Some of you from places outside of the United States may not have been touched by the recent events in the Christian world going on over here. My heart is heavy over the recent media flash over the recent fall among the Christians in the media. Paula White and Husband and the husband of Juanita Bynum--have become the object of ridicule by most.
It is not the first time that a Christian has fallen prey to the schemes of the devil and until the Lord returns--they won't be the last. Gosh, I have fallen in some way today. And honestly, so have we all. Maybe not in the same way these individuals did--but we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
Now that is my major concern. As people--and I have read quite a few--pick up their stones and rear back ready to nail them; I can't help but wonder who they are really going to hit when that rock flies. I don't even have to hesitate at the answer. It will be Jesus.
Long after these individuals disappear from the public eye, this testimony will still be written on people's hearts. And next time someone talks to them about what a loving God we serve and how He changes our hearts and makes us a loving people--they will remember. They will remember that that LOVE did not seem to stop a man of God from hurting his wife. Or that love did not seem strong enough to hold a marriage together. And His name will once again be drug through the muck.
Can you imagine the heart of God right now? He still loves these people. It is his desire that actions are brought before Him and made right. Repentance is key. Will they be able to maintain a witness for God to the nations? THAT WILL BE UP TO GOD.
He knew the plans that He had for them before they messed up. There were some major mess ups in my life along the way. No, I was not a public figure like they were--but my actions did hurt those around me. Am I no longer useful to Him?
I think the story of Sandi Patti would be a good one to be remembered. I was over at Holly's today and she was talking about how much she enjoyed the conference she attended this past weekend. Sandi Patti, was there to minister.
I know my thoughts are scattered but I just had to speak up. We are to go forth in love. We judge not--because we don't want to be judged in the way we have judged. God will discipline His children. Me pointing a finger is not going to make the situation any better. Not only that, the world will look at us and say, Wow, I'm glad I am not the object of their attention. We had better be very careful before we start to talk about anyone. Gossip. Seems to me that unless what we are saying is going to come from a heart that is gently and loving, maybe we should just pray.
I hurt for these people because they are getting ready to walk a rough path. I hurt for them because one day they are going to have to look into the face of the ONE whom they hurt the most by their actions. And, I hurt for the individuals who are going to be flipped upside down because they trusted and looked up to these individuals.
Maybe we should look at ourselves and do a little inventory. An inventory to see is there are any areas in our lives where we have stepped over the line and are in danger of falling snare to the devils schemes. At some point they must have thought that "they stood", because now they have fallen.
WE DON'T PICK UP STONES TO BURY THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN.
Instead, we fall to our knees and ask the God of heaven to let His kingdom come and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Pray for the body-- it is hurting and broken.
JESUS LOVED IN ACTIONS AND WORDS. GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE.
May they know us by our love.
It is not the first time that a Christian has fallen prey to the schemes of the devil and until the Lord returns--they won't be the last. Gosh, I have fallen in some way today. And honestly, so have we all. Maybe not in the same way these individuals did--but we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
Now that is my major concern. As people--and I have read quite a few--pick up their stones and rear back ready to nail them; I can't help but wonder who they are really going to hit when that rock flies. I don't even have to hesitate at the answer. It will be Jesus.
Long after these individuals disappear from the public eye, this testimony will still be written on people's hearts. And next time someone talks to them about what a loving God we serve and how He changes our hearts and makes us a loving people--they will remember. They will remember that that LOVE did not seem to stop a man of God from hurting his wife. Or that love did not seem strong enough to hold a marriage together. And His name will once again be drug through the muck.
Can you imagine the heart of God right now? He still loves these people. It is his desire that actions are brought before Him and made right. Repentance is key. Will they be able to maintain a witness for God to the nations? THAT WILL BE UP TO GOD.
He knew the plans that He had for them before they messed up. There were some major mess ups in my life along the way. No, I was not a public figure like they were--but my actions did hurt those around me. Am I no longer useful to Him?
I think the story of Sandi Patti would be a good one to be remembered. I was over at Holly's today and she was talking about how much she enjoyed the conference she attended this past weekend. Sandi Patti, was there to minister.
I know my thoughts are scattered but I just had to speak up. We are to go forth in love. We judge not--because we don't want to be judged in the way we have judged. God will discipline His children. Me pointing a finger is not going to make the situation any better. Not only that, the world will look at us and say, Wow, I'm glad I am not the object of their attention. We had better be very careful before we start to talk about anyone. Gossip. Seems to me that unless what we are saying is going to come from a heart that is gently and loving, maybe we should just pray.
I hurt for these people because they are getting ready to walk a rough path. I hurt for them because one day they are going to have to look into the face of the ONE whom they hurt the most by their actions. And, I hurt for the individuals who are going to be flipped upside down because they trusted and looked up to these individuals.
Maybe we should look at ourselves and do a little inventory. An inventory to see is there are any areas in our lives where we have stepped over the line and are in danger of falling snare to the devils schemes. At some point they must have thought that "they stood", because now they have fallen.
WE DON'T PICK UP STONES TO BURY THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN.
Instead, we fall to our knees and ask the God of heaven to let His kingdom come and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Pray for the body-- it is hurting and broken.
JESUS LOVED IN ACTIONS AND WORDS. GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE.
May they know us by our love.
7 comments:
Great post. We always need to be reminded that we should not criticize those who have messed up. Anyone of us can fall if we take our eyes off of Christ.
Blessings to you.
I had to google who these people are...and that is what they are people..we need to be careful we don't put people on a pedestal and think they do no wrong..we are all sinners saved by God...
Amen, I am in total agreement with you sister, love you.
This reminds me of John 8:7- "... He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
I always try to keep that verse in mind when I hear stories where a Christian in the spotlight has messed up. They need our prayers not our judgements.
This post just makes me think of the saying "there but for the grace of God". You are right to speak out Sharon, it's all too easy to point the finger and say things but we've all fallen, gone astray. The bible says so.
Hugs
Great response to a really tough situation. I wasn't quite sure if I should blog about this or not, I think you hit the nail on the head. Forgive and pray.
I would just hope and pray that they would take the appropriate amount of time to step back from the public spotlight because I'm sure there is need for healing.
I have dear friends that have walked through divorce and it takes time with the Lord and close friends to get through it.
Sue
A great post on the subject. Too many are quick to judge Paula and the other preachers having trouble. I just finished reading Paula's new book You're All That. It's a great raed for anyone facing troubled times, and it really helped me in my own life.
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