I like many have been intrigued by the Bishop Eddie Long scandal. Guilty or innocent, he is caught up in a BIG mess!
Twenty years ago, I was once a member of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church when Eddie Long was "Pastor". It was a small 300 member congregation with a new pastor who was humble, hungry for God and passionate about saving young Black men. His commitment was also displayed by his adoption of a seemingly lost and troubled preteen named Eric.
Pastor Long was involved, approachable and compassionate. He attended church picnics and visited the sick & shut in. I remember the gatherings he held for us youth in his home where he listened to our stories and played football with the fellas in the backyard. I loved him because of the heart and passion he had for saving our youth. Some of us were troubled, but despite our faults he was committed to us and it showed.
Somewhere along the way, the church grew. The "Pastor" is now a "Bishop"; the 300 is now 25,000; the church is now a cathedral; and a shy, humble man is now a celebrity. It's impossible to approach him without going through a long list of assistants. Seemingly, he no longer has time for "the little people."
After the scandal broke, I received phone calls and emails asking for my opinion of what happened. One friend asked "why do you think God is allowing this to happen to him?" Hmm….now there's a thought. As I pondered on that, I remembered 20 years ago EVERYTHING was all about God and the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus was the center of the ministry of New Birth. But today, there may be more images of "Bishop" Long than Jesus. People may now be attending New Birth because of the Pastor and not the Master.
Make no mistake, for as long as I can remember Eddie Long has worn tight muscle shirts and was always obsessively concerned with his appearance. From what I've witnessed through the recent toupee and the photos of muscle shots that attitude has not changed. Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with being concerned about your appearance, but when that outlook becomes pride and vanity – "Houston, we have a problem!"
I have been in the church all my life and there is one thing I know to be true: Whenever a man (or woman) of God allows himself (or herself) to be elevated by the people of God they will fall. And can I tell you, the higher that pedestal the greater the descent. God himself warned us He is a jealous God and NO ONE is to come before Him. When will we learn? How many Pastors, Bishops and Televangelists have to go through this before we get the point? God is 2nd to none! The most troubling thing of all is after the fall, the pride of the leader prevents him or her from realizing the source of all their troubles. Their arrogance blinds them from the fact that their "trial" or "storm" is actually a consequence of their own selfish, stubborn and foolish pride. REPENT and HUMBLE YOURSELF man or woman of God before the Master destroys you!
Please be in prayer for Eddie Long and Preachers, Teachers, Evangelists and leaders everywhere. There is a greater responsibility, accountability and consequence to those who are entrusted with being the shepherds of God's sheep. When those shepherds lead God's people astray they are accountable for each of those souls that are lost because of their actions. And for those of you who can't see the cross because your focus is on your pastor, how lost will you be when they fall.
Be Blessed!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Bully
If you've ever been bullied, you know it's a humiliating experience. You get teased, talked about, taunted and in extreme cases – physically attacked by your bully.
I don't know how kids handle bullies today, but back in the day you showed up with your big brother/sister/cousin to handle your bully for you. As long as you stood behind your big brother/sister/cousin, the tables were turned. You may have even done some taunting yourself by sticking out your tongue or giving a shout of "Now What?!?" toward your bully. All of a sudden that bully doesn't appear to be as bad as you thought. Your big brother/sister/cousin just might even beat up your bully, make him/her cry and take back anything they may have stolen from you.
But it wasn't over was it? Because once that bully caught you alone by yourself, there was hell to pay. If only you could take your big brother/sister/cousin everywhere you went, your bully would do you no harm.
My friend, Satan is our bully. He taunts us, picks on us and for some – he physically attacks. But I have to tell you, his bark is much bigger than his bite.
We have a big brother and friend in Jesus. As long as you stand behind Him, you are protected. When you live according to God's will by following Christ, you are protected. Don't get caught by trying to do things on your own or living by your rules instead of yielding to God's. Your bully (Satan) will find you and beat you up. Stay close to God and He will take care of you.
I don't know how kids handle bullies today, but back in the day you showed up with your big brother/sister/cousin to handle your bully for you. As long as you stood behind your big brother/sister/cousin, the tables were turned. You may have even done some taunting yourself by sticking out your tongue or giving a shout of "Now What?!?" toward your bully. All of a sudden that bully doesn't appear to be as bad as you thought. Your big brother/sister/cousin just might even beat up your bully, make him/her cry and take back anything they may have stolen from you.
But it wasn't over was it? Because once that bully caught you alone by yourself, there was hell to pay. If only you could take your big brother/sister/cousin everywhere you went, your bully would do you no harm.
My friend, Satan is our bully. He taunts us, picks on us and for some – he physically attacks. But I have to tell you, his bark is much bigger than his bite.
We have a big brother and friend in Jesus. As long as you stand behind Him, you are protected. When you live according to God's will by following Christ, you are protected. Don't get caught by trying to do things on your own or living by your rules instead of yielding to God's. Your bully (Satan) will find you and beat you up. Stay close to God and He will take care of you.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Who's Your Daddy?
When you are surrounded by your enemies, remember who's your daddy
When you cant find your way, remember who's your daddy
When your friends abandon you, remember who's your daddy
When you don’t know how you're going to pay your bills, remember who's your daddy
If you get lonely, remember who's your daddy
When you're confused, remember who's your daddy
When you are surrounded by your enemies, remember who's your daddy
If you're feeling hopeless, remember who's your daddy
When you need direction, remember who's your daddy
If you are sick, remember who's your daddy
When you realize things are out of your control, remember who's your daddy
If God is nothing more to you than the creator of the universe, He is NOT your daddy. By accepting His offering of love thru the sacrifice that was made by His Son, you are adopted into His family and He becomes your Father, BUT God is much much more than salvation. There is freedom in KNOWING He is your daddy.
When you cant find your way, remember who's your daddy
When your friends abandon you, remember who's your daddy
When you don’t know how you're going to pay your bills, remember who's your daddy
If you get lonely, remember who's your daddy
When you're confused, remember who's your daddy
When you are surrounded by your enemies, remember who's your daddy
If you're feeling hopeless, remember who's your daddy
When you need direction, remember who's your daddy
If you are sick, remember who's your daddy
When you realize things are out of your control, remember who's your daddy
If God is nothing more to you than the creator of the universe, He is NOT your daddy. By accepting His offering of love thru the sacrifice that was made by His Son, you are adopted into His family and He becomes your Father, BUT God is much much more than salvation. There is freedom in KNOWING He is your daddy.
Monday, April 19, 2010
PATIENCE
My daughter just got her first car this week. Once she completes drivers ed in a few weeks, she will be licensed to drive it. But what does she do? She takes the car for a little unauthorized spin! Now, her driving privileges have been delayed as a consequence for her disobedience.
How many times have we messed up something God had in store for us? Whatever you’re praying for (as long as it’s in His will), He will provide it. Jesus said:”…ask whatever you will in my name and it shall be granted unto you” (John 16:13). For me, it is harder to be shown what God has in store for me. Because of my impatience, I will try to get it prematurely, mess it up and delay my blessing.
Whatever it is you’re waiting for…be patient and wait on God to deliver it to you. There is work yet to be done in and through you before He can release your blessing. Concentrate on Him and He will come through!
Recommended reading: Psalm 40
How many times have we messed up something God had in store for us? Whatever you’re praying for (as long as it’s in His will), He will provide it. Jesus said:”…ask whatever you will in my name and it shall be granted unto you” (John 16:13). For me, it is harder to be shown what God has in store for me. Because of my impatience, I will try to get it prematurely, mess it up and delay my blessing.
Whatever it is you’re waiting for…be patient and wait on God to deliver it to you. There is work yet to be done in and through you before He can release your blessing. Concentrate on Him and He will come through!
Recommended reading: Psalm 40
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