Turn Your Eyes Upon The Word

How sad a state the church finds itself in! Six prominent televangelists have come under attack due to their "extravagant" lifestyle. The headlines on this very public event abound on the Internet: Televangelist investigation long overdue, Joyce Meyer's $23000 Toilet: A Symbol Of The Prosperity Gospel, Senator probes finances of televangelists, to name a few. The responses to this inquiry are overwhelming in number. Many applaud the efforts of the senator for putting these "TV pimps" as some have termed them in their place. Others are on the defensive and contesting the "smear campaign" by countering with all the good these ministers have done for the common man. Some are very passionate on this topic--whether they be for or against any of the individuals mentioned in the Senate investigation.

In addition to the layperson speaking their mind, many ministers have come out denouncing whom they have classified as "snakes" and distancing themselves away from anything to do with them. Pastor James David Manning has even come out to expound on his interpretation of the name "Creflo Dollar." You can find a video on his "repentance" for speaking out against these ministers on his Web site.

Reuben Armstrong, a national TV talk show host, has written a book titled Snakes in the Pulpit , which focuses on what he terms are "megapastors." Armstrong states that "These men have risen in stature and gained the public's trust as irreproachable men of God as their churches have attracted hundreds of thousands of members and millions of viewers and listeners."

There aren't enough hours in the day to list the countless others who have "spoken out" for or against these televangelists.

There is, however, a simple solution to the agony, hurt feelings, frustration, lambasting, criticizing and judgment taking place against these men and women. Perhaps if instead of ascribing to one viewpoint over another, if we took the time to open God's Word, we may find an answer to not only what has been termed as "financial misconduct," but also an answer to the statements that many followers of Joyce Meyer or Creflo Dollar, TD Jakes, Kenneth Copeland, etc, have found offensive.

It is very important that we as believers and followers of Christ get this if we are to walk in victory. The purpose of this week's message is NOT to adopt one stance over another. It isn't even to prove or disprove the stance of any of the protagonists involved. The purpose of this week is to enlighten ourselves by studying for ourselves--not just listening and reading what someone else says...read for yourself the Word of God. With that said, here are some scriptures that if meditated on, would draw the focus away from all else but the one thing that was, is and always shall remain the same: God's Word. You yourself judge where each of these scriptures fit in in terms of everything discussed above.

~My Anointed Quill^TM~

Brought to you by:

Romans 14:11-13--"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."

1 Timothy 6:3-5--"If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."

2 Timothy 2:15-17--"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene..."

The Art of--Shhh!

**If someone comes to mind when you read this message, it's your duty to pass it on: "...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required..." (Luke 12:48.**

When Ben Grocock was 3 years old, his parents were informed he needed a tonsil operation. The news terrified Ben to the point that he told his parents--quite adamantly--that if the operation took place, he would never speak again. Chalking it up to the "terrible 3s" and the rantings of a tantrum-throwing toddler, his parents went ahead with the operation. Once Ben came out of surgery, however, he did just as he promised. For the next decade, he only spoke with his brother--and only when the two were alone. The only other time he spoke to someone else was six years later out of necessity: he fell off his bike and exclaimed, "Ouch, that hurt!" in the presence of his mom. Aside from that, he would communicate even in the classroom via notes and hand signals. Ten years and a "confidence building course" later, the now-13-year-old who proclaimed to his parents at the age of 3 he would never speak again, is talking to everyone. If you'd like to read the full story, go here.

Taking a vow of silence is a common practice among certain religious groups. Even some celebrities of late have gotten into the act (e.g., Ellen Degeneres). A vow of silence can mean a complete abstaining from speech or it could be defined by abstaining from certain types of speech. The latter is often the more common of the two. The aim in taking a vow of silence is often to abstain from speech that is not positive and/or meaningful--such as idle talk, gossip, etc.

But really, how amazing is it for such a young child to determine to take a vow of silence--irrespective of the reason or the circumstance? Most of us couldn't make it through a day, a week--let alone 10 years without talking! Sometimes, it takes every ounce of self-restraint we can muster to not spill the latest and juiciest news about mutual friends to someone else. Did you know that every best friend you have--unless you both live in a bubble--that you confide in has someone else that they confide in (ever heard of "those who gossip to you will gossip of you"? It's a two-way street!)? So, although you might swear them to secrecy, they have someone else they know they have sworn to secrecy who tells somebody else that swears to secrecy that tells somebody, that tells somebody...pretty soon, the "big secret" makes its way back to the "protagonist" of the rumor or story.

What is one to do when confronted with the urge to "tell it like it is," or "unburden oneself" or "vent"? Bite your tongue, hang up the phone or tell yourself to "shut up" out loud if you have to! Whatever it takes! And no, it won't happen overnight. Remember, the tongue--according to James 3:8, "can no man tame." But, thank GOD that it can be controlled.

So here's to learning a lesson in the art of "Shhhh!" from an innocent 3-year-old boy who didn't comprehend the impact and power of saying a whole lot without saying a word--and to restraining the most powerful yet tiny member in our temple.

~My Anointed Quill^TM~
Brought to you by James 3:2--"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able to bridle the whole body."

"First, I'd Like To Thank God"

A judge was interviewing a woman regarding her pending divorce, and asked, "What are the grounds for your divorce?"
She replied, "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by."
"No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?"
"It is made of concrete, brick and mortar," she responded.
"I mean," he continued, "what are your relations like?"
"I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so do my husband's parents."
He said, "Do you have a real grudge?"
"No," she replied. "We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one."
"Please," he tried again, "is there any infidelity in your marriage?"
"Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don't necessarily like the music, but the answer to your questions is yes."
"Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?"
"Yes," she responded, "about twice a week he gets up earlier than I do."
Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why do you want a divorce?"
"Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce. My husband does. He said he can't communicate with me!!!"

~Provided courtesy of Charlotte Anselmo (thanks, Charlotte!): www.mamarocks.com/double_talk.htm~

Certainly a much lighter way of looking at things, but have you ever tried to get your point across to someone but try as you might, you fought a losing battle the entire time? Sure, we've all been there. Like when you're trying to get a customer service rep to explain all the charges on your cell phone bill, for example (that's a losing battle, by the way). Or maybe you're trying to explain to your child why he or she can't go to this place or the other, why they can't watch a certain show on TV or why they can't have the latest toy out on the market. At times, it's something much more complicated and complex like trying to explain your symptoms to your physician. Whatever the case may be, certainly we've all experienced "crossed wires" when attempting to get our point across.

Sometimes we lose the battle of effective communication because what we say doesn't match what we do. You know, we say we're born again but we still do the things we used to do before "the change." Well, long as it's behind closed doors it's okay, right? After all, what's important is that we don't "publicly" portray our old ways. God understands how it is! Not exactly. Just as we ought not use our tongue to curse our brother and bless God, our lifestyle, our actions, should mirror what proceeds from our mouths--whether people are watching or not. That aside, we are warned in Luke 12:3 that "whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops." Just think back for a moment to all the scandals you have seen on the news of prominent celebrities, people in positions of power and even ministers who led a double life or whose "fall from grace" was broadcast before the world. Eventually--and most importantly, inevitably--one's best-kept secret has a tendency of being exposed.

If we proclaim to others that we "walk in victory," then we ought not walk around with our heads hanging low and looking defeated. If we tell our friends "Christ lives in me," we shouldn't walk around with a scowl on our face. If we proclaim to "love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind," we shouldn't be ready to sell any of the three if the right opportunity came along--well, you get the idea.

So, not only is it important that our speech is correct, but our actions--as the old proverb "actions speak louder than words"--should mirror that. Instead of saying, "I'm going to do thus and so," just do it. Instead of stating that you "don't partake in a, b, c" and you "don't do x, y, z," just live it. Let your actions mirror your words so that even if your words don't come through clearly, your upright behavior will "speak" on your behalf loud and clear.

~My Anointed Quill^TM~

Brought to you by 1 Peter 2:12--"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."