Ah, yesterday I mentioned about the men's conference that had the male pole dancer? Well, that wasn't entirely true.... he was a sword swallower, (although his professional life was a male stripper, which is where this started, I think) and that was all he was doing. He wasn't dancing on the pole, but whatever it was, was construed to be sinful. The pastor who called it out to the senior pastor was called back to the stage and the two talked it out; and it was said it should have been handled differently. It was talked out publicly because the situation happened publicly. It was a bad choice to have a sword swallower with that background, but, the right thought was there.
Which is what we are to do when there is a disagreement with others. If someone says something to us that offends us, and they do it privately, we are to go to them privately and discuss it, rebuke them or whatever it was. If it is done publicly, it should be discussed or rebuked, or whatever, publicly. But I'm pretty sure that doesn't mean Facebook.
Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV): Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained a brother. But if he does not hear you, take one or two more, that by the mouths of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses to even hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen or a tax collector.
I heard of a pastor (he was my sister's pastor years ago) who had a youth leader in his church who had a girlfriend. No problem there. But then, the pastor heard that the two had moved in together. Now we all know that living together without marriage is a sin, according to the Bible. He called the two to his office and discussed it with them. They refused to get their own places. Because they were active in the church as leaders and had let it be known they were living together, one Sunday morning he called them to the front of the church and talked with them about being a leader in the church and living together, and asked them again to separate or get married. They both refused and walked out of the church. I know that sounds harsh and unreal, but what the pastor did was biblical. It's just no one is bold enough to call out people who are living in sin. This pastor had to be true to God, the Bible, and what he believed. Living with others without marriage is a sin. Period. He spoke to them privately first. But, we can not have leaders in the church who disobey what God says in His Word.
I could share more about the reasons why two people who are not married should not be having sex, but that is deeper than I want to go this morning. But what I will say, is that when it is confessed, God is faithful and just, and He will forgive the sin. Glory to God.
I had a meeting yesterday with the person I am going to be covering for 8 weeks. Somehow in her new walk with God, and asking me questions over the past few years, she had declared me her spiritual mentor; her sister in Christ. That is a whole nother level that I had not considered. But, regardless, I try to answer her questions as best I can and give references how to confirm it. She had 7 - yes, I had said 7 - pages of instructions for me to follow while she is out for the various meetings. Dare I say I am terrified? I don't do any of the things she does! I don't upload this or that; I don't create this or that form - well, guess what? This is going to be a learning time - and I really don't want to learn! This is where I hear that voice in my mind "you need to retire and not have to do this" - and yet, it is a minor thing, it is just my insecurities and the unknown that scares me. As we brought the 1/2 hour meeting that lasted 90 minutes to a close, she asked me to pray for her. As we had finished up, we talked about churches and classes, and other things related to Jesus and His faithfulness. So I prayed for her and her upcoming surgery as we brought our meeting to a close. I probably should have asked her to be praying for me while I do her job!
My joints were popping this morning when I got out of bed - with a bit of difficulty, thanks to my trainer. And I go back tonight for more - but at least it is upper body tonight. I have got to start doing more exercises here at home since I don't get back to the gym. I need to do something. I'm a lot stronger than I was a year ago, but body shape sure hasn't changed. I love my food. But I do have biceps now. They are under the fat hanging on my arms. Sigh.
Today is hump day and I know I still have a lot to do when I sign on the computer this morning. For one, I got the approval for my boss' travel to Colorado so need to get his airline, his hotel, and his car rental scheduled today. I don't like doing those either, but at least it isn't frequent. I don't think I have any meetings today, but I still have several trainings I need to work in the day. I don't want to use MY time off work to complete them - and I need to get on them, even one a day.
And with that, I think I'll sign off for today and jump in the shower. It's going to be a good day. I'm going to believe it. And you should too.
Blessings!
