Living In An Upside Down World

Today we are living within an upside down world. In many instances what is wrong is embraced as right. What is right is embraced as wrong. This is why it is so very important that you get to know the TRUTH of GOD’S WORD. Know firsthand, for yourself intimately and personally who GOD and HIS WORD IS! This way you will not be so easily towed right along with everything you hear and see.

The Apostle Paul wanted to alert the Church to see how to recognize and confront “false teaching.” Paul wrote to the Church extensively because he was so concerned that so many were getting caught up with the bureaucracy and the traditions of man. Paul encouraged the Church to preserve, model, embrace and live out Christian principles in every area of their daily life. Today, right now, we too need to be mindful of these very same things.

Quite often when one reads and visits the corridors of Scripture they see the characters and situations as merely historical and sometimes fictional. This can often cause one to become far removed. The Word is alive and powerful! The wealth of applicable practical wisdom endowed within the Scriptures often goes over their heads. This causes them to respond in an aloof manner to the lessons presented and overlook the wisdom lessons intended.

The people, prophets, priests and kings were real genuine people. In the Word you can discover people from every facet of life. They too have authentic issues no different from what we see today. God really is the same God who always was and always will be! He is eternal; in Him through His Son Christ Jesus we who believe, have the gift of eternal life. Time belongs to Him. Time is constructed for us to be able to relate within a time frame. We have all the time we need to do whatever it is God has created each one of us to be! When we have completed our course we go home to our Lord.

God is endless; He is the Alpha & Omega. The Beginning and the End!

The Book of Ephesians is an excellent Book to indulge your mind in for spiritual enlightenment. The Church became embroiled in endless questions. Arguments, politics and controversies often took them away from studying and applying the Scriptures. We must be mindful that it is so important to not get side-tracked from the intended purpose. It is important to sincerely desire and ask to be filled with His Holy Spirit. In order to glean the true intended meaning of the Scriptures we must rightfully divide and apply its intended purposes.

Many strive for popularity, prestige and recognition from peers rather than seek for God’s approval. These things within themselves are not bad, but we must know that man is fickle and inconsistently changes very easily. Discernment is Key! Therefore it is important to know that through the Lord we really have everything we will ever need. He really does know everything we think, say do or do not do! Thank You Lord for Your Omnipresence!

Although it may not be readily tangibly present, we can rest assure that His power is always accessible. Ephesians tells us “Jesus Christ has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight…” Believe and ponder on this passage of Scripture for a while. Absorb and go deeply into its contents to glean the intended benefits. Let this reinforce within you the security and spiritual significance that rings forth. It says not some but all spiritual blessings.

There are a wealth of benefits in knowing and having a personal intimate relationship with the Lord. These blessings are not always visible where one can see. But they are available and accessible in the eternal heavenly spiritual realm. It is important to know how to “BE STILL & KNOW!” This means that they are eternal. God chose us and we belong to Him. This all took place way back before any of us even existed. Our little finite minds cannot conceive the totality of God. We are just minute particles in His whole scheme of things. No matter how small, large, visible or unseen it is all relevant to Him. We must daily grow in His Grace. We must trust HIM more. We must be committed to; “Walk by FAITH!”

When any scene or situation presents itself on our life’s canvas we must seek His direction to properly apply and paint the intended strokes. Having the proper attitude about God is necessary to deal with any present injustices. Persecution and misunderstanding will attempt to take a dominant position to etch insecurity and doubt onto the forefront of your life canvas. Yielding subdued hues and shades of gray to subliminally overshadow the main theme. But as you always keep in mind that God knows you, His Light will shine forth in the midst even when darkness tries to impose itself upon you.

We must remain steadfast and unmovable upon His Word! For it is a “Solid Rock Foundation!” We cannot predict the future precisely. But we can focus, trust and put our faith in God our Creator and Maker who knows us and will watch over and protect us living in and upside down world.

God allows both good and bad times for all of us. “He is not a respecter of persons.” We must learn to consistently lean and put our faith and trust in Him. In order to not be pulled into whatever is suddenly hurled into your direction even though intended to snarl, derail, discredit our credibility or entrap us, our focus must be on HIM! We must learn how not to allow insults, injustices or any storm or seasonal moment in time define the totality of our existence.

When you spend time in His presence you can abide under the shadow of The Almighty because you know that He knows and that is what ultimately truly matters. Ecclesiastes tells us that, “There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth; righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve.”  We are living in an upside down world. The point that I am trying to make is that life has a deeper meaning than what man sees. Many seek first as a top priority to be affirmed and recognized in the eyes of man. Momentarily this may satisfy an inner longing, life on this side of heaven is short, there really is a deeper meaning to life.

If all the wisdom, prestige or power that the world has to offer were available it would be but a minute particle in regards to the infinite wisdom and power of the Lord. Perhaps this is why Jesus Christ made Himself of no reputation? Yes we are “in the world but not of the world!” For, “it is Him we live and move and have our being.” Although often unrecognized or accepted by the masses Jesus did not deter from His life purpose. He remained faithful and committed to the will of His Father in and often, cruel, often harsh upside down world.

God sees and knows it all. It is not merely how things appear or seem. We all will have to stand before an all-knowing all-wise God who knows where our hearts and minds are as well as our intentions. Know the Lord and His Word so you are not towed along with the “false teaching” of anyone.  We are living in an upside down world. Ephesians says “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything is exposed to the Light becomes visible, for the Light makes everything visible…”

God tells us to live as children of the Light. When you are walking in the Light you know that whatever darkness tries to overshadow your life’s canvas, that your Creator, Your Maker, Our heavenly Father is omniscient. Be patient and be reassured He is totally aware! You can surely trust Him to keep you right side up, living in and upside down world.

Notice how most animals walk on all fours. God Created us as His children to walk uprightly, our hands should be readily available to reach up and Praise Him! It is important to be aware of what is going on about us. We do not want to live in denial neither is it healthy. Life without God is futile, meaningless. God’s Word is our life manual and essential intrinsic tool to help us navigate through life. We can find hope in the midst of sorrow, joy in the midst of sadness, comfort in the midst of pain, encouragement in the midst of persecution and peace within the midst of an upside down world.

Make it a priority to spend some time in His Word not only on Sunday or whatever your designated Bible Study night may be. Study all through the week! The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us ” Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before.” Yes we should be aware living in an upside down world, but not totally alarmed. Through the eyes of God we can see and recognize life problems and realize that God does have a plan to take us through whatever comes our way.

Through faith we can trust God and always seek His will for our path forward regardless of where you are in life. God has a plan for the lives of all of His children. God’s plan simply is to daily live for Him. Ecclesiastes ends by telling us that “Now all has been heard here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments. FOR THIS IS THE WHOLE, DUTY OF MAN. For GOD will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” This is true even living in and upside down world.

President Jimmy Carter & “WOMEN” in Ministry

President Jimmy Carter & Women in Ministry

 

I am once again happy to see that President Jimmy Carter is in the news.  But not for  his political views.  At  least not concerning the U.S.  Government.  But his views as far as the Church are concerned.  He has been a member of the Southern Baptist  for many decades.   After  (60) sixty years he has taken  an adamant , publicly visible stand  and decided to part company.  He does not subscribe to many of  their doctrinal beliefs.

 

There is a belief  among the leadership of the Southern Baptist  clergy that women are to be restricted  and forbidden to be ordained.  They in fact believe that our position  as  women  is  to  basically appease our husbands, be subservient  and attend to the  non  leadership  issues that arise as a subordinate.  I have always found this interesting.  I  have  in the past regularly  attended  their services.  But have always been concerned with this very  issue.  As women you can participate in the “Women’s Ministry”  teach Sunday School, work with the youth , usher,  talk about the Lord but you cannot become  an ordained minister.

 

I find this so very interesting because this does not only exist in the Southern Baptist  it existed among  the Traditional  Baptist  as well where we attended FAITHFULLY  and generouly supported  for many years.  It has changed among Baptist somewhat in some places.     But there is  a definite discrimination that takes place   I know this firsthand.  To keep women in their place or else.   You can  be a Minister at home?  The   C.M.E. Methodist have allowed women to the forefront   because they are losing ground and dwindling in numbers.  They allow women to become ordained but are  still  quite controlling.  The male clergy  in general tend to be very ritualistic, condescending  and dominating  they  allow women to participate by doing the things they deem appropiate.

 

Is it not God that calls us or anyone  for that matter  to ministry?  Is He not “a respecter of persons?”   The Word says “He will pour out His Spirit on ALL flesh.”   Male or female! Did not the  Lord use a donkey to speak to  Balaam his prophet who was overcome  by his  love for  the world and  money?  Balaam  according to the Word taught  Balak  “to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed  to idols and commit sexual immorality…” ( See Revelations 2)  Balaam allowed himself to be used by baal and caused 24,000 people to be killed.  The point is;  The  Lord  can use whomever He pleases.  Certainly if  the Lord used a donkey to warn his prophet of his  sudden death if he continued to proceed; He can use women inside or outside of the walls?   I could go on but my point is God never intended for the Church to  just be housed in a building of  brick and mortar.  The building is a dedicated place to come to gather or assemble!  God’s Church is the Universal Church of  believers   who are people throughout the world from every tongue and nation. 

 

I can testify first hand to the underhanded discrimination and outright mistreatment of women within the Church that President  Jimmy Carter is standing “UP” for!   If  you choose to  participate   then you must subject yourself to the whims of the “man in charge!”  Who makes it clear that it is his call and vision you serve?  I  have personally found it  to be true what President Carter stated in his essay 

 

“The AGE”   

“At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.”

And, later said

“The truth is that male religious leaders have had — and still have — an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. “

 

When I finished Seminary there was no women  being ordained in ministry within our congregation.  You could teach Sunday School,  be a clerk, become  a Trustee, or sing in the choir,   or be a Deaconess?  There was only one  ordained  female minister in the whole entire city that I knew of at the time.  She had  at  one time been the choir director but  was not allowed to  sit in the pulpit  were we worshipped whenever she returned to visit.  It has changed to some degree.  But  many of the same chauvinistic  issues are  still there.  It was not out in the open most of the time  for all to see.  I was just blacklisted and overlooked and labeled.  Hmm like  jealous, unyielding,  wanting to be… as well as unteachable, self serving and …. which is so  far from the Truth! 

 

To some degree  a  few of my  supposed  “sisters” in the Lord were used to oppress  me and  make sure I was limited since I did not bow to the authority to the “man in charge.”   They were used as  examples to me and show me what was possible if I went along with the head.   But they could do as they pleased because they would do whatever it took even if  it included …   Of course I could participate in the “Women’s Ministry.”   And yes many would seek me for counseling  still.  But there was a definite unspoken no to limit me in  ministry.  So  I calmly  protested silently.  Instead   I opted to  support  my  own husband within the ministry and just made a point to Worship and Praise the Lord in “Spirit and in TRUTH.” They were  vigilante  in their efforts to isolate and  discredit me.   No doubt my husband was also   penalized  within ministry because of my position. I can boldly say I have acquired much Patience  and  have great Peace  knowing that the Lord knows  my sincere intentions as well as the TRUTH!

 

After I graduated seminary I was ordained by the University’s  Chancellor  who confirmed my call.  Who too wanted me to support him and  just become his assistant.  Therefore my husband and I  continued to attend  were we worshipped for a while  faithfully and  eventually founded  and embraced the concept of  “Ministry Beyond The Walls.”  It is so true “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is LIBERTY.”  I say this because I know first hand.   I have lived it!  But through it all my  fervor, steadfastness, personal and public love for the Lord and devotion has grown tremendously!  I can truly say I love the Lord more each day.  Their oppressiveness just showed me where I did not want to be.  I even tried to support those who wanted to participate  in  the “Center Stage ”  of it all.  (That is another story in itself)   I also realize that once we  ALL have completed this course  of life we  will have to give an account to the Lord for our actions.   Praise God!

 

Therefore I applaud  President Jimmy Carter for taking such a noble  Stand.    As  a woman I hold ALL of the Lord’s Word  dear to my  heart.  Inside and outside the walls.  I can say that I love being “His child” and a Minister of His GOSPEL!  No need to sit in a high chair.    I Peter  says;    “…  For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the  Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.  Wives , likewise, be submissive to your own hubands, that even if some do not obey the WORD, they without a word,may ne won over by the conduct of the wives, when they Observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear…”

 

I love this scripture   because I know who my Shepherd  is.   “The Lord is My SHEPHERD!”  I have no problem with authority!   I have no problem with submitting when it does not go against the Lord ‘s Word as well as obeying the laws of the land!   If you read the passage of scripture  in  I PETER  slowly again  it says to be subject to your own husband not everyone else’s!   Think about that for a moment.  When Peter refers to us as the “weaker” vessel  this is not at all to infer that we are weaker Spiritually.  Ephesians assures us  “We can be Strong in the Lord and the Power of HIS…..”

 

The Bible speaks of the women as the “weaker” vessel because we are built differently and  naturally tend to be more emotional.    I love being a woman and all it entails!  If you listen closely you will see that this is a position of  STRENGTH as we embrace self control we are able to do this through His Holy Spirit!  When a  husband does not obey the Lord you can  win him over… Without even speaking if need be.    The husband prayers are hindered when he mistreats his wife…    Read this passage slowly and  again  if  necessary.  This is Powerful!  By the way this does not mean  using manipulation!  God truly is awesome!

 

We live in a nation and a  world that is constantly shifting away from God’s principles and  many within God’s Church have enlisted and  embraced worldly ways, concepts and methods  in their attempts to control and dominate God’s people!  Lord Help US!

 

Therefore I applaud President Jimmy Carter because he has brought an issue to the Light that many skirt or avoid.  The question for Carter — and for others who find themselves at odds with leadership — is, when a group you’re deeply involved in starts to move away from your own core beliefs, do you stay and try to change from within or, at some point, do you have to look for the exit?

 

This is the question that each individual must deal with  it may be considered spiritual suicide to go against the  ideology  of  an organized religion.  But when you really think about it this is how and why we have so many denominations!  Some things will just not be understood on this side of  HEAVEN!    Protesting by  sitting down or moving away from  oppression can  help you move closer to a growing rewarding inner satisfying relationship with the Lord.  It frees you to live each and every day for the Lord!  Especially when you know that Christ is not coming back for a church made by hands.  But He is coming back for  HIS CHURCH!  Because according to the Lord’s Word  there is still  “One Lord, One Faith … and  One Church which  by the way belongs to Him! To GOD  Be The GLORY!