Justifying The Lying!

The LORD said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!”Then Job answered the LORD:  “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.”  Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:“Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.“Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his?  Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at all who are proud and bring them low, look at all who are proud and humble them, crush the wicked where they stand. Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. Job 40:14 NIV

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers  23:19 NIV

And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?' Deuteronomy 31:17 NIV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17 NIV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord's people. 1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10 NIV

If we look at the plight of America and Americans, we can see that there are problems all around us. Job had problems after Satan got permission from God to test him. Though the assaults were devastating--the loss of property, children, and covered with boils--Job maintained his faith in God. Because of his faith in God, all he had lost was restored.

The story of Job is the oldest known book of the bible and in it we find what real faith in God is. Yes, we acknowledge our circumstances, but we don't dwell on the negatives and try to see God in all we do. In all of the story--with his friends trying to persuade him to curse God and die and even his wife--Job remains steadfast--determined not to allow anyone to deter his faith in God. And the one thing we must remember in all of his trials--Satan couldn't do a thing to Job without God's permission and because God knew Job--He allowed the unfolding events in Job's life.

Does God know us well enough to know our end from the beginning? Of course He does. He knows who will remain faithful to Him without lying on Him in the process. He knows who will obey and do what they're told to do whether they understand it or not. He knows the level of our faith and nothing we say or do to justify a lie--especially about Him--will surprise Him.

God is not surprised by the lies people tell on Him--especially those in the "church" arena. In fact, part of the problem is that people are "in churches--the physical buildings" but they are not the church which we are supposed to be. "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV

We are the body of Christ--whoever believes and obeys! It is the body of Christ (the collective group of Believers) who is the church--not a building--where people meet.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13, NIV

Now if we are the Body of Christ--and have been filled with His Spirit--we know when He speaks and we know He will never lie to us and everything He speaks, aligns with The Word of God. So, why then are people--the church leaders lying on God and then trying to justify the lying?

It is simple as breathing. People lie because Satan is their father and we know that it is true because God's Word tells us so. Since we know God won't lie we also know He would never choose a liar to govern people. But God allows things to happen and it is possible that Satan got permission to test God's people as it pertains to the 2016 Election and the people failed the test--because their faith was not in God, but a man--a mere mortal.

And this is why we have the situation in Washington that exists--church leaders failed the test, but God never fails. God has not forsaken those who truly love Him and will obey--even in the midst of persecution and derision. He knows our thoughts from far off and He knows the direction He wants us to take. It is truly unfortunate that many will suffer because of those who sought to control other people rather than allowing Holy Spirit to do His job.

There is no justifying the lying and all those who are yet lying--claiming God chose Trump to be president are lying. If God was in the business of choosing elected leaders then those same people who hated Obama with a vengeance would have to acknowledge that God chose him to be president, too since God is not a respecter of people. Now which it is-is God choosing presidents or is He allowing people to choose through the election process?

What Have We Done?

Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Because of this the land dries up, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea are swept away. “But let no one bring a charge, let no one accuse another, for your people are like those who bring charges against a priest. You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother— my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. The more priests there were, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful.  Hosea 4:1-7 NIV

Do we not pay attention to the past--the history that is written or told--the events in life that destroyed, both the young and the old?

Did we not know how lies and falsehoods tend to overtake truth when truth is not repeatedly told and then evil influence rises higher than mountains, more destructive than swelling seas?

Were we not looking at how nations--once great civilizations--now no longer exist and if we noticed, did we not understand that if we do not learn from history--and the mistakes made--we are doomed to repeat it?

From the despicable Nero to Hitler and others--all with a mindset to rule--single-handedly, dictators and despots--destroying lives with lies and propaganda designed to make them look better when actually they were the worst of human nature. Did we not know that evil permeates the minds of those who are vulnerable and gullible and look to men instead of God for truth and then we have a mess on our hands that man cannot fix?

Narcissistic natures who tend to be megalomaniacs have a pathological tendency to lie and lie and lie and will say anything to convince others they are the only ones who are right and yet they are truly wrong and will destroy and convince others to join them in the destruction of mankind. Were we not paying attention or did we think we were so spiritually deep we did not need to pay attention? See how the enemy plays with the minds of those in leadership, enticing them to believe lies--though they have ears to hear--they do not listen to God.

And because those in leadership have failed to hear God and say what He says, about all things, we now enter a stage or phase that some will not survive--because of the lies promoted just to control the masses and now the masses will decrease in numbers until the only ones left are those the devil will engulf in the flames they lit.

What have we done? If we haven't figured it out--we need but to keep watching and listening and then doing nothing for the bottom will fall and all hopes crumble because we were too foolish to pray and humble ourselves--obeying God only, not man.

Is it too late to undo what we've done? God alone has the answer and now we will see just how many have the courage and boldness to hear Him when He speaks and do what He says, willing to move mountains to turn things around, so all will have an opportunity to prosper and thrive under the leadership of one who at least "hears and honors God" when He speaks.

Lord,

You said if Your people would humble themselves and pray, seek Your face, repent of their wicked ways, You would hear from heaven and heal the land. We humbly ask You to forgive us for thinking we did not need Your direction in all we do; especially in this election. Cover us with Your mercy, truth and grace and allow those who truly love You to provide remedy and relief so others won't suffer needlessly because Your elect leaders failed to tell people the truth.  You are the only wise God and we seek You to make a way out of this situation before there is no room for repentance by all involved in the travesty we see unfolding on a daily basis. You know our hearts and thoughts from afar and now we ask You to speak to the hearts of those who are willing to hear You and reset this course of destruction back on the path of Your divine instruction. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen!

When The Leaders Weep Before The Lord!

Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, LORD. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’ ” Then the LORD was jealous for his land and took pity on his people. The LORD replied to them: “I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations. “I will drive the northern horde far from you, pushing it into a parched and barren land; its eastern ranks will drown in the Dead Sea and its western ranks in the Mediterranean Sea. And its stench will go up; its smell will rise.” Surely he has done great things!  Joel 2:16-20 NIV

Instead of being fearful about the situations broiling around us, the church leaders should be weeping--crying out in repentance and turning away from all the wrong they have done as an example to the people, so they too will weep before The Lord.

Until leaders--in any capacity--recognize the wrong they have done and repent and cry unto The Lord for forgiveness, not much is going to change and if nothing is going to change, we will reap the consequences of our sinful, unrepentant behavior.

Our God--the God of heaven and all Creation is the same--yesterday, today and forever. Whatever He promised the people He chose, then is relevant today. Through the prophets we are warned and if we do not heed the warning, we are doomed to suffer the same as the people did then--we put ourselves in position to be held captive, scorned, and ridiculed.

We should never concern ourselves about those who do not believe--those who are influenced by the enemy, who try to tell us--"there is no God!" For them, there are no gods that will save them, but there is One who loves enough to save us from ourselves when we obey.

For the church leaders who beat up the congregations by trying to heap all the problems of the world on their heads--repent and weep before The Lord--owing your own sin and seek His forgiveness.

For the church leaders who do nothing but raise money for community causes or are more political than Godly, but never teach The Word or the consequences of sin--repent and weep before The Lord--owning your lack of responsibility in teaching Truth.

For the church leaders who are more concerned about adding numbers to the church--repent and weep before The Lord--recognizing that God is not in the numbers in a building, but the condition of the hearts of the people.

For the church leaders who live according to the dictates of the flesh and co-sign like behavior within the congregation of the church--repent and weep before The Lord.

For the church leaders who are doing everything they can to please God--stay the course--weeping before The Lord on behalf of all who refuse to hear Truth and obey.

When the church leaders understand the need for them to stay before The Lord--in repentance, and out of compassion for the people--change will come and no one will ever be ashamed to acknowledge our Living God and we will move towards peace in the land!

Which Part of The Body Are You?

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. I Corinthians 12:27, 28 NIV
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV

When we realize that the gifts--spiritual gifts and natural gifts are given to us to help build the Kingdom and act like it--we'll see a difference in the world and how people relate to those of us who Believe. Until then, we have a problem.

The problem with those who don't believe God is those of us who say we do--don't act any differently from those who don't. How confusing is that?

If we are the Body of Christ--we have responsibility to act the way He directs us to act. If not, the Body of Christ is looked upon with derision and most see us as hypocrites and from recent observations, I'd guess many of them would be right.

I recently accepted "Friend Requests" from a husband and wife who are leaders in a church. At least he calls himself a pastor, but now I'm wondering what he's teaching his congregation. Between the two of them, they have posted some of the most vulgar pictures and phrases--shared from other sites, but still distasteful and left me shaking my head. I finally posted that it was shame for them to share such posts and that I would not tolerate that type of thing on my page.

In response--they did not respond--someone else told me that they had cautioned them about the nature of their posts and received no reply. I thought they had been hacked, but I was assured that was not the case. What they posted, came from them.

Now, I ask again, how can we convince the world of anything good about being a Believer when the church leaders are doing everything the world is doing? Is it because we do not know which part of the body we are? Do we understand that when we proclaim the name of Jesus--accepting Him as our Lord and Savior that we misrepresent who He is when we don't know how to act as church leaders?

When the people--the congregation of a church--looks upon its leadership with disdain, how can we build the kingdom of God? Satan is surely sitting in the pulpit laughing his behind off with the antics he sees and this is how people are never victorious--Satan is leading them down a merry path of destruction.

I urge every Believer to take some time and seriously meditate upon the role in the church they have and glean understanding from God as to what part of the Body of Christ they are.

United For The Cause!

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." (I Coriinthians 1:10 NIV).

This appeal from Paul to all church leaders--was in response to those who thought they had a claim of superiority over others--simply because of who the leader was. For whatever reason--then as now--people tend to think that if they belong to a certain church or denomination that they have bragging rights and feel superior to any other Believers.

The truth of the matter is--if ALL claim to be Believers in the Work on the Cross, in salvation, repentance, spreading The Word and LIVING according to The Word--then NONE are superior or inferior. ALL are equal in the sight of God since He has no respect of persons.
People who have worship services on Sunday have no more access to God than those who have worship services on Saturday or any other day of the week--we all have equal access to God through the Son, Jesus Christ.

How a person is baptized is a matter between them and God, but if we look at the Scriptures and desire to be like Christ, who was submerged when baptized, then we would have to know, submersion is  the acceptable baptismal method. But this is not to argue, sprinkling or submersion--the act of baptism is supposed to symbolic of our "being buried with Him (to sin), and rising again (to live for Him)" to do the good works He said we would do. If we cannot do the works--ignited by love--for God and others--our baptism means nothing.

I can perfectly understand Paul's response to the church at Corinth--it doesn't matter who does the baptism or under what banner--it is the BAPTISM itself that matters--not who did it. If a person's heart is not right--it won't matter who does the baptizing. Some have gone into the water a dry devil and come up a wet one--there is no change of heart and so there can be no change of action.

Since none--but Jesus--has ever died for us--why do we pay so much attention to people in leadership positions? They have no heaven or hell for us. Their opinion of us--matters not--especially those who simply love to have authority over others, but have no relationship with God and it is evident in how they conduct themselves in their various churches. Having authority over people does not make them gods--it usually means God's favor--but more often it means, someone has erred in judgment by putting a godless person over others. We know this happens because we see the results every day when they are reported in the media. Why can't we choose leaders by praying until God shows us who is to lead?

Okay, that's a topic by itself and I will explore it, but the important thing for all BELIEVERS is that we are saying what God says--in total agreement--without any division. When the Body of Christ (everyone who proclaims to be believe in Him) unites in thought, purpose and deed, we will indeed change the world for the better.

Until then, let's not get caught up in people--who lead--but in the Leader we follow--Jesus Christ and learn to be united for the cause--encouraging everyone to live according to The Word of God!

Church Leaders--Pay Attention!

"Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the Lord. Both prophet and priest are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness," declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 23:1, 11 NIV)

There is so much that can be said about this entire chapter of Jeremiah--if I spent time expounding on each verse, it would take me over a month to complete it. But when I woke up this morning before 6:00 a.m., these are the verses of scripture that were playing over and over in my head and in particular, verse one.

Though many would attempt to deny that what was said to the prophet Jeremiah applies to us today, they would be wrong. Since some of those same folks constantly reference Jeremiah 29:11 (including me), we must understand that we cannot selectively determine which passages are applicable whenever it's convenient. ALL SCRIPTURE is there for our learning, good for reproof, and direction, if we would just seek God for understanding.

Yesterday, my husband and I witnessed (in a video) a pastor pouring bleach, water and detergent over the heads of people--"washing away their sins." How abominably ignorant of him and his followers to risk physical injury to eyes, ears, or other regions of their bodies. We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ--shed on the Cross--and nothing that man can do will ever wash away our sins.

In a number of churches, the church leaders are gay and promoting a lifestyle that is opposition to living according to the Word. In one such church, the pastor is a woman and her wife is the first lady. I'm praying for them to see the need for repentance and to stop misleading God's flock. And herein lies the problem--many church leaders see their congregation as their flock, not God's.

When people are not aware of their responsibility as a church leader or are just interested in the position as a status symbol, they veer away from the Word in order to make themselves special. They are special alright--in need of special prayer.

If God has ordained and anointed a person for leadership in a church--the development of the church is dependent upon God, not them. They should be in constant prayer, ready to hear God speak and ready to obey what He says. The people who come into the church do not belong to the pastor or church leader--they belong to God. When we abuse or misuse that which does not belong to us there is a penalty to pay and in this passage of Scripture (read all of it), we see God is not playing around with His proclamation against those who mislead His children.

In fact, most of the churches or religious institutions do not exist because God ordained them--they are cults, established by narcissistic persons who have a need to seen and thought important. They are encouraged in their own eyes by their ability to influence people into doing foolish things--we've seen the evidence in Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, and in other places--where people died led by those narcissists. Jim Jones, David Koresh, and so many more. There are other cults around that have not reached notoriety as yet, but I'm sure we'll see them soon.

How do we know a religious groups is a cult? They are easily identifiable; they esteem themselves more highly than the Word of God and in many cases, they go beyond the Word in their interpretation and begin to think they are equal to God. Whenever a person thinks they are a god, there is a problem. Whenever a person thinks they can foretell the date and hour of Jesus' return, there is a problem. Whenever a person encourages and promotes living in opposition to God's Word, there is a problem. God has already prepared their final dwelling for all eternity--the lake of fire, if they do not repent.

I'm sure there will be some who think I'm bashing preachers, but I'm not. I'm warning church leaders--everywhere--do not forget that God is the same--yesterday, today and forever. His purposes and intent for mankind have not changed, and when anyone changes what God has said for their own purposes--to mislead and encourage living in sin, they are going to judged by God, not me--for misleading God's flock.

Don't Be Led Astray, Lead To Truth!

"I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.  As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him." (I John 2:26, 27 NIV)

Before true understanding of what is said in this blog can be attained, one must know and understand what John is saying, in the previous verses. He is warning us to not be led astray by those who profess to know truth, but they lie and the truth is not in them.

Anyone-- and it does not matter who they are or what title they hold--who tells people that sin does not upset God, lies! If they lie about what God says, they also lie about any title they hold because God does not promote liars since He hates all  liars. Apostle, Bishop, Prophet, Pastor, Evangelist--no title held, given by man, is proof of God's promotion; especially if lies stream from the mouths of those holding the positions. The first sin they commit is--lying! Why do people lie about sin? Primarily, they lie to make themselves feel better. If they can convince others that their behavior is not sinful, they are more likely to continue engagement in sin and will encourage others to do the same. When a person is not willing to allow God's Word to rule in their life and they demonstrate it by living according to the world, it is an indicator that "flesh" (influenced by Satan) rules.

If we profess to have the Spirit of God living within us, guiding us, and counseling us, we will not say anything other than what He says. Holy Spirit will never contradict God's Word because He speaks as God speaks. When we lie, steal, cheat, abuse and misuse others--Satan has influenced and in many cases, since people won't acknowledge Satan's influence, he rules in their lives. What better way for him to rule than to have people disavow his existence? Isn't this why people say God doesn't exist so they can live any way they want to live?

When God's Word is our guide to living, we demonstrate that by doing what He says and not what we feel like doing. We recognize counterfeit teachings and will not follow those who are counterfeits. We do not trust those who speak confusion--opposition to God's Word because we know God is not the author of confusion and we know who is. Any confusion in the minds of those who profess belief in God have been led astray--doubt about God, self, and The Word--confusion created by Satan so he can reign and destroy hope.

Don't be led astray by those who are actually counterfeits! Lead others into the truth of God's Word by knowing Truth and in recognizing when the enemy is trying to influence. Be bold and very courageous in speaking God's Truth, never wavering or fearful of what the enemy might do because he has no power over those who allow Holy Spirit to lead their lives.

And The Beat Goes On!

Our archives are available 24/7! Listen, enjoy, and let us know what you think! Comments can be sent to mary.hallrayford@gmail.com. And join us live every Thursday at 5:00 p.m. EST! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2014/10/09/and-the-beat-goes-on

And The Beat Goes on!

If you missed this yesterday, you won't forget what you hear today! We had a blast! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/maryandtyrone/2014/09/04/and-the-beat-goes-on

Follow The Good!

"Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God." (3 John 1:11 NLT)

As I was re-reading this passage of scripture this morning, what John was saying to the church in his letter reminded me that we are indeed "without excuse" when it comes to knowing how we should live.

The bad example John references is the "church leader" who throws people out of the church when people don't do what he says, rather than what is good. John was encouraging people to help support "the traveling teachers" (evangelists), Diotrephes was opposed to welcoming or supporting those traveling to teach The Word and told people not to help, and when they did help, he threw them out of the church. Considering this church was probably meeting in his home--he felt he had every right to control what occurs in his home.

Are there any church leaders who are doing the same thing today? There are some who are so puffed up with their own importance and what they have to say, that if a person doesn't support what they want, they invite them to leave the church! I have been in churches where the leaders were dictators and felt they had a right to be so since it was their "father or mother" who had founded the church. What they failed to realize is that a relative may have established a ministry in a local building, but that does not give them the right to dictate to people who do not support their "self-righteousness".

In one church in particular, I got tired of the attitude and left. When a person can "see" that God is not in charge of the situation, the only recourse one has to stay in right relationship with God is to just leave--the madness--not God.

That's the other thing that baffles me. When people do leave a church because they do not see God's hand in anything that's taking place, why do people assume that person is "leaving God" and not just a building?

It is amazing to me that some get so caught up in themselves that they do not even recognize when they have taken charge in a church and left God completely out of the situation. Oh, they "posture" at teaching, using The Word, but then they negate The Word with their own sense of righteousness and setting standards for others according to what they do--not what The Word says. God is not mocked--He sees it all and understands the motives in the person's heart--and only that person is deceived--by their self-righteousness.

This is why John was writing this letter--to encourage people to follow the "good examples" and influence of those who are not only teaching God's truth, but living God's truth for all to see.

I am a passionate advocate for those who have want to follow truth and have been deceived by people. And my advice is similar to John's. If there is no indication of a person or church leaders doing things according to God's Truth--RUN and don't look back! When we know what God has said, we are held accountable for what we do--on all levels and what we say. 

Don't be fooled or cajoled into following people--FOLLOW THOSE WHO FOLLOW CHRIST IN WORD AND DEED--ALWAYS DOING GOOD FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS!

Provoking Others!

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds," (Hebrews 10:24 NIV)

How can we provoke others in loving others or doing good deeds, if we are not doing them?

The most powerful method to getting someone to do what we want them to do, is to show them by example how things should be done. We must remember that most people may hear what we say and forget what was said almost as quickly as we said it. But they will remember what they see us do--good or bad--so let's do what we want others to do, rather than talk about it.

When we want others to live a life that's pleasing to God, we must first consider how we live our own lives and make whatever adjustments are needed. We cannot convince others of anything that we are not doing. We cannot afford to be the kind of Christians who want others to "do as we say, not as we do."

The "do as I say, not as I do" philosophy never works. It didn't work with parents, the religious leaders of yesteryear, or anyone else in authority. People--especially children--are more inclined to do what they see us do. And when we don't do what we expect others to do, we become hypocrites. This is why Jesus called out the religious leaders (Luke 11:44--KJV; 12:56 and 13:15 NIV)--they expected the people to just do what they were told, even though they were not doing what was right.

Get a notebook and write down everything you have ever told someone else to do (that's right) and then write down what you do. Don't cheat yourself--God knows! When you have completed your list, what changes need to be made--by you; not  others? When we are honest with ourselves in correcting those things  that we need to correct, then we can expect different results from the people we try to influence.

We cannot preach or teach love and forgiveness and then judge and condemn others. Our job is not to judge or condemn people; but to love them and pray for them when we see them going astray. But then, what do they see us doing?

We cannot just talk about sin--all of them--and then live any way we want to live in front of others and expect them to change what they do. They are watching us and doing what we do.

We cannot just tell children how to act when they don't see us doing what we're telling them to do. Remember the Public Service Announcement when a dad asked his son how he learned to do drugs? His son responded by saying, "I learned it from watching you." What do your children or grandchildren see you do? Is it contrary to what you say?

I am many things, but I have never aspired to being a hypocrite. I try always to watch what I say and do because I want to be able to provoke others to living the best life they can as a Christian, a parent, a student, a spouse and a child. I am still a child--in my Father's eyes--so I must demonstrate my obedience in the presence of others if I expect them to obey Him.

Let us provoke others--to obey, to love, to forgive and to pray--at all times for all things and people. We can pray for peace, for justice, for mercy, for healing, and anything else that aligns with God's Word and expect Him to respond to our prayers.

Pulpit Idiocy!

One of the reasons our society at-large is in the shape that it is in is because of some of  those in leadership in churches. When leadership fails to live up to standards of integrity and virtue, then the whole house (for which it leads) is subject to failure!

This didactic is not about casting judgment upon those who have exercised no wisdom in the things they do, but it is an attempt to bring to the forefront--awareness--so that all of the idiocy that begins in a pulpit--regardless of denomination--is exposed and those who perpetrate it have room to repent and desist.

First of all, if a person has never been taught The Word in a structured, educational environment that provides guidance in extrapolating, dissecting and "rightly dividing the word," they should never be allowed to present information to others that they do not understand.  Why does this happen? When the leadership is not led by God, but by emotions or familial connection, we end up with idiots in a pulpit.

Does that mean that everyone with a degree in theology or Christian Education belongs in a pulpit? No, it does not.  We have all seen the messes created with some who hold degrees and titles who--because of their lack of relationship with God--have  made a mockery of the church, Christianity and all that it involves.

Who's left? For those who "hire" the pastor or church leader by any other name, accountability lies with them.  If their relationship is not right with God, they may end up making a decision that will prove detrimental to the whole body. Congregations need to know--if the leadership is not living a godly life--they are under no obligation to support idiocy and should not support idiocy.  Unfortunately, many people in the congregation of a church are cajoled "to forgive" those who commit transgressions and move on, but few have actually forced the guilty leadership to repent and rethink what they're doing.  As a result, wrong-thinking people continue to lead entire congregations astray and many have bullied the congregation into allowing them to keep their position. If the people--in the congregation--understood The Word--this could never happen. There are far too many wolves in our society, pretending to be something they are not and far, far too many sheep who fall into their clutches.

How do we get rid of the idiocy in the pulpit? Every born-again believer needs to understand The Word for themselves and when they hear and see conduct that is not of God in the leadership, they should act to rid themselves of that person. If more people did this, we would have fewer people in leadership positions, conning the people.

How do we know when there is idiocy in the pulpit? When the leadership (male or female) is abusing/misusing their position with members of the congregation. No one in a church should be subjected to sexual advances from any church leadership for any reason. That is not God speaking to them, but the devil himself.  No one should be subjected to listening to a preacher who has proven themselves to be less than honest, never really teaches The Word, but is always fussing and negative about those in the church. No church should be subjected to those who steal from the church in an effort to make themselves look good. No one should ever have to feel that they have to support idiocy when they see it--when the pastor wants more for a salary than the church can support. That is total idiocy! And then we have the church leaders who want to "build unto themselves a mini-kingdom" and expect the congregation to foot the bill, whether building is needed or not--idiocy!

How do we avoid the pulpit idiocy? The Word tells us that we ought to always pray. We should pray about where we worship, asking God to reveal everything we need to know about a situation before we settle there. We should pray for the leaders--all over the land--in every church--that they will hear and obey the voice of God. We should know The Word for ourselves so when we hear error being taught, we know it and can do something about it. We should pray for ourselves and our families, and church congregations that they would understand the legal ramifications for the role and duties of a church. Every person attending a church as a member and supporting it has a right to know how decisions are made and how money is spent. When leadership is found not living according to the Word, the congregants should make it known and with discussion--provide an avenue for the leadership to get it together or leave. These should be the only two options.  If the leadership won't listen to the congregants, then the congregants should leave and find a place of worship where the leadership hears God.

One of the biggest problems we have with church leadership today is the practice of nepotism. Every son thinks that if their father is a pastor, they should be next in line. Churches should never be treated like a family business; especially if no training has been afforded to those being put in leadership.  Fathers and mothers need to stop "calling" their sons into ministry and allow God to be God in the lives of their children. Not every offspring of a preacher was intended by God to preach, but in our society that seems to be the rule rather than the exception. When we do not do things God's way, we mess up and end up with idiocy in the pulpit.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to be more sensitive to You in hearing and obeying Your voice and not the one of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Remind us to pray about everything we do--where we worship, how we support that place and who we should "hear" as a leader. And when we find idiocy, help us to be bold enough to expose it for the benefit of all. Amen!