(Isa 40:1 MKJV) Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
The church is the one place where those that are hurting and facing various troubles and problems in life. It is the one place that anyone should be able to go and find help, relief, and release. It should be the one place where people as our scripture text reflects it is the one place where we should find comfort. Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Yes, the Holy Spirit comforts us however that is not what this scripture is referring to. If we apply this scripture to any and all of our churches the comfort of the saints should come from our fellowship with one another. Our church leaders should be sources of comfort as we deal with everyday life.
Sad to say however sometimes as we interact with each other when attempting to serve the lord it can be very stressful. There are times when dealing with other Christians even those in leadership it can be more stressful than dealing with the world. That should never be the case as we attempt to serve no matter in what capacity church should never be stressful. I’ll state that again serving in church should never be stressful. Scripture tells us that (1Co 14:33 MKJV) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. So, if while attempting to serve we face obstacles, stress, and strife the source is not God but satan. Jesus said (Joh 13:35 MKJV) By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love toward one another. Love and confusion cannot exist in the same relationship.
So, whenever there is confusion in the church we must recognize the source of that confusion it is satan!!!! There are times when confusion and strife actually starts at the top. Sometimes those in leadership are actually allowing satan to use them to cause confusion within in the body of Christ. There are those in leadership that are called and chosen vessels of God. Then there are those who look at church as a career. There are times when people are elevated to positions and the Holy Spirit had absolutely nothing to do with their elevation. In many of our churches there exist a church hierarchy that is actually not right according to scripture. Leadership does not mean Lordship. Jesus Christ Yeshua our Lord and Savior is the Head of the church. No matter what calling or position we have in the body of Christ one thing is constant. We are all servants of the most high.
Scripture tells us of a moment when the disciples were actually in the flesh wondering[MW1] themselves who was the greatest. Jesus quickly corrects them (Mar 9:35 MKJV) And He sat down and called the Twelve and said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all. God called us to serve one another and when we have a true servant’s attitude it’s almost impossible for confusion to arise. If and when you are faced with stressful situations when attempting to serve PRAY!!! God knows what’s going on and he will in his perfect timing deal with the situation. If you are trying to serve God in ministry and facing stress and strife while attempting to serve because those who should know better are causing that strife. Hang in there, God knows he knows your heart he will deal with things in his perfect timing. Be Encouraged and Blessed Minister Mike.
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