Criticism for Success

Charles Barsotti — The New Yorker — 2000

Recently I participated in a church service via the internet. By participated I mean that I worshipped with the congregation. I amened the preacher, who preached a fabulous message. The sermon encouraged me on my walk with God, Strengthened me to do the work God has called me to do. I was also blessed to see the congregations touched by God’s presence.

Even thought the service started at 7:30 and the preacher didn’t’ take the pulpit until 9:00, I hated to see the service end.

Past my bedtime, I closed that tab and was astonished to see a very negative comment about the same service on social media.

What? How could this be?

I’m relatively new in the Lord. I’ve been saved for ten years and I wondered if others judge me as harshly as this critic judged them. What do they say about my worship? My words? My books? My plays? I tossed and turned all night.

Then, I prayed. I prayed for the church insulted and its pastor. I prayed that he wouldn’t let judgmental people stop the work of the kingdom. I prayed for the so-called saint of God who felt it was their duty to judge. I prayed for myself as I’ve become worried about book reviews lately.

Prayer is a two part conversation. I was elated when God spoke and reminded me what his word says about judging others. “...the tree is known by its fruit." Matthew 12:33

So, dear saints if you feel it is your Christian duty to critique every sermon preached or song sung tally up the souls that are won for God and base your judgment on these numbers. For you see, the church I referred to previously in this post has more new converts than any church I know. Over the years I’ve watched, not in judgment but in jubilation, as God has changed many from sinners to saints, from lovers of pleasure to lovers of God. They’ve become vessels for the King, working in outreach, affecting others with their genuine hunger for righteousness.

I hope when you judge me and my works you’ll take into consideration the sincerity in which they were written and the countless tears shed as I searched after God’s will, not man’s.

The world measures success in numbers. Numbers of books sold, numbers of digits in your bank balance, numbers of square feet in your home.

I choose to measure my success by the number of souls I’ve led to the feet of Jesus.

Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet? This was the title of my first book. It was written in the first grade and the only copy of it was lost long ago. But I remember the words like they were yesterday. When I was a kid, every summer we’d travel for days to visit my grandpa in Oklahoma. I’d curl up in the floorboard, because my older sister would be stretched out on the backseat and my legs would cramp forever.

Finally, just when I couldn’t take it anymore. We’d arrived at the hotel.

My first book is now published and I ask myself am I there yet?

In II Timothy, which is the last epistle of Paul, he wrote: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” Then he was martyred. Right? Wrong!

Paul kept working after he wrote those famous words. He gives Timothy a list of things he needs. His cloak, books, parchment. He said bring Mark with you, because he is profitable for the ministry. Until Paul’s last breath, he preached the gospel.

My novel, Whatever He Wants is a redemption story that portrays the message of the cross, the power of the Holy Ghost and the love of our Heavenly Father. I have finished writing and publishing, but I’m not there yet.

What good is a message if no one hears it? So I pray Lord, give me strength, wisdom and perseverance to market and distribute the work you’ve called me to.

Buy Whatever He Wants here.

What do you get when you cross a Mormon and a Baptist?

What do you get when you cross a Mormon and a Baptist?

I don’t believe it was God’s intention for His church to divide but as all things work together for the good of them that are called by God according to his purposes, different denominations should strengthen the church in the last days.

God wasn’t pleased with all seven churches of Asia. In fact only two of them escaped a reprimand. In light of the false doctrines running rampant in today’s society, we must choose our home church carefully.

I remember, as a little girl attending a country Baptist church with my mother and sisters. The next week, Daddy would drive the family fifteen miles to the nearest Mormon tabernacle. Eventually the differences between the two faiths caused a breech between my parents and church attendance was forsaken for an illusion of familial peace.

A little while later, a dear saint of God threatened to wash my filthy mouth out with soap and invited me to revival. I was about eight years old and was scared to death when someone spoke in tongues.

When my eldest sister married into the Assemblies of God, I began to tag along and experienced God’s presence. Unfortunately, lack of spiritual direction during my teen years resulted lazy Sunday mornings. High school was one big party filled with various forms of drugs and alcohol. God was forgotten while I made my own way in the world and moved around the country.

Ten years ago, divorced with two children, I crawled back to an old-fashioned altar. My life a mess, I gave myself and everything that was “me” to Jesus.

He changed “me” from a selfish- rank-sinner to a grateful person saved by grace. Some changes were immediate, some gradual and others ongoing. I’m saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost. I am who He’s making me. I’m not perfect and often make mistakes, but I know where to go for strength, comfort and forgiveness.

I have convictions that can’t be understood or explained. I love to worship my savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And yes if I’m blessed and the spirit gives the utterance, I speak in tongues. In a good service, I say amen and hallelujah. I’ve been known to shout and fall out in the spirit.

Tonight, I’m posting this blog to say that although my mother was a Baptist and my father a Mormon, I am proudly…

PENTECOSTAL.

Where Are My Tears?

Where are my tears Lord?
As I ponder the lost going to hell.
Where are my tears Lord?
As I consider your story, I should tell.

Where are my tears Lord?
For the ones who hate your name.
Where are my tears Lord?
As grace and mercy go unclaimed.

Where are my tears Lord?
As I consider your love unreturned.
Where are my tears Lord?
As people are cast in hell to burn.

Where are my tears Lord?
As my friends and neighbors only hate.
Where are my tears Lord?
Before it is too late.

Where are my tears Lord?
As I see them rolling down your face.
Where are my tears Lord?
I can’t seem to find a trace.

To Teach or Not To Teach ?

Many church leaders omit teaching the science of Biblical creation. They believe the experience of God’s presence is sufficient to counter act the millions of references to Evolution our children hear in the schools, on the television and the computer.

I beg to differ.

Before the fall, Adam and Eve experience God’s presence daily. At most, churches hold three services at week. That’s three opportunities to teach our young people; they were created in the image of God and loved so much that He gave us life by the death of His own, Jesus.

The church has allowed the supporters of Darwin to creep into our schools and homes. People like Eguenie Scott and Richard Dawkins climb on their soap boxes and preach their religion against God. A religion where people are gods and make their own rules. The American school system tells our children that they can believe in God as a long as they don’t believe he created them.

While these contradictory voices pound our youth, Christians sit silent and pray our children see the truth. But where will they see it? Will they hear Mom and Dad say; I believe God is who he says he is? Or will they hear the world scream, God is a lie?

Should we stand up against attacks on the authority of God?

“Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: Dueteronomy 11:18-20”

Learn from Adam and Eve’s mistake. Although they experienced the presence of God daily, they doubted his word and fell from grace.

There is nothing better than an old fashioned Holy Ghost filled service when the presence of God descends on his people. Let’s keep our children in His presence, but while there, let’s teach them to keep His commandments.

My Favorite Book

Blessed silence, a cup of coffee and God’s word are they highlight of my mornings. I love to read and as a Christian my favorite book is my
 Centennial KJV Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible.

I wanted a Bible that wouldn’t fall apart so I bought the full grain Morocco leather bound edition. To say that I’m particular about this book is an understatement. I’ve been accused of being obsessed but really, that’s not true. I want it to last the duration of my lifetime, so I take special care of this book.

I don’t write in it or highlight scripture. No, not even my name. I do not lick my finger before turning the pages. A task almost impossible. I dare you to try it at home. If I’m carrying another book with this one, my Bible always, always is on top of the stack. The pages are never bent, or whoever bent them will have to pray through. And heaven help me, if someone drops it. Hence the reason only responsible people are allowed the privilege, after they wash their hands.

While some might think my actions in the overprotective, I treasure the words written on the inside. They comfort, encourage and challenge me to become a better servant. My favorite book is God’s word in its simplicity, interpreted by the Holy Spirit, whispered to my soul without the confusing commentaries of men.

Thursday’s blog posts are my book recommendations. The Bible should be first and foremost on every reader’s to-be-read list. It’s one of those books you cherish and read over and over again.