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Thursday, November 12, 2009
Supersize It - The Era of the Mega-Churches!
 SUPER SIZE IT - THE ERA OF THE MEGA CHURCHES!
BY VICKIE L. EVANS We live in an economic era where the "Bigger" the item - the "Better"!
Fast food restaurant employees routinely ask "Do you want to Super-Size It?" as an enhancement to the already "large"
items, such as fries and a soft drink, in a combo. Subsequently, this is a suitable marketing technique in such a competitive
industry as the restaurant business, but who would have imagined this concept would be utilized in the church? Of course
we use a more inconspicuous term, "Mega". I can hardly sit through a church service these days without hearing
about a capital campaign or building fund project, such as Imagine, or Injoy, which outlines a structured monetary pledge
or commitment that supersedes the biblical ordinance of tithing and offering, extended over a period of time. Campaigns
that equate building larger churches synonymously with building the temple of God! The scriptures declare in Acts 17:
24 that "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not
live in temples built by hands." So I ask the question, who is benefiting from the building of
these "mega" facilities - God or man?
The church's
need for "super sizing" reminds me of the thought-pattern of the rich man, who decided to tear down his barn and
build "bigger" barns so that he would have "good things" laid up for years (Luke 12:18). Selfishly,
the more he obtained; the more he wanted! Now, let me interject, I do not have a issue with a church, that has outgrown
its facilities, making plans to accommodate its expanding congregation; but, for what reason should a 500-member congregation
build a facility that seats 5,000 members? Or, why would a congregation with a gross income of $500,000 a year ($1,500,000
in three years)--pledge to pay for a 20-million dollar church facility in a three-year period? That equates to a commitment
of almost 7-million dollars a year! That's absurd! And some of the amenities - i.e., some churches have ATM machines!
One church is planning to construct a food court! Why? If Jesus was so angry at the moneychangers in the
synagogue in Jerusalem that He overturned their tables for selling doves, imagine what He would do if He lived today? How
would He feel about the "watchmen" who are over 'taxing" and over burdening the people, seeking their own gain.
Jeremiah 6 verse 13 states, "From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests
alike, all practice deceit." I have heard about leaders asking congregants to refrain from purchasing
personal necessities for a period of time, in order to commit these funds to the building campaign. I have heard of
people taking out second mortgages on their homes to commit to building these enormous facilities. Proverbs 22:26 states
"Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts..."
When is "enough"--enough?
The thing that really saddens me is that because
of this need for "super sizing", many churches today are facing foreclosure! Churches - foreclosing?
That was unheard of back in the 1960s, 70s, or 80s, for that matter. Then, the church was the cornerstone of the
community! The church that I grew up in Sugarland, Texas is still standing and I am 50. My father, mother, aunts,
uncles, grandfather and grandmother have all grown up in that church. Expansion has occurred; a few rooms have been
re-modeled here and there; but, it has not formulated a campaign to build a massive sanctuary beyond the needs and affordability
of the community/neighborhood. Our churches were once respected and reverence and now, due to misappropriation of funds,
overzealous leaders, and other "negative" issues, we have become a "contention", as the scriptures
states in Psalms 80: 6, "You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock
us." The place that was once the "place of refuge" is not seeking refuge. The
place that was referred to as the "storehouse", is now seeking "bailout". The prophet Joel
foresaw this day when he spoke these words in Joel 1: 16-17:
" Has not the food been cut off
before our very eyes-
joy and gladness
from the house of our God?
17 The seeds are shriveled
beneath the clods.
The storehouses are in ruins,
the granaries have been broken down,
for the grain has dried up.
18 How the cattle moan!
The herds mill about
because they have no pasture;
even the flocks of sheep are suffering."
Please note, I am not judging, because I, on a personal
level, have experienced hard times and have faced foreclosure, as well. I am not bashing or condemning the church.
As a minister, I am simply saying to the church that we have to do better and we cannot lose focus of our mission-soul
winning. There is much work to be accomplished and as the scripture declares, "the harvest is plenty but the laborers
are few!" We cannot get "caught up" in denominational rivalry nor should we try to "keep up with
the Joneses", so to speak. We have to "separate ourselves" and come from among them. The
church is "sacred, "sanctified", "consecrated", and "set apart" for service, for the people.
Our mission should be to serve, not to be served; to lead by example. We are in the world, but we are not OF the world.
Our motive cannot be because EVERYBODY else is doing it.
Let me interject, I do not oppose large, exquisite edifices; I have travelled overseas and have seen some
"breath-taking" chapels in Germany, France, Holland, and Switzerland. Some of these "masterpieces"
are trimmed in gold and the décor is indescribable. Some are big and beautiful edifices; yet, inside
they felt cold and devoid of life. Some are utilized just as tourist attractions; they have "presence" but
no "essence". They exist, but they have no bliss! Do I have a witness?
In conclusion, I would like to ask, "Does SIZE matter?" Is the church's motive for expansion
linked to soul winning or capital campaigning? Are we more concerned with "the numbers" instead of the conversion
of "sinners"? Should I be asked to make "pledges" beyond my "tithes" and [free-will] "offerings"?
Is the motive for expansion based on need (accommodating growth), or greed (competitive rivalry)? Just some food for
thought! Once we know better; we have to do better! It is never too late to change!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Crippled...but Called!
CRIPPLED....BUT CALLED!
By: Vickie L. Evans
This particular article
is written and designed for those of us who have been chosen for difficult assignments and cannot fully see or understand
how the vision will be fulfilled, nor do we know when the "cards" will play out! On top of that, we question
why we (with our inabilities and faults) were chosen for this assignment. If this isn't you, you can stop reading at
this point, because only those who have been "called" will truly understand, where I am going with this! I
wish I could take credit for this title, but it was spoken to me by an "angel"; a profound woman, whom I have never
met, who called me on the phone, during my moment of distress. When she spoke these words, I immediately
reflected back to a sermon I wanted to preach years ago but was never granted the opportunity to do so. So, I am going
to preach it to you (smile).
The precursor to this account is found in 2 Samuel, Chapter 4;
however, the meat of the story is in 2 Samuel, Chapter 9. It is about a young man name Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan,
and the grandson to King Saul, Israel's first king. His father and grandfather were also mighty warriors and were well-respected
because of the many battles they had fought and won. Undoubtedly, due to his royal lineage, Mephibosheth was expected
to "walk" in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, to become a mighty man of valor and possibly a king someday.
However, at the age of five, an incident occurred that changed the course of his destiny-his nurse dropped him and he became
lamed in both feet. Instead of dining at the king's table in the palace in Jerusalem, he laid his head in a place called
Lodebar. Now, Lodebar was a place where the "misfits" of society dwelled, such as lepers (those considered
to be unclean), and people with various "handicaps" (lame, blindness, deaf and dumb), who were not normally "chosen"
for great assignments because of their inability to perform or conform to the imposed "standards". They
were people who acted and thought different from so-called "average" folks. They had "different dreams"
and were dissatisfied with the "status quo". Often overlooked, people stepped over them as they climbed up
the ladder of success. Some even "kicked" them while they were down and told them that they would never amount to
anything! Many of the residents of Lodebar had been hurt and laughed at by those they loved and trusted. Some
had been placed in significant roles and positions with the sole intent of mocking their deformities and seeing their failure.
Could you imagine how Mephibosheth felt living in a place like this, though he was born in the king's palace? It had
to affect his self-esteem!
Before
I give you the conclusion to this account, let me give you a little history lesson on Mephibosheth's father and grandfather.
As I previously stated, his grandfather, Saul, was Israel's first king; however, due to his disobedience to God; he was dethroned
and King David took his place. Now, the normal chain of command is that the son of the king, Jonathan, would take his
place. However, in this case, the Lord chose David to be king, instead. Some of you have been "called"
(though not qualified by man's standard) to take the place of the man or woman, who by all means, should be next in line for
the job; but God said that the job is yours! Don't doubt it, just walk in it! Marvel not, as if it's some strange
thing!
Now, King Saul hated
David because of this and spent many years chasing him with the intent to kill him. The ironic twist in this story is
that Jonathan, King Saul's son, and David became best friends--close as brothers. I believe that there is a "Jonathan"
for every man or woman. Someone who has your back when others try to stab you in the back! Someone who will "cut
off the ear" of the Roman soldier when he tries to harm you!
Tragically, Saul and Jonathan were both killed in battle, which brings us up-to-date to our story
as illustrated in 2 Samuel, Chapter 9. Let me first state that when God has a plan for you, you can be in
the belly of the whale; yet, He will bring you out. While David was king, he remembered Jonathan's kindness and sought
to find an "heir" so that he could "bless" him. One of King Saul's former servants, Ziba, told King
David about Mephibosheth. He was summoned to appear before King David, in his former home where he was born, the King's
palace in Jerusalem. It had been a long time since he entered the gates of the palace! I am sure many thoughts
raced through his mind of when he was a little boy running through the hallways of this royal residence. Now, here he
was returning to the palace as a man, but this time he was crippled. The thing about Mephibosheth is that he was crippled
due to no fault of his own; he was dropped by his nurse (someone trained to take care of him). Sometimes, it's
the ones who are closest to you who cause the most damage. I could imagine that he did not look like royalty nor was
he dressed for the part. He probably walked with his head down because his self-esteem was deflated due to the maltreatment
he had endured throughout the years. He even referred to himself as a "dead dog", when speaking to King David.
But, King David treated him as the royal descendant of Saul and gave him EVERYTHING that belonged to him by birthright.
Yes, everything that belonged to King Saul was returned unto Mephibosheth and he dined in the palace, at the king's table,
for the rest of his life. Mephibosheth was still crippled, but he was called! There was greatness inside
of him! He was destined for a royal position in the palace. He still had disabilities, but they did not hinder
him from being in the palace or from dining at the king's table. Some of you are called to dine with "great men".
Some of you will advise heads of state and men of prestige, in the boardroom and the courtroom! However,
you are letting your "disabilities" hinder you! You have a "dead dog" disposition that makes you
think that you are only deserving of the "crumbs" instead of the full-course meal placed on the king's table.
Ladies
and gentlemen, I may be crippled, but I am called. I am called to greatness! I am called to be a mouthpiece for
those who need a voice! I am called to be a writer for those who need to be encouraged through a testament, so that
the words will lift off the pages and set them free! I am called to be a playwright who will take stage plays
throughout the nation so that others can see the manifestation of God through the performing arts! I may not have the
formalized training, or the educational or journalistic degree, or the oratorical skills, or even the monetary resources according
to the "traditional" standards; but I have been "called" by the King who has made a space for me at His
Table; and I shall dine there for the rest of my life.
Whoever this article is designed for-- get up and do what you have been "called"
to do and stop making excuses! Your time is far spent! Greatness lives in you! There are too many
unfulfilled "dreams" in the graveyard. Do not let that be you! What will be between your dash (1959
- )? What will others remember you by? Do not let your nurse "drop and cripple"
you so that you will be rendered ineffective with nothing between your dash! Fulfill the call! As that angel told
me, "Dream again with $5.00 in your pocket!" Have faith in God!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Church Hurt!
CHURCH
HURT
By Vickie L. Evans
Church - a place of sanctity and solace - a safe haven - a place where you can find rest
for your "weary soul" -a shelter from the storms of life. I have heard it referred to as a "hospital"
-- a place where the wounded can find a "balm in Gilead"; where the broken hearted can be mended; where the lame
can "take up their beds and walk"; where blinded eyes can be opened, and deaf ears can be unstopped. Church
- a refugee camp - a place for the outcast - the derelict - a "home for the homeless", "life for the lifeless",
"hope for the hopeless", you know those who are rejected, neglected, and ejected by the world and its pandemonium.
Church - a holistic place-a place of restoration and wholeness-- where those who are hemorrhaging; who have
had an "issue of blood" for many years-unbearable pain and suffering--going from doctor-to-doctor and psychiatry-to-psychiatry;
who have exhausted all resources-penniless--broke--in despair--searching for just one touch-- seeking to be made whole again!
But what happens when the very place that you turn to when you are hurting...hurts you? What happens when those who
have been commissioned and ordained to "put Humpty-Dumpty back together again" are the ones who caused Humpty to
"have a great fall"? I am sure if I conducted a survey and sent it out to 1000 church goers, I would find
that at least half of them have experienced "Church Hurt".
Over twenty
years ago, I wrote a play entitled, "The Gift", based on the biblical account of the "good Samaritan,
which depicts a well-renown Bishop, who is invited as a guest speaker to a small town church's "annual Christmas
revival". The members of the church had heard of him and how he had performed many miracles; yet they had
never seen or met him face-to-face. On the bishop's arrival into this small town, while walking down the street,
he is mugged by two local thugs. A short while later, a group of church leaders passed by, whom he asked for assistance,
but they refused. As I stated earlier, the very ones who were commissioned and ordained to help him were the ones
who "snubbed up" their noses at him. However he encountered a runaway teenager-who fed him; a bag lady-who
sung him a song of comfort; and a homeless man-who offered him a sleeping bag to rest for the night. Sometimes love
and compassion are shown through those in which we least expect and "gifts" comes in small packages. Well,
the Bible tells us not to despise "small" beginnings (that is just an extra tidbit for someone who needed it).
Nevertheless, "Church Hurt"-hurts
like no other hurt; it is more intense. The thing about "Church Hurt", you never know when it is coming or
who it is coming from-it could be a choir member, an auxiliary leader, an usher, the church mother, the pastor's wife,
or even the pastor. Now, you talk about hurt-when your pastor hurt you-that is some severe hurt. It is a gut-wrenching
blow that knocks all of the wind out of your sail. Nevertheless, it is a reality; it happens! Stephanie
Mills sung a song a few years ago entitled, "I Never Knew Love Like This Before!" I could do a remake
entitled, "I Never Knew Pain Like This Before!" But she also states in the song, "Open My Eyes"
"Church Hurt" does just that "Open Your Eyes!" You will realize that the only thing in this
world that you can depend on is the unadulterated (pure) Word of God! People will fail you, but the Word of God NEVER
fails. Before I move on to my next point, I must leave a warning to the shepherds who impose "Church Hurt"
found in Ezekiel 34:4 and 34:10:
4) The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have
ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which
was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
10) This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for
my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my
flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.
Now, let's talk about how we position ourselves to get hurt. Some of us were raised in church and
became quite familiar with the traditionalism of going to church because it was the "right" thing to do! Some
of us attended church because there was a need or point of lack in our lives! And some of us attended church because
we were broken, busted, and disgusted and were seeking a balm or some type of solace. The common denominator that linked
all these scenarios is the Pastor. At our original entrance in the church, we may have needed instructions, guidance,
or a roadmap to get back on our feet or to steer us in the right way, because we did not know "The Way" (Jesus is
The Way, The Truth, and The Life [John 14:6]). However, once we get on our feet and become acquainted with "The
Way", we no longer need our "crutch". What I am trying to say that some of us become co-dependent on
man ( the Pastor and the Church body), instead of solely depending on and putting our trust in "The Way".
First, let me say that Pastors should be reverenced, given honor, and esteemed-highly. But there is a thin line between
"reverenced" and "idolized". There is a distinction between "honored" and "put on
a pedestal". There is a contrast between "esteemed-highly " and "worshipped". Besides,
our God is a jealous God; He will not have any other god before him (See Exodus 34:14). Is it possible that He imposes
measures to break "the apron strings" of dependency that you have placed before him? Is it possible that He
allows situations to occur that "open our eyes" ? Just maybe that measure could very well be "Church
Hurt". Once we are free from the addiction of man-we can now fully and wholeheartedly receive the anointing of
God; who will teach us all things.
1 John 2:27: But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that
any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath
taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Let me clarify, I am not advocating emancipation, or separation from the church, nor am I telling anyone
not to listen to their Pastor, so let us get that straight right now. I am a minister and I certainly would not do anything
to disrespect my ministerial calling or for that matter, those who have been called to Pastor. But what I am saying
to you is what a Pastor told me several years ago that changed my life, "Get to know God for yourself." Do
not let your relationship with God solely be determined by a 15-30 minute sermon. Study the Word of God for yourself.
2 Timothy 2:15 confirms, "Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needed not be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth." Read your Bible! If you have trouble understanding the Word, by all means
seek for understanding from a clergy or someone who is an astute student of the Word.
In conclusion, I have certainly had my share of "Church
Hurt" but it has only strengthened me; for my trials have only made me stronger, wiser, and better. "Church
Hurt" has made me re-focus my priorities and place my trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3). It has taught me that I do
not have to be a "clone" of someone else; that I can uniquely and individually be "me". It
has made me live the advice of my Pastor, the late Georgia Smith, "Get to know God for yourself!" Each
day I am learning more..! Experience a "relationship" not a "religion-ship". You will
be glad you did!
5:06 am edt
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A "HEART" TEST!
. 
A "HEART" TEST
By Vickie L. Evans
Psalm 37:3-5
3)
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4)
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5)
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
Hey friends! Greetings from the Queen City-Charlotte, North Carolina! I am finally
settling into place and adjusting to my new surroundings. Moving to Charlotte has been one of my "heart
desires" for several years. You know, I have read and heard the above reference scriptures preached on numerous
occasions and primarily the focus was on God giving us the "desires of our heart" however; how many of us focus
on the pertinent phrases that precede and follow that statement: 1) Trusting in the Lord; 2) Delighting In the Lord; and 3)
Committing our way to the Lord? In other words, submitting and surrendering our heart to the Lord so that our desires
line up with His desires.
The relocation
to Charlotte has been a very enlightening process. I have experienced "joy and pain", "highs and lows",
"set ups and setbacks", "build ups and break downs". There was a period when I wanted to press the
pause button on my life and just take a break. This period of restructuring, revamping, and revitalization has been
what I classify as a "heart test". Some of you are inquiring right now, what in the world is a heart test?
Well, my definition of a "heart test" is when situations and circumstances occur that reveal your "true"
passion and your "true desire". It shows you who you really are and how you really will react when under pressure.
It will also reveal if you are a man or woman after "God's own heart" or are you ruled by your own emotion and
self-driven passion. For example, remember in Matthews 26, during the Lord's Supper when Jesus told the disciples
that they would "fall away" or be scattered during his crucifixion and Peter replied, "Even if all fall away
on account of you, I never will."? And Jesus told him that before the roster crowed that night that he would
disown him three times. Peter response was that I would die first. Peter had "heart" and passion.
However, later on in that chapter, Peter indeed disowned Jesus and at that revelation (the 75 verse); he wept bitterly.
Yes, heart tests are HARD tests--because the things that you thought
that you would not do, are the very things that you find yourself doing (the Apostle Paul said that so eloquently).
I utilize Vickie's Viewpoints as a vehicle of expression because I really love to write. Some of the articles that
I write (i.e. "The Turbulence of Life", sound so good on paper but what happens when the written illustrations leap
off of the paper and become real life situations? Sometimes it is more challenging to actually walk out
what you just wrote (smile), when you come face-to-face with reality. I stand here as a witness to Peter's dilemma
that the things that you say sound good when you initially say it; and at the time you say it--you may really mean it-but,
the heart reveals something else. That is why Proverbs 4:23 admonishes us to guard our hearts, because out of it
flows the "issues" of life. All of us have "issues of life". Whether it be "relationship
issues", "employment issues", "financial issues" or even "self-inflicted issues"--we all
have issues! When tested, we may have different ways of dealing with our issues. Some tests we pass--some we do
not!
Before I reveal my personal heart test, I was reflecting
on the overall process of taking a test. Generally, we have a text book that has all the pertinent information concerning
the particular subject that we are studying (The Bible -see Romans 15:4 and 2 Timothy 3:16). Then, we have an instructor
that teaches and re-emphasizes what is already in the book (A preacher - see Romans 10:14). And then, we as students,
study to prove - that we have sufficiently analyzed, interpreted, and learned the lessons (The exam - see 2 Timothy 2:15).
Do I have any witnesses that will admit that some tests are harder to pass than others? The amount of information you
retain determines the outcome of the test (i.e. 90-100% equates to an "A", 80-89% equates to a "B", 70-79%
equates to a "C" and 60 - 69% equates to a "D". Do I have any witnesses that will admit that although
you studied long and hard-sometimes we do not retain enough pertinent information to pass the test? That is when
our "heart test" becomes a "hard test" when we fail. That is when our emotion gets the best of us
and we as Peter did--feel remorse, regret, guilt, shame, or we feel like a downright failure.
At this juncture, I want to re-express a very integral point -- heart tests are usually based on
or involve our "emotions". Sometimes, our emotion can fool us; therefore it is not wise to be driven by our
emotion. Peter was emotional when he expressed that He would die before disowning Christ. Yet, the revelation
of his heart emotionally crippled him. Footnote: Jesus had already told Peter what he was going to do PRIOR to
Peter committing the act-it was not a surprise to Jesus. After the denial, Peter felt unworthy, shame, and unfit
to call himself a "disciple"! In fact, after Jesus resurrection, (Mark 16) the young man in the tomb
specifically told Mary Magdalene to go tell the disciples and "Peter" that Jesus had risen. He knew that Peter
was beating himself up with guilt so he had to specifically identify him. In addition, after His resurrection, Jesus
had to exclusively and specifically meet with Peter and asked him three times did He love Him and instructed Him to
resume his discipleship duties. Although we fail a test or two, or three, that does not make us a "failure".
It just means that we have to study much harder in order to pass the "make up" test the next time. Do
not repeat the mistakes of your past; learn from the previous test. King David was described as "a man after God's
own heart". I believe that is because David learned from his mistakes and I have not read any accounts where
he repeated the same offense again.
There are some tests that appear to be so
real that even the very elect, if it was possible, would be fooled. Mark 13:22 states, "For false Christs and false
prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect". I wrote
a chapter in my new book, Know Your Worth! entitled, The Counterfeit (The Road block to the Real Thing).
Well, my move to Charlotte has brought me face-to-face with an even deeper revelation in this department. I was met
with a real live "seducing" spirit, who turned out to be a liar, and a deceiver. The surprise in all
of this is that he introduced himself as a "minister". He conducted himself as a minister-he had an in-depth
knowledge of the Bible, and even "impressed" me through an "act" of worship. He even came bearing
roses. He truly had me fooled; but in the end he turned out to be a "false" prophet. Even his "name"
was false. Ladies, with the technological age and the popularity of on-line dating, I want to caution you to beware-there
are some "wolves" posing in "sheep's" clothing -pretending to be men of God, but they are deceivers.
Guard your heart! I did not meet him on-line but through a need for maintenance of my car. Being new to
Charlotte, I let down my defenses and unfortunately trusted the wrong person. Driven by my desire for a relationship,
my emotions got the best of me and I succumbed to this test. During this test, I re-experienced every dragon that
I had written about in my new book, "Know Your Worth! (Overcoming the Dragon of Low Self-Esteem)", to include
sadness, anger, guilt, shame, discouragement, despair, depression, and fear. At one point, I felt like I had made a
grave mistake by moving to Charlotte. Why would God allow me to come here to experience such a "heartbreaking"
incident? But what I discovered is that this incident prepared me for my assignment and clearly outlined by purpose.
You see I was going to promote my book based on the incidents that I experience in my past-my childhood and my past experiences;
however, I have a fresh and "right now" perspective of the "dragon".
Friends, we are in a constant battle. Don't you think for one moment
that you have completely "overcome" the enemy and begin to rest on your laurels, because he is coming back!
Luke 4: 13 states that when he tried to tempt Jesus in the Wilderness, that he departed "for a season" , and
the Amplified version states that he (temporarily) "left Him" and "stood off from Him" "until
a more opportune and favorable time". If He would not leave Jesus alone; do you possibly think He would treat
us any different? Therefore, we need some "right now" tools to fight a "right now" enemy.
The cannons, guns, bayonets, and ammunition that soldiers used in previous wars (the Civil War, World Wars I and
II) are antiquated, outdated, and inadequate to use for the nuclear and technically-advanced wars we are faced with today.
We must develop and utilize more complex weaponry to deal with the new set of "imposters" that the enemy is
now sending. These chameleons are on a higher level-generals of deception and wickedness"-con artists at worst--new
levels - new devils. Therefore, we must seek avenues to overcome our emotion so that we can strategically and theologically
"ace" the heart tests. Remember, failure is not an option! We are more than conquerors through
Christ Jesus. Nothing can separate us from His Love. He loves us unconditionally-even when we do not pass the
test initially-we can repent-and take a "make up" test. I leave you with these closing scriptures:
James 1:2-4 , "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3)
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may
be mature and complete, not lacking anything."(NIV)
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Sunday, January 11, 2009
CLOSURE
CLOSURE
By Vickie L. Evans
"What
He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open." (Revelation 3:7b NIV)
Closure - Merriam-Webster
on-line dictionary defines it as "an often comforting or satisfying sense of finality". But when we are saying
goodbye or being forced to "close" (foreclosure) something that we have grown fond of, or that we have formed an
attachment with; it is neither "satisfying" nor "comforting". The year 2008, although slated as,
"A Year of New Beginnings", has brought about many "closures" in my life, a few I had to be "forced"
into (God shutting the door that no man could open).
After two decades (actually more) in a career track that have brought "joy" and "pain"
and "ups" and "downs", I said goodbye to a career in information technology and "by faith" (and
I am out here strictly on faith), I walked into the door of entrepreneurship and full-time ministry. As a fellow author,
Wanda Childs (whom I hope to highlight in our "Artist Spotlight" this year), can testify and so admirably wrote
in her book "Pushed into My Purpose", I was "definitely "forced" into closure in this area.
A few days after producing my play, "A Change is Gonna Come", at the Lincoln Theatre, and preparing to return to
work after a week-long vacation, Divine Revelation revealed that my return would be short-lived and indeed it was time to
"make a change". In less than a week, the contract ended and my position was "down sized". Of course,
fear was my first reaction! Fear of failure, fear of poverty, and fear of losing material things. At that time,
I did not reflect on Matthew 6:33 that states "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and All These Things shall be Added..."
nor did I see it as God shutting a door so that He could open another. After six months into my "new beginning",
I can truly say that God's Word does not lie; I have not missed a beat - Jehovah Jireh has provided! Let me say
that His Provision did not come in the way that I imagined, nor has my transition been easy; I had to make some major adjustments--and
yes, I had to let go of some things that I had formed attachments; but not without replacement. He knows what is best
for me!
Another closure actually
began in 2008, but came to pass in 2009, which I have penned as "My Harvest Time!" After 19 years of living
in Virginia, (starting in Fort Belvoir, to Woodbridge, and finally in Fredericksburg), I pulled up stakes and moved to Charlotte,
North Carolina; a dream that I have carried for three years or so). The funny thing about this dream is that I had never
been to Charlotte--my first visit was October 2008, and as of January 3, 2009, I am now living the dream. No dream comes
without sacrifice; this is the first time that I have lived this far from my three children, Kyeisha, Richie, and Jonathan,
so as a mother I am dealing with some issues; but, there are times when you have to cut the apron strings and allow God to
be God in their lives, without interference. There comes a time when you have to truly exercise your gift of prayer
to see and know that "prayer changes things"! I also had to leave close friends, but the funny thing about
moving-you really can evaluate who your "real" friends are! I would like to thank my "faithful"
friends and family members that helped me pack, opened your homes to me, and fed me (smile) during this transition.
And of course, no good things are accomplished without opposition, and opposition I have truly faced. Opposition with
my former house in Virginia; opposition in actually getting to Charlotte - I made three trips back and forth from Virginia
to Charlotte during the weekend--I even drove the moving truck, which was an accomplishment for me; I like small to mid-size
cars! I must give special thanks to my son Richie, who endured it all with me. I can truly affirm Philippians
4:13--"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"! All these events have truly been "God shutting doors" yet the
second part of that equation is when "God opens doors", no man can shut it. I have a lovely two-bedroom
apartment in Charlotte, with a sunroom. Originally, I applied for a one-bedroom apartment because I believed that was
all I could afford, which God shut the door to--I was turned down because of my self-employment status. I was disappointed
because it was my first choice; it even had a theater room, which I thought I could use to conduct business. When I
went back to Charlotte the second time, and was Divinely instructed to apply for the two-bedroom apartment, which I loved
more than my first choice, the door open. I did not have to prove anything-no self employment, nothing! I was
even exempt from the $50 application fee. Indeed, our ways are not His ways, but His Way is the best way! And
when He opens doors for you, Oh my God!
Some
of you may be facing some "closures" in your life to include: foreclosure, unemployment, divorce, even church
(I have an article that I wrote entitled, "church hurt" that I will share in the upcoming months); whatever the
situation; it may not feel like a "good" thing, but it is A "God" Thing! Stand firm in the test
and know that you have brothers and sisters, like me, who have been through, succeeded, and survived (read Isaiah 43 and Psalm
91 for comfort). If He did it for us; He can do the same thing for you--He is no respect of persons! Behold I
set before you an "open door"!
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Author, Vickie L. Evans
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