Hmmmmmm.

As of now, Favour is getting keys on Friday to her 'new for her' house. She is thrilled. Yet, she needs beds. I have again requested this from a couple of ministry leaders who say they have the heart to help, but we will see what happens.

In my experience with working for a church, there is so much red tape for needs to be met and ministries to be birthed. I do understand when there is so many people, systems help organize. But I have seen so many 'systems, forms, and meetings' get in the way of someone getting helped.

How about the deserted single mom of four who recently reached out for her water to be turned back on? "Fill out a form and wait for your meeting"? HELLO - we don't have water to drink, water to cook with, or water to bathe in!!!! This was a mom whose husband left her for another woman...they had previously paid tithes to this church.

My hope is renewed in the fact that God's FAITHFUL servants who have the finances to give, gave.

I am a person who can see that there are 2 sides to every story. Although, all too often, I see so many people's needs being left unmet.

What's up with numerous divorces coming out of a local church? Are pastors NOT counseling? Or are they NOT referring troubled couples to competent marriage counselors and following up? Marriages are falling by the wayside, kids are being broken by adultery, and the pastors are doing what? NOT getting involved in people's personal lives.

My hope in renewed by the sovereignty and justice of God. Those in leadership positions will be held to a stricter judgement. I pray God's mercy for their souls.

It is apparent I have a heart for ministry and something of some kind will be birthed through me sometime in the near future. I can just feel it. Although, I've already asked one person to hold me accountable to this rule of thumb:

10% - OPERATE MINISTRY - (SUPPLIES/COSTS OF ADVERTISING)
90% - GIVE AND CARE FOR THE POOR

In all that I see and hear, my walk with God remains unjaded. I refuse to let sinful, prideful man interfere with my calling, destiny, and future with the Lord.

I see that God continues to bring these things to my attention because

1) I happen to be writing my thesis on this topic;
2) I learn from others mistakes;
3) I truly have a heart for the broken, poor, and impoverished;
4) To show me the great need to let finances freely flow to real need;
5) To form a ministry for those who want God, but don't want church;
6) To offer counseling to those who have been victimized, jaded, disappointed, and rejected by the church and hurt so bad that they have fallen out of fellowship with God and other believers;
7) To provide an environment to my boys that show them James 1:27 which reads:

Pure and undefiled religion

in the sight of our God and Father is this:

to visit orphans and widows in their distress, a

nd to keep oneself unstained by the world.

My spirit is sooooooo burdened by church leaders not keeping themselves unstained by the world. They lack integrity like the world, they keep up with the latest trends like the world, and stay too busy for real ministry needs like the world.

My hope is renewed by God's ability to change people, His resurrecting power, and His sovereignty.

During the course of writing my thesis, I am going to hear and read about hardcore truths that I may share, like today. I do not do this to discourage you from going to church. I do this to serve as a nagging reminder to church leaders that they are not exempt from God's justice, vengeance, and vindication. I share this to warn them that what they are doing and NOT doing is seen by God and many others, and they are causing MANY to stumble.

My hope is to offer admonishment to leaders and pastor to get back to the Word of God, a life of serious prayer to experince the life-transforming power of God's presence, and to be obedient to what God truly calls them to.

As a disciple of the Word, it is my prayer that if you are a church leader, ministry leader, or pastor of any kind that you would seriously consider what I share.

If you have a hard heart and justify why you do not help the abandoned mother of four, or why you cannot give to a homeless foreigner, I pray that you would pray and fast for God to till your heart, make is soft, and moldable to His desires. I pray that you would truly walk out Matthew 6:33. Working at a church is not just it....where is your heart? Where is your love? Where is your commitment to be the hands and feet of Jesus?

So many are hurting because of your lack of interest in helping people in the name of Jesus. And this serves as a warning to either get on track with what the Bible says and what God is doing...or just go find a new job so that you don't leave a mess of broken, hurt, rejected, and confused people behind.

Thank you!