Jeremiah is a marvelous example! He is known as the weeping prophet. His message often made the people feel sad and not glad. They did not want to change but be made to feel comfortable living in sin. They wanted to go through the motions but they did not want to REPENT… They rejected Jeremiah and labeled him negative to discredit him so the people would not receive his message from the Lord!

Ministry is not a popularity contest. It is not about the numbers as well. Keep in mind that there were multitudes of people that followed Christ Jesus. Yet when He was crucified many abandoned Him? Look around and see how the world at large is shifting away from the principles of God. Today being corrected by the Word is not always readily welcomed… This is why it is so very important to be led by the SPIRIT of GOD. Many want to simply remain comfortable doing as they please. But the question is; is GOD pleased? Know that the Lord has a purpose and plan for each of our lives.

Do not fret because of evil instead BE AWARE, TRUST GOD and SEEK HIS direction in all things. Spend time meditating upon His Word!

“REJOICE in the LORD ALWAYS!” For, “Where the Spirit of the LORD is there is Liberty!”

Prepare each day expecting the Lord to return. JESUS CHRIST really is coming back for HIS CHURCH without spot or wrinkle!

Dressing up for Prom and dressing down for Worship Part 1

Dressing up for Prom and dressing down for Worship! 

Part 1

This 21st century is becoming progressively more interesting in a very bizarre manner. We are living in a time when just about anything goes! We can go almost anywhere and expect to see some of everything. You can see multiple piercings on the ears, lips, forehead, eyebrows, cheeks, neck, and head or just about anywhere on the body. Let’s not even discuss the places that we don’t see.

Oh my! It makes you wonder why so many want to inflict themselves with so much pain…

Glitter and glam

You can see glitter glam clothes or faces. Pink, royal blue, purple, burgundy, yellow and even green bold hair colors on both male and females. It has become acceptable for many to even walk around with their pants sagging below the buttocks! You can go to the shopping mall and see many clad in pajamas and slippers and guess what they are just out shopping; so what does it matter?  Let’s not forget the jeans with holes in them.  The old shorter than short “Daisy Duke” jean shorts are even trying to make their way to the forefront. WOW!

I know everyone wants to be comfortable or they just want to as the ole song says “Express Yourself!” So it has become socially tolerable to just dress down whenever or wherever. After all we are not hurting anyone.

But what does this all say? No matter why our youth are so confused. Too many mixed messages.

Think about this for a moment or two!

Who gets the right to determine what is right? If so what are the guidelines?

Your most important occassion

What is the most important event or occasion that you will attend? Is it a wedding, red carpet affair, birthday party, concert, funeral, job interview or perhaps a prom? How do you dress for the occasion? If it is a wedding, you probably want to wear your best? Or maybe not? Why is that; because it has become acceptable to dress just any kind of way; right?

Well, what about going to worship? You should just “come as you are.” If you have not been a part of God’s Church it is understandable. But if you have been a part of the Church for a while you might want to ask yourself; to whom or where do you present your best other than at worship?

GOD’S CHURCH is the BRIDE of CHRIST

Did you know that the Church is the Bride of Christ? We the people are His Church. The Church has begun to blend right in with the world.

It is becoming harder and harder to distinguish the difference unless it is a special occasion. But should not every time we come together  for worship be a special occasion?

It’s okay if you wear a suit and tie or business casual pantsuit, dress or blouse and slacks to the office if you are a manager or a CEO or CIO! But if I want to wear flip flops and cut offs it should not matter especially since I still get my work done. I just want to be comfortable and I don’t want to wait until casual Friday. What happened to the basic dress code? It really does matter how you present yourself!

Hmm I guess God is not interested in how we dress? “Therefore, I urge you, brothers/sisters in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12. What does this have to do with how I am dressed? A lot!

It’s clear here that we are not supposed to conform to the ways of the world. Notice how The Church has begun to pattern its dress after the standards of the world. This has even filtered over into going to worship. I guess we should really just want to hang out and sip a cup of coffee, pass the popcorn, eat doughnuts and be comfortable here too? I hope you are getting my point?

Perhaps this is why so many more are comfortable in sinful lifestyles. God is Love! A part of love is correction. Therefore we need to have more compassion right? Compassion for Christ Jesus who gave His life for us should be expressed as well as for others. What is so interesting during our travel journeys we have been in countries where they would not let certain people enter into the Sanctuary if you did not have on proper attire. There was an attendant at the door to determine if you were presentable.  It was not personal, their compassion was because of their respect for the Lord.  They simply had a standard they wanted to uphold.

There is nothing wrong with freedom of expression. But what is proper and improper and who determines when or where? Does it matter that I go to worship looking like I’m on my way to the beach? Or if I look like I just woke up and threw on my most comfortable outfit? Or perhaps I was going to mow the lawn and decided to come to worship first. Or just perhaps I am going bowling after service and don’t want to make a change? Or perhaps I want to dress like I am going  to a  dance recital and wear a tutu? 

Dressing to go to worship

But it’s okay to wear a suit and tie or robe sometimes if you are a pastor, minister, priest, bishop, elder or part of the praise team. Well maybe not because since its “March Madness” everyone can just come in their football jerseys or tee-shirts representing their favorite team. By the way ladies it’s okay to just pull on a pair of leggings because the jersey’s are as long as some of the dresses and tops you wear? It does not really matter how tight your dress is if you are small, medium,  large or extra large…  I know you are exercising your freedom but what message are you seding? Oh my! I have just stepped on some toes! What’s wrong with wearing jerseys or tee-shirts?

What’s wrong with wearing your best?

Hmmm tell me when did going to worship have anything to do with your favorite football or basketball team? I am all for team JESUS!!!  But  do not penalize me because I do not wear jerseys or T-shirts. Hmmm watch what happens if I show up in casual dress when everyone else is dressed up for a special occasion or program? Let’s see who is now exercising; “form and fashion?”  Be prepared to get frowns from;  the what you should be wearing today committee.  Well I’m not looking for approval. Nor am I looking to be seen. Therefore I am going to be led by the Spirit and  dress depending on what season it is and what’s the weather like.  Or dress how I deem is appropriate for the occasion.  I know I am just too ole fashion or just plain judgmental? Maybe so!

The point is you  need to be aware of who or what  you are following and why?

Worship is supposed to be about GOD! Worship is supposed to be about us being thankful and grateful that CHRIST JESUS died on the cross for us! He overcame sin in the flesh, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, was then buried in a tomb and arose from the dead with all power and authority! What an awesome miracle of all Miracles! We are to give HIM  the GLORY! What is so casual about that?

It’s okay to pray at the altar and ask for healing, restoration and or some of your physical, emotional, mental or material needs. But before you go to pray for someone  don’t snicker and talk  all throughout  worship  and laugh and look me up and down  and think I am going to take you seriously…   But the moment altar call happens you flip the script.  You now become a prayer warrior, missionary… This is not a game, nor is it a role to play.  Its  okay to  sit in your  seat  or to kneel, stand and pray  if you  prefer. It is also okay to shout, scream, laugh with joy and thankfulness, run around or do whatever? Please make sure you are sincere. “God is not the Author of confusion.” 

Worship  is not “Showtime!”  What’s so interesting a young lad visiting sat up front next to us one  Sunday and he actually asked? “When does the show start?

“GOD is not the Author of Confusion”

The  point is the Lord always deserves our respect. We are to give Him honor. Not just say we give Him honor.   It is the posture of our hearts that GOD is looking at… GOD can and will supply in HIS time whatever is in HIS Will for us. But prayer and worship really should not be about always asking God for something all the time. Nor about always asking the people to give money to GOD? When you leave you should know more about the Lord and His Word than the people. Worship should be more about GOD and us thanking HIM for allowing us to live on HIS earth and… Worship is actually devotional time set aside to praise and adore the Lord; for all that He has done, is doing and will do! God deserves the PREEMINENCE!

Now how should we present ourselves? Look to the Lord and let Him direct you and not to the masses. I know we ought to be comfortable. We want to make everyone else comfortable too. We don’t want anyone to feel like they are being judged or unworthy, or that we are looking down on them? The truth is we all are unworthy.  The truth is when you are truly looking up to God  you won’t feel like you are being looked down upon. 

Christ Jesus gave His best which was His holy sanctified sinless life!  HE is the KING of King and the LORD of Lords!  He sacrificed His precious  life on the cross for us all and at least we should make and attempt to put our best foot forward. Not for show but to express He is our best! Above Him is nothing, no thing, no place  or no one! He has imputed His righteousness to us who believe.  

Know GOD and HIS WORD for yourself! 

Do you know the women even went to the tomb to prepare Christ’s body to see the Father. Well guess what? Know GOD sees and knows absolutely everything. He knows what our priorities are. GOD IS A HOLY GOD! TRUE WORSHIP REALLY IS TO BE ALL ABOUT GOD!!!

HIS BLOOD  has  precious priceless cleansing POWER!  Praise GOD: “I have been redeemed!” 

Dress like you have been redeemed. What if Jesus returned today? Would you want to run home and change?

What if I do not have anything to wear?  No problem. God knows! Well what did you wear to that dance you went to, or to that wedding, or the ballet, or that sorority or fraternity dinner, to that job interview or to the prom or any other dress up event? Right; that’s different. Think about this for a moment. But you want to “dress down” when you come to worship God!

Consecrate yourself inside and outside for worship

Ponder on this for a moment;

The Old Testament gives us a vivid description of the Temple and the clothing that the priest were adorned in. It is clear that they put their best foot forward. They prepared themselves and consecrated themselves for worship.  Many went through purification rituals in order to prepare for worship.  Don’t wait until you are at worship to pray. Pray before during and after worship. Leviticus has a plethora of laws, guidelines  and regulations that had to be adhered to prior to worship. We are not under the law but we need to exercise more discipline.

There has been a gradual shifting down of the dress code as well as the moral behavior… No wonder sin is abounding and “anything goes!” Just perhaps all this dressing down has put the Church in such a relaxed mode that it’s made many feel that there is no need to change because we are to just “come as you are!” Yes indeed come as you are! But you  are not to stay as you are! God is all about transforming our lives from the inside out!

See Part 2

The “DOWN-LOW ” Going on in the CHURCH! ~

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I must preface this by saying that the “Down-Low” is a rather controversial “taboo” subject. You may be offended by the contents before you. In general, this is preferably for adults only? It may ruffle your feathers a bit? However, I do think that having an open conversation with your mature teens should be a priority considered at your discretion… You might be quite surprised by their reactions? This helps to protect them from acquiring felonious information in regard to the “Down-Low” from an outside source as well as keeps the lines of communication open. They may know more than you think? If you are sensitive to the topic of sex; read no further!

The Bible has a lot to say about sex.  It talks about what is proper and it also talks about what is unacceptable as well as what is an abomination to GOD.   It is always my intention to encourage What God has to say from a Biblical spiritual perspective.

What is the “Down-Low”?

The “Down-Low” is a discreet sexual encounter between a so called straight married man as well as unmarried men who have sexual relationships with other men. They often have sex with their friends and other men without telling their spouse or partner! This happens within many races and cultures on every social economic level.  Often random one-night stands take place… Many who are professed Christians partake in this as well. This should not be. What is so very sad about this is absolutely nothing is hidden from GOD!  The fact that it is kept secret should tell you something. It is actually really another form of perverted homosexuality.

In this 21st century it becomes increasingly clear to me why God designed marriage in the way in which He did. One Man and one Woman for life is God’s design for marriage. Marriage is a sacred “Covenant Agreement” between one man, one woman and GOD!  He has not changed His design. His design for sex within marriage was to give us healthy sexual boundaries.  This keeps us free from STD’s, Herpes, HIV and AIDS!

The “Down-Low” is no doubt a homosexual act…  According to the Word of God homosexuality goes against one’s natural nature. God did not ever intend for a man’s anatomical exit to be an entrance point.  Intercourse in this manner is considered an indecent act. This is still in your Bible if you have not torn it out!

“Therefore, God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchange the TRUTH of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator- who is forever praised. AMEN! Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged the natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.” Romans 1.

If you beg to differ. Take it up with GOD!

I believe all of God’s Word. Do as you please but nowhere in the Word does God condone any form of homosexuality, adultery, fornication or any sex outside of marriage. They are all sexual sins.  Is Deliverance possible; Yes! God is able! He did tell  the woman caught in adultery;  “To go and sin no more!” That mean to not continue to practice sin.

I realize that these may be chosen lifestyles for many? You can choose as you please… But it does not make it right in the eyes of God regardless of who says so.  Sex outside of marriage  does not have God’s blessings! We; meaning believers are supposed to be “in the world but not of the world.” John 17. World; meaning cosmos the devil is the ruler of the cosmos. We are physically present in this world, but we are children of the kingdom of God. We are children of the LIGHT! We are supposed to daily walk in the Light.  We are sanctified by believing and implementing the Truth of God’s Word within our lives.  We are not to practice walking in darkness. GOD SAYS; “Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”

The enemy seeks to have you step outside of the Word of God! The Word of God always points us in God’s direction. It is a Light unto our path. It shines the Light on darkness and can point us back to the right path as well. We are to be “Narrow Road” travelers. This is why we all need Jesus as Savior and Lord to save us from the power and clutches of sin reigning within our lives!

I have counseled with some who have been ensnared into lifestyles of alternative sexual relationships. I have seen the aftermath of what it does to the soul, the person, spouse and family… In many cases it creates and ongoing cycle of distrust, rejection, selfishness and secretiveness that causes much ambivalence, despair, insecurity, resentment and anxiety for those involved.

Sexual misconduct should not be embraced, overlooked,  or excused especially so when you are called to  minister. To be a Minister means that you commit to preaching, teaching, proclaiming and living out the principles of God and encourage others to do so as well. We are supposed to present the TRUTH of GOD’S WORD regardless of what the world, the masses or anyone else says is okay.  Whenever you are experiencing extensive inner turmoil or conflict one must seek wise spiritual counsel and seek to resolve the issues that hinder you from confronting whatever the issue might be and reconciling yourself to the Lord.

The reason it is allowed to continue is no one wants to confront the offense. They seek to not address it but instead enable the participants. Leaving them on the “Broad Road” that leads to spiritual destruction. This is not loving them. It is sanctioning what GOD says; DON’T DO!

For an example a while back  Iyanla Vanzant on  one of her  “Fix my life” shows  presented an episode that depicts two different Ministers who have been involved in multiple secret homosexual affairs. They both preside over congregations. How can this be? The emotional turmoil and stress they are experiencing is candidly showcased. The consequences of this sinful  behavior choice has greatly impacted their  marital lives.  Both ministers have suffered as well  as their family life and the  congregations that they pastor.

Do you realize that this creates a cycle of sin?  Where many are being drawn in by a seducing ungodly spirit.   Some are aware but are paralyzed by a pseudo compassion.  This causes them to not want to have their spiritual eyes opened to see the harm that is being perpetuated.

The inner pain that both of these pastors are experiencing due to the shame and secret deception is quite evident.  Neither one cannot have inner peace apart from God. God is a compassionate caring and loving, but He does not condone or sanction any behavior that is contrary to His Word in anyone.  This is what His genuine Love is all about. Here lies the conflict. By what spirit are you ministering to God’s people or non-believers?  A seducing ungodly spirit of course. The call to ministry is not to adjust GOD’S WORD to make anyone feel comfortable in sin.  This is totally out of order!  God is clear;  Sin is what separates us from God.

When the man on the “Down-Low” is in ministry this can be devastating. This causes much conflict within the family as far as their belief system. For example; the woman may seek the comfort of another woman.  This goes against the Word of God.  You are also now out of the will of the Lord! This in turn leads to a confusing physical relationship that further complicates her life as well as further harm to the family.  This should not be.  A spiritual boundary is being crossed. This is the ultimate rejection so her self-esteem is at stake. She begins to question her own sexuality? To assuage her guilt she now also turns to drugs.

Denial big time is happening…

The various family members begin to act out rebelliously and justify turning to worldly living… In some cases, even becoming a lesbian, homosexual or bisexual…  This is not good or acceptable according to Biblical Standards.  Although it has become acceptable in the eyes of many in  the world… The children become confused as to what is right?  Now many children have been supported in questioning their gender? They begin to experiment and then can become promiscuous as they reach puberty… Which begins to perpetuate another vicious cycle of dysfunction?  What’s next? For now the world and its principles have  now entered and taken root within their home. The enemy has covertly shifted the entire focus of the family from God’s principles to his…  A stronghold has taken place.

It really boils down to spiritual warfare!!!

The Word of God is powerful and was given to help us navigate through this maze of life. We must proclaim the Truth of His Word and encourage others to draw closer to the Lord in these “Last Days. ” Rather than cosign behavior God does not sanction. Ministry is about encouraging others to learn to daily embrace God’s Way of living! Not making them comfortable in sin.  Making them feel comfortable enables them and leaves them without godly protection.

I know what it is like to be censored and oppressed for believing the Truth of God’s Word. But regardless of that I will STILL STAND upon the WORD OF GOD! We must stand on the Word of God. This is the requirement of the “CALL to Ministry!”

Many often compromise for fear of rejection or being thought of as judgmental. Or fear their congregation will fall off… However, by ignoring God’s Word they negate His principles.    Accountability to God is instead compromised for acceptance…  “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These men will divide you who follow mere instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourself up in the most Holy Faith and PRAY in the SPIRIT.” Jude 1.

CONTEND FR THE FAITH!!!

When you see someone, drowning do you try to help them to keep drowning? The point is we are called believers for a reason. The world and its ways of manipulation have worked itself into God’s Church. I am not talking about the building! I mean the lives of many baptized believers. The world says, “do whatever you feel is right.” But The Word of God says “REPENT!” Which means to turn to God; not to continue to repeat the behavior? We are not to jump into the quicksand of life! “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch them out from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 1.

It is important not to compromise the Word of God even if it means being misunderstood.  You can or should deliver the Word in it’s proper context. It is much more important what God knows rather than what others think? Don’t give in to false doctrine that goes against what God says. We are supposed to influence the world not let it influence us! Spend time meditating on His Word; “Be still and know!”

It is so important that we personally know God’s Word for ourselves! We must develop and ongoing, growing intimate relationship with the Lord. This is about learning how to honor God with your bodies. In the Old Testament sacrifices were offered to God for the sins of the people. Now the world says do whatever feels right to you.”  Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. Now we are to offer our body as a sacrifice to the Lord. As we do this our lives are transformed, and our minds can be renewed daily by the Word of God. Do you believe God knows what is best for us?

“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God –this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer by the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12.

One must seek to rise above any behavior that is not pleasing to the Lord. This closeted homosexuality, adulterous, bisexuality is sinfully dangerous from God’s perspective The “Down-Low” is one of those patterns of the world, and it is inappropriate!

I realize that the Church is divided on the subject of sex. No one wants to talk about sex really, or address the growing issues? Do we continue to just bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich? absolutely NOT!  Many go to worship, sing, pray, dance, shout, fellowship and then go back to in many instances a lifestyle that is contrary to what God says is acceptable!  This is not to target simply homosexuals or lesbians. But to shed  LIGHT on the reality of what God was about sexual relationships…  It is important to know that you are living out of the will of GOD!  Worship really becomes a temporary distraction or just another social activity when  this  is ignored? Think for a moment; what if Jesus were to return today or  tomorrow? God is aware of the Truth… “True worshippers must  “Worship HIM in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.”

The idea of worship is to honor the Lord is it not? Are we not to learn to worship Him with our lives daily?  Or just simply make everyone feel comfortable and have an emotional charge  so they will come back.

To be entertained rather than “Worship God!”

Should we not be concerned?  Look around and see what has happened. things have gotten out of control…  Concerned does not mean you make someone feel comfortable in sin. For it is a slow day by day  death in process.  Bringing it to the forefront;  means that you care enough that you want to do something about it to help them… Many do not realize that they are looking for love in all the wrong places. The enemy just uses sex to win a stronghold over your life! He always perverts and distorts what God made for physical expression within the confines of marriage!

How to confront wisely

If you know that your spouse is indulging in a sexual relationship outside of marriage; I suggest stepping back. If you suspect this is so, be careful how you confront your spouse. Set aside some time when you both can talk. It is important that you get yourself tested? Prepare yourself. Keep in mind he may not be ready to confront his behavior. He may be offended if he is a leader in the Church… This makes it just that much more important! Talk about your relationship and how you feel. Allow him to talk about how he is feeling.  Time to get dangerously  untrapped from this behavior!  Ask him about his current sexual relationship with you before you approach his suspected infidelities if you are not sure?

When you find out this is so? Know you cannot change him; he has to want to change. Many women marry men thinking that they are going to change them? It won’t happen! Only God can do this! “HE IS ABLE!” You can and should always strive to  model godly behavior.  Embrace prayer daily. Seek and Consult with a godly couple that will reflect and reinforce the principles of God. You can intercede and “pray without ceasing” fervently all throughout your day!  Know that this is his problem and you are not the cause. He needs deliverance! It is important that he seeks help and you both get godly counsel as to how you go forward?

REPENT!!!