February 23, 2006

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  Did you know there were many Christians who were critics of Mother Teresa?  They claimed that because she had so much fame and political power, that she should have used it more to speak out on things rather than remain with the lepers in Calcutta. 

  
  

   

  
  

  Did you know there are Christians who are critics of Brother Yun (from the book, The Heavenly Man)?  They claim he should be working harder and contributing more to the church in China.  Despite all the encouragement from his testimonies (with many different witnesses agreeing) and the torture he has endured, somehow its not enough for some people... people who have done so little themselves.

  
  

   

  
  

  Sad, isn’t it? 

  
  

   

  
  

  I want to encourage you not to judge ministries like those critics.  Judge according to these verses in Hebrews 6:7-8…

  
  

   

  
  

  Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing from God.  But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and in danger of being cursed, in the end it will be burned. 

  
  

   

  
  

  In other words, does the ministry bear fruit?  Does love dwell there?  Are people growing with God and glorifying Him?  Are people being saved, whether from sin or from hurt or from other effects of this sinful world?  Don’t look at one or two people to make such a judgment, but look at the ministry as a whole.  No ministry is perfect (because we aren’t perfect); there will always be something you can be critical about.  But look at the ministry as a whole. 

  
  

   

  
  

  More importantly, are you drinking in the Spirit and producing good fruit?  Those warnings are for real.  Praying and building a stable relationship with God must be happening.  Reading your Bible and fellowshipping with other Christians is critical too.

  
  

   

  
  

   

  
  

  On a somewhat similar note… you Tech people, sign up for the CCF retreat.  It will be a time of prayer, praise, and God’s Word being proclaimed.  I don’t think there is any simple excuse to deny God that.  Read the book of Acts if you think God isn’t pleased with such gatherings. 

  
  

   

  
  

  And finally, encourage and pray for your leaders. 

  
  

   

  
  

  Matt Redman – Here Is Love… another one of my favorites, trademark live Redman towards the end, such powerful worship

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