It won’t be long before the Living Purpose class comes to an end. And I must say so far it has been a wonderful experience. It is indeed a blessing to be surrounded by those that truly desire God and are willing to be transparent. It has really helped me to continue on this process to be more transparent and hopefully to become more effective in God’s Work. On today, I am however, concerned about some of the things that have come up in the news.
One… Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr. Here’s a man that desired one thing; Holiness. I never got a chance to see Bishop Moales in person, but to hear my godbrother and others speak of him, you know that he was a man that truly loved God and expressed that Agape love in everyway the Lord ordained. Bishop Moales leaves behind not only family, friends, and church members, but has truly planted seeds from God that will bear fruit for many generations to come.
THOUGHT: When we think of this man’s life and legacy, some of us may think of those that had an impact on us, that have go on to be with the Lord. Parents, friends, and so forth that deposit God-filled seeds in us that have helped to keep us rooted in His Word. Think of yourself. Are you operating in God’s Work? If you were to leave this earth today, have you made an investment that will yield a return for generations to come?
Two… Denver Broncos wide receiver, Kenny McKinley. The typical 23 year old is excited about life and enjoying every bit. He/she may have just finished college and prepares for graduate school or the work force. And then there are few that “get lucky” and make it big. That was the case with Kenny McKinley. He got an opportunity to do something many of us would have loved to have done. Make millions. But in that, making millions, where’s the joy? Sure, money will make anyone happy. Yet, the happiness is only a temporary thing. Happiness is associated with only a good feeling. But joy…. Joy is when you are going through a circumstance and can still operate in the Will of God; trusting Him. Unfortunately for McKinley, that wasn’t the case. The frustrations got the best of him and so he ended his life at 23.
THOUGHT: As one that wrestled with this spirit of suicide, I must say that when you get to a point of wanting to end your life, only God can pull you out. Even then, you must acknowledge that is He that loves you the most. I am reminded of when I watched an episode of UNSUNG as they talked about Phyllis Hyman. Here’s a woman with talent, beauty, and yet no joy. I will say this, there’s nothing too bad or terrible that equates to suicide. I can say that now, because God reminded me that my life is not in vain. To anyone that has wrestle with this spirit of suicide or going through, THE POTENTIAL IN YOU IS AWESOME… YOU ARE SOMEONE SPECIAL AND UNIQUE IN EVERYWAY… GOD LOVES YOU AND CAN TRANSFORM YOU INTO SOMETHING WONDERFUL. HE IS WAITING WITH OPEN ARMS… JUST TRUST HIM…
Finally, Bishop Eddie Long. I am sure many of you have heard of growing situation with Bishop Long. Many have already formed opinions of how they feel. Some say he’s a pedophile. Some say he’s a closet freak on the low. Some say the victims are lying. Some feel they only want money. As I heard many times, there’s Bishop Long’s side, there are the alleged victims’ side and then there’s God; the truth. And regardless of what the case may be, here’s yet another indication that God is at work. And we, His Children must see that and join in. What do I mean? Pray. Pray to God that He will have His way in the situation and that He be with His Children. Let us not judge either side, but instead lift both parties in prayer that God will heal, restore, and make whole.
THOUGHT: It’s easy to see God at work when someone is told that they have cancer. We all were quick to send up prayers for the family of Dr. Malinda Sapp (Marvin Sapp’s wife) when she died. It was easy to be compassionate. But let’s have that same compassion for Bishop Long and the alleged victims. Be compassionate, because we all have done things and say things that we aren’t proud of. And if God chose to expose us, He has every right, but its part of His Will and He knows that we can handle it. So instead of judging one way or that other… pray that God would strengthen them and thank Him for it could be you out there in a negative way.
All and all, we have lost Bishop Moales and Kenny McKinley. We see the unfolding of the situation with Bishop Long. For a moment, stop and look back over your life. Understand that we all at one point and time have been dealt some major blows. We’ve been in some uncompromising situations as well. And in some cases God brought it all to our attention in one form or another, but understand this:
Romans 5
Peace and Joy
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
THOUGHT: In all we deal with; He continues to stand there with open arms; calling out to us. Can you spiritually see Him? Spiritually hear Him? “Never determine the truth of a situation only by looking at the circumstances. Don’t evaluate the situation until you hear from Jesus. He is Truth.” ~ Experiencing God.
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