Saturday, October 1, 2016

On Giving (1John 3:17)

I admit that I have interests in several missions for Christ. I am not one who can completely focus on just “Counseling.” I have a couple very important missions that I pursue apart from and in conjunction with being a “Pastoral Counselor” of Christ. One such mission is to the Homeless population in my own City. The other mission is to the military in my City. I am a “Local” kind of Pastor mostly. And, I believe that I am called to serve Christ Jesus and in doing so, also, and because of these two other earthly mission outreaches for and with Him I am effective. When I appeal to the “Local” Church Congregations for some kind of support, I am appealing on behalf of Christ to them in order to widen the Circle of Love beyond merely the local Church, but also outward to our poor suffering homeless and military who suffer. I myself am an Honorably Discharged Retired and Disabled Military Veteran, so I do understand. And, I know what poverty and homelessness are about too, because I’ve been there myself in my past life. So, when I ask for support for these mission outreaches from the Church, I expect support from them for these mission outreaches. I believe that “HOSPITALITY” includes these mission outreaches also. Unfortunately, many Church Congregations in our City have not supported us well. Perhaps, like Paul the Apostle, I must rely mostly on one. Or, perhaps, because I am physically disabled and limited in “Joining” a particular Congregation or attending regularly because I’m in a sickbed type jail often (Or real one). Or, perhaps, because it’s because when I say I’m a Minister Commissioned by Christ, that others do not believe me. Or, perhaps, the Local Church is just too selfish and too concerned with “Church Business” (Keeping their Status and false sense of security to the leaders and too focused internally on their members). Or, perhaps, it’s some flaw in me (I undoubtedly have some). I do not desire to “Reinvent the wheel”, as they say, but, I am trying to IMPROVE it by my meager efforts in cooperation and coordination and personal giving as needed. In all these “Or, perhaps” statements I make, I am only proposing possibilities, not condemning or judging (That’s God’s job between you and Him). But, if they are true, (And I plead with you to consider and pray on what I am writing) then our Local Church IS failing Christ. We talk too much ABOUT Christ, but DO so little in ACTING like Christ! The people are MY “Credentials” and MY “Commission” is from Christ Jesus to a degree (Who came to earth as a man, the visible image of the invisible God, and died on the Cross for our sins and was Resurrected, and returned to Heaven, See 1 John 4:2). Therefore, the missions that I do, and in the way I do them, are for Him and all people, not for me. I have never taken anything from the Church for personal gain or recognition. So, if you are reading this Blog, (and I am a minister who writes a lot) then I hope you know that you are now responsible to respond in partnership with me (Us) if you hear and know this is for you. Your fear, doubt, criticism and attempts to control us are my very reasons to “Boast”, like Paul in Christ and not myself. But, No matter, His will IS being done. It would be better if you all joined in partnership with us, accepted some rebuke and correction and grow more in Love (That is my purpose in this letter). I welcome your comments if you are honest, brave and offer constructive solutions. There IS wisdom in a multitude of counselors. And, I am still learning too! How will I know if I am right or wrong unless you reply with your comments? Blessings.

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