Leadership
By Janice S Ramkissoon
24th November 2011
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
—St. John 8:36—
On the 20th day of October 2011, I began to sing the song, ‘Lord Feed Your Children’ and my thoughts diverted to the following:
People are hungry and thirsty for the truth. The truth they need to know will set them free. They come to the house of God to learn of the truth that will set them free. Unfortunately, for some people, week after week they hear the opinions, likes and dislikes of those sent to deliver the word. Sometimes, these people who are longing for the truth hears a little of the truth but it is often distorted as pride, prejudice and all types of evil spirits spill from the same vessel being used to deliver the message God has for His children.
Why is this happening?
This happens when the chosen vessel is contaminated. Even though people are getting the meat of the gospel it comes filled with bones. When there is no preparation of the food, the planning of the delivery is neglected. Therefore, the delivery of the word is in self-will and sometimes in a self-righteous format (pointing of finger/ casting of the blame or bragging of how ‘I’ did it well…) instead of in love.
How does this affect the flock?
The people are then distracted from the truth; diverted to the individual and at that point, confusion sets in because they do not see a representative of the loving, compassionate Christ they came to see. Some will not return. Others will tarry, and then move on to new pasture; searching for the love, they seek. Others will remain within the fellowship, out of obedience but struggle to remain motivated, while some will choke on the bones.
None is fit for service because those who stayed are still waiting for the fullness of the truth and are slowly learning as they begin to separate the meat from the bones. Each step closer they get to the truth finds them in the surgery room. They have to have surgery to remove the bones or they will die a spiritual death. Therefore, they can operate effectively, only for a while before they need to have another operation.
During the process of clean-up, there is still a need for workers in the vineyard and so these contaminated vessels who are delivering the word continues to operate on stale oil, crying out for more workers, saying, “The labourers are few and the harvest is ready!” It then becomes de-motivating to those hearing, seeing what is taking place, and they cry out, “Lord, feed Your children…!” It is a cry for help. They can no longer tolerate the display of ‘self’ on the pulpit which waters down the truth and causes more soul-wounds.
There are too many hurting souls, directly resulting from this pattern and so they cry out for God to teach by His Holy Spirit. It is both a private cry for direction and a compassionate cry on behalf of the hurting, saying, “We want to drink from the fountain of life and feast from the Master’s supply.”
The commission:
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever, I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Therefore, I call on you pastors and other ministers of the word, to “…study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2nd Timothy 2:15). Also, be extra careful about who you invite as guest speakers. Know who they are and what they stand for before letting them loose in the pasture because you will have to give an account for each soul placed in your care.
A plea to all ministers of the word:
When you approach the pulpit, speak as an oracle of God because you are an ambassador for Christ. Shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness (2nd Tim 2:16). It is the truth we all seek, so, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth. And shall be turned unto fables” (2nd Timothy 4:2-4).
It is God, via His Holy Spirit, who does the drawing, which will lead others to dig deeper into the word for themselves. Your part is to teach. In doing your part, God will do the rest. He is the one who does the drawing of souls unto Himself. Therefore, now is the time to plant the seeds of righteousness that it may grow and bear fruits. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished* unto all good works” (2nd Tim 3:16).
Please take time-out to plan your sermons. Take time-out to seek direction in how the Lord would have you deliver the sermon. As you preach, be mindful that you are also called to teach, with the fruit of the spirit in operation (Galatians 5:22). So be an example to those you lead. Let your words and actions be guided by the Holy Spirit. “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (2nd Timothy 4:3). The love of God in you will see your ministry prosper.
The truth is what sets individuals free. Once they are free from whatever holds them bound, they will become servants / workers, in partnership with you, to help the ministry grow. I encourage you to go preach and teach, operating always in God’s will, with the understanding that he who the Son sets free is free indeed.
God bless you on your journey.
Your sister in Christ,
Janice S Ramkissoon.
24/Nov/2011
*__Equipped.
P.S--Below are two links to the song: "Lord Feed Your Children"
Video link (includes a poem)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BmawKLZ2JE
Lyric: http://www.findlyrics.com/gaither-vocal-band/lord-feed-your-children/n248397/
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Thank you so very much for this message sis,timely. God bless you!
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