I had noticed..... the words were similar, similar to what I had heard from the same pastor years ago....and yet something was different.
Years ago, when I would listen to a certain preacher, I would be rapt with attention. I would take note of the principles he was teaching and chew on them mentally and spiritually for days....weeks ...months, even years.
A few months ago, I heard that same preacher preach and the words lacked any kind of sense of authority. I was a tad bewildered. What had changed? Was it me? Probably....Was it the preacher? Maybe....maybe not. Maybe my spiritual journey was different now than it was years ago. I suppose I had to give myself permission to change and grow.
As in Ecclesiates chapter 3..... there really is a time and season for all things that God encourages. Perhaps this too was occurring in my spiritual walk for a purpose.
I suppose there is a rosy phase we go through when we think that nothing a preacher can do could possibly be less than angelic....until we come to grips with the fact that we are living in an imperfect world. While we may experience ¨heaven on earth¨ when we sense God´s presence.....we need to be grounded enough not to fall when we don´t feel so quite so comfy, cozy and sweet.
When we feel that we are no longer being fed adequately by a certain church leader, it is up to us to ask God to lead us to the spiritual meat that we are meant to consume... And yes, that always leads to the bible.
Sorry to be so boring about this...but it needs to be said. You want to be strong in your christian walk? You want to learn to stand on your proverbial feet? You need to dig into the bible in whatever format you are able to consume it....visually or through audio formats. It isn´t just a one time snack....a hobby you pursue once in a blue moon. For Believers, the bible is a lifetime dancing resource, that may become a part of the fabric of one´s life. In season and out of season, the word of God stands alone. He does not ask for our approval. He simply is.
It is non-negotiable. So, instead of playing favorites finding a trendy pastor or preacher of the day, become a cheerleader of the One who wrote the book, God Himself. Follow God with your heart, with whatever means you can and are able to.
You don´t need to fall apart if your pastor misses the mark in his/her sunday sermon. You don´t need to start skipping church the because some sermons have lost their zing.
You can stand and pray. Pray for your pastor or pastors, whomever they are..... male or female. Pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to rest upon them. Pray for their access to God´s Word, for their minds to be opened to the holy bible.
You can take your favorite hard copy of the bible to church with you, no matter if they have bibles on a back table or not, or even in the pews. The presence of a bible in your hand says something in the spiritual realm. I have seen it. People tread differently in your presence when you have a bible in your hand.
Learn to trust God´s Spirit. Ask Him for His leadership. Proverbs 3:6 says ¨in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight¨.
Brothers and sisters, we are human, and sometimes we put preachers and pastors on impossible pedestals. We think that they can do no wrong. But our faith is in our Heavenly Father who sent his Son Jesus to redeem us and feed us and lead us by His Spirit. We are strong in God and sometimes we need to
abide in prayer for our leaders. Perhaps I shouldn´t say ¨sometimes¨. Perhaps we should ALWAYS be in prayer for our leaders. Pray for their health and wealth and character. Pray for their spouse and for their children. Plead the blood of Jesus over their family and their investments. Pray that their incomes will be secure. Pray for their safety and peace of mind. Pray for protection upon them from the wolves.
And when you sense that things are not quite as anointed as they used to be....try not to point fingers....but do... dig deeper into God, deeper into His Word, and stand strong. Stand strong by kneeling regular. Strength is born in confident humility. We walk under God´s command, not our own. As much as I love democracy...(and voting day is always a happy privilege)...I realize that there is no democracy in heaven. God rules....and His authority has no end.
Well, that´s all for today, friends. May your spirit be blessed this friday, as we approach the weekend. May your hearts be secure in the love of your Heavenly father. May your minds be secure in the foundations God has built into your life.
Peace,
Carla.
