Sharing here some things that I’ll be mentioning at our CG prayer meeting tonight pertaining to the recent happenings in church. I believe as leaders, it is crucial for us to communicate the right message to our people in the best way possible and to let them know our stand on things. It is definitely not to impose our own beliefs and values, but to present it in a way that encourages a balanced frame of thinking especially on pressing issues.
FACTS:
1. The 6 have been convicted guilty of criminal charges by the judge.
2. Evidence showed that the church did not lose any money. In fact, it was fully redeemed with interest after being invested.
3. Evidence also showed that none of the 6 accused benefitted personally from any of the transactions. All were drafted, checked and cleared by the church, by professionals – the lawyers and auditors.
4. So on what grounds were they charged against? It was by the way the funds were managed and used as part of the overall investment strategy. By law, it was an unauthorized use based on technicalities of managing investments, regardless of how noble the purpose was for doing it.
So no matter how pure the motives are, if the ruling is by the law, it is still considered a wrongdoing. It’s like telling, “You meant well but you still did wrong.”
HOW DO WE RESPOND?
1. Trust God’s sovereignty.
– all things work together for good… Good or bad, still good.
– continue to praise God and declare His promises
– He knows what He’s doing
““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV
We can learn from Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego about standing firm regardless of circumstance.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.””
Daniel 3:16-18 NLT
OUR VERSION: “Hey people… we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If the outcome is not favorable to us, the God whom we serve is able to save us (ability). He will rescue us from the power of the law. But even if He doesn’t (will), we want to make it clear to you, world, that we will never stop loving God wholeheartedly and loving people fervently. We will never stop doing what God has called us to do.”
2. Don’t judge people. God is the Ultimate Judge.
– avoid negative comments about the leaders, even against the bashers and mockers
– we represent Jesus Christ to the world more than anything else
– let’s not be ashamed of being associated with CHC and our leaders
3. Spend more time in God’s Word and in prayer, in His Presence.
– ask for His opinion on things, He will give you peace
– fill your heart and mind with the right things
– try not to dwell on what the mainstream media is telling (bad news sell, good news is boring and not as juicy)
– not being brainwashed, let’s tap into God’s point of view
#DarleneZschech and cancer
4. Keep the unity of the church.
– hold on together
– ants, sticking closer together
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Psalms 133:1 NKJV
– continue to love one another
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
John 13:34-35 NKJV
5. Excel the best we could to represent God, CHC and our leaders.
– A tree is known by its fruit; We are a reflection of who we follow. We imitate Christ and our leaders who are all out for Him and for a greater cause. When people see in us the by-product of that relationship, it gets them thinking twice about the negative things they hear about them.
– By all means, excel and shine for God’s glory. By all means, be the best in our workplace, give it our best in everything we do. We’re not here to please people but God ultimately.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV
6. Continue the vision our leaders have laid down their lives for.
– One comment on the posts went something like, “Pastor, you have been working so hard, take a break and let us continue your vision.”
– This is the time that more than ever before, the Church must rise up to the occasion to carry on what God has entrusted to us.
– Long before the verdict was pronounced, our leaders have prepared us the best way possible. All the more I am appreciating the 15 Paradigms series that Pst Kong shared with us. That’s our DNA and what makes us City Harvest Church. God’s work doesn’t stop here.
7. Pray even more.
– such trials are not overcome by natural means
– through prayer can we find renewed strength to withstand and overcome these trials
– we need God to intervene for us
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV
“Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn’t touch your real treasure.
…Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy. But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.”
Hebrews 10:32-39 MSG
PRAYER POINTS:
– for outpouring of grace and mercy upon the six accused and their families
– for lighter sentencing (Nov. 20)
– for peace, protection and unity in the church
– rebuke the devourer
Source: quotesnsayings.net
