It grieves my heart, and the heart of God too I'm sure, when church folks exalt their desire to be "right" or to be in control
over GOD'S DESIRE to save souls and change lives! Y'all please pray for me and especially for my husband, the pastor of our church. We're going into Homecoming and Revival next week, and the principalities and powers and in full throttle!!!!
We were in a conference this week. One of the elders, my husband's 'superior,' was conducting the meeting. My husband brought of an issue that involves one particular controlling member. The old man got very heated and proceeded to threaten my husband. The Elder sad nothing about it. The members said nothing about it. The old man proceeded to deceive the elder about what my husband was reporting. And the members refused to back my husband up, despite the fact that he and I both are constantly listening to them whine about how this one man is making them miserable and tearing up the church. Bless my husband's heart...I guess it was like him gettin' just a lil' taste of what Jesus endured, being betrayed like that.
Pray that God would cover him, cover me and that we would stay calm, stay humble, stay sane and STAY SAVED! I keep hearing people say, "ignore him and let the Lord handle it" and stuff like that, but I believe that's why so many of our churches are in such a mess. Believers refuse to let the truth prevail. I have documented for the Elder what this man does during service (regularly blurting out and belittling and admonishing people IN THE MIDDLE OF SERVICE). It's like minor, petty matters will set him off. He needs no provoking at all...he just has the character and habit of antagonizing folks and trying to intimidate preachers and members into doing his 'will.' It's DISGUSTING! Look, I'm a Christian, but I ain't stupid! I've talked to the local Sheriff's office about the threats. The deputy advised me to keep records of this member's antics...just in case we ever have to press charges. He also encouraged me to call and let them know anytime we need them to send a deputy to sit in on meeting. (Can't you tell this is a country church? It was like talking to a Mayberry cop who was just itching for something to do. But we thank God for them!)
I also went today and purchased two things of Mace to keep in undisclosed locations in the church. There have been reports of the man threatening previous pastors, one of whom he came very close to throwing blows with. My hubby is from da hood, and he would tear this old man from limb to limb in less than 30 seconds flat! But I'd rather see him disarm the man and keep his "hands clean" than be up in church fighting. He works so hard for that church but the people seem to have no interest in any real spiritual growth, outreach or anything besides HAVING CHURCH. I mean, some of the ladies were having what I'll call "the battle of the breads" in a meeting a couple weeks ago. Dinner on the grounds is coming up, and all you could hear was this vicious competition..."I'm bringing 8 cakes!" "Well, I'm bringing 15 pies!" And on and on they'd go, trying to one-up each other with their dishes.
Meanwhile, folk are dying and going to hell...
GOD, PLEASE HELP US!!!!!
