Morning Moments

"My how your have changed." Did you ever have anyone say that to you? Chances are you have, and it is true. We all change. We all need to change. BUT there is ONE who changes not. He is the same today, yesterday and forever. Ah, but many of us want Him to change. We want Him never to be angry, yet He is angry with the wicked EVERY day. We want Him to be different in what He loves - righteousness, and what He hates - sin. He said that which is esteemed among men is an abomination to the Lord..

Wait a minute, Phillips! Did you never read the book, How to win friends and influence people? Nope!

I believe it troubles God that we have "...changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things" Romans 1:23. It is why there is NO REVIVAL! One of the attributes of God is that He is immutable or changeless. It is one of the reasons I love Him so, because everyone and everything else is in a change mode.

Don't misunderstand me, I am all for change (needed change), but there are some things that must remain the same. America has changed into a Secular Progressive society from one of traditional values. Is that good for America? I don't think so. We are laying down the torch that burned brightly so long for Jesus, and God is seeking another nation to take it up. Could it be India or China?

The American church has become not only tolerant, but accepting of what God calls abominable. One is not compassionate when he preaches against pre-marital sex because our churches are filled with people who do it. One is not compassionate to use the word adultery instead of affair because many churches are filled with people who commit it. When have you heard from the pulpit, "God hates divorce." Read Malachi, 1 Corinthians 7 and 11, and Matthew 19. Adultery and fornication are subjects we don't touch much anymore because preacher and people are guilty.

I know to some of you I sound a bit cynical and without compassion when I address these things, but I am compelled to do it. I rarely get commended for being truthful and often get criticized for what appears to be a lack of compassion. Truman said, "If you can't stand the fire, get out of the kitchen." I will remain in the kitchen because God's always got somethin' cooking.

I don't and can't condemn anyone. It is neither my duty nor calling, but God Himself CONDEMNED sin, and "he who believes not is condemned already...." I believe there is a Philadelphia Church amidst the Laodicean Church Age. Jesus was inside the first and outside the second.

I don't have a problem with the change of music, change of building design, change of attire, or change of a thousand things about today's church, BUT when I read the Bible and great Revivalists of the past, and when I read Church History and biographies of saints through the ages, I find that today's church has changed. We would rather be popular than pure; successful than sanctified; growing than going; playing than praying; happy than holy. Judgment begins at the house of God. The Lord will JUDGE His people. But in the words of Paul, "If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged of God...."

Just as God gives some the gift of mercy, He gives others the gift of prophecy. Both can be misused, of course, but both MUST be exercised in demonstration of the Spirit and power. The one with mercy is used to mellow the one with prophecy and vice versa. I am so thankful for those who exercise their gift of mercy as I exercise my gift of prophecy. We brings balance to one another - not battles. Thank you. Hope you get the message of love and appreciation.