I have witnessed such harshness on social media lately. Brethren turning on other brethren, questioning every word they say, etc. I am one for truth no doubt; however, I also know where I came from and how easily we can misunderstand people. I would so hate people to pick me apart. If you look long enough you will find something you do not like I am certain. There are times my words don’t come out exactly as I meant….it doesn’t mean I am a false teacher or prophet. So many are dissecting every word said by others that we suffocate people. Better yet, we are distracting people from Jesus in many ways. If we could only see this is exactly what happened with the Pharisees in Jesus’ day my friends. I am not saying we shouldn’t beware of all the false creeping in but can we at least be careful not to convict people whom we do not even know personally. We are making judgements based on 2nd hand information..certainly not because we were there, heard the context, etc. We deem them heretics when honestly we all have had seasons of learning where possibly we didn’t and still do not have everything accurate in the Word of God. Many mysteries remain unknown according to the scriptures.

Remember when Priscilla and Aquilla took the disciple aside to teach him further…there was no stoning my friends…only lovingly taking him deeper into Jesus. So we must be cautious here… I have felt a deep burden to pray for some in public ministries as they have been raked over the coals by the brethren. There is nothing quite devastating than when the church of Jesus Christ turns on you especially when you spend your life loving and serving her . It also saddens me because those who do not know Christ wonder why in the world they would want to come into our family. Let us remember our words hold power and these people are human beings created by God, Himself. He loves them. Pray for them. We can tenderly bring a brother or sister back should they stray from truth…but often I am seeing it’s not so much regarding truth as it is a denominational stance and often misinterpretations of the scriptures. Be careful we do not have any pet idols within our belief system. I also see much criticism because of the company kept. Could it be Jesus has sent one of His own into a place of need? As I recall He hung out with lepers, tax collectors, etc. He also loved Peter after his denial of Him. He rebuked Peter also for cutting the ear off of a soldier and also when the disciples wanted to call down fire from Heaven. Jesus says in essence ..do you not understand my ways yet?

Let it not be so Lord…may we carry your heart to others causing them to love you… not to want to avoid you…help us see our approach is all wrong and we are influencing a lost world negatively. Let us represent you well in this hour that we may be found blameless and doing the work of the Father.

What I see is on the rise 

Is the voice of the Pharisee

Devouring hearts of men

Deceived by loveless means.

The cymbals are clanging now

Strict as strict can be

Turning on the Saints

Who are simply following Thee.

When goodness and gentleness flees

Christ is then not found

Hatred for His Church

Becomes the cultures sound.

The scriptures clearly pour

Be not a slave again

Love Him with your whole hearts

And love the whole lot of men.

Pride and arrogance reign

For never could be one wrong

Self righteous are our ways

Be careful of pointing taunts.

The Spirit is as a reed

Tender and broken for these

And He will come O’ believe

Gathering, Himself, scattered sheep

September 1, 2017