We do not need to have a title to be able to share the gospel. I have never understood why people are called 'The Reverend' or 'The Right Reverend', or 'The Most Reverend'. Reverend means 'one who must be respected', and as a born again believer I believe that what, and Who, must be respected is the Word of God - Jesus. When I see people on the television with so called 'dog collars' on being called by these titles, I think 'Where does all this come from?, I do not see it as scriptural.'
I am reminded of 'class' in the community where people are judged by whether they are rich or poor, by their looks, their jobs and many other positions in life, and we must be very careful not to allow any of these titles to allow us to believe that it is only what specific people with high titles preach is TRUTH. Sometimes the TRUTH of the Word of God can be overlooked, and things allowed in congregations that are forbidden in scripture because the people 'in charge' have titles. I am not saying that this is always the case, what I am saying is that what they preach is more important than their title.
There are two doves that come to my patio doors in my kitchen, it makes my husband laugh to see them and when he sees them he always says 'Brenda, your friends are outside'. The reason they come to look through into my kitchen is because I have been feeding them in the garden for months with suet balls that I buy for them. They come for the food, no matter who gives it to them whether it be me or my husband. This to me is like an analogy of how we are fed, and feed in the Lord. That Word is the BREAD OF LIFE, and it is only that food that we 'eat' that enables us to grow in the Lord and have eternal life, no matter who is used to bring it.
The finest example of God using 'ordinary' (yet not 'ordinary') people to spread His Word is Jesus ,Who came in the form of a carpenter, yet He was condemned by many of the 'religious' Pharisees, as in Luke ch. 5 v. 21 and Matthew ch. 12 . When we are born of God's Holy Spirit then we ALL become part of the body of Christ on earth, being brought to share whatever we are given by God to share.
God forbid that I, or anyone, should ever become like a religious Pharisee as I journey on to the promised land of eternal life. I share this poem/ prayer regarding this - that I wrote many years ago.
Blind Pharisee
They didn't know You Jesus, nor recognised Your face
they couldn't see the wisdom, the power or the grace
They only saw a carpenter, a man of 'low degree'
Who said that God had sent Him to set the captives free
'Who is this man from Nazareth' they cried out in dismay
'How dare he heal a withered hand, upon our Sabbath day'
They cared not that You healed the sick and caused the blind to see
You said You was the Son of God, so they shouted 'Blasphemy'
Why couldn't they believe Lord that God works through the poor
why did they let pride stop them from walking through the door
Lord don't let my pride stop me from receiving God's grace
let me see only Jesus shine from a brother's face
For if we judge another by what we see outside
we may not see the Father, and suffer for our pride
Thank You for Your Spirit Lord, the TRUTH that sets me free
Father keep me humble lest I become a Pharisee
God forbid that I, or anyone, should ever become like a religious Pharisee as I journey on to the promised land of eternal life. I share this poem/ prayer regarding this - that I wrote many years ago.
Blind Pharisee
They didn't know You Jesus, nor recognised Your face
they couldn't see the wisdom, the power or the grace
They only saw a carpenter, a man of 'low degree'
Who said that God had sent Him to set the captives free
'Who is this man from Nazareth' they cried out in dismay
'How dare he heal a withered hand, upon our Sabbath day'
They cared not that You healed the sick and caused the blind to see
You said You was the Son of God, so they shouted 'Blasphemy'
Why couldn't they believe Lord that God works through the poor
why did they let pride stop them from walking through the door
Lord don't let my pride stop me from receiving God's grace
let me see only Jesus shine from a brother's face
For if we judge another by what we see outside
we may not see the Father, and suffer for our pride
Thank You for Your Spirit Lord, the TRUTH that sets me free
Father keep me humble lest I become a Pharisee
25 comments:
Thank you Brenda. Good lesson.
So true.
I know what you talked about re: those having titles. It reminded me of one time I visited my ill father and one priest who came and who happened to be a childhood friend to my older brother, came to pay a visit and at the same time, offered prayer for my father. He was a highly-ordained priest and I saw how everyone would kiss his hand and called him "Father." Imagine the shock and looks of disgust when he entered my father's bedroom and I greeted him, "Hi Regie." Drop dead silence. But I didn't need to apologize because I know of only One "Father" and that no one else should have that title. I think anything and anyone who takes one's focus on Jesus could be an idol if one is not careful (my opinion).
So, I kept scrolling down and was surprised when I read about your story re: the doves. The other day, I noticed shed feathers in our backyard and told my husband I wondered what bird or birds did that. Only this morning, we saw this tiny dove resting on the barbeque grill by the window in our family room and it seemed to be resting and at peace, perched there. My husband wanted to leave food but I told him, he would only drive it away. Not unless he wanted to try to do so before he returned tomorrow. But at the same time, we also witnessed from 2 previous doves we used to see in our neighbor's roof, that they were harassed constantly by black ravens. This was a new dove and even when it heard us talking and our noises eating in the kitchen, it didn't leave. It turned its head and seemed to be looking at me when I was peeking through the window blinds. I told you this long story because then, I don't know if your story is also a confirmation to me and my family from the Lord. And I think your post is. So thank You God.
I'm blessed by this and yes, I pray we also live in Spirit and Truth. Be focused on nothing or anyone but Jesus. Blessings to you sister.
Hi Sandi,
I like the fact that you used the word 'true' in your comment, as this is what the Word of God is all about as we journey on - it is about seeking the truth through that Word.
Hi Aritha,
thank you for your comment, the 'good' lesson is forever written in His Word eh?
Hi RCUBEs,
I believe that my story of the doves is a confirmation to you, as many things doubled are. I agree with your story of Regie, as when we are born of God's Spirit there is only One Spiritual Father. Matthew ch. 23 v. 9 refers to this.
I join you in prayer regarding living in Spirit and truth, and blessings to you also my sister in the Lord.
Hi Brenda,
Also not to forget what the crowd thought about Peter and John, that they were unschooled and ordinary men and as such, their boldness and their ability to perform miracles astonished them - Acts 4:13.
We as Christians give too much honour to "men of standing" - that is, visiting guest speakers on Sunday mornings who are known by many other churches, and as such "their word is of greater honour" than if I were to contribute, or that of anyone else in the congregation.
Sadly, this seems to stem from the culture of this country.
An excellent post, God bless.
I came back & realized I made a typo w/my statement: "I think anything and anyone who takes one's focus on Jesus could be an idol if one is not careful (my opinion)."
I meant anything or anyone that takes focus "OFF" on Jesus isn't good as it's a hindrance to true spiritual walk. Like the Pharisee in your poem. God bless �� - Rosel (rcubes)
Hi Frank,
just read Acts .4, it is a wonderful example of who God uses, and also of how some of the 'high ups' did not like it. This has actually proved what I wrote to be correct. The Lord gave you those scriptures to share, and we are both 'ordinary' people without titles - as are many that God chooses to use. Titles mean nothing,the only one I have is 'Mrs' :-) and I feel sad that sometimes people are stopped from sharing what God has given them to share in some gatherings. We are blessed these days to be able to share our thoughts on a blog without having to worry about this.
God bless you and Alex Frank, I am so glad you shared that scripture.
Hi Rosel,
I did not notice your mistake as I read it as you have said it should be. I am glad you came back though because I couldn't remember your name, and felt awful about it. You was meant to make that 'mistake' so that I could see your name. I will not forget it now. :-) God bless.
I commented from my cell phone and saw that the "emoticons of a praying hand and a smiling face showed up as question marks. I thought how many times am I going to correct myself? :) Just kidding.
Yes, maybe that had to happen that I made a typo to return. But I also go back knowing you are so good at addressing each comment and always making time. Don't feel awful about not remembering my name. So many of us but One in Spirit. Have a blessed week ahead.
Hi Brenda,
I agree, those who feel they must use a title are drawing attention to themselves, and not to our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. He indeed has many titles, and He alone is worthy of them! Thanks as always for the excellent post and beautiful poem. God bless you,
Laurie
Hi Laurie,
That is so right that our Lord Jesus the Christ has many titles, and even though He had them He humbled Himself and came in the form of flesh so that He could be the Sacrificial Lamb. God bless you Laurie as you share the lovely encouragement that God has given you to share.
We preach by the way we live.
God bless.
So well said! Lovely Post!
Allurerage
Thetrendybride
That's right Victor, title's are not scripture to guide us towards the way we should live, as the Word of God is. God bless you with His truth.
Hi Jennifer nice to meet you. Thank you for your kind comment. God bless.
Hi Brenda,
At our beach getaway I am often visited by mourning doves, usually in pairs, or sometimes a single dove flying upward. They always remind me of the constant presence of the Holy Spirit, which is a great source of comfort. I believe that God often speaks to us through His creation.
God bless you,
Laurie
Hi Laurie,
I totally agree with what you have said. For several days when I have put some bird food on a birdhouse table I have in the garden one of the doves is on the lawn looking at me. I tap the bird table and she flies up to the food, getting to know gradually that it is not always put on the grass. It reminded me of we, as born again children of God, will be led to the food given to us through the Word wherever it might be placed.
God bless you Laurie.
Brenda, the poem is outstanding and the post as well. I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit here. There is so much I can say in agreement with the others about pharisees. Unfortunately, even among evangelicals there is a pecking order and leaders seem to need for us to need them. It sickens me to see vulnerable believers fall on man's every word and exalt them when they are just mere men. Flesh gets in the way, doesn't it? Brenda, I too want to humble myself like you mentioned. I don't need a title but I do love the identification of being a remnant. There are several of us that are so hungry for Jesus alone and to serve Him in these last days.
Hi Mary, thank you for your encouraging comment which I fully agree with. I know we can only work out our own salvation and that the warfare is spiritual and not with flesh and blood. I hope that I am part of the remnant and feel, as you and others do, hungry for Jesus and endeavour to do all I can to serve Him. God bless you with all He has for us in Jesus.
Did you write the Lighthouse Vision poem? It's beautiful, and very convicting.
Hi Sandra,
yes I did write the poem, all the poems on my blog have been written by me. Thank you for your kind comment. I also like painting, which I have not done for some time, and taking photos. You take photos too, as I have seen on your blog, and they are lovely. By the way, all the poems that I have written only dropped into my head after I became born again of God's Holy Spirit, so all glory to God and His lovely Son, our Lord Jesus. God bless.
My ex-boyfriend dumped me 8months ago after I accused him of seeing someone else and insulting him. I want him back in my life but he refuse to have any contact with me .I was so confuse and don’t know what to do, so I reach to the internet for help and I saw a testimony of how a spell caster help them to get their ex back so I contact the spell caster and explain my problem to him and he cast a spell for me and assure me of 2days that my ex will return to me and to my greatest surprise the third day my ex came knocking on my door and beg for forgiveness. I am so happy that my love is back again and not only that, we are about to get married. once again thank you Dr Godday you are truly talented and gifted. Email: Goddayspiritualhome@gmail.com is the only answer. he can be of great help and I will not stop publishing him because he is a wonderful man contact +19194956404 - WHATSAPP ONLY
Hi Jacey, I am glad you are in a happy situation with your ex. The name Godday is a reminded me of God today. As much as it is nice to have happiness in this life there is nothing that can compare to the lo e and joy that was in the place I was taken to in my near death experience, which can only be accessed through believing in God's Son Jesus, who is the One mediator between man and God. Seek Him while He can be found.
Post a Comment