Some years ago I attended a conference at a large church in Eugene Oregon.The main speaker was a "big name" popular evangelist at the time. (He is the brother of another bigger name evangelist) The place was standing room only. This was a multi day conference and I think I attended on day three. I came with a heart of expectancy as I had heard good things about this conference. My group and I found a seat in the middle of the sanctuary and I settled in for an anointed time with the Lord. The praise and worship team was large and we sang songs I knew but it just seemed something was missing. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. The speaker came out and he didn’t really have your usual three point, 20 minute sermon but that was not unusual in the Renewal conferences I had attended. I thought I was having an off night because I just could not "get" where he was coming from or where he was going. He seemed to have an "in your face" attitude and never really got on to anything of God or from the Word. After he was finished speaking, he said that after the offering was taken, he wanted to pray for every person there personally and to have everyone line up around the inside of the building. During the offering the praise team sang softly while up on the screen, where the words to the songs usually were, a huge sign was flashing…MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO (Mr. Speaker) MINISTRIES. My first instinct was to chuckle but I realized that it was actually kind of sad. Money was indeed a large focus for them. As the offering started to wind down the people went to get in line to be prayed for… I did not go line up. Soon the sanctuary was empty except for me and one other lady sitting way across the room from me. I sat for a minute and pondered my aloneness, wondering if I was "off base" or just missed it or? I didn’t’ get a clear answer so I just waited for the rest of my party out by the car. When my friends arrived I could tell they didn’t’ notice that I was not in the prayer line with them and they went on and on about how wonderful it was to actually see Mr. Speaker in person. I spent some time pondering all the things I had seen and felt. I had to ask myself some questions like why did I not join in the group? Why did the offering turn me off? Why did no one else feel like I did? After a few days of praying and thinking. I came to these conclusions.1. People can get caught up with the "herd". Jesus doesn’t’ call us sheep for nothing. If 44 people think Mr. Speaker is wonderful then by jimmny he must be. I think that is why a lot of the old campmeeting salvations didn’t "stick". They were based on the emotions of the meeting not a repentant heart. 2. Sometimes you have to quietly stand alone on what you believe even if it goes against the crowd. 3..The love of money IS the root of all evil.4.. Big names and big money alone does not make the Holy Spirit show up. It is heart attitude only. Every minister, every Christian should ask themselves everyday, How’s my heart and what is motivating me to do what ever I am doing? Is it Jesus or is it money or is it????

• Post A Comment!

Comments

Wednesday, November 1, 2006 - This Scripture comes to mind.........

Posted by gokings13

Matthew 7:13-14
13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Jesus said this, not me!!

Another Scripture that is ringing:

2 Timothy 4:2-4
2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Bless the Lord that the Spirt spoke loud and clear to you this evening!!
Laura

• Permanent Link