“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” -Matthew
Have you ever been in a place where you simply felt misunderstood? Perhaps God had put something on the inside of you that was full of power and glory, yet others couldn’t see it. You felt as if your leaders just missed the mark. Your family didn’t understand and your closest friends had doubts. I want to encourage you this morning.
The Bible says that Mary, the mother of Jesus was pregnant with a child that Joseph did not father. Because Joseph was a JUST man, according to the word of God, the Bible says that he planned to “put her away privily.” In other words, he wanted to hide her so that she would not be shamed or perhaps even killed.
Many times, when our leaders shield us, we feel they are “holding up back” or that they just don’t see the potential God has placed in us. This is not always so. There are still a lot of JUST leaders that God has set in place, and the JUST will hide those that may otherwise be exposed to ridicule and even death. It was the wisdom of Joseph that wanted to hide his wife. It was the love he had for her that drove him to protect her. He was not driven by jealousy or intimidation, but by his God-given instinct to protect.
The Scriptures go on to say, however, that and angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and revealed to him that the child Mary carried was conceived of the Holy Ghost, therefore he should not fear in taking her as his wife. When a thing is really of God, He will always vindicate what He has ordains! Hallelujah! Our God makes it His business to tell our leaders when He has placed something on the inside of His people, that they will not fear taking covenant with that person or the thing God has given them.
Too often, people become so used to being victims that they are unable to identify a good, nurturing leader when they meet one. Did His word not promise YOU that He would send shepherds to feed and guide you? Our GOD is faithful.
Sometimes, we just need to wait on God to deliver the full message. In this season, we can’t be quick to accept every wind of doctrine, or every announcement of a call. Things must be prayerfully considered and judged, to see whether it is of God. Let’s allow our leaders the time to ponder before we assume they are simply trying to hold us back.
Selah.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 04, 2011
Honoring the Abuser
Why do we show less respect for leaders who serve and more for those that abuse?
I've observed the church and ministry leadership dynamics for years. As a pastor myself, with a heart after God's agenda, I have found it VERY difficult to serve and receive respect simultaneously. It baffles my mind that when people see that you have a desire to teach the word and are willing to work alongside them, rather than ruling over them, they also seem to devalue your anointing and authority. It's almost as if you are perceived as being "common" and "weak."
Yet, I have seen and experienced other leaders that lie to the people, twist the Scriptures, and rule over them in very dangerous and abusive scenarios. As a result, even when the leader is known to be wrong, it seems that they are followed by the masses for long periods of time.
Unfortunately, people see abuse as a sign of authority and power, rather than the manifestation of signs and wonders. Church hurt has scarred many people, even to the point that some don't know how to trust a leader who truly has their best interest at heart. It's a sad state.
Jesus was a servant and told us that the greatest among us are the same (Matthew 23:11). Since Jesus has declared this to be so, we cannot expect the crowd to follow such examples. The masses will follow those that seek their own glory, rather than that of the Father.
I want to take this opportunity to encourage the leaders who walk in humility and truly have a heart for God's people. Do not be discouraged. Do not compromise. Do not be dismayed by those who honor their abusers, but slander the nurturer. Know that God is getting the glory out of your leadership through service.
Selah.
I've observed the church and ministry leadership dynamics for years. As a pastor myself, with a heart after God's agenda, I have found it VERY difficult to serve and receive respect simultaneously. It baffles my mind that when people see that you have a desire to teach the word and are willing to work alongside them, rather than ruling over them, they also seem to devalue your anointing and authority. It's almost as if you are perceived as being "common" and "weak."
Yet, I have seen and experienced other leaders that lie to the people, twist the Scriptures, and rule over them in very dangerous and abusive scenarios. As a result, even when the leader is known to be wrong, it seems that they are followed by the masses for long periods of time.
Unfortunately, people see abuse as a sign of authority and power, rather than the manifestation of signs and wonders. Church hurt has scarred many people, even to the point that some don't know how to trust a leader who truly has their best interest at heart. It's a sad state.
Jesus was a servant and told us that the greatest among us are the same (Matthew 23:11). Since Jesus has declared this to be so, we cannot expect the crowd to follow such examples. The masses will follow those that seek their own glory, rather than that of the Father.
I want to take this opportunity to encourage the leaders who walk in humility and truly have a heart for God's people. Do not be discouraged. Do not compromise. Do not be dismayed by those who honor their abusers, but slander the nurturer. Know that God is getting the glory out of your leadership through service.
Selah.
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