From the Banks of Polecat Creek...

[Murph]

Amen...What a Saviour!

[DB]

Psalm 34:3 " O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together."

I just had to share this:

This morning Mrs. Db's sister and her husband came to the church , this is of itself a miracle considering their nature ( now former nature :-) ), and both of them called on the name of the Lord to save their souls !!!
As well as a young lady that rides the church bus with the children got saved as well!!


WHAT A SAVIOUR!!!!

I ask my DI family to pray for their growth in the Lord.
Their names; Pam, Mike, and Bernice.




rejoicing in the Salvation of the Lord!!
DB

[Keith]

So now your brother-in-law and sister-in-law on your wife's side are also now your brother and sister on the Lord's side...that's so confusing. ;D

CONGRATS brother! Yes, what an awesome God we serve! The Lord guide and direct Pam, Mike, and Bernice in their walk with Him.

Good to see you DB...

[veterinarian]

Hello hello where ever you are.............

I hear the water of the creek, a few birds. Can I hear a story, too? Please?

[Murph]

Asking prayers for our little brother...Pastor Mike. He is having a bit of a time right now. Lord knows the problems and will be Pastor Mike's guide. I know that for a fact!...but he could still use our prayers...

I can assure you...he will have quite a story when it is all over!

Amen! Praise and all the glory to the Lord! Hallejuah...and a dance of joy before the Ark!

[Caretaker]

Adding my heart and my prayers.

[kindgo]

Praying for all needs and concerns..

[Keith]

Amen...

[veterinarian]

Not only am I praying for DB here by the creek, but also as I walk through the day.

May God provide all he and his family needs.

[DB]

Vet started this rolling on the 14th of March. I intend not to rob anyone of their treasures in heaven nor puff up any flesh by way of pride, but I will- for the sake of magnifying the precious Lord Jesus Christ - examine these dates and prayers to show any reader the interest God has in the affairs of His children.

Several weeks prior to this post by Vet, I've been searching for the Lord's will for some way to be able to take care for the needs of my family. This is a result of a search for two months and much study into the Bible's explanation of the "ministry" and how it compares to the modern "industry" of today - ( that will follow soon, but will not be accepted very kindly by a lot of modernistic buisness minded, mammon serving, gospel bootlegging, gluttonous, saint whipping pharisees, who like to stand behind a judges wooden block and flogg their congregations for their expenses and carry on a devilish destruction of what is supposed to be - the church.)

So things have become kinda 'squally' ( see Duck for the explanation and definition of that term), and living simply by faith has taught me a lot, and it is the most humbling expierience one will ever go on.

Had an interview several weeks ago that seemed very promising, and went home to pray and trust the Lord for His will for the matter. Did not hear anything for 2 weeks.

Made one more contact on the 12th of March - just to check and see if there was still an opportunity.

Was sent for some tests on the 13th.

Vet posted on the 14th, which led to saints prayers for me and my family.

Got a call on that weekend and started work on the 16th.





************ NUFF SAID?*************


Who is so precious as the Lord our God?
Who is so concerned for His children as the Lord our God?
Who is able - as the Lord our God?



Go ahead and tell me......










A very humble and sincere---- Thank you for all of your concerns and prayers for this time of need.

And Vet, though you may be many miles away and I may never meet you on this side of eternity, words cannot express the joy I have for knowing how God put all this together - and how He used lil' ol' Vet .... May the Lord bless you and your family, thank you.



DB.

[Keith]

Mar 21, 2009 10:13:42 GMT -6 DB said:

...a lot of modernistic buisness minded, mammon serving, gospel bootlegging, gluttonous, saint whipping pharisees, who like to stand behind a judges wooden block and flogg their congregations for their expenses and carry on a devilish destruction of what is supposed to be - the church.

Oh DB, I do wish you'd learn to be more open and really tell us what you feel... ;D ;D ;D

Love you in the Lord dear brother!

[Murph]

Mar 21, 2009 11:03:33 GMT -6 Keith said:

Mar 21, 2009 10:13:42 GMT -6 DB said:

...a lot of modernistic buisness minded, mammon serving, gospel bootlegging, gluttonous, saint whipping pharisees, who like to stand behind a judges wooden block and flogg their congregations for their expenses and carry on a devilish destruction of what is supposed to be - the church.

Oh DB, I do wish you'd learn to be more open and really tell us what you feel... ;D ;D ;D

Love you in the Lord dear brother!

Aint that a fact! And Mike was only 'bout half wound up. Can't wait for Vet to read how the Lord used her...gonna tickle her pink to know how a Vet in Ill. can start prayers rollin' for a Preacher in Va. Told ya it would be a good story! Anything with the Lord in it is!

Cool Beans! Praise the Lord...and Amen!

Wait till ya'll read the study DB is working on. I have read a bit of it and if he posts it here...and I hope and pray he will...you are going to need to put on an asbestos suit to read it...

It is going to be a doosie!

[Keith]

Fire and brimstone...gotta' love it!

[veterinarian]

I can't wait! And if the Lord uses me to help someone, so much the better.

And you won't offend me DB. Sounds like you have been dealing with some things that Hubby, me, his parents, and my parents have some serious conerns about.

[DB]

Matthew 6:

1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.


The first thing I want to address is the subject of those overweight pompous baptist pastors, treasurers, and busy bodies (popes).

As I look throughout the New Testament, I do find that giving is taught, and right here I find that there is something worth noting. It is NONE of anybodies business what anyone else does or gives to the Lord – NONE =O.

I say directly to those greedy, oppressive Pharisees, without apology that you need to keep your nose in your own affairs and leave every other believer alone unless they ask for your input – and according to the Lord Jesus Himself you really need not look for the opportunity to let anyone in on what you are doing or giving to the Lord.
In Light of the word of God that is given here, I find that a lot of “pastors”, “treasurers”, and “popish onlookers” are in grave error if they think that they have a right to know what anyone else is giving. From time to time you, like I have, have heard of a “pastor”, that has “looked at the books” to see who is giving what and who is not. You will notice that according to the Lord Jesus it is not his business, nor for that matter it is none of the so called “treasurers” interest either – unless one want their rewards here (tax write offs).
You arrogant dictator of one called a “pastor” – look back up at the first verse listed above. Do you believe that I or anyone that wishes to honor the Lord’s word will feel comfortable with your nose shoved over into what I do for the Lord? Furthermore, it is none of the churches’ business what the “pastor” gives and does for the Lord either!
Should you be one of those folks who pride themselves in what they give and wish it to be known by the treasurer, so that you can receive one of those “trophy slips” (tithing records) at the end of the year to let the government in on your giving to the Lord so that you can get that tax break – then I say unto you please read the fact that you will have no reward on the other side, because you have sought your reward ( recognition from the treasurer, church, and “pastor” and the break on taxes) here on earth – and believe me there are plenty of moths(greedy preachers and mammon loving treasurers) and rust to devour your reward while living on this earth.
Plainly, stated in clear common sense, are the words “…not to be seen… and ….do not sound a trumpet before thee...”
Furthermore notice “4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” The well trained “pastor” will not like what he is about to read…your people have a God given right to keep their giving secret and away from the hot breath of you and your treasurer, so mind your own business and leave God’s children alone to worship the Lord in their giving and serving.

Most have not realized yet, that they need not worry what “Dr. Dictator” thinks about their giving, because he has stood and beat the poor sheep into believing that he is their mediator between them and the Lord God. He is to be pitied in a way, because he himself is in bondage to a system of organized religion. The poor thing cannot function unless he knows that his people are doing what he thinks they are to be doing, and if they are not in line with the “good pastor” then they are not in line with the Lord – what a life. Take for example, will someone please show me from the word of God clearly and plainly stated that the church is to “pass a plate”. What has resulted from this, in a lot of churches, is a flock of self righteous buzzards that will circle the flock and look down their hyper-spiritual noses to see who is unloading the cabbage. The “usher” (oh, and by the way, find that office in the New Testament church for me too please) will know and see who is giving, thereby granting him some sort of watchdog authority to be able to report to that gluttonous hog standing behind the pulpit. Ever wonder why the apostles never taught on public displays, plates, tithing records, and never, under the inspiration of the Spirit, gave anyone the right to keep up with what the individual gives to the Lord? I’ll tell you, they honored the Lord Jesus in the verses above – something the self righteous popes in fundamental churches today cannot do because they are head over heels in love with the almighty dollar.
The love of money has gone a long way. Its roots run deep in the church today, and there are wolves running in packs to try and rob and pillage the church. After all, if the “good, Dr. Dunlap (his belly dun lapped over his belt from his gluttonous love for food) cannot live the life of the ministry if he cannot wield control over the sheep to give till they bleed. I wonder what would happen to a lot of fundamental churches today if these verses were honored by the people. Maybe they would give their gifts in cash – no envelope, no desire to even be seen “thumping the plate”. The treasurer would have no way of knowing who gave what; he would not be able to keep a reward… I mean a record of the folks giving! Mercy! Imagine the church trusting the word of God, and learning to “lay up treasures in heaven”. The seminary trained clone would probably have a stroke, because he and the “big wheels” could not know how to lay out a budget for the coming year (here we go again – find the teaching on a budget in the New Testament church please). Hey, he might even get concerned that his “salary” would be in jeopardy!

To you who believe you have a right to know about what one gives – you are a thief, you live to break through and steal the rewards of the sheep who seek to follow the Lord – SHAME ON YOU! Let me give an example. I’ll try and use a name for illustration purposes only – no harm intended if your family name is the same ok?
The “Humble” family has been faithfully supporting their home church for many years. Both by way of attendance and giving monetarily to the church. The leech of a “pastor” has been keeping up with the records to see who has been supporting the ministry and all of a sudden the giving from this family has dropped off the face of the planet – not a dime recorded for months. That pope gets irate because he is afraid he might not be able to afford that new set of clubs for the coming year and sets up an “appointment” to go see Mr. Humble.
He sits Mr. Humble down and rakes him over the coals for an hour. Mrs. Humble leaves the room in tears and is heartbroken to say the least. The charges range from being an infidel, trouble maker, wretched sinner, and outcast, even to being considered for dismissal from membership. Mr. Humble had read Matthew Ch 6 and had settled in his heart that their alms would be done in secret and in honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. They had been broken by seeing a dear widow lady in the church who had not been able to heat her home, pay the utilities, and keep enough food on the shelf to eat a decent meal. The Humbles had silently made arrangements for payments for her oil, food, and expenses. The Lord had blessed them tremendously above and beyond their imagination for their efforts. "Dr. Dollarlover", insisting for an answer and getting none, storms out of the house in sheer rage at the rebellious Humbles, who had seemed to “forsake the church and the Lord Jesus Christ”. They were hurt, but not destroyed. They had seen the “pastor” for who he really is, and left the church on their own. They have served the Lord happily ever since and still receive the blessing from the Lord. (This is actually not far from a true story)
The council of the Pharisee Discipline Committee down at the “Rotgut Roughshod Legalistic Pontiff Perverse Mammon Serving Independent Baptist Stiffnecked Formalistic Fuedamentalist Assembly of Hawkbill Gospel Bootleggers Spit and Whittle Club Church”, had met and reviewed the Humbles giving record and deemed him and his family unfit for membership at “their” church. The “pastor” feared that their building fund would be in jeopardy and his resume would have a bleak spot on it, so he geared up an hour long message on giving beyond your means. He railed and railed on giving. The records proved that there was such an increase; he was rewarded by being sent on a vacation. A cruise that costed up in the thousands, he returned from the vacation and stood the very next Sunday morning in the pulpit and preached yet again on giving. Threatening, that if the giving of others did not make up for the neglect of the Humbles, he would be forced to consider another church. And so on it goes, year after year, the same old thing that has generated an almost robotic mode of “church” and giving. The theme? “BE SEEN OF MEN” and let everyone, including the government know what you’re giving! Makes one wonder how many rewards there will be in heaven…?

“3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:” If we are told by the Lord Jesus, not to even let our own hand know what the other gives, do you think it is any business of someone else? You gospel bootlegger, why don’t you put a box or a barrel in the back of the church and let the people give as they are led and trust the Lord for what is given? And if it is not enough to feed your sow belly, then loose weight and learn to eat like the poor widow sitting on the back row. Better yet, go out and get you a job to help support your fancy wardrobe and make the payments on the 4 bedroom 3 bath estate you bought, along with the 5-600 a month car payment. Maybe you fear that if you don’t have knowledge of your folks wages and giving you will loose some of your fantasy filled “pastoral authority”, oh, I know you’re afraid your “record”, “resume”, or “shining trail” of accomplishments won’t look to good if your folks learn to give unto the Lord in secret so that they will have their treasures in heaven.
It was recently said of a Sunday school teacher to his class “If everyone tithed like I do, what kind of shape would this church be in” – this is a classic example of a modern day Pharisee of disgusting proportions. This individual is so puffed up with pride and self righteous he stinks to heaven with the stench of rotten flesh. The bible is true, he already has his reward and that is as far as it will go.
The Humble family will have treasures beyond compare in heaven, compared to the prideful waste of breath demonstrated by the Fundamental Pharisee teacher. I am personally glad that the Lord Jesus made it crystal clear that my giving and serving Him is a personal, private matter that is to be done between me and Him alone. For if I had to give and serve to please men on this earth – then I would surely end up in hell.

More to be said on what the Lord said about prayer…. Yes, I am slightly peeved and bursting at the seems to write more, but I have to run for now, but, I will relieve my thoughts and address to these organized pontiff pastors later....

While i am passing by, let me thank the precious Lord Jesus again for being my MEDIATOR - thank you Lord!!!!!

[Caretaker]

Quite an article Brother DB, and a great deal of food for thought.


I was reminded of Acts:

Acts 4:
32: And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33: And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34: Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35: And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
36: And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37: Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 5:
1: But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2: And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3: But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4: Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5: And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6: And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7: And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
8: And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9: Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
10: Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
11: And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, were doing the donating for "show", and were deceptive and seeking vain glory.

In our fellowship at Calvary we have an offering box over in the corner by the door and whoever feels led can slip money in as they come in or go out. I may slip a 50, 100, or a 20 in as I am able, and it is always in cash. I don't want the government involved in what I give to the Lord, and I don't want anyone to take notice.

I have a ministry checking account, which usually has a minimum balance. As I receive extra here and there it can serve as a place to store it, and then we can give it out as we feel led. No tax exempt scenario involved. I have no idea how many thousand dollars has flowed through there over the years, but it makes no difference.

In the past few months we have given-out a few boxes of food, cash here and there, paid to fix a couple cars that needed fixing, helped pay some payments. Jan is working to finish out her social security for retirement, and her income is sheer extra. We have been able to help-out here and there and make a difference for our own family, Church family, and others.

I don't talk about it and I don't keep accounts. The only reason I reference it now is as an example of the course I feel led to follow.

Anonymous cash in an envelope when someone is hurting with an unsigned note and a prayer can make a difference, in someones life. Being there with heart and prayer in time of need can make a difference. A ready helping hand in an emergency can make a difference.

For me personally, ministry is just doing whatever the Lord calls me to do.

[DB]

May the Lord bless you caretaker, your statement:

"For me personally, ministry is just doing whatever the Lord calls me to do."

...... is basically and blissfully true, and what joy it brings this heart of mine to hear it - praise the Lord and Glory to His name!

....more thoughts for the organized religionist who is missing it...


Matt 6:
5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.


“They love to pray …. Standing…”
“…that they may be seen of men…”

THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD.

Thou prideful, eloquent, and prayer rehearsing Baptist bigot; aren’t you tired of the exaltation of your self? Do you ever pray at home, in private, just you and the Lord? Or are you one of those folks who never has a hair out of place, you will always have on that business suit and tie, carry a 10X12 inch black Bible hoisted high under your armpit, who believes that the “meeting” can now start since you have arrived?


Maybe, just maybe, you might be one of those “brothers” who gets called on all the time to lead in prayer, and you’ll rise to your feet in front of all the members, fix your sport coat, hold your swollen head up high and bray like a neglected jack-a** until you have soaked the persons hair in front of you with your humid breath that wreaks of sin. You’ll go through the same ol’ repetitive program as if you would like to repeat yourself over and over again to God who "just did not hear you straight the first time". You’ll admire yourself to be able to drum up a fancy array of words that impresses the “pastor” or the congregation, so that when everyone receives that command from the general to dismiss, they will knock one another down to get to tell you how much they love to hear you pray – congratulations! Thy reward hath met thee!

Ever wonder what would happen if the church service would start off with a time for prayer – individually and discretely? Maybe that seems too “cozified” for you organized religionistic Phariseeatical Fundamentlists. I can hear ‘em now … “That is not how we do things around here!”

I remember years ago, at a former church, there was a young man there that seemed to me to be very sincere in his walk with the Lord – at first. Then I got to noticing that if he did not receive an opportunity to sing, he would have a hard time speaking to anyone for the remainder of that day. Then I caught myself watching him ( yep, I know I should not have been looking for faults, but when they smack you in the face…?) as we would approach the altar for prayer time on Wed nights. He would make double sure that he saw that the men folk would see him as he sprawled out in front of them, then he would begin what seemed to be a parade of pleads that overpowered all those around him. Needless to say, I felt like I was at a broadway show instead of a humble time of prayer.

Ever been to one of those super spiritual meetings some times they are called “camp” meetings, “jubilees”, or some other name? Watch and listen, you will see and hear the very ones that Jesus spoke of here in these verses – O yes, they are still around and longing for the opportunity to “be seen of men” and “heard for their much speaking” – ask yourself this question… “does God hear me the first time, and even if I pray very quietly can He hear me?”

“for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” ( Thank you Lord!)



Have you noticed someone that is very humble in their prayers get complimented by the “pastor” or a “deacon” or someone in the congregation for leading in prayer? See how long they remain humble thereafter.


“Oh, I wish I could pray like Brother Big Talker!!” Why? Do you not think that God hears your prayers even if you cannot foam at the mouth for thirty minutes? Furthermore, we are not to pray to impress anyone!! Not even Dr. Pepper who has a masters degree in formal training!

“Dr. Proper" will not ever call on me again to pray over the offering!” Who cares? If all you’re doing with your prayers is to try and meet the “good pastors” requisite for public prayer – then expect just what you seek. Pitiful.

Have you ever, in any church whatsoever, noticed someone called on to pray that remained seated and lowered their heads humbly and said a sincere prayer that was short and to the point without going into a lathering rage? By the way, where is the ritualistic formal introductions, I pray this and you pray that, and the ever present request in prayers for the Lord to “meet wiff us today!” Is there a hard time believing the Bible or what?

What was it the Lord said about where two or three are gathered together in my name….? (pssst. It’s in the Bible, Matt Ch 18:20)

While it is on my mind; a dear friend of mine once got concerned about our prayer meetings. He expressed a question to find out why we were not praying “as long as we used to”. He was very worried we were displeasing God and was getting caught up in other things – like fellowshipping and singing praises to the Lord. Can anyone tell me where the “time limit” on prayer is found?

I thank the Lord that I do not have to be seen and heard of anyone to know that my prayers are heard and answered by God. I’m so thankful that my prayers are not rated on eloquence, decibels, and how many times I can repeat them. What a wonderful passage of Scripture to meditate upon – Amen?

[DB]

Brother caretaker wrote:

“Acts 4:
32: And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33: And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34: Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35: And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
36: And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37: Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

I too have been meditating on these verses and compare it to the corruption of the church today and I find that there is a massive problem that has resulted in all kinds of non-biblical activities.

I find that there is such blessing in store for those that will adhere to the very words that is spoken in these texts by the Holy Ghost of God, that the tears literally fly from the face when the reality of what happened then is comprehended for today. Right there, is where the “buck stops” for most organized religionists. They fume “ That was then, and we cannot do those things today!” Really? Who says? For a lot of seminarians the proper treatment for such a thought will bring the adage “ It is a sin for the pastor to have to work on the side!” I have been told that this is actually taught at some seminaries and colleges. If so, then they need to go back in time and rebuke Paul and the other preachers who got out there and did what they had to do so that the church could carry on. I’ll beat that horse again after while.

I love to sit and ‘see’ verses 34 and 35 in a local church of today, can you imagine the blessings that would come from the Lord? Do not come to the conclusion that it could not be done. It tickles me to hear some of the folks scream “ We have a New Testament Church!”. Okay, is this being done in YOUR NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH?

Regretfully it is not because the young upstart fresh from “seminary training” has racked up a 30-40,000 debt in tuition and is wielding that as the responsibility of the church to take care of. Along with the other baggage. See, the poor thing has been taught and will teach that it is not right for the “pastor” to have to get out there and work a job – and come in there and preach too. So, shame on all those God fearing, humble preachers who serve the Lord at those small churches by faithfully preaching the gospel and have to work a side job to help out with the expenses, mission giving, and to take care of some extra curricular recreation for himself and family because he was led to do that by the Lord – shame, shame, shame….

Pity the poor widow, just making ends meet, while the “pastor” eats like a Christmas pig at the local steak house. She must not give enough. All she can afford to do is manage to scrape out enough change to get a meager weeks worth of groceries – like potted meat and three day old bread at the thrift store. While the “pastor” has a barrage of fine frozen vegetables, fresh milk, eggs, and gets meals thrown at him all week by the “Jones”. Poor woman, maybe the “pastor” needs to address her apparent lack of tithing – else wise she would be blessed “beyond measure”. Well, let her suffer, so long as she makes sure she gives extra this month to the “faith promise” fund. Get this one….

“ I feel so bad, seeing she lives in that cold drafty old house, looks like she would get that thing insulated and painted up a bit”… “ Hey, we are having a workday at the church tomorrow, the “pastor’s” two car garage needs a cement drive and railed walkway, come and join in the fun – it will be such a blessing to help him and his family out!”

or…

“pastor Hossenfeffers personal expenses has risen along with the inflation, so I move for a 5 thousand dollar increase this year!” … “On the prayer list we have dear widow Bertha, she could not make it on her fixed income, and had to be relocated to an assisted living residence, we will make sure somebody goes by to see her at least once a month and bring her tithe into the church for her”

Could someone tell me why it would not be possible, after some of these “pastors” loose a lot of weight, for them to get their hindparts out there and work a little bit so the church can help out it’s own people??

According to the verses posted by Brother caretaker, who comes first…
The ‘pastor’ that is in perfect health and physically able to work – who has a nice home, car, and stocked fridge.
Or
The family that has got caught in a hard spot due to some circumstance of life, the widow, the orphans….?

To me, the church that has those in it with needs are to be taken care of, before the fat check gets sent out across the sea to be used for who only knows what. What kind of church are we if we neglect those of our own house hold? How, pray tell me, are we to show the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, if we let the dear widow – who has been a member of the church all of her life half starve and freeze – when the fat pastor gripes about his living arrangements? Should she suffer, while Dr. TaterTot whipes his greasy chin for three meals a day?
What really gets my goat is when I hear one of these fabulous men with the flattering titles and they wear the five hundred dollar suits while strutting their stuff in a brand new Lincoln Town car ( By the way, have ya’ll noticed that seems to be the “official car” of the ministry industry?) are coming to “meeting”. Why, the good pastor will really shear into the poor sheep to fork it over so that he can get a good offering, and look around you, there are folks in that church who are in need….

You really want to cook the hirelings goat, tell him you are led to give your tithes and offerings to the family that lost their job last week to help them out. Or maybe, you feel led to support widow Bertha’s heating bill, and buy and install her some insulation for her home – he’ll croak! If he does give you any lip, call a meeting and expose that mammon serving devil. (just trying to get you to think, based upon these verses, which would you rather do?)

I would whole lot rather give a gift in secret to someone in need than chunk it to fat boy so that he can grope over the local buffet bar Sunday afternoon!

The “ministry” as it is called, has become nothing more than an “industry”. In the passage listed above we see the believers coming together, meeting the need of those in the assembly so that none lacked – what a blessing! And notice there was no pompous, arrogant preacher wailing away at the saints for a special offering for some building fund! Can it be done today, can needs be met today for the folks of the church, can “Dr. BusterBritches” manage to eat fresh chicken from the barnyard for a couple of weeks while he bags groceries to help the church take care of the family suffering from extensive medical bills?

To you who say “yes, it can be done” , I say – let’s do it to give the glory to the Lord and to be a blessing to those in need, and show the love of the Lord Jesus Christ!!

To you who say “No, it most certainly cannot be done!” -- Do you really believe your Bible?




Thank you Brother caretaker for posting those verses, and for your comments. May we all learn to see the true church and get back to it.

[veterinarian]

I do not want to contribute to high blood pressure, but could everyone also please not assume the doctor has a trillion bucks or so in her pocket?

It does not feel good when someone follows your giving and then scolds/shuns/evicts you when you do not meet their ideas.

It makes me feel like that farmer who got mad at his city council and pulled his tractor with a manure spreader next to the city building and covered the building with manure. ;D

[DB]

Vet said:
"I do not want to contribute to high blood pressure, but could everyone also please not assume the doctor has a trillion bucks or so in her pocket?'

Very good vet, the thirst for the greenback has blinded many, even to the point where all are ridiculed no matter what status.


"It does not feel good when someone follows your giving and then scolds/shuns/evicts you when you do not meet their ideas."

If we loose sight of the grace of God when dealing with these folks and the failure to meet their expectations, we will be crushed and it will take a long time to get over it.


I'll leave that last one alone......... =-)

"