Only One Opinion Really Matters

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."  Proverbs 14:12


Refrain from making decisions based on the opinions of others.  Oftentimes, we find ourselves looking for a quorum to support the decisions and actions we take without considering the one voice that matters... God's voice!

Of course, God can and will speak through other people.  At the end of the day, however, no matter how many people have given you advice, YOU are accountable for the action you take... YOU ALONE!

So, make sure the voice you obey is that of God.  The vessel doesn't matter, but the message certainly does.  Remember, you can have an overwhelming vote from men and still disappoint God.

Selah.

Just JOY

I normally don't explain "personal" things on social media, but I do want to address a question here. It's a valid question and one that I feel deserves an explanation.

I've been asked, on a few occasions, whether an academic title is more important than a spiritual one. It was interpreted by some, because I formally sign my name as "Dr. Joy Allen", that I esteem my academic accomplishments above my spiritual gifts and call. I would like to address this question, because I know similar assumptions have been made about other leaders who follow the same practice.

In short, absolutely not! While I worked hard to get through school, my ordained assignment for God is a life-long commitment and privilege... it's my purpose and my destiny. Because it's so significant, I don't necessarily feel that my Kingdom assignments should be diminished to a title.

Those of you who know me well know that I have NEVER been a big fan of titles. Personally, my mother named me 'Joy', and I LOVE MY NAME! I do recognize, however, that titles have their place. They are a part of our culture. In some cases, they are likened unto a hospital sign. People need to know where to go in order to get what they need. On the other hand, the way we typically use titles is not biblical. We all know that. As I said, it's more cultural than necessary.

With that, I do refrain from using a title in many arenas, for many reasons. One very large reason is that people become bound by it. Here's the bottom line... I have to be free to do what God tells me to do, and that assignment may change from day to day or even from moment to moment. I've spent years of my life hearing what I should or shouldn't do because God called me to be this or that. Hog wash! 

For example, if an ordained Evangelist prophesies to someone, they are rebuked for not being a prophet. If an acknowledged Prophet lays hands on believers and sends them on assignment, they are rebuked for not being an apostle. Well, that's error. Have you noticed that those who have no title, or those who simply use their academic titles don't have so much drama with the church? Sad, but true. Who has time for the red tape? I'm not saying we should operate out of order. I'm just saying a title shouldn't perpetuate control. Think about it...

Another reason I often refrain from the use is that titles tend to distance people. When I am ministering to someone, particularly an "unchurched" person, the last thing I want to do is treat them like I'm above them, or otherwise special. No. My job is to relate and build a rapport so I can share the love of God with them. In many of those cases, sharing a title is neither necessary nor appropriate.

For me, my main concern is my assignment. God will grace and gift me to do whatever He requires of me. I don't have time now, nor have I ever, to wait around for someone to give me a piece of paper with another title on it just so I can get to work and obey God. That's not the will of God in any way, form or fashion. The practice of the New Testament church was to hear God, lay hands and send. So, I certainly do believe in spiritual affirmation. That doesn't, however, include the attachment of a title.

So, as strange as it may seem to some, I've found that using "Dr." in some arenas is just easier. It doesn't cause the distractions I often face with having to explain a bunch of stuff. It gives a sense of satisfaction and "authority" for those regular church goers who need to see a title to feel comfortable. However, it doesn't distance those who are uncomfortable with the use of titles. Plus, it's universal. I minister in arenas where pastors are called by their first names, and IT'S NOT CONSIDERED TO BE DISRESPECTFUL. I like that, because I also do not (and never have) subscribe to the belief that the Body of Christ is a hierarchy where leaders, or clergy, are higher or better than the "laity." I don't believe that's the message taught to us by the word of God. We are all children of God, and if truly born-again, we are all co-laborers in Christ... we are ALL called to be ministers of the Gospel, in some capacity.

So, there you have it... the short (or maybe not) version of my decision. Prayerfully, this will give others something to consider and think about. Trust me when I tell you... I honor every assignment God has given me, because He didn't have to choose me at all! Don't put me in a box, because God hasn't. While I certainly have some gifts stronger than others, I've operated as a teacher, an evangelist, a pastor, a prophet and an apostle at different times during my walk (as have most of the true servants of Christ I know). I will continue to serve in any arena God requires.

I'm humbled and thankful for every opportunity to bring God glory. At the end of the day, my name doesn't matter. My title doesn't matter. My ministry spans many different cultures and types of people. I want them all to know and respect God, rather than me. Did God get the glory? That's what matters.

I pray this helps someone. Love ya'll.

from Your Sister in Christ (that's what matters most)
Just JOY 

P.S. -- For the record, I always refer to others in a manner that makes THEM feel respected, title or not. I recommend we all operate that way.

Stop Shooting the Messenger!

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

Galatians 4:16

As a Christian leader, it's very difficult to deal with the prideful spirit of entitlement that so many carry today.  Constantly, I'm asked how people can draw closer to God... how they can grow spiritually... how they can hear from the Father.  Well, the answer has always been the same.  Like any relationship, one with God requires commitment.  His word commands that we study and meditate on Scripture, spend time with Him in prayer and worship, and fellowship with believers.  Without faith, it's impossible to please Him, and we demonstrate our love for Him by following His commandments.

Yet, just like the slow people in the drive-through at McDonald's, it's as if people are always looking for a different answer... a short cut.  Just like the McDonald's menu, God's word, and His requirements, have been the same since the beginning.  Our lack of desire to discipline ourselves, submit and be accountable will not change His mind.

As the messenger (and that is truly all that I am), I am often the recipient of the anger, bitterness, ridicule and frustration that comes from people who simply don't want to hear the truth.  While I'm not surprised, it does often hurt.  It is very difficult not to take it personal.  It hurts because I truly love people and have a desire to see them grow.  Unfortunately, many choose not to see the same.  Instead, they'd rather compare me to the last leader they had or "just another Christian" who's all about money and trying to make spiritual things diffiult for others.  Why does it have to be that way?  Am I (or any other person) not entitled to being judged by my own fruit or the investments I make in people prior to their point of offense?  Does my being a pastor or leader negate that I too am a person with feelings... an individual desiring love and respect?  Let's remember, we are ALL people, and we must treat one another as we desire to be treated, regardless of one's "position" in the church.

The Kingdom of God, in one sense, is likened unto a bank account.  If we don't make deposits, there will be nothing to withdraw.  There are no exceptions and no excuses!  We can't expect God to meet our every need yet refuse to do what's necessary to maintain those healthy relationships.  In the same manner, it's unfair to expect our brothers and sisters in Christ, including our spiritual leaders, to consistently be available, share advice, and nurse our wounds when we refuse to heed their advise, wisdom and counsel.

Love is full of truth.  At the end of the day, our hunger for God and knowing the fullness of Him will not cause us to become angry just because we hear, yet again, what we know to be the truth.  We should learn to stop making excuses and just obey God.  It works.  If something is not working, that's not the leader's fault by default, especially if they are preaching, teaching and demonstrating the truth.  We need to look inwardly as well to see where we, personally, have missed with God.

1 Timothy 4:2-4 warns us of this very thing:

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

These times are upon us.  Some people just want things their way.  Whether it's truth or a lie, they want to hear what they want to hear.  They want to be in control, and they will always find fault in the very ones seeking to help them... because it's easier than admitting fault within themselves.

I am praying for so many, and humbly pray God will even keep my own heart from turning that way.  I'm saddened, hurt and disappointed.  There are few things worse than seeing the potential in someone who cannot see it in themselves.  It's very difficult to love those who refuse to accept your love, or even believe it exists.  It's heartbreaking to watch people turn against you just to run to those that mean them no good, yet tell them what they want to hear.

My prayer is that people will see another side of their personal frustration... to understand it's NOT ABOUT US.  This is bigger than any one individual, including myself.  Not everyone is out to "get you."  God loves us so much that He has strategically placed others in our lives to help us draw closer to Him.  We just need to stop biting the proverbial hand that feeds us.  

I want to encourage not only leaders, but all believers experiencing this type of frustration.  After all, EVERY believer is a minister of Christ with the responsibility to share the Gospel.  There are souls at stake... hold on!  Don't you dare give up.  It's worth the fight!  Someone's soul may be dependent upon you pressing through one more disappointment.  Even if you never see the fruit, continue to plant the seeds God commands you to plant.

All in all, I am full of love and have compassion, but I REFUSE to change the message.  I also have a responsbility to please God, and no one's desire for a cover up is worth risking that.  Even if I die today, God's message remains the same.

Amen.

Women, Let's Deal with Lust and Seduction in the Church

The spirit of lust is very subtle, yet strong.  Despite what many believe, this spirit is not always demonstrated through fornication, adultery or another bold act of sexual sin.  Lustful spirits, unfortunately, have overtaken many in the church.

As a female, I want to encourage my sisters, including some who may not recognize this spirit upon them.  Lust is often paired with seduction, or the desire to be seducing.  It is evident in us, ladies, when we dress a certain way or adorn our bodies for the sole purpose of getting attention, even if it's not entertained.

I'm concerned to see so many young ladies and women in the church, even among those in ministry, who are falling prey to this deception.  There is a difference between looking nice, carrying oneself as a lady, and trying to be "sexy" for anyone other than your husband.  The longing for attention... the desire or misconception that every man "wants you" is something that needs to be dealt with.  This deception quickly opens the door to ungodly imaginations, pride, envy, arrogance or even a sense of rejection, when the desired attention is not returned.  Even more, this need for attention can eventually lead to fornication and other sexual immorality, including pornography and masturbation.

Some signs of this spirit (in women) include:

- A heightened concern over one's appearance

- Changes in the way one dresses (subtle provocative enhancements, such as suddenly showing cleavage)

- Thoughts about what others, typically men, think of your appearance

- An obsession with oneself, which may be expressed through arrogant conversation about one's good looks and/or the excessive sharing of "selfies" on social media

- The idea that everyone sees one in a sexual manner

- Temptation to indulge in sexual sin

- The need for attention and validation of one's appearance from others

- Allowing a relationship to become to familiar; anticipating interaction with a particular person for the attention, rather than the purpose of the relationship

- Sexual thoughts or fantasy about a person who is "off limits"

- Concern about a person that exceeds "your business" (wondering what their favorite meal may be or what they would do in imaginary scenarios that involve you)

There are many more, but I just want to bring attention to these few and really expose the enemy.  Women of God, we need to be on guard.  Some of us need to step up and become the "mothers" so many churches now lack.  If this spirit is toying with you, get help in the form of prayer and deliverance.  If you see it in others, approach your sister in love.  Correct, rebuke, and when necessary, cast it out!

Selah.