When the Ministry Becomes the Mistress ~And yes, I'm going there.

The serpent is the most subtle creature....

That’s how it begins. Subtly. A meeting here, a meeting there. An added bible study.   Hospital visits. A wedding. A funeral. A crisis. A need.

The overwhelming responsibility of ministry can throw a personal life out of balance.

A missed practice. A missed recital. Game. Homework assignment. No time for date night. A makeshift birthday or anniversary. Chipped paint. High grass.  No talks. No walks. No prayer.

Just as Eve was enticed by the slithering serpent, the mundane routine of everyday life gives way to the draw of being needed. Worthy causes and legitimate demands subtly slither in, separating the oneness of the flesh like a sultry harlot maneuvering her way into the heart of a married man. And just like that, we sin. The enticing call of ministry can blur even the best of judgement.

Adultery is easily justifiable when the mistress is ministry. We begin to deny the wife of our youth with a well preached sermon. The new worship set captivates us more than her love. The satisfaction of her breasts is not as enticing as a church fellowship because prudence is now enticement...with rubies. She is not as precious.  She is submissive to another husband, committee, class. And just like that, we sin.

But we have to meet the needs of the people, right? Did God not call us to be the salt of the Earth? Preach the Gospel to the nations? Feed the hungry? Take care of the widows and orphans? Yes, and yes. However, he has first called us all to our homes.  

The breakdown of God’s example of the family stems from subtle deceits. Be not deceived friends. Secret desires to be seduced by flattering lips can cost you your life.

Razed....

For Such a Time as This

Have you ever made a decision in your life that pushed you so far outside of your comfort zone that you knew there was no coming back?  You closed your eyes, held your breath, and prayed for the best? Thoughts cross your mind like:  "What the heck was I thinking?" "I've made a huge mistake!" "Can I get a do-over??" I felt that way when I saw the first share on facebook....there's no coming back from this one....

And just when I decided to hit the delete button and sweep it all under the rug like a good little church girl would, it was like I heard a voice whisper in my ear: "for such a time as this!"  It was my 'life verse.' (Esther 4:14) The Word of God came to my rescue.  I began to think of Queen Esther, and how she looked death in the face in an effort to save her people.  And she did it afraid.

A warrior rose up in me as I asked my King (Jesus) to give me grace and favor as King Ahaseurus did Esther. "If I perish, let me perish" (vs.16)  I know there will be some casualties of war. I've been supported by some, rebuked by others. All of which started out in "my camp." The truth is, it was inevitable. It is my defining moment. My basic training is complete.  It is time for battle...

"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish.  Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)

I would love to hear about your defining moments.  What "battle" has God called you to?

Being razed...

Are you out of your mind?

This post is by special guest James Moore.  James is the Co-Founder and President of Beyond Words Ministries,Inc., a character and leadership development program serving students in the middle Georgia, middle Tennessee, and Houston, TX. areas. 

Are you out of your mind? What were you thinking?  Are you all there? These are the questions that are asked when a person does not respond or speak in their natural state of mind or  everyday language. Unfortunately, our natural state of mind is that of selfish thoughts, "it's all about me and not you," and "I've got mine now you go get yours." Of course this mindset is compliments of Adam and Eve(Genesis 3:6). 
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My New Year's Restitution

Well, it's finally here.  The most anticipated day of the year.  January 1.  We slept in today.  I'm glad, because the overwhelming laundry list to change who I am in 2011 is already too overwhelming for me to handle. Where does one begin?
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