When Silence Isn't Golden

Silence is golden is the old saying. It means that it is good to keep your mouth shut when tempted to speak at a time when you could cause more harm than good. Very important to remember oftentimes. I actually have prayed for God to keep His hand over my mouth to stop me from being dumb or harmful. In ministry life it is especially important to practice silence. 

I was reading in a magazine that gives information about Israel and Jewish life and customs. As it gave details of the persecution of Israel and of Christians around the world, especially in Muslim countries, it dawned on me that Silence is Not Always Golden. So many times travesties take place in our world and continue to go on because no one speaks up and does anything about it. 

Persecutions take place in many forms and no one stands by or listens when complaints are made by the victims. If it doesn't pertain to you or one of your loved ones, it is no concern of yours. It goes back to a blog post I once made about things being relative. Something is only relative if it pertains to you, your loved one or your cause. Listen to this quote by German Protestant Pastor Martin Niemoller, who spoke out against Adolf Hitler and earned seven years in a Nazi concentration camp....

First they came for the Socialist, 

And I did not speak out-

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists,

And I did not speak out-

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,

And I did not speak out -

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me-

And there was no one left to speak for me.

That is a very telling and truthful quote. Silence when travesties are committed is as harmful as the travesty itself. What is left to defeat evil and wickedness when the good guys do nothing?! Sometimes, noise must be made! You know the other old saying is "The squeaky wheel gets the oil". 

When you suspect a child is being abused in some form and you remain silent; you are in a sense helping the abuse to continue. By the way, doctors, nurses, daycare workers and church workers are required to report such things to authorities. 

When you see mishandling of funds in a business, church, organization/club or government entity, it should be reported. Your silence helps misuse to continue. 

Too often people are silent when governments, wicked people or authorities are committing things they shouldn't. I know personally, of pastors who have left a trail of destruction because people were silent about the sins they committed in a church. This was done so as to not harm the cause of Christ in a public arena. That is not Biblical! Had they spoken up, a long trail of destruction to other churches later could have been avoided. 

Just some things to think about. Maybe the next time you are considering staying silent and keeping to yourself and not getting involved in a situation; you will think of this post and reconsider.- Or at least weigh heavily the different options you have. 

 

Who is a Christian?

This post is going to lay it on the line and hopefully get folks thinking. So many seem to think that a Christian is anyone who talks about Jesus or church or the Bible or has a belief in God. This is not so. A true Christian is one who has been born again into the family of God by putting their trust in the work that Jesus did on the cross. They get saved. This happens ONLY by realizing your need to be saved or in other words realizing you are a sinner that is separated from God. Separated from fellowship with him and from being allowed into heaven with him because of the sin in your life. God's standards are high...he demands perfection. The Bible says that if you have ever sinned even the smallest of sins even one time in your life, then you are found guilty of breaking God's law. This means you need to be saved. Saved from going to hell and with that saving comes the ability to enter heaven when you die. This is the ONLY way to become a Christian. Being a pretty good person and mentioning God, the Bible or going to church doesn't make a Christian. 

All of this has been said and explained for this reason. While I believe the above to be true, I don't think that all Christians are the same. Yes anyone who has done what I explained above and gotten saved gets to go to heaven, but not all of us believe the same doctrines. Not all believe in the same Bible versions, in eternal security (once saved always saved), or in repentance. Therefore, I think people and especially churches MUST be careful about mixing in with others who have different views on doctrines. I strongly disapprove of interdenominational meetings. Much confusion happens when this does take place. ..especially with someone who is not grounded in their beliefs. I have seen it happen. I've known of churches that start attending mixed denominational meetings and then had members start questioning why their church believes and takes a stand on certain issues or things. When you show them from the Bible why you believe what you do (and your faith should have biblical backing) they just choose to ignore and go based on "those good people" they have watched and been around. 

I have nothing personally against someone who believes different than me, but I don't think that I should compromise my beliefs to fit in with them or even spend lots of time with them and allow them to speak their beliefs over and over to me. Doubt and confusion will set in if done often enough. Eve knew the truth and what God truly said when in the garden, yet Satan made her doubt and used her desires against her. Even in the world people have convinced multitudes to believe things through repetition. (I will refrain from giving examples cuz I could easily go off on a tangent or chase a squirrel). It is dangerous to mix in multi denominational meetings. Often there are speakers at these meetings who don't even have a good testimony of salvation. Often they will make a statement that on the surface may sound spiritual but isn't biblical. Often statements are made that purposely try to convince listeners to change their beliefs. God says that wolves in sheep's clothing will decieve even the very elect and do Satan's bidding.

The pastor of a church will someday stand before God for how he lead and protected  the  sheep of his congregation as the under-shepherd. He has sometimes difficult decisions to make that not all will understand or like. But he will stand and give an account. No one else!

What's Happening

Just a post to update on things here.

We had our Vision Banquet at church on January 3rd. There were 23 in attendance including Bob and me. We are praying daily for our members to become more faithful and to get more involved. Here is our theme banner for the year. 

We gave out wall calendars, pocket calendars/day planners, a church events calendar magnet for frig, and two new church tracts in packets for each household. There was a video presentation showing events and building changes since our arriving in September.

Bob talked about goals for the 2015 year. More building improvements, ministry ideas to be implemented and personal goals to strive for as him as a pastor. I'm excited to start my mentoring ministry called Rubies in the Rough that I once did at RSBC in Missouri. It will begin on Jan. 18th. It is a ministry for women to mentor other women and especially girls and teens in practical lessons for being a good homemaker, wife, mother, witness, and Christian along with Bible lessons. Each meeting holds a Bible lesson and a hands-on practical lesson. The first will be a simple cooking lesson for girls groups such as pj parties or sleep overs, and they will be making their own lunches. I am hopeful this will be a hit and will also eventually be an outreach into the Cleveland community. I will post about these meetings in the future.

That is all for now, just wanted to get a post in before it got too far into the new year. I have two or three more blog ideas to work on in the near future so please check back.

One of Those Days...

Ever have one of those days? Not one of those days where all seems to go wrong; but one of those days where emotions are running high and ideas and future goals are a dim, dim flicker far in the distance? Most ladies, I think get what I'm talking about. Welp, I'm having one of those days. It's been coming for some time now, I believe. Not sure what is causing it except that there has been a year full of major change, I can only see dark lines and wrinkles and frumpiness when I look in the mirror, an overwhelming feeling of tired, and aches and pains that I should be too young for but apparently not. Anyhoo, I decided yesterday that I would get my hair cut and try a new style tomorrow. I called a friend who owns a salon to see if she had any openings. Apparently she must be closed this week because I got no return call from my message on the machine. I have felt on the verge of tears since waking this morning (I do not know why..really I don't). I have a strong and happy marriage. I have an opportunity to serve the Lord in a new ministry in OK. Even though I had to leave a home I loved and give up being near much family, I have determined in my mind and heart to be joyful here and make the best of the given opportunity. My goal in life is for it to have mattered that I was ever born. What better way to accomplish this than to serve the Lord and share God's Word? Right? Right! 
Ok, I digress ... I was sitting at the table at noon eating a chicken salad sandwich and just burst into tears! No kidding! I had been waiting for Bob to call to say he was off work (he was supposed to get off early today) and then right when the tears came, he texted and said he was working the whole day. I reasoned that was good so I could find some place to treat myself to a shampoo, cut and style. I actually had the intention of a complete make over, and in my mind was pretty willing to go with whatever this lady recommended to make me look better than when I walked in. ...Barring a pixie cut or blue or pink hair! Get it? I was ready for a change. 
The lady though, seemed to pick up that a real big change might not really go over as well with me as I think or with my husband. She gave me a shampoo and a great scalp massage in the process! Then she gave me a similar cut to what I have with some suttle changes. She took two inches off, making it slightly shorter in the back than the front and put in long layers and then gave me side bangs (the biggest change). What I really liked most was that she took much time in showing me how to style it into the beach wave look and how to get the lift if I want it in certain areas. I'm sure if she'd have had another client waiting she may not have taken such time, but God knew I needed some special attention. It doesn't really look much different but I was shown step by step how to do the same look and she told me the cut would also be good straightened or left scrunched and dried naturally. What a great type of cut! After all, don't we ladies like variety and choices?! It is the spice of life!!! hee hee Now, I have more options in styling.

Much of the emotional feelings are gone (tho not completely). I'm very thankful that we are financially better off than 6 months ago and I was able to go and treat myself. I go months between hair cuts --often only going about twice a year. I just trim my own bangs out of my eyes and figure the rest can wait. Bob and I are planning to make changes to get healthier and lose a few pounds in the coming months. 

Why are we as people made happy for a moment when we get to buy something for ourselves or do something for our selves? Why does that bring joy? Is it just because we are so carnal, worldly or selfish? What is it about "new to us" that brings a smile? I mean, the whole church was happy and excited about the new flooring in the fellowship hall (that was long overdue!). At the Christmas party, everyone was smiling and excited to see it. Hopefully, spending money or doing something new is not the only thing that brings joy and happiness to us. If it is, then we most assuredly, are shallow people.  

I just wondered if anyone else has "One of those days" like I had today. To those of you who follow this blog, thank you for sharing in my life's journey. This blog is certainly an outlet for me not to keep things all bottled up inside. It gives me a voice, a place to express myself. It also, I hope, is a help and encouragement to others as I strive to share and make people think about different topics. 

Why De-Bunk Christmas?

Had a conversation with someone recently who was frustrated about things preached about in her church and talked about amongst the congregation. I do not understand why some out there feel the need to be critical of the Christmas celebration, traditions or items surrounding it. 

While I know that December 25th is not the date of Jesus' birth, that is not really important, is it? No one knows the exact date and many so called scholars even debate over whether it was Spring time (March) or Autumn (October). Sometimes people today celebrate their birthday a few days before or after the actual date, does that make the celebration any less special? The point is that a date has been chosen to set aside the remembrance of His birth. For the USA and many others in the world, it is Dec. 25th. Many say, that we were never told to remember His birth only His death. Well, there would be no cross without that cradle! It also doesn't really matter that it was originally chosen because of pagan traditions. It is only important that your heart be right in the celebration of Christ's birth. (BTW, to all the non-Christian religions and atheists out there, if you don't celebrate the birth of Christ, get over it and leave those of us who do alone! We do not holler and throw fits over your celebrations!) 

I know that we do not know how many wise men there were but I DO know that the Bible is plain that they were NOT there on the night of the birth but quite some time later as they came into the house. This is why my nativity scene does not display the 3 kings or wise men. However, I don't get hostile cuz someone else decides to display it. Many say that three is the number of gifts given so that kinda makes sense but still there could have been two or more than three men. I have been told that the Catholic Bible in one of the books of Macabees names three kings by name. ---this is probably more than likely where the three comes from. BTW, many of our holidays are tied to the Catholic religion.

Oh my, apparently some preacher recently griped about there not being an innkeeper! Really? Well, one with a thinking brain may reasonably assume that if there was an inn there would have been an innkeeper! An inn implies a pay for establishment which needs someone to attend it and take the money! 

Christmas trees are something else to get people stirred up. There are many many stories around the internet to say the origin of this tradition (don't know which is right) and I don't know if it is something that makes God cringe when we do this. (Pleasing God is more important to me than pleasing preachers and scoffers who gripe about traditions and if I can't find command or principle against, then I choose not to speak where God hasn't and I allow the Holy Spirit to guide me) I only know that today, it is a beautiful display to commemorate the Christmas season. It is a symbol of this time of year. It is kinda like candles on a birthday cake. Again, I think it is a heart issue (as most things in life are) and as long as you do not worship the tree I don't think it is a sin to decorate one. 

Gift giving is one that I still do not fully grasp. It is the birth of Jesus yet everyone else gets the gifts. Bob and I try to do something to give a gift to Jesus by buying gifts for a Christmas charity or buying for the church as a way of gifting to Christ. Again, there are many stories out there attributing to the origin of this practice. All are different. 

Gifts, brings us to Santa Claus. Now, my mind goes round and round over the years on this topic. I do not know if I was starting over with my kids if I'd do the Santa thing or not. Knowing me, I probably would. As long as you keep Jesus in the forefront (our family has read the Christmas story on Christmas morning from the Bible since kids were little) and as the main thing at Christmas, Santa can be a fun part of the holiday. If you look at him with critical eyes you see a fat man in a red suit but if you look at him with the heart, he is part of the magic of Christmas. I do think that "Santa gifts" should be re-evaluated. Shouldn't the best gifts and biggest gifts be from the parents? Shouldn't we strive to keep their love focused to us and their appreciation of us? Let Santa bring the small stuff and Mom and Dad bring the best and most perfect gifts. After all, every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above and cometh down from the Father of lights...(James 1:17). God, our heavenly Father, gives us good gifts. He is the perfect parent! When you let Santa bring the big gifts it makes him a respecter of persons. After all, some cannot afford big and expensive gifts, so when kids go to school and talk about what they got from Santa, it could cause some heartache for others when they get smaller gifts. 

All this has been said to say this...if you choose not to do some or any of the Christmas traditions or choose not to celebrate it at all, keep your mouth shut. Don't go to church or someone else's home and tell kids that there is no Santa Claus or it is wrong to put up a tree or whatever. It is not your place to do this. You are not those kids parents! Take care of your own house. Sorry if this sounds harsh but I'm quite frankly, tired of preachers and Sunday school teachers deciding to take it upon themselves to inform other people's children about the evils of the holidays we celebrate. 

 

 

 

Having Compassion

Wow! It is already December! Time sure flies when you are trying to get a church building into shape, a missions apartment and a home for sale in another state! Christmas is around the corner and ministry life rarely has much down time. There is always something to do or someone to visit or help.

Bob started a new temporary job this week doing more line work. (the last one laid him off because of lack of work) He is driving further but it is only for 3 to 4 weeks. Anyhoo, when he works, some things fall to me to handle or take care of. I'm glad to do it most of the time but sometimes it means I must make "executive decisions" myself on the spur of the moment. Today, a family needed some help and I tried to gather as much information as I could to relay to Bob so he could make an educated and informed decision about their need. Which he did while on a break. (He made decision but I took care of executing it)

While out taking care of this "need", I pondered about all the Bible has to say about the subject. See, after years of being in the ministry and trying to serve people, you come across many people wanting a handout and who make a habit and practice of this church jumping and asking for help. You will hear every sad story in the book and quite frankly, it is easy to become cynical and hard hearted. There are many out there who are users and abusers of anyone or any church they can scam. And YES it is a scam to waste your own money on habits and things of the world and then ask a church or someone else to help you pay for necessities! They promise to come to church, to pay it back and that they don't make a habit of this type behavior. Most of the time they are lying. 

The Bible tells us though, that we are to help those in need when we have the opportunity and ability to do so. It also tells us that we should not shut off our bowels of mercy from them. 

1 John 3:17 - But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?






Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

 
While I believe we, as Christians and as a church, should be good stewards of what God has given us; there is a fine line between being foolish and being compassionate. We can become so cynical and untrusting that the next person in line needing help doesn't get it because some before them abused the system and took advantage. I did a whole blog post some time back about empathy and compassion. Empathy makes you feel for the person and sympathize with them but compassion always always moves to action! Jesus was moved with compassion for people and helped them with their problem! 

I just studied the first couple verses in 1 Cor. 4...the ones often quoted when talking about being faithful with money. I reckon it is used because of the steward word in it. However, this in context is not even talking about money. A steward is simply a person in charge of another's goods or services. The verses in 1 Corinthians are talking about ministers and their stewardship of God's Word (the mysteries of God). 

My point is we need to not become hard hearted in our attempts to protect the finances of the church. We should be wise but we still need compassion for the needy. By the way, Jesus told us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. This reminds me of the doctor's oath. They are not only to do good but to do no harm. A serpent is cunning and smart but the dove is a picture of innocence and harmlessness...therefore we are to be wise and do no harm. If someone has a true need, and we do not help them when we are able, we can cause harm to them. --Possibly to their physical being by lack of need, or harm can be done to their faith and spiritual walk. 

Jello-Minded Christain

Just thought I'd post this lesson I did in Jr. Church this a.m. It is a lesson that came to me all at once while Bob was preaching a few years ago on Romans 12:2 -  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

While he was preaching he explained what conformed was and what transformed was and this idea just came to me about Jello. So, I confess that I allowed myself to be distracted from the lesson for about 2 min and jotted down the idea of jello on some scratch paper so that I could later develop a children's church lesson. I then refocused to pay attention but hey, when the Holy Spirit prods and gives ideas you better take a second or two and jot them down before you forget by the time the sermon is over! :)

The lesson:
I make Jello ahead of time and put it in a certain shape bowl. (shape of choice)

I read Rom. 12:2 and explain that conformed means shaped by outside influences and how this verse says we are not to let the world shape who we are. 
I tell the kids that Jello takes on whatever shape the container is. = "conformed" 

-I talk about Jello Jigglers (they never heard of! - too young) and then about playdough and the molds you use to play with it. How it takes on the shape of the mold. 

--I then tell them that God wants us to let the Bible, our church and godly people to shape who we are 

Then I explain that transformed means shaped by inside influences. Jello has gelatin in it that turns it from a liquid to a semi-solid. It is made into something different than what it started as by the gelatin INSIDE it. This is a great picture of transformed!
- we spend time talking about other things that start out as liquid and change to solids because of what is in them - ex. pudding, cake batter, etc. (let the kids give examples)

Then I proceed to talk about how the only way we can be changed from the inside out is by having Jesus transform us by getting saved. He lives inside us and guides us when we accept Him as Savior. I then go into a child's version of salvation - simple. Use 2 Cor. 5:17.

Then we all eat Jello! 

--you can also add into the lesson how once you are transformed by Jesus that you can then have ability to prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God.