Friday, November 15, 2013
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Responsibilities & Expectations In Worship
Thank you Lifespring and brother Ron Horner for this wonderful insight into a subject that I hold dear. I hope everyone that reads this will enjoy it as much as I have. God bless. Enjoy!
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Responsibilities & Expectations in Worship. By: Ron Horner
Often people have wrong expectations of worship and don't fulfill their responsibilities when it comes to worship. Effective worship is not simply the responsibility of a worship leader or pastor or someone else in a particular position, not is it merely the responsibility of musicians. In the Old Testament the priests were instructed to prepare their hearts BEFORE he stepped up to worship (Exodus 19:22). So it is with us. Even before we get to the place designated for worship – be it a church, a prayer center, a ministry, or even in our private life, wherever it is we need to prepare our hearts to worship. We need to learn how to deal effectively with the junk that tends to pile up and be able to set that aside (or better yet, roll it over on the LORD) and then be geared to worship.We, as believers have often expected the leaders to carry us into the presence of God. As a parent, you carry infants and toddlers, but you don't carry fully grown adults around in your arms. Rather, you expect them to stand on their own two feet, so to speak, and go in themselves. We've had a mentality that the leaders (the musicians, etc.) were supposed to carry us. Get over that spiritual laziness and carry yourself! You are a priest too! You need to stand on your own two feet!The Psalmist in Psalm 63:3-5 and 145:1-2 spoke of who he would bless the LORD – it was an act of his will – not of his emotions. Worship is an act of the will – not the emotions! Worship will involve your emotions, but it does not originate with your emotions. It originates from the will. You choose to worship. You choose to lift your hands. You choose to open your mouth and let your lips pour forth praise and adoration. You choose! As you grow in your relationship with God, you must be also growing in your ability to govern your life by your spirit and not by the flesh or soulish realms. The spirit man must become the predominate guiding force in your life. Worship is something you grow into and you learn to discipline yourself to worship in spite of your feelings and as you discipline yourself to worship you'll receive the benefits of worship. Worship Must Involve SacrificeAs Abraham, the Old Testament patriarch went to worship, something always had to die...whether a ram, a bull, a sheep…something. He even, on one occasion, had to be willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. Every time he offered a sacrifice, something died. So it needs to be with your worship. Something needs to die. You need to offer a part of you that you no longer need on the altar as you worship. Take an arena of your life that you want out of your life and offer it on the altar of worship. Let it die in your life so that I might live more fully in you. Remember, you must decrease, I must increase (John 3:30). In understanding the Christ life, it is in dying that we live. Issues exist within our lives that must die. We have things in our lives that cannot go with us where the Lord would like to take us, therefore they must be removed from our lives and our lives be wholly surrendered to the Father's will. Isaiah prophesied concerning the increase of the government of God in the earth. That government has to be established in us before it can possibly be established through us. As God's government and rulership is established ever more fully in our lives, things begin to shift (Isaiah 9:6-7). The increase of God's governing in your life should never end. It should always be increasing in you…ALWAYS!Worship is about both decrease and increase. It is about flesh dying and your spirit living. Self-governance apart from God ending and divine governance increasing. It's the law of exchange at work in your life. It involves you doing something your flesh does not want to do, but that your born again spirit does want to do. It involves release—release from things that hold you back and release into new levels of freedom. As has been said before, in order to obtain something you've never had you must do something you've never done. Increase involves decrease and decrease involves increase. It's a divine paradox. Am I too proud to worship?Reasons to not worship properly are usually summed up in one phrase: personal pride or self-will. That may seem to be an oversimplification, but let me give some points to consider. Have you…§ In arrogance, don't genuinely think God is worthy to be worshiped;§ Believed the lie of the enemy that you don't need God, yet God is the very breath giver;§ Developed mindsets and ideas that are not born of God that cause you to be robbed of truth and the truth of knowing God properly and fully. The Very Essence of Worship is Surrender. Remember the Word says that the Father seeks worshipers (John 4:23). He is seeking them The Bible tells us also that God seeks intercessors (Ezekiel 22:30). John tells us…"And they that worship Him, must worship Him in spirit – by the spirit and by leadership of the Holy Spirit and in truth." Here are some aspects of true worship to consider:§ Worship cannot be done by or in your flesh. § If your mind is dictating it, it is not true worship. § It also must be done in truth – honesty – in complete denial of self. It cannot be done under any pretense of falsehood. Any falsehood taints the worship and it ceases to be worship. The opposite of truth is falsehood. The opposite of flesh is spirit.§ True worship also involves and requires fervency – the linking together of body, soul and spirit in expression to the Father. To worship in spirit does not mean that you will not use your mind or your flesh when you worship, but it does tell you that you will not be guided by your mind or your flesh in your worship if it is to be true worship.Examine your own worship. Is it done in the flesh – apart from the expression of your spirit unto the Father? Is your mind dictating what you do or don't do? Is your worship an act of self-denial and an act of self-surrender?The purpose of your worship, your expectation in worship should simply be: to meet with God. As you adore the LORD, you tell your flesh and the world around you that it is subservient to the kingdom and purposes and nature of God. You are establishing new paradigms of the kingdom each time you worship. You are establishing new expressions in the earth with every true expression of worship. False WorshipIf there is a true worship, then there is also a false worship – a worship guided by the flesh and ruled by self-exaltation. With false worship, all the words may be right, but the heart is not. The Lord said to me, in preparing for this message: Don't treat your worship as if you are doing me a favor. Such worship is a strange fire and He doesn't look kindly upon strange fire. The sons of Aaron offered strange fire before the LORD. They wanted to do the acts of worship without the self-surrender and truth required of worship. And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. (Leviticus 10:1-3)Some further points to consider:§ Worship requires honesty. Falsehood and false operations are not of God, but of the flesh and the devil. They are not acceptable to God and are offerings He does not receive. § Worship is not just done with the lips or the lifting of the hands, but may have a multitude of expressions, but however it is, it will require sacrifice on your part to make it acceptable to God. § To be in an atmosphere of worship and only half-heartedly raise your voice in worship to me does you a disservice. To be in an atmosphere of worship and not yield to it, but stubbornly refuse to participate is a rebellion that must be worked out of your life. § Rebellion – in all its forms must be surrendered. When satan was in charge of worship it required surrender of him as well. He came to a point of non-surrender and at that point his worship became tainted – rebellion took root and brought forth his eviction from the presence of the LORD (Isaiah 14:12-14).
If you refuse to follow through on the required surrender for that time, you will evict yourself from God's presence just as he did. § True worship involves surrender and will bring you to a new level of surrender if you continue in it. § God desires full surrender in your life with your worship. Nothing less will do.
When you come to a point of non-surrender – your worship ceases. You may continue the form, but the "worship" ceases.Purpose in your heart to never come to a point of non-surrender…to always press through and press past the places of required surrender that God will bring you to. In that way you will not only be a worshipper, but become an item of worship. Become a fragrance of worship before the throne and see where I will take you.§ True worship involves elevation of the one worshiped. You don't worship what you don't elevate. You give place to the object of worship and submit yourself to that object – whether of things or of God. Self-elevation (such as that practiced by satan) resulted his worship ceasing and his disqualification to be in the presence of God.
What you elevate – you worship. What you worship – you have elevated.Every believer is responsible to worship. We are to go past whether we "feel" like worshiping or not to the place where we continually worship…where our heart is attuned to His presence. We (according to Revelation 4:11) were created for God's pleasure…to worship Him, therefore our greatest fulfillment will be the result of fulfilling that opportunity. Worthy art thou, O Lord our God, the Holy, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and by thee they exist; and because of thy pleasure they had being and were created. (Revelation 4:11)May we step up to our place as worshippers and find a place of utter satisfaction in Him and His presence.
Copyright ©2008 Ron M. Horner All Rights Reserved
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Responsibilities & Expectations in Worship. By: Ron Horner
Often people have wrong expectations of worship and don't fulfill their responsibilities when it comes to worship. Effective worship is not simply the responsibility of a worship leader or pastor or someone else in a particular position, not is it merely the responsibility of musicians. In the Old Testament the priests were instructed to prepare their hearts BEFORE he stepped up to worship (Exodus 19:22). So it is with us. Even before we get to the place designated for worship – be it a church, a prayer center, a ministry, or even in our private life, wherever it is we need to prepare our hearts to worship. We need to learn how to deal effectively with the junk that tends to pile up and be able to set that aside (or better yet, roll it over on the LORD) and then be geared to worship.We, as believers have often expected the leaders to carry us into the presence of God. As a parent, you carry infants and toddlers, but you don't carry fully grown adults around in your arms. Rather, you expect them to stand on their own two feet, so to speak, and go in themselves. We've had a mentality that the leaders (the musicians, etc.) were supposed to carry us. Get over that spiritual laziness and carry yourself! You are a priest too! You need to stand on your own two feet!The Psalmist in Psalm 63:3-5 and 145:1-2 spoke of who he would bless the LORD – it was an act of his will – not of his emotions. Worship is an act of the will – not the emotions! Worship will involve your emotions, but it does not originate with your emotions. It originates from the will. You choose to worship. You choose to lift your hands. You choose to open your mouth and let your lips pour forth praise and adoration. You choose! As you grow in your relationship with God, you must be also growing in your ability to govern your life by your spirit and not by the flesh or soulish realms. The spirit man must become the predominate guiding force in your life. Worship is something you grow into and you learn to discipline yourself to worship in spite of your feelings and as you discipline yourself to worship you'll receive the benefits of worship. Worship Must Involve SacrificeAs Abraham, the Old Testament patriarch went to worship, something always had to die...whether a ram, a bull, a sheep…something. He even, on one occasion, had to be willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. Every time he offered a sacrifice, something died. So it needs to be with your worship. Something needs to die. You need to offer a part of you that you no longer need on the altar as you worship. Take an arena of your life that you want out of your life and offer it on the altar of worship. Let it die in your life so that I might live more fully in you. Remember, you must decrease, I must increase (John 3:30). In understanding the Christ life, it is in dying that we live. Issues exist within our lives that must die. We have things in our lives that cannot go with us where the Lord would like to take us, therefore they must be removed from our lives and our lives be wholly surrendered to the Father's will. Isaiah prophesied concerning the increase of the government of God in the earth. That government has to be established in us before it can possibly be established through us. As God's government and rulership is established ever more fully in our lives, things begin to shift (Isaiah 9:6-7). The increase of God's governing in your life should never end. It should always be increasing in you…ALWAYS!Worship is about both decrease and increase. It is about flesh dying and your spirit living. Self-governance apart from God ending and divine governance increasing. It's the law of exchange at work in your life. It involves you doing something your flesh does not want to do, but that your born again spirit does want to do. It involves release—release from things that hold you back and release into new levels of freedom. As has been said before, in order to obtain something you've never had you must do something you've never done. Increase involves decrease and decrease involves increase. It's a divine paradox. Am I too proud to worship?Reasons to not worship properly are usually summed up in one phrase: personal pride or self-will. That may seem to be an oversimplification, but let me give some points to consider. Have you…§ In arrogance, don't genuinely think God is worthy to be worshiped;§ Believed the lie of the enemy that you don't need God, yet God is the very breath giver;§ Developed mindsets and ideas that are not born of God that cause you to be robbed of truth and the truth of knowing God properly and fully. The Very Essence of Worship is Surrender. Remember the Word says that the Father seeks worshipers (John 4:23). He is seeking them The Bible tells us also that God seeks intercessors (Ezekiel 22:30). John tells us…"And they that worship Him, must worship Him in spirit – by the spirit and by leadership of the Holy Spirit and in truth." Here are some aspects of true worship to consider:§ Worship cannot be done by or in your flesh. § If your mind is dictating it, it is not true worship. § It also must be done in truth – honesty – in complete denial of self. It cannot be done under any pretense of falsehood. Any falsehood taints the worship and it ceases to be worship. The opposite of truth is falsehood. The opposite of flesh is spirit.§ True worship also involves and requires fervency – the linking together of body, soul and spirit in expression to the Father. To worship in spirit does not mean that you will not use your mind or your flesh when you worship, but it does tell you that you will not be guided by your mind or your flesh in your worship if it is to be true worship.Examine your own worship. Is it done in the flesh – apart from the expression of your spirit unto the Father? Is your mind dictating what you do or don't do? Is your worship an act of self-denial and an act of self-surrender?The purpose of your worship, your expectation in worship should simply be: to meet with God. As you adore the LORD, you tell your flesh and the world around you that it is subservient to the kingdom and purposes and nature of God. You are establishing new paradigms of the kingdom each time you worship. You are establishing new expressions in the earth with every true expression of worship. False WorshipIf there is a true worship, then there is also a false worship – a worship guided by the flesh and ruled by self-exaltation. With false worship, all the words may be right, but the heart is not. The Lord said to me, in preparing for this message: Don't treat your worship as if you are doing me a favor. Such worship is a strange fire and He doesn't look kindly upon strange fire. The sons of Aaron offered strange fire before the LORD. They wanted to do the acts of worship without the self-surrender and truth required of worship. And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. (Leviticus 10:1-3)Some further points to consider:§ Worship requires honesty. Falsehood and false operations are not of God, but of the flesh and the devil. They are not acceptable to God and are offerings He does not receive. § Worship is not just done with the lips or the lifting of the hands, but may have a multitude of expressions, but however it is, it will require sacrifice on your part to make it acceptable to God. § To be in an atmosphere of worship and only half-heartedly raise your voice in worship to me does you a disservice. To be in an atmosphere of worship and not yield to it, but stubbornly refuse to participate is a rebellion that must be worked out of your life. § Rebellion – in all its forms must be surrendered. When satan was in charge of worship it required surrender of him as well. He came to a point of non-surrender and at that point his worship became tainted – rebellion took root and brought forth his eviction from the presence of the LORD (Isaiah 14:12-14).
If you refuse to follow through on the required surrender for that time, you will evict yourself from God's presence just as he did. § True worship involves surrender and will bring you to a new level of surrender if you continue in it. § God desires full surrender in your life with your worship. Nothing less will do.
When you come to a point of non-surrender – your worship ceases. You may continue the form, but the "worship" ceases.Purpose in your heart to never come to a point of non-surrender…to always press through and press past the places of required surrender that God will bring you to. In that way you will not only be a worshipper, but become an item of worship. Become a fragrance of worship before the throne and see where I will take you.§ True worship involves elevation of the one worshiped. You don't worship what you don't elevate. You give place to the object of worship and submit yourself to that object – whether of things or of God. Self-elevation (such as that practiced by satan) resulted his worship ceasing and his disqualification to be in the presence of God.
What you elevate – you worship. What you worship – you have elevated.Every believer is responsible to worship. We are to go past whether we "feel" like worshiping or not to the place where we continually worship…where our heart is attuned to His presence. We (according to Revelation 4:11) were created for God's pleasure…to worship Him, therefore our greatest fulfillment will be the result of fulfilling that opportunity. Worthy art thou, O Lord our God, the Holy, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and by thee they exist; and because of thy pleasure they had being and were created. (Revelation 4:11)May we step up to our place as worshippers and find a place of utter satisfaction in Him and His presence.
Copyright ©2008 Ron M. Horner All Rights Reserved
My Thoughts On Church And Religion
My Thoughts On Church and Religion By: Stan Carlock
People ask me all the time, "What religion are you?" They sometimes look at me puzzled when I tell them "I don't have a religion, I have a relationship - I hate religion and so does God." They can see the difference that Christ has made in my life, but have no idea what it means to have a relationship with Him. It does not matter one bit what "Name" you have plastered over your church door or even if you go to a church for that matter. Don't misunderstand me here - I believe we need to get together regularly with other believers to worship. It just doesn't have to be at a church building that tradition calls "A house of God". I'm quite sure that the damp caves and dark catacombs that early Christians met in were "Houses of God" although they lacked the comforts that many of todays churches offer. What then makes a church? I think any group that knows Jesus Christ personally and worships Him in one mind and one accord can call themselves a church - whether they meet in a fancy building, a rented storefront space or in member's homes.
I have seen time and time again how that, when churches allow traditions of men to guide the direction in which the church is heading, they become nothing more than hollow shells of what Christ intended - full of religion and full of death. The Pharisees were very religious. On the outside they looked great, at least to the ones on the outside looking in. Jesus however, saw through their religious desguises and told them they were like "Whited schepulchers - clean and pretty on the outside, but full of dead man's bones on the inside". That's the majority of churches today - full of dead, dry bones! The truth of the matter is...Religion kills!!
The word of God tells us in James 1:27 - "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Most churches today focus on the importance of money, how to get more money for ourselves and why we should give more money to the church. I firmly beleive in tithes and offerings. I also believe in sowing and reaping. The problem is many have taken their focus off true ministry, living lives of holiness and purity and true from-the-heart worship of God and turned to "going -through-the-motions" religious acts just to see what they can "get" out of it. Pastors are afraid of mentioning the words "sinner" or "hell" because they do not want to offend anyone. Nobody wants to do the work of the ministry anymore - they just want to be ministered to. I'm sick and tired of church the way it is today. I don't care who knows it! If going with the flow is what it takes for you to love me, I'd rather be hated! I can't stand being quiet any longer, sitting in a padded pew on Sunday mornings, while the world around me is going to hell - literally!!
I know that posting this blog is just my feeble attempt to try and turn a light on in somebody's head in order to reveal the truth. But, no matter how insignificant it may be, I have to say what I'm feeling. Take a good look at your church. Why do they do the things they do week after week? Is it because that's the way they've always done it? Or, is it because they have a clear vision for the direction God is taking them that is birthed out of a genuine relationship with Him? Do they just "follow orders" handed down from headquarters or are they taking orders straight from the King of Kings? I know this is a thought provoking subject and I welcome all your thoughts, questions and comments. Until next time, I challenge you to be free from religion and become intimate in your relationship with Jesus by worshipping Him from a heart of love. He is waiting.
I love you all......................Stan
People ask me all the time, "What religion are you?" They sometimes look at me puzzled when I tell them "I don't have a religion, I have a relationship - I hate religion and so does God." They can see the difference that Christ has made in my life, but have no idea what it means to have a relationship with Him. It does not matter one bit what "Name" you have plastered over your church door or even if you go to a church for that matter. Don't misunderstand me here - I believe we need to get together regularly with other believers to worship. It just doesn't have to be at a church building that tradition calls "A house of God". I'm quite sure that the damp caves and dark catacombs that early Christians met in were "Houses of God" although they lacked the comforts that many of todays churches offer. What then makes a church? I think any group that knows Jesus Christ personally and worships Him in one mind and one accord can call themselves a church - whether they meet in a fancy building, a rented storefront space or in member's homes.
I have seen time and time again how that, when churches allow traditions of men to guide the direction in which the church is heading, they become nothing more than hollow shells of what Christ intended - full of religion and full of death. The Pharisees were very religious. On the outside they looked great, at least to the ones on the outside looking in. Jesus however, saw through their religious desguises and told them they were like "Whited schepulchers - clean and pretty on the outside, but full of dead man's bones on the inside". That's the majority of churches today - full of dead, dry bones! The truth of the matter is...Religion kills!!
The word of God tells us in James 1:27 - "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Most churches today focus on the importance of money, how to get more money for ourselves and why we should give more money to the church. I firmly beleive in tithes and offerings. I also believe in sowing and reaping. The problem is many have taken their focus off true ministry, living lives of holiness and purity and true from-the-heart worship of God and turned to "going -through-the-motions" religious acts just to see what they can "get" out of it. Pastors are afraid of mentioning the words "sinner" or "hell" because they do not want to offend anyone. Nobody wants to do the work of the ministry anymore - they just want to be ministered to. I'm sick and tired of church the way it is today. I don't care who knows it! If going with the flow is what it takes for you to love me, I'd rather be hated! I can't stand being quiet any longer, sitting in a padded pew on Sunday mornings, while the world around me is going to hell - literally!!
I know that posting this blog is just my feeble attempt to try and turn a light on in somebody's head in order to reveal the truth. But, no matter how insignificant it may be, I have to say what I'm feeling. Take a good look at your church. Why do they do the things they do week after week? Is it because that's the way they've always done it? Or, is it because they have a clear vision for the direction God is taking them that is birthed out of a genuine relationship with Him? Do they just "follow orders" handed down from headquarters or are they taking orders straight from the King of Kings? I know this is a thought provoking subject and I welcome all your thoughts, questions and comments. Until next time, I challenge you to be free from religion and become intimate in your relationship with Jesus by worshipping Him from a heart of love. He is waiting.
I love you all......................Stan
God Is Calling - It's Time To Listen
God Is Calling - It's Time To Listen! By: Stan Carlock
God is constantly speaking. For many, His voice gets lost in the noises of the world around us. We have no problem talking to God and telling Him all about the "junk" in our lives, but rarely, if ever, do we take the time to listen to what He has to say to us. As we approach a new year, we need to have our "ears on" to be able to hear what The Spirit is saying. Over and over in scripture we are told, "he that has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying". It's time we listen! To what? What is the Spirit saying? I have turned my ears toward heaven and I have heard 2 distinct messages coming from the throne room. The first, "Get ready and be prepared. Lift up your heads for your redemption draws nigh". The Lord wants us to know that we are the end-time generation and that He is coming back very soon to take us away to be with Him. The last days are winding down and the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. I know that you have been hearing "The Lord is coming soon" for years, but it is different now. Prophesies are being fulfilled almost on a daily basis. With the shape the world is in today with the disasters, the wars, the sin, the false religious systems and the cry of God's people for deliverance; the time is ripe for His return! We need to be prepared!The second message I hear is a call to worship. The Bible tells us that there is coming a time when true worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. That time is now! God is seeking such to worship Him and He is calling out to His people to forget about religion and forget about programs and agendas and just worship him with total abandon. To not let anything or anyone hinder or suppress this end-time worship. It's our cries of worship, cries for more of God, cries for Him to show us His face and our plea for Him to send His glory that will prompt Him to take action. He heard the cries of the children of Israel and delivered them from Egyptian bondage. Our cries to Him will be what causes Him to once again respond and deliver His people from the bondage of this world! The good thing is, we don't have to wait until the weekend to worship God. We can do it right now where we are at. A Christian songwriter penned these words as if God were singing to us:
"You don't need majestic choirs with awesome voices raised. You don't need a congregation to offer Me your praise. You don't need a mighty orchestra to bless Me with your song. You get all of My attention when you worship Me alone".Wow - to get all of God's attention. That seems like such a lofty goal, but in reality it is one of the most natural things we can do. Worship God. Lets try it, and once you do, sit in silent reverence before Him, bask in His presence and listen to what He is saying to you. Amen?Until next time.............................Stan
God is constantly speaking. For many, His voice gets lost in the noises of the world around us. We have no problem talking to God and telling Him all about the "junk" in our lives, but rarely, if ever, do we take the time to listen to what He has to say to us. As we approach a new year, we need to have our "ears on" to be able to hear what The Spirit is saying. Over and over in scripture we are told, "he that has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying". It's time we listen! To what? What is the Spirit saying? I have turned my ears toward heaven and I have heard 2 distinct messages coming from the throne room. The first, "Get ready and be prepared. Lift up your heads for your redemption draws nigh". The Lord wants us to know that we are the end-time generation and that He is coming back very soon to take us away to be with Him. The last days are winding down and the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. I know that you have been hearing "The Lord is coming soon" for years, but it is different now. Prophesies are being fulfilled almost on a daily basis. With the shape the world is in today with the disasters, the wars, the sin, the false religious systems and the cry of God's people for deliverance; the time is ripe for His return! We need to be prepared!The second message I hear is a call to worship. The Bible tells us that there is coming a time when true worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. That time is now! God is seeking such to worship Him and He is calling out to His people to forget about religion and forget about programs and agendas and just worship him with total abandon. To not let anything or anyone hinder or suppress this end-time worship. It's our cries of worship, cries for more of God, cries for Him to show us His face and our plea for Him to send His glory that will prompt Him to take action. He heard the cries of the children of Israel and delivered them from Egyptian bondage. Our cries to Him will be what causes Him to once again respond and deliver His people from the bondage of this world! The good thing is, we don't have to wait until the weekend to worship God. We can do it right now where we are at. A Christian songwriter penned these words as if God were singing to us:
"You don't need majestic choirs with awesome voices raised. You don't need a congregation to offer Me your praise. You don't need a mighty orchestra to bless Me with your song. You get all of My attention when you worship Me alone".Wow - to get all of God's attention. That seems like such a lofty goal, but in reality it is one of the most natural things we can do. Worship God. Lets try it, and once you do, sit in silent reverence before Him, bask in His presence and listen to what He is saying to you. Amen?Until next time.............................Stan
10 Reasons Not To Use New Music In Church
10 reasons not to use new music in church. By: Stan Carlock
Read this all the way to the end to get the full effect:
I've thought a lot about what people think of the new music we sing at church every week and I wanted to see what others thought so I've done some research.
This is what I found; A prominent American Preacher has compiled a list of ten reasons for opposing the new music trend:
1. It's too new - like an unknown language.
2. It's not as melodious or as easy on the ears as the more established style.
3. There are so many new songs that it is impossible to learn them all.
4. This new music creates disturbances and causes people to act in an indecent and disorderly manner.
5. It places too much emphasis on instrumental music rather than on Godly lyrics.
6. The lyrics are often worldly and sometimes even blasphemous.
7. It is not needed, since preceeding generations have gone to heaven without it.
8. It's just another way to get money.
9. It monopolizes the Christians' time and encourages them to stay out late.
10. These new musicians are young upstarts, and some of them are very lewd and loose persons.
Some of you may agree that the new music played on Sunday mornings in many of our churches may fit this description. The only problem with agreeing with this list of oppositions is that they were not written about the worship choruses we sing today. This list was compiled in the year 1723 and was part of a statement directed against the use of hymns!
So, you see, new music never satisfies everyone. But, new generations have always and will always worship in the style that God is leading them into. Even though we may not agree on the "style" – let's do agree that the one we are to worship is worthy of our praises, whether we use hymns, worship choruses or even if we don't sing at all. Sometimes God just wants us to be silent before Him. Until next time............ Stan
Read this all the way to the end to get the full effect:
I've thought a lot about what people think of the new music we sing at church every week and I wanted to see what others thought so I've done some research.
This is what I found; A prominent American Preacher has compiled a list of ten reasons for opposing the new music trend:
1. It's too new - like an unknown language.
2. It's not as melodious or as easy on the ears as the more established style.
3. There are so many new songs that it is impossible to learn them all.
4. This new music creates disturbances and causes people to act in an indecent and disorderly manner.
5. It places too much emphasis on instrumental music rather than on Godly lyrics.
6. The lyrics are often worldly and sometimes even blasphemous.
7. It is not needed, since preceeding generations have gone to heaven without it.
8. It's just another way to get money.
9. It monopolizes the Christians' time and encourages them to stay out late.
10. These new musicians are young upstarts, and some of them are very lewd and loose persons.
Some of you may agree that the new music played on Sunday mornings in many of our churches may fit this description. The only problem with agreeing with this list of oppositions is that they were not written about the worship choruses we sing today. This list was compiled in the year 1723 and was part of a statement directed against the use of hymns!
So, you see, new music never satisfies everyone. But, new generations have always and will always worship in the style that God is leading them into. Even though we may not agree on the "style" – let's do agree that the one we are to worship is worthy of our praises, whether we use hymns, worship choruses or even if we don't sing at all. Sometimes God just wants us to be silent before Him. Until next time............ Stan
One Step Forward And Two Steps Back? Not Any More!
One Step Forward And Two Steps Back? Not Any More! By: Stan Carlock
Too many times I see it. Churches that refuse to move forward in the things of God. Or, worse yet, those that stop moving forward and then start backing up to the "way it used to be." It seems as though they would rather please man than to move in the direction God is taking His people in these last days. Most of these churches do have a few people with a vision. However, most are blind to it and so every time the few take one step forward, the church ends up taking two steps backward because of the "wisdom" of so-called elders who refuse to accept change. It reminds me of a story found in 1 Samuel 4. The Isrealites were engaged in a battle with their enemy, the Philistines. God had chosen someone to be His mouthpiece, the young prophet Samuel. But, instead of consulting with this "new" voice, the councel of "elders" got together and held a meeting. They determined among themselves that the way to defeat this enemy was to do things the way they used to do it. They said, "Remember when Joshua used to carry the Ark of The Covenant into battle? If we go back to doing things the way they did it then, we will win the battle." Wrong! Infact, DEAD wrong! 30,000 dead to be exact, not to mention the fact that The Ark was taken, the priests were killed and the Glory departed! Sounds like some churches I know. Instead of listening to the "voice" of a younger, hungry-for-God, on-fire generation, the elders of the church decide to do things the way we did it years ago. Without fail, it will always bring death, loss of the presence of God, compromise and a withdrawing of God's glory from our services. People become discouraged, depressed and defeated. The result is a loss of passion. Complacent people who sit there Sunday after Sunday, arms crossed, refusing to give an inch in order for God to take them a mile. Worship is totally abandoned in order to sing songs written during The Great Depression that makes the listeners reminisce of days gone by. The good news is, there are many churches all across this planet who do have a passion for God. They have not given in to the "tickle my ears" mentality sweeping the globe. They are the churches who worship God in Spirit and in Truth. Instead of trying to please man, they seek only to please The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords. I want to be a part of that church. The Bride of Christ who will soon be meeting her Bridegroom. I don't know about you, but I don't want to miss that meeting! The Bible tells us that "no one who puts their hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" Luke 9:62. I'm not looking back. One step forward and two steps back? Not me! Not any more!! God bless you - until next time............................Stan
Too many times I see it. Churches that refuse to move forward in the things of God. Or, worse yet, those that stop moving forward and then start backing up to the "way it used to be." It seems as though they would rather please man than to move in the direction God is taking His people in these last days. Most of these churches do have a few people with a vision. However, most are blind to it and so every time the few take one step forward, the church ends up taking two steps backward because of the "wisdom" of so-called elders who refuse to accept change. It reminds me of a story found in 1 Samuel 4. The Isrealites were engaged in a battle with their enemy, the Philistines. God had chosen someone to be His mouthpiece, the young prophet Samuel. But, instead of consulting with this "new" voice, the councel of "elders" got together and held a meeting. They determined among themselves that the way to defeat this enemy was to do things the way they used to do it. They said, "Remember when Joshua used to carry the Ark of The Covenant into battle? If we go back to doing things the way they did it then, we will win the battle." Wrong! Infact, DEAD wrong! 30,000 dead to be exact, not to mention the fact that The Ark was taken, the priests were killed and the Glory departed! Sounds like some churches I know. Instead of listening to the "voice" of a younger, hungry-for-God, on-fire generation, the elders of the church decide to do things the way we did it years ago. Without fail, it will always bring death, loss of the presence of God, compromise and a withdrawing of God's glory from our services. People become discouraged, depressed and defeated. The result is a loss of passion. Complacent people who sit there Sunday after Sunday, arms crossed, refusing to give an inch in order for God to take them a mile. Worship is totally abandoned in order to sing songs written during The Great Depression that makes the listeners reminisce of days gone by. The good news is, there are many churches all across this planet who do have a passion for God. They have not given in to the "tickle my ears" mentality sweeping the globe. They are the churches who worship God in Spirit and in Truth. Instead of trying to please man, they seek only to please The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords. I want to be a part of that church. The Bride of Christ who will soon be meeting her Bridegroom. I don't know about you, but I don't want to miss that meeting! The Bible tells us that "no one who puts their hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" Luke 9:62. I'm not looking back. One step forward and two steps back? Not me! Not any more!! God bless you - until next time............................Stan
Are You Bound By Tradition And Religion?
I found this on a friends page and it was too good not to share with my subscribers. It came from Fire House Church's Pastor Jerry. Thanks Bro. for this breath of fresh air! Kudos to you!! Well here it is.........................
Are You Bound By Tradition and Religion?
Mark 7:13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."
Jesus was always being confronted by religious people. Not people that had a relationship with God, but those were trying to work their way to God and bound by the traditions of man.
They would accuse him and attack him for healing on the Sabbath for example. They placed obeying the Sabbath (law) over the healing of a person. (grace)
Jesus was attacked more by the religious people then anyone else. I have found that to be true in my life and Christian walk today. People will fight to the end for their religion and for their traditions.
Jesus said their traditions made the word of God no effect. That means the word of God will have no effect in your life. The promises of God will not work for you if you are bound by traditions of man. If you are bound by your religion and traditions you will NOT see the power of God working in your life and you will not be receiving from the promises of God.
People bound by tradition do not walk in love. I have seen this in action!
Therefore their faith does not work. Gal 5:6-For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
I have seen people claiming to be Christians, attacking and falsely accusing other believers of the most ridiculous things. If you are like that, do you know whose team you are on? Do you know who YOU are acting like? The bible refers to SATAN as the accuser of the breathren. I have seen so called Christians time and time again accusing others and they are acting more like the devil, then the God they claim to serve. If that is you, you need to stop it! Get the beam out of your own eye and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling!
Those bound by tradition will fight for "their rights" when none of this is to be about them. It is to be about building up the Kingdom of God. It is about serving one another and submitting to one another. It is about preferring your brother. It is about reaching the lost and making disciples. Instead people would rather fight one another over a bunch of pettiness.
Those bound by tradition will exalt a church building (made by human hands) above people, of whom are the real church. Many a church has split over division and strife concerning a building. How pathetic. God is not involved in division and strife and will never be.
Jesus himself said a house divided will not stand. The sad thing is those that have torn down and divided before, seem to have no problem coming together again where tradition is involved to try and destroy again!
Many a board of deacons in a church have split the church and drove out a pastor that was sent by God over their traditions! Many a church member because they have been there for 20 years and think they own the place, have driven the power of God right out the building because of their traditions and religious mindset!
Enough is enough! It is time we get the traditions of men out, and the presence and power of God back in! The traditions of man, religious mindset, division and strife are a stench in the nostrils of God!
I love the advice given when people were attacking the work of the apostles in:
Acts 5:35-40 35 And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God."
If the work we, or anyone else is doing is of God, no man can stop it by their tradition or any other means. Those attacking need to watch out. They are fighting against GOD not man.
The good news is if you are bound you can be free! If you are full of hate, anger, unforgiveness, there is mercy for you. The power of God will work in your life and set you free from everything! IF you will lay aside your traditions and allow God to be God and to do what God wants to do in your life and all the others you are worried about.
If this message upsets some of you, GOOD! I pray it makes you mad enough to remove the blinders from your eyes and to get FREE! Don't get mad at me for speaking the truth. Get on your face before God and REPENT and ask for His forgiveness and mercy and the power of the Holy Spirit will set you free! God has not called any of us to tear down the work of God, but to build it up! His mercy lasts so long, then HE will bring judgement!
It is time we in the body of Christ work together to build the Kingdom and quit allowing the traditions of men, division and strife to hinder all that God desires us to do.
John 8:30-32-31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:36- Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Are You Bound By Tradition and Religion?
Mark 7:13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."
Jesus was always being confronted by religious people. Not people that had a relationship with God, but those were trying to work their way to God and bound by the traditions of man.
They would accuse him and attack him for healing on the Sabbath for example. They placed obeying the Sabbath (law) over the healing of a person. (grace)
Jesus was attacked more by the religious people then anyone else. I have found that to be true in my life and Christian walk today. People will fight to the end for their religion and for their traditions.
Jesus said their traditions made the word of God no effect. That means the word of God will have no effect in your life. The promises of God will not work for you if you are bound by traditions of man. If you are bound by your religion and traditions you will NOT see the power of God working in your life and you will not be receiving from the promises of God.
People bound by tradition do not walk in love. I have seen this in action!
Therefore their faith does not work. Gal 5:6-For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
I have seen people claiming to be Christians, attacking and falsely accusing other believers of the most ridiculous things. If you are like that, do you know whose team you are on? Do you know who YOU are acting like? The bible refers to SATAN as the accuser of the breathren. I have seen so called Christians time and time again accusing others and they are acting more like the devil, then the God they claim to serve. If that is you, you need to stop it! Get the beam out of your own eye and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling!
Those bound by tradition will fight for "their rights" when none of this is to be about them. It is to be about building up the Kingdom of God. It is about serving one another and submitting to one another. It is about preferring your brother. It is about reaching the lost and making disciples. Instead people would rather fight one another over a bunch of pettiness.
Those bound by tradition will exalt a church building (made by human hands) above people, of whom are the real church. Many a church has split over division and strife concerning a building. How pathetic. God is not involved in division and strife and will never be.
Jesus himself said a house divided will not stand. The sad thing is those that have torn down and divided before, seem to have no problem coming together again where tradition is involved to try and destroy again!
Many a board of deacons in a church have split the church and drove out a pastor that was sent by God over their traditions! Many a church member because they have been there for 20 years and think they own the place, have driven the power of God right out the building because of their traditions and religious mindset!
Enough is enough! It is time we get the traditions of men out, and the presence and power of God back in! The traditions of man, religious mindset, division and strife are a stench in the nostrils of God!
I love the advice given when people were attacking the work of the apostles in:
Acts 5:35-40 35 And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God."
If the work we, or anyone else is doing is of God, no man can stop it by their tradition or any other means. Those attacking need to watch out. They are fighting against GOD not man.
The good news is if you are bound you can be free! If you are full of hate, anger, unforgiveness, there is mercy for you. The power of God will work in your life and set you free from everything! IF you will lay aside your traditions and allow God to be God and to do what God wants to do in your life and all the others you are worried about.
If this message upsets some of you, GOOD! I pray it makes you mad enough to remove the blinders from your eyes and to get FREE! Don't get mad at me for speaking the truth. Get on your face before God and REPENT and ask for His forgiveness and mercy and the power of the Holy Spirit will set you free! God has not called any of us to tear down the work of God, but to build it up! His mercy lasts so long, then HE will bring judgement!
It is time we in the body of Christ work together to build the Kingdom and quit allowing the traditions of men, division and strife to hinder all that God desires us to do.
John 8:30-32-31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:36- Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Are We Pioneers Or Puppets?
Are We Pioneers Or Puppets? By: Stan Carlock
Before I start, I want to share with you a quote I came across on one of my friends pages:
"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson
What a profound statement!! Are we as Christians following the leading of the Holy Spirit and blazing a trail or are we following the trail of tradition handed to us by mere men? Why do we do the things we do, especially when it comes to church and to worship? Is it because "That's the way we've always done it", or is it because we're hungry, wanting something fresh, something new. The sad truth is, most Christians are following tradition. They become "religious" and lose sight of the true meaning of why we come to church. I've said it before, and now cry it out loud for all to hear, "GOD HATES RELIGION!!" Religion is a killer. Period! It takes the life of the church and chokes it to death in the strangle-hold of traditions of men! I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of church as usual. We come in, sing a few songs, sit down, hear preaching (if we're lucky) and go home. I say "if we're lucky" because even true preaching has faded from most churches to be replaced by watered-down, "tickle-the-ears" teaching that pats sin on the back and uses terms like "Hell is closed", "All-inclusive" & "We're all headed to heaven, just on different paths". We have turned from the truth and have turned aside to fables and false doctrines! Even sadder is the fact that some churches have great preaching and great worship, but only a select few are there for the right reasons. They are there seeking the face of their Creator. They want to see His glory. They are hungry and thirsty for a move of God that will change their lives and the lives of all those they come in contact with. Where is the passion that once spread like wildfire through the church? We have lost our "expectancy" when it comes to seeing the miraculous, experiencing the power of the Holy Ghost and seeing God change lives. We have allowed tradition and fear of change to keep us bound to what is "safe" according to the ways of men. Why do we have to fit into a "mold" that a group of so-called elders wants us to conform to? We become like puppets as we "don't get too loud" or "don't sing too many songs" and we cut worship down to a minimum so we can have more room for a few more anouncements or pleas for more money. We pat ourselves on the back because we have a nice building or pretty landscaping or give to missions, all the while people in our comunity are dying and going to hell. These are people that come through our doors and leave unchanged because we are so stiff-necked and unbending when it comes to the way we think we ought to do things. It's high time we get out of our religious rut , cut loose the puppet strings of tradition and become pioneers for Jesus Christ. First of all, our music has got to quit being intoverted and speaking of ourselves, what we've done, how "horrible" we are or how great heaven will be one day. Our music should speak to God and bring glory to Him. We should praise God with "new songs" that are pleasing to Him and bring a smile to His face. Even though He is always with us, it's through worship that His presence becomes "real" to us as He responds to our worship by manifesting His Glory to us, and also to those who don't know Christ. When our lost visitors come in and see a bunch of old folks sitting down with their arms crossed and scowls on their faces, it is an immediate turn-off. I have watched people get up and leave, never to return because we had to have "our way" and not God's. I challenge you - get up and worship God!! Close your eyes, lift your hands and your voices and let Him break the chains of tradition that have you bound. I pray that the anointing will break every yoke, that the King of Glory will come in and that lives will be changed! You hold the key. Will you be a pioneer? Or will you continue to be a puppet? The choice is yours. God is waiting for you. So am I. God bless-------until next time......................Stan
Before I start, I want to share with you a quote I came across on one of my friends pages:
"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson
What a profound statement!! Are we as Christians following the leading of the Holy Spirit and blazing a trail or are we following the trail of tradition handed to us by mere men? Why do we do the things we do, especially when it comes to church and to worship? Is it because "That's the way we've always done it", or is it because we're hungry, wanting something fresh, something new. The sad truth is, most Christians are following tradition. They become "religious" and lose sight of the true meaning of why we come to church. I've said it before, and now cry it out loud for all to hear, "GOD HATES RELIGION!!" Religion is a killer. Period! It takes the life of the church and chokes it to death in the strangle-hold of traditions of men! I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of church as usual. We come in, sing a few songs, sit down, hear preaching (if we're lucky) and go home. I say "if we're lucky" because even true preaching has faded from most churches to be replaced by watered-down, "tickle-the-ears" teaching that pats sin on the back and uses terms like "Hell is closed", "All-inclusive" & "We're all headed to heaven, just on different paths". We have turned from the truth and have turned aside to fables and false doctrines! Even sadder is the fact that some churches have great preaching and great worship, but only a select few are there for the right reasons. They are there seeking the face of their Creator. They want to see His glory. They are hungry and thirsty for a move of God that will change their lives and the lives of all those they come in contact with. Where is the passion that once spread like wildfire through the church? We have lost our "expectancy" when it comes to seeing the miraculous, experiencing the power of the Holy Ghost and seeing God change lives. We have allowed tradition and fear of change to keep us bound to what is "safe" according to the ways of men. Why do we have to fit into a "mold" that a group of so-called elders wants us to conform to? We become like puppets as we "don't get too loud" or "don't sing too many songs" and we cut worship down to a minimum so we can have more room for a few more anouncements or pleas for more money. We pat ourselves on the back because we have a nice building or pretty landscaping or give to missions, all the while people in our comunity are dying and going to hell. These are people that come through our doors and leave unchanged because we are so stiff-necked and unbending when it comes to the way we think we ought to do things. It's high time we get out of our religious rut , cut loose the puppet strings of tradition and become pioneers for Jesus Christ. First of all, our music has got to quit being intoverted and speaking of ourselves, what we've done, how "horrible" we are or how great heaven will be one day. Our music should speak to God and bring glory to Him. We should praise God with "new songs" that are pleasing to Him and bring a smile to His face. Even though He is always with us, it's through worship that His presence becomes "real" to us as He responds to our worship by manifesting His Glory to us, and also to those who don't know Christ. When our lost visitors come in and see a bunch of old folks sitting down with their arms crossed and scowls on their faces, it is an immediate turn-off. I have watched people get up and leave, never to return because we had to have "our way" and not God's. I challenge you - get up and worship God!! Close your eyes, lift your hands and your voices and let Him break the chains of tradition that have you bound. I pray that the anointing will break every yoke, that the King of Glory will come in and that lives will be changed! You hold the key. Will you be a pioneer? Or will you continue to be a puppet? The choice is yours. God is waiting for you. So am I. God bless-------until next time......................Stan
Be Careful Who You Call A Reject!
Be Careful Who You Call A Reject! By: Stan Carlock
There he was. The first thing I noticed was his bright blue Mohawk hairdo. Then the piercings, which he had everywhere (including some unseen ones - I was sure of that.) Not to mention the tattoos, etc. I thought to myself, "what kind of freak is this?" I had formed an opinion and rejected him before I ever knew him. That was about 10 years ago at a church I was visiting in East Tennessee. After service he came up to me and introduced himself ( I have unfortunately forgotten his name.) The first thing he said to me was a question. He asked, "Do you know Jesus, my savior?" I was shocked. After picking my jaw up off the floor and telling him yes I did, I began talking with the most sincere, dynamic and powerful Christian I had ever met. Later, the pastor of that church shared with me how this young man had been kicked out of his home at an early age, forced to live on his own, became a drug addict and drug dealer by the time he was 17 and was rejected by society. But only a few months before I met him, he had found acceptance by inviting Jesus to be the Lord of his life. He had a complete 180° turnaround. In the few months since becoming saved, he had led over 93 young people to a saving relationship with Christ. Again I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I also wept.
There is a story in the Bible where Jesus went to the house of a prominant religious man named Simon. Simon did everything right. He followed the law, performed all the religious rituals and was a holy man, by Jewish standards. Then there was Mary. The town whore. Despised and rejected. But Mary loved Jesus. She showed her love by washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair and taking the only thing of value she had, an alabaster box of expensive ointment and broke it open and anointed Jesus. As Simon looked in horror, he thought, "If this man were from God He'd know that this woman is a dirty, lowlife, reject of society". Jesus knew his heart and rebuked Simon. He said "this woman loves me much, because she has been forgiven of much, but you, in all your "religion" have shown me no love at all!"
We need to be careful who we call a reject. We can't judge a book by its cover. We might accidently be judging someone who is the "apple" of God's eye. Jesus doesn't look at appearances, and neither should we. Being around Pentecostal churches for years, I have noticed a lot of so-called holy Christians "tagging" people as rejects. Some churches view holiness as the way you dress, cut (or not cut) your hair, etc. God only looks at the heart. We need to quit stereotyping people who are different as "sinners" or "ungodly" or "unholy" or "rejects". God accepts people just as they are. We should too.
God bless, until next time, Stan
There he was. The first thing I noticed was his bright blue Mohawk hairdo. Then the piercings, which he had everywhere (including some unseen ones - I was sure of that.) Not to mention the tattoos, etc. I thought to myself, "what kind of freak is this?" I had formed an opinion and rejected him before I ever knew him. That was about 10 years ago at a church I was visiting in East Tennessee. After service he came up to me and introduced himself ( I have unfortunately forgotten his name.) The first thing he said to me was a question. He asked, "Do you know Jesus, my savior?" I was shocked. After picking my jaw up off the floor and telling him yes I did, I began talking with the most sincere, dynamic and powerful Christian I had ever met. Later, the pastor of that church shared with me how this young man had been kicked out of his home at an early age, forced to live on his own, became a drug addict and drug dealer by the time he was 17 and was rejected by society. But only a few months before I met him, he had found acceptance by inviting Jesus to be the Lord of his life. He had a complete 180° turnaround. In the few months since becoming saved, he had led over 93 young people to a saving relationship with Christ. Again I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I also wept.
There is a story in the Bible where Jesus went to the house of a prominant religious man named Simon. Simon did everything right. He followed the law, performed all the religious rituals and was a holy man, by Jewish standards. Then there was Mary. The town whore. Despised and rejected. But Mary loved Jesus. She showed her love by washing His feet with her tears and drying them with her hair and taking the only thing of value she had, an alabaster box of expensive ointment and broke it open and anointed Jesus. As Simon looked in horror, he thought, "If this man were from God He'd know that this woman is a dirty, lowlife, reject of society". Jesus knew his heart and rebuked Simon. He said "this woman loves me much, because she has been forgiven of much, but you, in all your "religion" have shown me no love at all!"
We need to be careful who we call a reject. We can't judge a book by its cover. We might accidently be judging someone who is the "apple" of God's eye. Jesus doesn't look at appearances, and neither should we. Being around Pentecostal churches for years, I have noticed a lot of so-called holy Christians "tagging" people as rejects. Some churches view holiness as the way you dress, cut (or not cut) your hair, etc. God only looks at the heart. We need to quit stereotyping people who are different as "sinners" or "ungodly" or "unholy" or "rejects". God accepts people just as they are. We should too.
God bless, until next time, Stan
Don't Stop! You Might End Up Dead!
Don't Stop! You Might End Up Dead! By: Stan Carlock
Have you ever been to the place where you feel like stopping what you're doing, throwing in the towel and just giving up? Join the crowd. We've all been there at some point in our lives. It's what you do when you get to that point that is so important. Even critical to your survival. I'm talking to Christians here. If you don't know Christ - you're already dead and just don't know it. You need to read my other blog, "Are you thirsty?", then come back later and read this one. Now, back to all the believers. I want to share a few thoughts with you about complacency and self-pity. Conditions that all Christians have to deal with at some point in their lives. I was reading my Bible today and found some interesting scriptures that you may have to "read between the lines" in order to get my point. First, Act 7:2 And he said, Men and brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran. Here we see that while still in Ur, a city in Mesopotamia, that God called Abraham. He told him to go to the promised land. He was with his father Terah and his wife Sarah and other relatives at this time. We see in Gen 11:31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. Here begins the problem. They stopped short of the goal. God told them to go to Canaan, the promised land. But, when they came to a town called Haran they became weary and decided to stop for a while, but according to the scripture, they ended up dwelling there. Let's read on: Gen 11:32 And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran. Poor Terah. He never made it to the promised land. He stopped in Haran, got comfortable there and ended up dying before completing what God called him and his family to do. We as Christians need to wake up, get up out of our complacent, lazy and uncaring lifestyle and get back to doing what God expects of us! We too, can end up dead. Maybe not in a physical sense, but spirutually speaking. Sometimes our "Haran" might be a habit or sin that keeps us down. We need to follow the command of scripture: Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. If there was anyone in scripture that had a right to quit, it was Paul. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, ridiculed, hated, imprisoned and killed. But , he never stopped. He kept on: Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. If anybody deserved to feel sorry for themselves and wallow in self pity, it would have been Paul. But, Paul never gave up. He completed what God called him to do, and he is enjoying his reward! We too have a promised land that God has told us to go to. We too have a responsibility to do all that God has asked of us. We all get wounded in the battles of life, but we can't give up. We can't just lay down and lick our wounds and torture ourselves with sorrow and regret. Let's see what the writer of Hebrews has to say: Heb 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; Heb 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled He's saying , We all get tired and we all get hurt along the way, but get over it! Let the Spirit of God bring healing to you. If you don't let God heal you, the wounds you have received can fester and become like spiritual gangarene. If you don't get rid of it, it will kill you. When bitterness begins to infect you, it won't be long before you give up completely and like Terah, if you dwell there, you'll end up dying there and never reaching the promise. I want to pray for you. I too have felt the sting of rejection and have been hurt by so-called Christian brothers and sisters. I too have become weary and "burned out" in the work God has called me to, but I've not given up. And you're not either. If you have read this in it's entirety, it shows me that you are willing to get up and get back on track for Jesus. Lets pray:
Father, I come before you now on behalf of my brother or my sister who's come to the place where they no longer want to sit back and let life pass them by. They have been hurt. They have been wounded. They have worked until they have become weary. But God, today is a new day for them and I claim healing to their wounded souls. I speak peace to them and declare by Your Word, that they are free indeed. Now Father I ask you to fill them with Your Spirit, wrap Your arms of love around them, pick them up and restore joy unto them. Lord Jesus, if there are areas of sin in their lives that need to be addressed, I pray you speak to them now and help them to let go and lay anything down that is holding them back. God, we ask all of this in order that You may receive glory for all that's done. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Until next time.....................Stan
Have you ever been to the place where you feel like stopping what you're doing, throwing in the towel and just giving up? Join the crowd. We've all been there at some point in our lives. It's what you do when you get to that point that is so important. Even critical to your survival. I'm talking to Christians here. If you don't know Christ - you're already dead and just don't know it. You need to read my other blog, "Are you thirsty?", then come back later and read this one. Now, back to all the believers. I want to share a few thoughts with you about complacency and self-pity. Conditions that all Christians have to deal with at some point in their lives. I was reading my Bible today and found some interesting scriptures that you may have to "read between the lines" in order to get my point. First, Act 7:2 And he said, Men and brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran. Here we see that while still in Ur, a city in Mesopotamia, that God called Abraham. He told him to go to the promised land. He was with his father Terah and his wife Sarah and other relatives at this time. We see in Gen 11:31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. Here begins the problem. They stopped short of the goal. God told them to go to Canaan, the promised land. But, when they came to a town called Haran they became weary and decided to stop for a while, but according to the scripture, they ended up dwelling there. Let's read on: Gen 11:32 And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran. Poor Terah. He never made it to the promised land. He stopped in Haran, got comfortable there and ended up dying before completing what God called him and his family to do. We as Christians need to wake up, get up out of our complacent, lazy and uncaring lifestyle and get back to doing what God expects of us! We too, can end up dead. Maybe not in a physical sense, but spirutually speaking. Sometimes our "Haran" might be a habit or sin that keeps us down. We need to follow the command of scripture: Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. If there was anyone in scripture that had a right to quit, it was Paul. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, ridiculed, hated, imprisoned and killed. But , he never stopped. He kept on: Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. If anybody deserved to feel sorry for themselves and wallow in self pity, it would have been Paul. But, Paul never gave up. He completed what God called him to do, and he is enjoying his reward! We too have a promised land that God has told us to go to. We too have a responsibility to do all that God has asked of us. We all get wounded in the battles of life, but we can't give up. We can't just lay down and lick our wounds and torture ourselves with sorrow and regret. Let's see what the writer of Hebrews has to say: Heb 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; Heb 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled He's saying , We all get tired and we all get hurt along the way, but get over it! Let the Spirit of God bring healing to you. If you don't let God heal you, the wounds you have received can fester and become like spiritual gangarene. If you don't get rid of it, it will kill you. When bitterness begins to infect you, it won't be long before you give up completely and like Terah, if you dwell there, you'll end up dying there and never reaching the promise. I want to pray for you. I too have felt the sting of rejection and have been hurt by so-called Christian brothers and sisters. I too have become weary and "burned out" in the work God has called me to, but I've not given up. And you're not either. If you have read this in it's entirety, it shows me that you are willing to get up and get back on track for Jesus. Lets pray:
Father, I come before you now on behalf of my brother or my sister who's come to the place where they no longer want to sit back and let life pass them by. They have been hurt. They have been wounded. They have worked until they have become weary. But God, today is a new day for them and I claim healing to their wounded souls. I speak peace to them and declare by Your Word, that they are free indeed. Now Father I ask you to fill them with Your Spirit, wrap Your arms of love around them, pick them up and restore joy unto them. Lord Jesus, if there are areas of sin in their lives that need to be addressed, I pray you speak to them now and help them to let go and lay anything down that is holding them back. God, we ask all of this in order that You may receive glory for all that's done. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Until next time.....................Stan
Are You Thirsty?
Are You Thirsty? By: Stan Carlock
Are you thirsty? Not in a natural sense, but are you thirsty deep inside? A thirst that no amount of water, tea, Coke or Gatorade can ever quench? I think there is a thirst that all of us have, that we are born with. A thirst that we can never satisfy on our own. It's kind of like a nagging itch. Once you scratch it and get temporary relief, you begin itching somewhere else. And, the more you scratch the worse it gets, until the cycle starts all over again. It's the same way with the thirst we have. The more we try to take care of it ourselves, the worse we find ourselves. Some people try to find relief through drug abuse and alchoholism. Others turn to pornography, homosexuality and illicit sex. Still others cut themselves or hurt others, all the while trying to quench this burning thirst they have inside them. All to no avail! Some even try religion as a way of satisfying their thirst. The problem with religion is, that by itself, it cannot satisfy either. That's why when someone becomes religious and their thirst isn't quenched, they turn to thirsting other things, including innocent blood. They fly planes into buildings and blow themselves up, killing others in an attempt to try and ease the dryness in their souls. The answer is not found in religion, but in a relationship. A relationship with the One who is the source of thirst-quenching, life-giving, life-changing living water. Jesus Christ is that source! He is the one that can satisfy. He said, "he that drinks of the water I give him will never thirst again." How true. You too can experience relief. You too can be satisfied. Hear me when I say this: Nothing you have ever done or are involved in right now can keep you from drinking the living water Jesus provides if you are thirsty enough. Are you thirsty? Are you tired of trying to make it on your own? Do you want to be rid of that unbearable dryness you have inside? Jesus said, "come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Go to him now. Lets pray this prayer together:
God, I am tired and I am thirsty. I come to You now, just as I am. I've made a mess of my life, so what You see is what You get. All I know is that I can no longer make it on my own. I want the living water that Jesus spoke of in the Bible. I lay down everything from my past that I have been carrying around and all the garbage I have filled my life with in an attempt to quench this thirst that I have had. Please forgive me of my sins and for all the times You have called out to me and I have not listened. I listen to You now and I repent of all the wrong I have done in my life. I believe Jesus died for my sins and that right now, through His blood, I am set free and I am forgiven! Thank you Jesus from saving me not only from my sins, but from myself and from the road of destruction I was traveling down. I receive that living water right now, and ask you Jesus to come into my heart and become the Lord of my life. Thank You for quenching my thirst. In Jesus' name, Amen
Now that your thirst has been satisfied, why don't you take the next step, and find a group of Spirit-filled, Spirit-led believers to help you grow and become a powerhouse for God's kingdom? If you need help finding one, send me a message and I will help you.
Until next time, God bless you..................Stan
Are you thirsty? Not in a natural sense, but are you thirsty deep inside? A thirst that no amount of water, tea, Coke or Gatorade can ever quench? I think there is a thirst that all of us have, that we are born with. A thirst that we can never satisfy on our own. It's kind of like a nagging itch. Once you scratch it and get temporary relief, you begin itching somewhere else. And, the more you scratch the worse it gets, until the cycle starts all over again. It's the same way with the thirst we have. The more we try to take care of it ourselves, the worse we find ourselves. Some people try to find relief through drug abuse and alchoholism. Others turn to pornography, homosexuality and illicit sex. Still others cut themselves or hurt others, all the while trying to quench this burning thirst they have inside them. All to no avail! Some even try religion as a way of satisfying their thirst. The problem with religion is, that by itself, it cannot satisfy either. That's why when someone becomes religious and their thirst isn't quenched, they turn to thirsting other things, including innocent blood. They fly planes into buildings and blow themselves up, killing others in an attempt to try and ease the dryness in their souls. The answer is not found in religion, but in a relationship. A relationship with the One who is the source of thirst-quenching, life-giving, life-changing living water. Jesus Christ is that source! He is the one that can satisfy. He said, "he that drinks of the water I give him will never thirst again." How true. You too can experience relief. You too can be satisfied. Hear me when I say this: Nothing you have ever done or are involved in right now can keep you from drinking the living water Jesus provides if you are thirsty enough. Are you thirsty? Are you tired of trying to make it on your own? Do you want to be rid of that unbearable dryness you have inside? Jesus said, "come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Go to him now. Lets pray this prayer together:
God, I am tired and I am thirsty. I come to You now, just as I am. I've made a mess of my life, so what You see is what You get. All I know is that I can no longer make it on my own. I want the living water that Jesus spoke of in the Bible. I lay down everything from my past that I have been carrying around and all the garbage I have filled my life with in an attempt to quench this thirst that I have had. Please forgive me of my sins and for all the times You have called out to me and I have not listened. I listen to You now and I repent of all the wrong I have done in my life. I believe Jesus died for my sins and that right now, through His blood, I am set free and I am forgiven! Thank you Jesus from saving me not only from my sins, but from myself and from the road of destruction I was traveling down. I receive that living water right now, and ask you Jesus to come into my heart and become the Lord of my life. Thank You for quenching my thirst. In Jesus' name, Amen
Now that your thirst has been satisfied, why don't you take the next step, and find a group of Spirit-filled, Spirit-led believers to help you grow and become a powerhouse for God's kingdom? If you need help finding one, send me a message and I will help you.
Until next time, God bless you..................Stan
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