Honoring Marriage

As a believer, I absolutely believe in the sanctity of marriage.  Perhaps I'm "old skool", but I believe marriage was created by God and is organically defined as the union between one man and one woman.

With that being said, I have a serious question to pose to my fellow believers who stand in agreement.

We spend so much time and effort fighting for the "definition" of marriage in the church (with which I do agree), but neglect the sanctity of marriage in so many ways.  Why?

In the church, it's common to see fornication and adultery.  Yet, there are very few who cry out against it.  There are MANY preachers, leaders and pastors who divorce on Friday and show up on Sunday like nothing ever happened.  How can that be?

God HATES divorce.  That's what the word of God says.  When we truly believe in the sanctity and holiness of marriage, why don't we preach it all?  We need to take it or leave it.  Any sin is just that... a sin.  We can put weight on one over the other.

I believe God is opening our eyes.  It's very hypocritical to judge one aspect while winking at others.  At the core, everyone deserves to be loved, despite their decisions.  We've ALL made bad ones.  That still doesn't give us the right to choose which portions of God's commands we'll follow and which we'll casually dismiss.

So, today I cry aloud and spare not!  Protect godly marriage!  Stop allowing fornication and adultery in the churches.  Stop supporting those in the pulpit who wreck homes.  Stop listening to pastors and leaders who put away their spouses and take no time for repentance and restoration.  Worrying about how those outside the church define marriage is of minor concern compared to what we allow of those inside the church who are equally, if not more disrespectful of this sacred covenant.

After all, the divorce rate in the church is now greater than that outside.  If we, in the body of Christ, can't keep marriage holy, maybe we should stop getting angry at the world.  Obviously, the example has failed.  Selah.

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Don't Talk... Just Listen!

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Romans 12:14-16 (NLT)

Why is it that we as Christians and church leaders feel the need to provide the answer for every issue?  We often view those who are hurting, discouraged, weak or sick as lesser in the things of God.  Oh, how we err!

The Bible assures us that to everything there is a season.  This includes a season to mourn, or cry.  People of God, it's okay to have emotions.  It's okay to get angry or sad from time to time, as long as it doesn't fester and result in sin.

As leaders in the church, we need to learn to LISTEN and be slow to speak.  Not every situation needs a "prophetic word" to fix it.  Sometimes, people just need a listening ear and your prayers.  They certainly don't, in many cases, need a sermon that condemns them for feeling very natural feelings about a heavy situation.

We need to be a bit more sensitive.  I've seen people lose loved ones and get rebuked for the tears.  I've witnessed people being diagnosed with terminal illnesses and being prophesied to with the expectation that their countenance should change.  Really?

Let's remember, Jesus was a miracle worker when He walked the earth, yet He still had compassion on the people.  And He too had a moment of weeping.  I wonder what "word" we would have given Him...

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Back to What Matters...

"And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely yet have received, freely give."  ~ Matthew 10:7-8

My heart's desire is to fulfill the call on my life for TRUE ministry.  Quite honestly, as I examine the works of my hands, I'm still a bit short.  I have the preaching part down, but I want to do ALL Jesus commanded His disciples to do.  Healing the sick, cleansing diseases, raising the dead and casting out devils are also my responsibility.  I've experienced many of these things on occasion, but I should be so connected to God that these signs are always and consistently in operation.  I accept that responsibility and will obey by faith.

It's very scary... and also humbling to know that thee things CANNOT be done in my own strength and knowledge.  No number of conferences, summits, or meetings... No amount of schooling or money... No fancy suits or expensive shoes...  No number of Facebook friends or elite connections...  No gimmicks, tricks or entertainment...  Nothing but the power of God can fulfill God's purpose in us.

Humbled.  Joy is ready to stop trying and just allow God to use me.  Some won't like it... So be it...  Back to what matters...

Sanctified by the Word of God

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17).

In Jesus' prayer to the Father, He asked that His disciples, His followers, be sanctified by the word of God.  Sanctification is the act of being set aside, or consecrated.

The word of God is meant to clean, purify and separate us.  It was never intended to be used as a co-sign on our sin or worldly thinking.  The Scriptures were ordained for rebuke, correction and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16).

God's word should not be a weapon we use for debates and arguments, to cut and slander one another.  Neither should we study it seeking loopholes that will justify our carnal thoughts and behaviors.  Instead, it should be a tool... it IS a tool - sharper than a two-edged sword, to discipline and purify us.

Even in my own life, I am in yet another season of self-evaluation.  There are some things God is pulling me away from, not necessarily because they are wrong or blatantly sinful, but because they are COMMON.  To be set aside means a difference must be evident.  Holiness is unto perfection, so pruning is a continuous process.

We, indeed, are sanctified through the word.  The lack of holiness in our lives is a direct reflection of our ignorance of God's word and a lack of relationship with Him.  Holiness is not up for debate.  We must be different.  Where is the remnant? What is God's word pulling off of you?  Don't fight it.  Just let God mold you into the vessel of honor Jesus prayed for you to be.

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