The Tampa Tribune Announces Randy And Paula White's Divorce
Today, the Tampa Tribune reported on Randy and Paula White's
decision to divorce. WFLA Channel 8 has a video report.
Why are you assuming that this breakup was the result of a couple making money their god?? I dont understand your basis for that reasoning. I see a couple who like many couples in America not only within the body of Christ have issues just like everyone else. These couples need our prayers not our criticism.
Read the entire article - one can only pressume by what was written per "Randy" that things do revolve around money and bending some rules.
I heard about this thru a friend who didn't even finish reading the article becuase he automactically became defenssive and thought that the Tribune was unjustly attacking christians.
As christian we should stop acting so childish and be so ready to believe any excuse given becuase we want to live in the grey and not in the Holy. I'm not saying thier sinners not my place to judge. But, lets be honest people - the bible says what about marriage.
Hello... aren't we all sinners?? Isn't that why we need Jesus!!
The Bible says that we were born in sin shaped in inquity. But all praise and Glory be unto God, Behold the Lamb that taketh away the sins of the world.We're no longer debtors to obey the lust of our flesh Jesus paid it all! Threfore if we walk in the spirit we will not fullfill the lust of our flesh. We should be praying for our leaders even more now than ever lifting them up before God. He is able to restore their marriage. We thank God for his grace but we also must remember his word to whom much is given much is required! Pray like never before that God will restore. But never the lesss not my will but thine will be done. pray Gods will for thir life remember the Gospel is being preached for many different reasons but whatever the reason it's still being preached. There were many souls won to Christ through Randy & Paula White preaching of the Gospel. We should weep for them before God. We don't judge motive but concerning marriage the bible is very clear! PRAY.
I am but a voice in this wilderness and I am who and what I am only by the grace of God.....Its so easy to "Kill----Steal----and Destroy----" right along with everyone who chooses to " duh" and point their fingers at all who fall......yep its easy to preach this and to preach that and boy do we ever have a multitude of "leaches" ready for the taste of someones blood to spill so they can " reflect" ......I weep for my sister and brother and the only way anyone is gonna get back up is pray for them and fast if the Lord leads one to but to edify a fallen brother and or sister doesnt mean beat the living daylights out of them and sister I appreciate your comment that is why I am replying. I was in some of my darkest hours when for the first time I really listened to sister Paula White and it was her testimony that brought me to my knees....we must strenghten that which remains! Yesss I see how the mighty have fallen but its not about the moneys and such and for those who would see only that ......well its simply that blinded eyes cant see the truth when its right in plain view and we are under attack because the best is yet to come and no Im not some televangelist on TBN or any other network but I will say this Ive had footprints in my back and I found out real fast it was the " SELF RIGHTEOUS " Pharisees of today that were out to do me in and when I got to a point of not caring any more that is when I got into trouble....Many are called but few are chosen and again I stress we must strengthen that which remains for God is a repairer of the breaches......there is a vast valley of dry bones about to be brought back to life and it is those who are the destroyed,hurt, ridiculed...........and there is nothing in heaven or earth that will stop it because Gods Word cannot lie. I do not condone sin but to make this a circus show is greaving the Holy Spirit....what does scripture say we are to do with the fallen ? Beat them to death? Who is truely the greedy,fornicating,lying sinful ones? If we continue to be self righteous we keep the whirlwind of destruction going and blinding and binding the true move of God . Yes right is right and wrong is wrong and as it has been quoted to much is given much is required but to every single one of us who would listen to what the Spirit is trying to tell us we would quickly realize that that means us. Yes the whole world has seen what is happening to our brother and sister but what so many do not see is they are just as much in the spot light as our brother and sister and guess what? The whole world sees our reponse to our own and are saying," Thats christianity?????" Its time to get real and to get a real burden for the lost and for one another. Yes we were all born in sin and shapen in iniquity but JESUS CHRIST PAID A HIGH PRICE for us undeserving want-to-bes.....Im tired of all this gossip ( a sin) and most likely as always most peoples take only what they want but its that earnst expectations of the what that moaneth for the what of the who???????? Know you not that we are the temple of the living God? God is clean, loving,forgiving,holy,holy,holy, and is no respector of persons praise be to his Holy Name....what came make me whole again.....nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ.......His grace is sufficient!
I agree Charles. Remind me to blog sometime on over-using Christian "lingo." Some of our readers say this kind of stuff so much it's completely lost it's meaning. It's far easier to spout a bunch of supposedly "Christian" phrases, than actually think deeply about an issue.
WORDLY AND CHURCH RETERIC SAYS WE ARE ALL SINNERS. SCRIPTURE LETS US KNOW THAT THOSE THAT HAVE RECEIVED CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOR ARE NO LONGER CLASSIFIED AS SINNERS, BUT AS SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH GOD. LET US LIVE ACCODING TO THE SCRIPTURES AND NOT RETERIC.
The Bible states, "DO NOT BE UNEQALLY YOKED"!
The Bible say's, that a marriage is when HE joins them together and just maybe they married out of thier flesh some 18 years ago? I think God is more on top of it then we give Him creadit for and I really doubt that this would have happened without careful prayer and consideration on what is reall yhte best for the both of them. And another though is that just maybe it gives others that think that they know everything something to talk about...
i agree with you...im sorry to say that someone that i admired as a woman of God took such decision.....instead on getting their knees and pray to the God that everything is possible....God hates marriage and if you do get divorced you can't re-marry unless you re-marry the same person...we have become such a secular church that we go to counselors and all this stuff instead of going to THE COUNSELOR well i really feel sorry for the people that still go to their churches and think this is ok...and if we read the bible we will know that divorce is not ok no matter how great of a preacher you are God dosent make us sin to make things right.
Thats right..........work out your OWN salvation with fear and trembling and leave the judgment up to the Lord. We are all human and we all face storms in life. You don't know the details, nor do I therefore, be slow to speak and quick to pray for your broken brother and sister. Im sure at this time they are grieved and need support through prayer, not email blogs killing them. Whatever happened didn't just happen overnight, its most likely been an ongoing situation that ended up like this. Im sure you've fallen too, just not in the spot light. 2 Cor 10:13 promises that this is something that they can handle.....So we can pray that the Lord provides them the extra strength to come through....
this is just to correct the bible verse quoted its 1Cor 10:13 and not 2 Cor10 :13
You sound very angry, cool down take a deep breath, the problem seem to me that people like the Paule, Janita and others seem to have all the answer so when things like what happened, happen it hurts, and people respone to that hurt. Paule and other prophesied over some many people, money, marriages and every thing else but the were blind to there own problems. Yes Let pray for them but don't be so angry when other show thier hurt in the way.
I AGREE! We all have our blindspots in life. We need not to judge, but to love and pray. If they have a blindspot what blindspot do I have?
Watch..the seed you sow on them will be the seed you reap on yourself. I pray if something was to happen in my life that I don't expect I pray God's tender loving mercy on me and my family.
God set a standard of what our life is supposed to be , but if we miss that mark he is there with love to pick us back up and place us on solid ground! Thank you Lord!
i totally agree with this.. if Jesus didnt stone them why should we? Arent we all just mortal man? we all must endure hardships and trails and tribulations. so instead of critism lets pray!!!
It is pertinent that every child of God be conscious of the tactics of the devil. He is no lover of unity and harmony. Anyone whom God has ordained, the enemy fights against wholeheartedly. It is also very important for every born again child of God to come to the realisation, that they are two forces battling over humanity and humans have the choice to choose one or the other. These forces are "The Power of the Holy Spirit Vs The power of the devil." Which ever takes whole of a person's life at any given time shall be noticeable in their thoughts, actions and words.
I donot delight in seeing anybody fall. I challenge every Child of God to rise up and pray for our brother Randy and Sister Paula. the trend of negative events in the church is an indication, that, indeed the devil is roving this world looking for a marriage, a buisiness, a home, a church, a soul etc. to devour. God forbid!!! that some Hollywood kind of marriages be incorporated in the church of Jesus Christ.
The Bible gives a very clear outline which will be solid grounds for anybody to divorce one and get married to another(male and female), not (male and male), and not (female and female).
I therefore charge the church not to be ignorant of the fourfold tactics of Satan. He is the father of all lies. He is telling lies to people, doing all he can and convincing some with his lies. He is Stealing people's joy, hope, peace, patience, love, spiritual foresight etc.., killing true love, dreams, visions, lives etc. and destroying singles, marriages, churches, businesses, cities, states and nations etc.
God does not glory in anything negative, neither does He receive glory and honor from it. Negativity as such in the church, amongst children of God (Born again believers) is a reproach to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel that we proclaim.
* Do not pin point and criticize a problem if you donot have a solution to it.
Thing about this please.
Like Job in the Bible..
**Who knows if there have been a boasting in heaven by God about his servants Randy and Paula White, Bishop Thomas and Juanita Weeks, and many more amongst us?
I Pray that God will arise and manifest Himself in our marriages (man and woman). and may the gates of hell not prevail in Jesus name.
I agree with not judging Paula and Randy but rather pray for them. It's not our place to assume and much less judge. We are the body of Christ and are here to lift each other up and pray for one another. Not assume or make judgments of others. What gives us the authority or right to say that they are in "sin" and this the consequence? Only God knows the truth and all we are to do is to pray so that whatever the cause, they can be restored.
paula and randy all we can do for you is pray for you it is so sad when couples face problems. i will pray for you that the lord will reunite you and randy.do you plan on stepping down from ministry until this mess is cleared up pastor joann
It is true we need to pray for those of us who fall short of God's will. However in this situation where both Paula and Randy are ministry leaders they has jepordised their position to lead and need to not be in leadership positions since they have disqualified themselves. The scriptures, mostly in the pastoral epistles (1 and 2 Tim and Titus) teach that pastors and leaders should be blameless with a good marriage. if you cannot keep a good husband/wife relationship then you cannot lead the church well either. The problem is that there needs to be accountability in all of our lives and since Paula and Randy lead their ministry/s who will hold them accountable. There should be a time of accountability and repentance because sin has been committed-divorcing for unscriptural reasons. Look what happened to Jimmy Swaggart-he fell and committed adultery and was removed from his position by the denomination he belonged to. About 6 months into his removal he decided he did not want to submit to the denomination anymore and went off to do his own thing. He shortly was caught with a prostitute after that. he never really repented. He goes on preaching to a congregation (people with a lack of discernment who follow him) but he is not ever going to regain the authority he needs to be God's workman unless he fully repents and accepts discipline. The Bible talks about those who reject discipline. Jesus said you are illegitimate if you reject discipline-a very, very strong statement. It sadens me to hear that more leaders are allowing themselves to be caught up in their own pursuit of riches which will lead you away from God evey time and falling into satan's traps. The Lord help Paula and Randy to do the right thing and seek righteous council to do what needs to be done-get away from the wrong things that lead to wanting a divorve and repent and submit to godly correction. They both need to step down from their ministry/s for now and if there is none qualified to take over their place then the ministry needs to close down for now. If God is leading them, He can raise them up again if chooses to do so.
We all would be better served by praying for ourselves only. If you pray FOR someone you have already judged them and placed the below you. {ray to see it throgh forgiving eyes. Pray for understanding. Pray to be forgiven for judging your brothers.
Can you provide some level of accountability for this statement? This is clearly not an idea that MY Bible teaches. Praying is NOT the same as judging... Are you serious? or am I missing an indication of humor?
Your first sentence.... Wow... Christ told us to even "pray for those who persecute us". Christ even set that example when He was dying on the cross - "Father, forgive them for they do not no what they are doing."
This is quite an interesting viewpoint you have shared...
If you stick with "Judge not..." you won't have enemies to pray for. If you stop looking don't on people you will onlt have yourself to pray for. The Bible you believe is so holy is 90% Satanism. You need to test the spirits in the very book that tells you to test the spirits. You are being mislead.
we are all human and no one is infallible. Though Paula preaches the word very well, she is no different from all of us, and is allowed to fall and rise up again, as many times as possible. so, lets just consider this period as a trying time in the lives of ordinary people-husband and wife. All we should do now is pray for them
Misty I agree and appreciate that word....God bless
Hi A.J.,
You are correct when you say they need our prayers but they also need to stop fleecing the flock. No one will ever be happy when they steal money from innocent people, like their congregation for example. The only one's getting rich on the so-called Prosperity Gospel (PG) are the preachers and televangelists!! It is heresy at best! They have totally bamboozled the word of God and made people seek after God's hand and not his Face. Shame on them!! The "walls" are coming down all around us and the truth is coming out on the Prosperity Gospel....it is a sham, a lie, and fraud by any other name and if they weren't "protected" by the Constitution, they'd be in jail. Show me one person that has been healed or instantly relieved of their debts by a so-called miracle, and maybe I'll change my mind. My best friend died 5 years ago of cancer believing that God didn't love her enough to heal her because she didn't have enough faith. Under the PG rules, it is never the pastor or God's fault if one is not healed....it is always the victim's fault that they didn't have enough faith. I don't know a better "Christian" woman who gave and gave, monitarily and of herself to the church.....she was a true woman of God....and they told her she didn't have enough faith! All this PG is giving God a very bad name. Just tune in to TBN and watch, it is a little "good ol' boy" club and they all say the same thing!! GIVE ME YO' MONNNEEEEE!! They live in million dollar mansions (and not just one, TBN has 30), they drive Bentleys, wear designer clothes, have $10 million jets, eat at only the finest restaurants, and finest 5 star hotels......and Jesus stayed in the stables!! It is disgusting!!
Sorry to hear that your friend did not BELIEVE God loved her enough to her or she did not have enough faith to be healed - He does love her. There are over 160 scriptures that address our believing. Jesus clearly stated in Mark 9:23 "If you can believe ALL things are possible to him/her that believes." If we have a problem believing we must pray and ask God the Father to help our unbelief (Mark 9:24). Our minds are synonymous of our hearts and the Bible says so a man thinketh in his heart so is he/her. Let us stop blaming and fault finding with every pastor - stop strengthening the hand of the enemy. We have eyes to see and ears to hear; let us study to show ourselves approved unto GOD rightly dividing the word of truth; that way we become empowered to trust and believe GOD's WORD not man. Keep your eyes on Jesus and when maany makes a mistake we want be so angry and fall apart - realize that THEY ARE ONLY PEOPLE. Pastors are human just like us; they make mistakes; they hurt; they are tested; they cry; and believe it or not they bleed like you and me. The Word of God clearly states that we are to "judge not, that we be not judged..." "let him who be without sin cast the first stone", Galatians 6:1 clearly states, "Brethen if a man/woman be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore such a one with a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Now my beloved, no fair judge will judge a case before all evidence has been presented, in this case let Jesus be the Judge. Let's how our Christian love by praying for them.
And by the way...Our negative/devilish comments are an indictment against us as christians to a lost and dying world. Where is the love of God that is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, what happened to loving your neighbor as yourself.
I can assure you that this kind of behavior and loveless talk grieves the Holy Spirit (that's a sin, too - read it Eph 4:30). Sure the Word of God is TRUTH no denial from me; but let us repent and return the Living God for GOD IS LOVE!!!! If we and I say we because we are one in Christ, can and will carry on like this when a brother & sister are hurting and have fallen we are either back sliden or we don't know who Jesus is.
Sharon,
Your comment comes directly from the heart of God. Thank you for not giving fleshly opinions, but the word of God! It seems that we forget about our own faults. Thank God that he is not like man. Continue to show God's love and compassion. God Bless you and your children.
Your words are the Biblical way and approach to any situation concerning people and I am glad that you said all that you did. We only need to judge a tree by the fruit that it bears if it is to directly affect us. And even THEN you make your decision based on what you want out of YOUR life. Paula and Randy's divorce doesn't have to have anything to do with us, so we pray for them without judging and move on. If we were to attend their church, we still don't judge them but we ask God for insight on how we should judge their fruit as it relates to us and make a decision from there. Still the Bible says to look at the fruit but it also says to love the person. Keep them in prayer.
Maybe with all of the pressures in life they have lost faith somewhere. Randy's daughter has a severe brain tumor. Maybe it is all they can do to keep their strength right now and a smile on their face.
For the sake of the Lord and His people.... PRAY
JCW,
im so sorry your so misunderstanding of the truth, but my father and my cousin were both completely and miraculously healed of cancer, and many of the people in my church have had numerous financial miracles, including myself, and none of us are "ministers". You are unfortunalty critical of something you dont know, and before tearing the church apart through doctrinal hate, please set down and pray and read your Bible. Jest are neede to spread the Gospel, you think they're gonna walk to Africa. We supply our Pastors with nice verhicles and homes because we love them, its the peoples decision. We support our Pastors and want them to have the best, And Jesus only was born in a stable, because there was no room in the inn, read more closely. Jesus was rich for his time, birth presents of Gold Frankensince and myrhh were brought to him, you think they just dissappeared after that time, and they were all estremely costly items. Plus he was so rich that he paid no mind to the fact that money was being stoled from the coffers by Judas. I pray that the eyes of your understandin will be enlightened, Jesus loves, and wants the best for you. God Bless You
TO CNS:
I'm so glad to hear of your miracle from God....God is truly awesome. I do believe God healed you and I do believe in miracles, just not that you have to PAY for them. As I've stated, I have no problem supporting the pastor or of him having nice things. My pastor lives in the Dominion, where some of the Spurs basketball team lives. It is a beautiful, rich, gated community. He's always driven very nice, expensive cars and I didn't have a problem with that either. Now, he has a ranch also with 7500 acres where he flew in many differenty types of exotic animals so he and his friends can hunt. His ranch has a landing strip for his new jet (all the pimps have them).
The Bible does not say that Jesus was so rich that he didn't know Judas was stealing from him. You got that from the prosperity pimps, I got it too, and I fell for it too. Do you really think a perfect God did was so naive that he didn't know Judas was stealing from him. He knew Judas would betray him, he knew Peter would deny him. You've been brain washed.....so was I......it hurts to find out the truth, but I rather know the truth and be free than sit there Sunday after Sunday in a delusion.
The pimps play and bank on your emotions.....let me ask you....where are the missionaries on this....I'd love to hear from a real missionary....THEY are the real Christians who risk life and limb and their families for God. They live like paupers and hardly have anything. I knew some missionaries when I lived overseas and they were wonderful humble people who had nothing. You never heard them complain or beg...they graciously accepted hand-me-downs and food, etc. AND they graciously taught the word.......they didn't have 5-6 body guards around them so no one could talk to them....they were real. I ask you....why do the pimps need body guards? They want you to tithe and give and believe God to pay your bills, why don't they believe God will protect them?
Wake up!! You are being fleeced and will be accountable to God. Check out some of the sites I gave you and look it up in the Word for yourself and quit believing these con artists.
I am a missionary who came to a very poor and volatile area of Kingston, Jamaica form Toronto Canada. I was a business person who answered the call of Lord into ministry 34 years ago. Today there is no food in my pantry...the refridgerator is empty...I have no electrucity or water as a result of hurricane Dean but I praise God my family and I are alive and there was no loss of life to the people I serve, although there is much loss of personal effects and property. My life in Canada was a very prosperous one but the call of God on my life for lost souls was more important to me. I do believe that God wants his people to prosper and be in health even as the soul prospers but that does not mean over indulgance. I want to encourage you to pray for those in the faith who have fallen. I understand how you feel but God knows the heart of every man and He will judge accordingly.
Only the greedy can get conned.
I pray that God open up your understanding also. Of course the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, therefore everything belong to Him. However He became poor so that we could become rich--(spiritually) rich. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word WAS GOD; Jesus Christ is THE WORD. The example He left for us?..............Luke 9:23-25..."If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself/herself and take up his/her cross daily and follow ME. For whosoever will save his life will lose it, but whosoever will lose his life for MY sake the same shall be saved.....(25) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Luke 9:58.... Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nest; but the Son of man hath nowhere to lay His head.
Mark 4:18.....And these are they which are sown among thorns: such as hear the Word, (19) and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches (worldly riches), and the lusts of other things entering in choke the Word, and it becometh unfruitful.
As i believe the spirit of God is leading me to tell you, (only because He said it in His Word. John 4:23.... But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him, must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Spiritual riches, spiritual riches, spiritual riches..................nothing physical. I pray that God open up your understanding and give you wisdom; it sounds like you have been listening to a lot of heresey.
Yes, Jesus was rich. Rich in compassion. Rich in self denial. Rich in Mercy. Rich in understanding. Rich in Wisdom. Rich in Peace. Rich in Joy. Rich in Love. Stop trying to make it like Jesus cared about money just because we care so much about it. He cared nothing about Judas stealling not because he had a big bank account of tangible currency like gold or silver. He knew that this possesion, like that of the rich man whom He tells to sell everything, had no value in the kingdom. Since he had been and was going back to that kingdom he had no need for money in our sense of the word. Please, we really need to understand the spiritual gifts that Jesus and Paul admonished us to express. Think about Galatians 5:22-23 which detail love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as the blessings that come upon us as individuals who invite Jesus and the Holy Spirit into our individual temples. This is the true meaning of becoming "rich" in Christ. These are the only things that are going to get us to the real mansion and truly allow us to fly.
I encourage all of you to read the book (Alone in the Light) quickly... This brother talked about Ghetto in the church---AWESOME! We need the eye opening type of truth. Go to abideingbooks.com and order this awesome read... If you can't find it there do a search on M.C. Stoxstell or place the book title in the search...
I read that book and it blew my mind that someone would speak such a bold truth. I thought the book was before its time; but with all thats going on right now Junita & Paula this book is right on time...
But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
The problem is that it presents all christians as hypocites when we say don't divorce and work out your marrige. They are divorcing because money has become their focus and they don't see their marrige as a true and honest relationship. Heed this warning, leave these types of preachers alone.
For more than 20+ years I have known God called me into ministry to serve in some special capacity in the church, but I refused. My excuses for not accepting His call were predicated on exactly what I’m seeing and reading about on this website today. I kept telling the Lord I wasn’t good enough or that I didn’t qualify and/or more importantly, I didn’t want to let His people down.
One of the primary reasons Pastors like the Whites, Weeks', McClendons and others continue to flourish in the church is because people like you and me don’t want the job. Ask yourself this question, "how many times did God asked you to do something and He got no response?" No reply is the same as saying "NO"! Haven’t we all witnessed these people eagerly asking God to use them in a mighty way? There certainly isn’t anything wrong with being used mightily of God, but remember the story when the 2 brothers James & John asked Christ for His kind of authority? Not only did Jesus remind them of the responsibility that came with such a calling, but He also asked if they too were willing to drink from His bitter cup?
When churches came under attack in the old days, folks would start a revival and they'd stay in revival until they heard from heaven.
Hi Lillery,
I sure hope I would NOT want their job of fleecing the flock! By any other name it is fraud!! The prosperity pimps have made money their "god" and have lost sight of what God has called them to do. They do need prayer, but they also need to face their congregation and apologize for stealing from them, then above all repent before the Lord.
If you "know" that God has called you then you are missing out on His blessings by not being obedient.....I would love to have such a call!!
Unfortunately the White's haven't looked "up" in a long time, they've only looked at their pocketbook.......shame!!
I hope you change your mind.......one thing is for certain, another 20 years will pass by. I would rather take a chance on God and fail than to sit and do nothing!! It is from our failures in life that we grow...........be blessed whatever you decide.
I think that God is using this very public divorce to break a terrible and dangerous stronghold that has prevailed in the modern American Church - that the pastor can do no wrong, that he or she is perfect, that the pastor is the only one that can hear the word of God and no one else, that the pastor is the only one with giftings and talents and everyone else must follow them. No one else in the congregation is allowed to use their gifts, teach the Word, prophesy, lay hands for healing, no - it is all for the "pastor" to do. We have made our pastors demigods, and frankly it is disgusting. I used to be a "name it and claim it, prosperity gospel" girl, but God tore the scales from my eyes, and no more of that for me! The pastor of my church is the most humble man I know, he gives of himself freely to his congregation, encourages us to use our gifts openly during services, encourages us to study the Word to discover revelation for ourselves, doesn't hound us for money but rather encourages us "to give under no compulsion but freely from our hearts" in a collection box anchored to the wall of the church, and all at the same time, admits his weaknesses, and makes no false pretense that he is "the mighty pastor". I too pray for Randy and Paula, divorce is sad and discouraging, and I pray for their individual ministries as well, but it is time for the modern church to wake up, get out of the pew, and do something for God instead of waiting for the "perfect pastors" to do all the work.
Hi JCW,
I don't believe every preacher or televangelist is defrauding people. I am a walking wittness how me and my husband were believing God for a child and Paula White and Ben Hinn called it out one morning after I got finished praying. I touched the T.V. when paula was praying over people who where believing for a child. We are seven months pregnat to date. God uses Paula White and other televangrlist to help people. When you watch them on t.v. you have to eat the fish and learn to spit out the bones. Take what is pertaining to you and ask God for wisdom to discern the truth.
God Bless You!
There wasa movie (can't think of the name) starring Steve Martin who played a traveling preacher who was a total scam. Used hidden hearphones to call out fake medical conditions and do fake healings. Well at the end of the movie, a young man, obviously sick and not part of the scam came down to the alter calling on Jesus all the way and was genuinely instantly healed. The look on Steve Martin's face told the morale of the story...it was the faith that the young man had in the healing power of Jesus Christ that healed him and it had nothing to do with Steve Martin at all! The Bible says according to your faith, so be it unto you. Remember, we lay hands, but it is The Name (Jesus) and faith in the Name that heals.
Think about it, too. Really picture this: All we have to do as believers is pick up our hands and lay them on the sick. JESUS had to take the stripes...that's what HE had to do. If he hadn't dont the work and taken the stripes, we could lay hands forever and nothing would happen. So JESUS did the real work and gave us the very very simple task of laying hands. How can man or woman take ANY Glory for THAT?? tTo God be all the glory and the praise for what JESUS did.
Hi Tee,
Discernment is pivital. I too am a missionary and it was asked of me several years back, "What happened to your discernment." Wake up, wake up, these people are wolves in sheeps clothing and you, me will all be held accountable for taking in these types of ministries. Yes, pray for them, absolutely minister to them, they are lost. Something important for you to remember is that God will use them in spite of their ignorance. In other words God saw your heart and answered your prayers. Paula, and Binny and Copeland etc, they are not God and you do not have to got through them to get a word. God loves them but he also is exposing this garbage for them. He wants them to straighten up. I saw the interview and our ministry also helpsto expose this kind of thing so know that people are just being critical, but they are fed up.
Heed these types of ministries. Take a class on hermaneutics so you can rightfully divide the word of God. The word they preach is out of context and wrong. I know, I used to follow Hinn and Copeland. I pray for you to see the truth.
God Bless You Tee and your family
I say Amen to the above! The Bible says that the Son of Man didn't even have anywhere to lay His head and yet, we think we're supposed to live in luxury or we're not living! We need to forget the "prosperity gospel" and get back to the basics of Christianity - HOLY LIVING - DYING TO SELF - DENYING SELF - it's ALL ABOUT "ME" TODAY! What about Jesus and the fact that we're going to give an account of everything we do for Him on this earth? Have we shown the WAY or been a hindrance to those we meet everyday?
Obviously you are not a Christian or perhaps a doubting and bitter Christian or just a very negative person. I am a testimony of how these PG and God have inspired, motivated and changed my life when i was having serious marital issues or financial struggles. I can truly say I have been blessed and so are my children and husband. But not without all it's tests and temptations. My marriage has been a struggle but I believe only throug God's grace we are still together. You said these PG are only seeking financial gain. Have you ever tried to do anything without money. Money makes the world go around. Yes we should not love money but you can't do much if you don't have money. The last time I checked nobody paid attention to a homeless person. I don't see a line of people trying to follow a homeless person or much less trying to help one out. Let's not judge these ladies for you are not behind their walls nor will you ever know the true details. For they will only have to answer to God and not us.
If you feel that Paula has done something towards God then perhaps you should read Job. If you don't have a bible here is a summary. Job was tested. He loved God dearly. The devil came to take away, destroy and divide everythng Job had. Job lost everything. Other's mocked him and said that he must have offended God. But in the end he stood strong to his faith and to God. In the end he regained everything and more. He was blessed for standing strong in his faith and against the ridicules. We are humans and many times tested in life. It's how you view these tests and approach them that will determine how strong we are in Jesus Christ.
These woman dont need our criticism but they need our support through our prayers and perhaps even financial help. Being married is not easy nor being in the publics eye. So give them their space. Paula is a wonderful lady that has raised about many issues that would have driven anyone else to destruction but she rised about it all. She is not a God nor should we worship her but she is just God sent to deliever the good news. Do you know how many lost souls their are? If you are one of them may be you should seek Gods forgiveness too. They will get through this in Jesus name. Christians are not perfect just forgiven of our sins.
Jess, i really understand your point but does not want to side with you at all..we all go through different types of temptations and dont think bcos you struggled in your relationship that should warrant you to bear with them..God will not test as beyond the grace given to us and even HE also makes a way..Job's case is totally different from this ..my point is this what at all could they not have forgiven each other than to put the name of God in such a shame..did they not listen to other seasoned men of God through which God spoke? PRIDE will always bring a person down...remember Juanita had fallen out with TD Jakes before her incident.. what happened? let them just leave the pulpit and order their lives else they turn into stumbling blocks
As I read all of these conflicting opinions I am so sadden. Who are we to judge? As I read this it brings me to wonder what Jesus must think of all who want to do His job. He is our one and only judge and I thank Him and God for being so merciful and patience with us. But don't you all realize this is why He has not returned to us. Because of our judgemental spirits and ignorance we are prolonging the return of our Savior.. His love and mercy is giving us more time to change our ways . He don't want to see any of us perish. But I'm sure He has His limits. May God forgive us all.
I can see how you want to defend Paula, I have enjoyed her ministry, but with discernment! One thing you may also want to take into account is who is saying what and in what manor? When Paula had Donald Trump as a guest, first off, Donald isn't giving out free rooms to homless and he has so much he could easily start a nonprofit and give to those a new chance! So for Paula to have a secular man take spiritual time on the air, I question that! I am just another soul here at this very time as the rest of you, and I seek to grow closer to the Lord, but not all preachers etc. are truly teaching what is Holy Spirit lead! Do you know that the Whites have a home in the Trump Towers? Yes! why all these high end goods????? Seriously, I am an honest American, who has a terrific brain! Who, has not been able to gain "gainful employment" since my Air Force Days!!!!! Why???? Well, people are cut throat, back stabbers and some will sacrafice anything to get ahead, this is satin lead! We need to wait on the Lord and seek his will for our lives! I'm from Orange County CA but I'm not going to rob steal or cheat to have a house similar to one I grew up in! Although, in the last decade so many have to purchase that "dream house" or 10 mexican families buy the one! This is so sad, so I rest in the Lord's Word "vengence is mine." and also, the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Well, I added more to the discussion because I have to say this is a very dynamic time and I wanted those who are reading to understand where I'm coming from. I'm tired of renting with my neighbor strung out on meth or other, alcohol etc! This is the reality of the neighborhood! I pray for our nation and for a reality check on home values! squash! Paula and her husband need to take a subatical and work things out, stop working on 'us' as you need the "medical attention" work on yourselves, let the Lord cleans, it's healing!!!! I've been healed and will continue to rest in healing verses " I cry to you and I am delivered I trust in you and am not ashamed Psalm 22:5" we all need to grow more like Jesus, and we are so far from that point it's sick! If we repent, unite we shall overcome!
ENJOYED READING YOUR REPLY AND I AGREE WITH YOU THAT THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL IS NOT OF god, DONT GET ME WRONG THE WORD OF god SAY THAT HE HAS BLESED US WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST JESUS .
and the lord will bless us but to go hard after money and take people light bills and teel them to give to get is totally wrong andnot of GOD..
i dont know paula or randy nor crefflo or any other personally but i dont agre wth them 100% probably only 12% but i dont justfault them i fault those who wont read the word of GOD for themselves..
as for your friend any preacher that tells people that they cant get healed because of there not having enough faith has forgotten what faith the size as a musturd seed can do i do believe that the lord will heal but not man i have prayed for people o be healed andm they were but i didnt heal them nor were they healed because of my faith but because of faith in the name of jesus christ and that is it
Mark. Shut your mouth and throw yourself a pity party. You sound like you just want some attention. Worry about yourself only! Stop worrying about my pastors. So go buy some Doritos, a 2-Liter Coke and put it in your mouth so you could stop talking. Just worry about YOURSELF! No one else. What the hell is your damn problem??
MARK........IT WOULD FIGURE THAT THESE ARE UR PASTORS B/C U DONT EVEN SOUND LIKE U R SAVED. CUSSING IS 4 FOOLS...
Dear JCW et al,
I'm so sorry that your friend was told she didn't have enough faith. That's likely wrong. God's word never returns void. It goes where He sends it and accomplishes what He pleases and in the end, His will is always done. Your friend passed because God called her home for His reasons. That's all. Nothing happens on this earth without God's hand; nothing takes him by surprise; nothing He does is less than good and perfect.
From what I understand, most ministers' money comes from their books, CDs, speaking engagements and investments. Granted there are some who take directly from their church (my Pastor did so I know this happens) but most spend the money that comes from these sources. Its between them and God how they spend His money. If we looked at most of our checkbooks, I'm sure they would reflect that the Lord did not come first in many of our spending decisions. Many of us just have not had millions at our disposal so we honestly do not know how we would behave in those circumstances. Until that happens, and you prove you are a faithful steward, I suggest you don't say anything.
TO STL:
I've been following this blog for about a week now and I must say that this is the dumbest post I've seen. I am a very straightforward person, and evidently offended some people so I apologized and backed off, but this is so ridiculous I had to respond.
"That's likely wrong." Come on.....if you know anything about God, He is loving and kind and would not make a person suffer and die because they didn't have enough faith. Get real. There's no "likely" about it!!
"Its between them and God how they spend His money." That is just plain silly. God says we should be good stewards of our money. Would you give money to a crack whore and say oh, it's between them and God how they spend their money. The point is if you are giving your hard earned money to the pastor, and he/she is preaching a false gospel, then YOU are accountable. In essence, you are helping to spread a FALSE gospel.
We were warned that this would happen.....we are supposed to be AWARE!!
I've read all these excuses too, that they are just human, people make mistakes, etc. A mistake is when you add or subtract wrong in your checkbook. These so-called "preachers" (I won't say pimps this time) know that no one can touch them. They are covered legally by the separation of church and state. They are accountable to no one.....NO ONE!! Their board is their family and friends and they do not have to report their income. It's not a"mistake" it's about money and their own greed!!
Jesus did not tell the poor, give me your money and God will return it to you 30, 60, 100 fold. Jesus made no one rich except in spirit, and the apostles did not "sell" the Jesus Gospel, they denied themselves and took up their cross and followed Him. When Jesus healed the sick he did not ask for a donation!!
Wake up and pull your head out of the sand!!
I wonder could I get a scholarship from any of their ministries? LOL
CHRISTIANS, LET'S PRAY!
CHURCH FOLK, STOP TALKING and CLAIM YOUR CHRISTIAN STATUS AND PRAY.
I am still in need of a scholarship for my education and I gave to all the TBN,Bynum and White ministries( but not Weeks). I wonder if compassion can be given to single, widowed moms to go back to school?
With the Bentleys, the chandaliers, five star restaurants, I wonder can some of the women who support them get a car to go to work or a scholarship, as in my case?
I am all for GOD'S ministry having the best. Who wants to go into a nasty, unorganized, poorly constructed building and say GOD is? I agree with that. What I do not agree with is when the same supporters are in need, and it can be verified, they cannot get help.
NO MATTER WHAT, WE need to still pray.
You've never met a person who's been healed by a miracle, or gotten out of debt miraculously ? I am one. The Lord has healed me of a 20 year struggle with depression. After going on a fast, i was healed a month later when the Spirit of God healed me sitting at my computer in the morning. The Lord has provided for me miraculously over the years, and he just did it again when i resigned from my job and had no incoming money.
You said show me one person who's been healed instantly or set free from financial debt. Are you kidding ? God is a miracle working all powerful God who is pleased to show his power. He is God. Read Psalm 78 and how angry he was at the Israelites for NOT BELIEVING FOR HIS WONDEROUS WORKS It says the Lord was WROTH with them because they believed NOT in God and trusted NOT in his Salvation. It gives a giant list of all the things he did for them, YET verse 32 says, FOR ALL THIS THEY SINNED STILL AND BELIEVED NOT FOR HIS WONDROUS WORKS. verse 41 says THEY SINNED AND TURNED BACK AND "LIMITED" THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. Remember, faith pleases God. He never rebuked anyone for faith, but he only rebuked those who had UNBELIEF.
Eveything that can be shaken will be shaken and when the shaking starts guess what? Its all of us that are affected for we are all one remember? One body , one church and one problem that God has seen fit for us all to respond to....not our will or what we think but thy will be done Lord!!! The lord is cleaning,removing,and its all of us that are being worked on not just a few.......
You who wrote: by JCW (not verified) on August 27, 2007 - 1:29pm.
I just have a question and I'm only basing it on your commit, Who are you the devils advocate?
Try reading the BIBLE it clearly states in there that God will bless without measure whomever He choses and HIS children that do His will. The, " preachers and televangelists" your referring to must know their Bible, It's called sowing and reaping, Try it, God is a rewarder of those that SEEK HID FACE AND DO HIS WILL. It's very scriptual that we are to GIVE TITHE'S & OFFERINGS to the body of Christ. Before you talk, READ the Bible its all in there. If you have a problem with it, take it to God, and it also states that whom ever speaks against God's Anointed People will not go unpunished. I will pray for you and for God's mercy...
"Do not judge, lest you be jusged".
Hi A.J.,
You are correct when you say they need our prayers but they also need to stop fleecing the flock. No one will ever be happy when they steal money from innocent people, like their congregation for example. The only one's getting rich on the so-called Prosperity Gospel (PG) are the preachers and televangelists!! It is heresy at best! They have totally bamboozled the word of God and made people seek after God's hand and not his Face. Shame on them!! The "walls" are coming down all around us and the truth is coming out on the Prosperity Gospel....it is a sham, a lie, and fraud by any other name and if they weren't "protected" by the Constitution, they'd be in jail. Show me one person that has been healed or instantly relieved of their debts by a so-called miracle, and maybe I'll change my mind. My best friend died 5 years ago of cancer believing that God didn't love her enough to heal her because she didn't have enough faith. Under the PG rules, it is never the pastor or God's fault if one is not healed....it is always the victim's fault that they didn't have enough faith. I don't know a better "Christian" woman who gave and gave, monitarily and of herself to the church.....she was a true woman of God....and they told her she didn't have enough faith! All this PG is giving God a very bad name. Just tune in to TBN and watch, it is a little "good ol' boy" club and they all say the same thing!! GIVE ME YO' MONNNEEEEE!! They live in million dollar mansions (and not just one, TBN has 30), they drive Bentleys, wear designer clothes, have $10 million jets, eat at only the finest restaurants, and finest 5 star hotels......and Jesus stayed in the stables!! It is disgusting!!
I was a member at WWIC in Tampa, under Pastors Randy and Paula White. I was there when they only had a big tent, and then went to a bubble dome and so on...until just 3 years ago when I moved from Florida to Tennessee. I remember getting a check in my spirit when I was about to lick the envelope with my tithe in it, only to hear Randy speak about waiting to lick the envelope because maybe we could do a little better and add some more in it. I understand the reaping and sowing process and it is real, but this was a bit much. Nevertheless I gave and gave and gave...and was blessed in my life sometimes abundantly in my job, and other means. But when my daughter was down and out, her husband losing his job, and they were struggling with a new baby on the way, I asked her to call the church WWIC, and ask them for help, afterall, I had seen my daughter give to WWIC until she was searching for coins in her purse to give "just a little more". They did not even want to return her phone call, they did not recognize that she had left messages, many of them, or know her situation after she had explained it on the phone when leaving those messages. When she did finally get a live person on the phone in the appropriate "department", they responded with "We are not a bank here". I thought to myself, well neither are we, but you felt that we were all supose to make deposits there all the time...service after service and sometimes several services in a day...with offerings taken up. But my daughter in her time of need could never make a withdrawel, because they "were not a bank". I was very hurt by it, and yet my daughter continued to speak well of the church, trying not to pass judgement... they brought their newborn son home to a sleezy motel, while Randy and Paula were living off our "contributions". I remember this couple before they became rich and they were sweet humble people of God. But as happenes often in mega-ministries, the money changed them, and their own marriage for the worse. I am not saying they can't be used of God, they have been, but the very basics of christianity 101, is to love your neighbor as you love yourself...this wasn't happening, and i heard of other stories of being turned away when some were in need. After the plastic surgery I did not even hardly recognize them, they look so different. The world has won them over with celebrity and glamour, and destoyed a beautiful union. Can you imagine how many people will now turn their backs on Christianity because they did not apply the same principles that they taught? It's horrific. I like the old Paula and Randy, they were just good people, with genuine motives for the Lord, and the preaching of the Word. I wonder if they had given my daughter a little help, how would they have felt if my daughter had said, "Can't you do a little better than that?" like they had said to us so often in the services. A revealing arrogance was when Paula distributed to the poor children backpacks with her initial "P" on the back of it for all to see...shouldn't it be about Christ? Maybe a big JC instead? It was like letting all the other more fortunate kids know they had obtained it from this ministry, and some probably joked them that it stood for "POOR". That is when I knew it was more about them than Jesus. We are to exalt the name of the LORD. And the word says don't let your right hand know what your other hand is doing...(in other words, give without announcing you gave). That would be true humility.
The Lord is soon to come, looking for a bridegroom without spot or wrinkle. Thank God that even Randy and Paula have been shown mercy. He will forgive and he will heal. Obedience is better than sacrifice and if this was just allowed to happen to them because of no wrong doing on their part then God will restore just as He did with Job. If this is mere consequence for years of turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to the voice of God, then they must do like we all must do when we sin and fall short...confess our faults, repent and restoration will take place. Are we ready to meet Him in the air? Are there signs and wonders following us? Are we obeying the voice of God Himself? I strive everyday to make it to heaven and carry others with me. Lets stop playing church and do what the word of God says that we are to do. (1) Go and preach the gospel to all nations (2) lay our hands on the sick so they may recover (2) tread on serpents heads (3) cast out demons (4) and eat or drink nothing that will harm us. If signs and wonders follow us we will win the lost to Christ....It's time, it's time!
Couldn't have said it better Cassandra! I think you are absolutely right. God bless you!
Hi Beth,
Your post touched my heart. Like so many other stories (mine included) you got fleeced by one of the oldest cons in the book. I've just come out of Cornerstone Church where the same thing has happened to me, although the church did help me a couple of times in the 90's, but they made me feel very degraded and humilitated. Now, you can't get anything done if you don't belong to a cell and the cell leaders have to know everything about your private life. It has gotten very cultish!! Money can't help but change you and these pulpit-pimps will stop at nothing to get your money!! Hagee just bought his first jet, has a 7,500 acre ranch, has exotic animals on the ranch so his pimps can come hunt, drives the best cars, etc. Somehow it just doesn't remind me of Jesus......it reminds me of Hollywood EXCEPT at least the movie stars don't do it in the name of Jesus.
With Hollywood at least I have a choice, with these pimps, you are told that you've lost your salvation and cursed your children if you don't tithe.
Since I quit tithing, I received a long overdue settlement, a raise at work, and a stranger gave me $500.
You are sooooooooooooooo sad. These Pastors didn't pull tithing out of the sky. Do you read the word of God?! It's in there. Read it! Malicah. They were absolutely right not to keep helping you. The church is not a bank or savings and loans place. People deposite their money daily in banks that will not give them a loan. I don't hear you calling them pimps and talking about the bank. Why didn't you go to the bank and get a loan when you fell on hard time. It's probably because the bank know like the church that you can't be trusted. Get off the church and grow up! Keep not tithing. It won't be long before you'll be looking for another hand out. Everybody is always looking for a cop-out. Stop whyning and grow up. These men and women of god are living how they should be living. You weren't complaining when you were sitting soaking up every word that proceeded out of their mouth were you. If Michael Jordan, Dr. Phil, Oprah, Donald Trump can live lavishly why not the man and woman of God. You are jealous!!!!!!! pray for the jealous spirit and start back tithing before you curse yourself and your next generation. And get out of ignorance. It's an abomination to God. Didn't He say study.........? I can tell you need to study harder. I pray that your lost soul will be enlightened. Don't tithe because a preacher told you to, do it because it's in the word od god, and no doubt about it, YOU WILL BE JUDGED! FREE YOUR MIND!
TO LISA HARRIS,
You are really a trip and you sound so righteous and holy but you are dead wrong!!
"These Pastors didn't pull tithing out of the sky. Do you read the word of God?! It's in there. Read it! Malicah."
It appears that YOU are the one that needs to read and study the Bible to show yourself approved. Read Malachi 2 and 3 and tell me that Malachi was not addressing the CORRUPT PRIESTS!! Read it again!!
- Abraham never tithed on his own personal property or livestock.
- Jacob wouldn’t tithe until God blessed him first.
- Only Levite priests could collect tithes, and there are no Levite priests today.
- Only food products from the land were tithable.
- Money was never a titheable commodity.
- Christian converts were never asked to tithe anything to the Church.
- Tithing in the Church first appears centuries after completion of the Bible.
In the early days of America, it was the CHURCH that took care of the poor, widows and orphans.
Tithing was first for the Levites who did not work at a trade. Jesus was a Carpenter, that was not a rich trade.
Jesus did not take a tithe.
Jesus said to sell all your possessions and give to the poor, widows and orphans.
These churches or mega churches take in millions upon millions of dollars and the pastors live like movie stars.......did Jesus do that? Oh girl, you have been fleeced and brain washed very well. I was you 6 months ago and was "parroting" the same exact thing. You learned well, and I can tell you mean it from your heart and that saddens me because you have been so duped.
You know NOTHING about me but I will tell you that my children and myself were being abused and had no where to go........let me ask....what would YOU do to protect your children? My children were molested by their father......Grow up?? I had to grow up and be strong.....someone had to protect my children.
I could have gotten a loan but I didn't have any means to pay it back. I was stuck in a cycle of not making enough money to pay for day care when I worked and actually making more not to work. My ex finally had to pay child support and I took us off welfare and we lived on child support. I stayed home with my kids and was given an old computer and taught myself how to use it and went to college during the day while the kids were in school. The government gave me the money for school not my church. While I was on welfare I volunteered at my church and at a local homeless shelter...I wanted to payback the community for taking welfare. My children also volunteered with me. I am not a whiner Lisa, but someone who has looked the devil right in the face and plead the Blood of Jesus.
In 2001 I landed my first out of the home job and graduated from college finally this year........that took a long time because my children needed me. They still have many issues and are hurt people, but they are good and care about others.
I can promise you that tithing is not for the New TEstament believer, and i can promise you that I will NEVER ever insult God again by tithing. Tithing was under the law and Jesus came and fulfilled that law.
I was very faithful to my church and all this has been devastating to me. My whole identity was in my church. I made an idol out of my pastor and I am ashamed of that. I had been involved in several ministries and attended Sun and Sun night as well as Bible study on Thursdays. I was constantly involved.....so yes, I do need to study more and harder but not regarding tithing.
"If Michael Jordan, Dr. Phil, Oprah, Donald Trump can live lavishly why not the man and woman of God. You are jealous!!!!!!! pray for the jealous spirit and start back tithing before you curse yourself and your next generation. And get out of ignorance. "
The above people, Jordan, Dr. Phil, etc. do not do what they do in the Name of God. They are of the world and preacher's are not supposed to be of the world or love material possessions........it will be their downfall.....just look around you....THE WALLS ARE TUMBLING DOWN!! Praise God that He is cleaning house.
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Im sorry you are so angry and confused. Actually tithing is for the new testament believers. When tithing was mentioned in Malachi that was to the Jews right? well in the New Testament doesnt Jesus say if we (para phrase) accept Him that we are children of God and if Children of God then we are heirs of Christ and seeds of Abraham? That means spiritually speaking we are of jewish desent. so therefore tithing is for us. and do you remember when the man asked Jesus about paying taxes to ceasar? he told the man to render unto ceasar BUT unto God what is His. As for giving all we have to the poor etc. Yes i do believe the church has failed in this way and we need to repent and start obeying what God tells us to do. But Jesus didnt tell everyone to sell all they had. He told this one person because He knew that this man cherished his money more than he did Jesus. It was more of a test and this man knew it cause he went away sad. God does say that He wants us to prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers. He also says that those who trust in Him wont lack any good thing(amplified bible). He also promises us the desires of our hearts. In the NEW TESTAMENT it also says to give and it will be given unto you good measure pressed down shaken together and RUNNING OVER shall men give unto your bossom. also what about the law of sowing and reaping? Thats just as true in the spiritual realm as it is in the natural realm. when you tithe and give it has to come back to you. may not as soon as you would like or need but it does come back. I know tithing is not an option if you want to live in Gods blessings. He's not gonna just give you all kinds of money and nothing required on your part. you have to give him something to work with. and that starts by tithing and giving. He doesnt want us to give only to prosper the pastor but so He(God) can prosper us. But it does have to be His way and not ours. If He wouldnt bless our tithes and offerings then He wouldnt want us to do it cause it wouldnt be long before we'd need help from other sources ourselves. we'd eventually go broke(normal working class people that is). He also tells us to be a lender and not a borrower. Do you think that none of the new testament applies to us today since we're under grace? of course not. and remember we are abrahams seed and heirs according to the promise.
This is amazing? The man just gave you a boat load of stuff from the Bible, in context, with explanations. You completely ignored all of it and cultishly repeated the mantra the pulp-pimps have soaked into your head.
Don't you see ANYTHING wrong with what you did? How about addressing some of the very real objections the writer brought up? Or does that take a little bit too much though?
If you are required to give, how is that cheerful? If you are required to give, how is it anything more than a bill?
You folks are pitiful, sad, and scary; especially when I consider the fact that many of you non-thinking sheeple vote, drive cars, and practice medicine.
Jeminy Christmas - what do you use for brains?
MHJONES2001
TO WHOM ARE YOU SPEAKING? YOUR POST DID NOT MAKE ANY SENSE!! MOST OF YOU FOLKS DON'T MAKE ANY SENSE
Please read your Bible...You sound so stupid talking about tithing--it's obvious your knowledge of the Bible has come from pastors and not from God himself...God speaks in "now" terms, which we call revelation knowledge and if your mind is not getting renewed daily, you are clueless living something that worked 2000 years ago. God spoke to me specifically to stop tithing and he has been blessing my socks off because I trusted him and did it...Explain that! Oh, I guess it's the devil blessing me..Wrong!
KC
You got it right.....you are free too......doesn't it feel good. Look at who is telling you to tithe people....DUH!!
Just to address the tithing principles... Go back and read again. Throughout the bible tithing is a principle beginning with the order of Melchisedec from the Old Testament all the wat to the New Testament. True they did not tithe with our current currency because money for them was livestock and harvest from the field! But they did give a tithe. Yes the priest was the supposed to live off the tithe and the offering because they did not work...they were devoted to the work of the Lord...separated...concecrated to a holy work. Further more...and more importantly Jesus said...we ought to pay tithes!
Enjoy your day!
My sister, You are so right. The scripture says that GOD loves a cheerful giver. If we give with a grudge God does not honor that. Remeber in the book of Genesis when Cain beacme jeolous of his brother Abel because God accepted Abel's sacrafice but not his so Cain became angry and killed his brother Abel and when God saw what he had done he Cursed Cain and set a mark between his brow so that any one who saw him would seek to kill him. Cain became a vagabond throughout the earth for the remainder of his days. I agree with you. People that complain when God blesses his spiritual leaders are only bitter and jealous because he did not chhose them. He said in Matthew that many are called but few are chosen. We all make mistakes even us christians. Jesus came to save those who were and are hopelessly lost. We have got to learn how to forgive and pray for one another and stop being so judgemental. We are to give in faith because it's not our money anyway. To whom much is given, much is required. Stop the hate my friend.
Right on sister right on!! You are absolutely right. There is absolutely nothing wrong with preachers or evangelists having the best. Us regular people could have the best also if we would tithe AND give like we are COMMANDED to do. After all arent we royalty? Royalty doesnt lack in anything. We are King's kids. The Bible does talk about money more than any other subject other than the love of God.
TO: MAXINE AND BELIEVER;
As I've stated on this site many times, I tithed and gave "CHEERFULLY" for almost 15 years. I gave and tithed and made my children do without. I BELIEVED every single word that the two of you just parroted!! I trusted my pastor with my soul and life.......so, all that you said is true and I do believe it is good to give, it shows the sin of greed has not taken over your life. AGAIN, WHAT I AM SAYING IS THAT IT IS NOT A "LAW" TO TITHE!! JESUS DID NOT TITHE....HE SPOKE MORE AGAINST MONEY THAN FOR IT. I have no problem with pastors living comfortably with blessings but pastors are supposed to be like Jesus, not movie stars. I still give, I give to other ministries that SHOW PUBLICALLY where their donations are going. These pimps live tax free and are accountable to NO ONE!! My ex pastor just changed the name of his TV station to a church so he would not have to report his income to the public. Every other so called "non-profit" organization has to show their income and tax records, what are these pimps hiding? Uh...oh yea......they don't want YOU to know because then you'll quit giving!! It's all coming out now and the walls are tumbling down.
Let me just ask you, where is your Bentley? yacht? mansion? jet? designer clothes? $25,000 Rolex? etc. uh...oh yea....YOUR PASTOR IS WEARING/USING IT!! You've been promised 30-60-100 fold.....I ask you ...... where is it??
You are clearly lost!!! Jesus said we ought to pay tithes! Tithing is not a law but it is a principle that works! The unsaved tithe because it is a spiritual principle that works! As a Christian we tithe out of obedience to God and we give an offering to say thank you!
Lisa ...i think you are being harsh but missing the point..No one is against the men of God living well.. i have always said that i would not sit under a man of God who has nothing to show.i,e poor..nevertheless what u have to understand that God and not the man of God talks about MODESTY and not EXTRAVAGANCE..i sometimes tend to believe that we sometimes think that we are wiser and smarter than the old folks i.e Paul, Peter etc..where in the bible did we hear Paul or Peter talking about the jet he had just bought or better still the donkeys as i would say in their times or whatever xtravagant form of transport in their times and lets all listen when they boasted ..they boasted about their beatings, struggles for God and not even the number of their congregations and books they had written...Paul a great apostle did not even claim the church as his own and here we have all our preachers claiming churches as their own and having self brands..MERCY ON ALL OF US GOD!!! ,,,Paul always spoke about to the church in Corinth,Thessalonica etc.. can someone please bring us back the old and adulterated religion ie. Holiness,LOVE, FAITH and RIGHTEOUSNESS please
Most Christians have alot to say about tithing but much of it is whats been taught by someone else and not by God. If you pick up your bible and study to show yourself approved you will see that the tithing principle was for the Jews during the OT. Jews no longer tithe ( research it. It's not legal for them to tithe since all records of the levitical priesthood were destroyed during their exile.) Your tithe is not a matter of law it has never been it is a matter of love and your desire to see the kingdom grow and the Lord didn't need your money then and He dosen't need it now. Yes you need to give there is a law of seed time and harvest that will never change as long as the earth remains but don't judge people because of your lack of knowledge learn and know God for yourself. Apply scripture correctly you can't quote Malachi concerning NT believers tithing this scripture was addressing a certain group of people during that time peroid now unless your really really old and a jew. Well I could go on and on. Simply know the Lord for yourself and judge no man after the flesh.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT, MY GOD I HPOE ALL THESE POEPLE THAT AR3E LOOKING FOR A COP OUT OF GODLY PEOPLE OF GOD WOULD JUST START READING THE WORD AND STAND ON WHAT THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE. I NEVER SEEN SO MANY WHINNY PEOPLE, THEY HAVE AN EXCUSE FOR THEIR MISERY...
YOU SAID IT AND I SO AGREE...
GOD BLESS YOU IN GREAT, GREAT MEASURE AND I AM SO BLESSED THAT GOD LOVES ME AND HE IT IS HIS DESIRE THAT WE ALL WOULD PROSPER IN, "EVERY AREA OF OUR LIVES"...
GOD BLESS YOU PEOPLE OF GOD AND FAITH...
Beware the devil is tricky. He is the ruler of this World he knows you stopped tithing his goal is to kill, steal and destroy. Don't look at the Pastor look to the Lord. God will take care of those that misuse the money. Just find a good pastor that God leads you to and don't focusing on the ones you do not agree with. Focus on God and what he wants for your life. Tithing is a faith issue ..I suggest you pray about what you should give..Maybe God will tell you to give more than a tithe. But I seriously doubt that he wants you to keep all His money.. Take care!
Hi Erika,
I used to fear that way too, and yes the devil is tricky and I believe he is using this tithing trick to destroy good men and women of God. It's working. These prosperity gospel pimps are filthy, filthy rich!! We are talking they live like movie stars and then revile the movie stars in the pulpit. Hypocrites!! Money is their god and they only think about getting more out of their own greed.
I have not found another church yet, nor a pastor that I trust but I am looking. I still give and love to give.......but I will never ever tithe again. It is not in the New Testament, it was under the law of the OT. I will give the shirt off my back to anyone in need if given the chance, but will never ever again tithe!!
I can't believe Paula White is moving here to San Antonio....she just bought a huge home outside of San Antonio. Not to mention her multi million dollar condo in the Trump Towers.
Thank you for your post and caring.
The bible is clear on the giving, it is 10% and then if He want's you to give more then He will reveal, He does it for a reason, its to check you'r heart.
If you can't trust Him with your money how can you trust Him with your heart? He's just wanting our heart, not our money, He has money...
The bible states that we are to give 10% tieths and the offerings is seperate. The more that He can trust you with the more He will give, becasue He has work that need's to be done in all corners of the Earth and it takes money, but far most He want's all of your Heart and Trust In HIM and Him alone!
It's really easy for me to give becasue it's showing Him that even though it looks imposable, I am truly TRUSTINH HIM and HIM ALONE and not trusting in anyone else to get you out of what ever...He alway's come's through, becasue He know's that it's not the money that has my Heart, It's Him and Him alone...
God Bless
I think you have been hurt by the lack of help but we have to look at the whole picture here. The Tithe is required by God so that His house may have meat or helps for those in need, Malachi 3:10. But God also requires for us as believers to be good stewarts too! When a person borrows from you after the third or fourth time, then you have to say there is something wrong when they have to keep asking for money all the time. You are going to get that when you continuously ask for money from the church or any where else. The real issue is that some people have truly been ripped of because they get the guilt trip about giving. The truth is, God only requires 10% of your gross income. Anything after that is a gift and don't feel bad if you don't have it to give or the little bit you have is for you to survive on. The only thing that counts is that you obeyed God and gave your tithe. The other money is to help build bigger churches and we don't even have the souls to fill these Mega churches!
DJS
We don't need mega churches and we don't need anymore pulpit pimps. I'm not sure these people are even being saved....they are seeking the rich Jesus and that is what the prosperity pimps are selling.
The most blatant site I've seen made me cry my eyes out....
Scroll down and click on the one's with the videos and watch each one....so sad...if we stop throwing our hard earned money to these pimps, they'll dry up and go away or REPENT!!
Guess what, you mouth is what gets you in trouble, its very clear, "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speeks, no dougt, you have problems. I'm not surprised that some of you are talking about the Christians and ministry.
READ THE BIBLE, don't blame "the messengers", thats exactly what they are.
The devil has really decieved you with a 500.00 doller bill and a little raise, your doing exactly what he want's you to do.. That makes you a messenger of satin.
READ THE BIBLE, ITS VERY CLEAR you'll find out that what you are saying and dong may be out of line. Genesis-Revelation
Beth I am so sorry to hear that your daughter was not helped in her time of need. But remember one thing; who are to judge how that money is being used. Just remember that THEY WILL HAVE TO FACE HIM ONE DAY. and they will have to account for their actions. So I understand that it shouldn't be about the person itself, but about the ministry and hearing God's Word. So what can we do: CONTINUING PRAYING. We have to be the better ones, and not get upset about the things that are happening and have no control over. God ALWAYS PROVIDES IN OUR TIME OF NEED. He doesn't put us through things we can't handle.
"Each of us may be sure that if God sends us on stony paths he will provide us with strong shoes, and he will not send us out on a journey for which he does not equip us well"
Wow! What a revealing article! That's why the Bible warns over and over about the dangers of prosperity!! And shame on them that they wouldn't help a fellow Christian in need. Thank you for sharing that - from PERSONAL EXPERIENCE! They need to do a lot of SOUL-SEARCHING like JIM BAKER had to do a few years ago. THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.
You can't give to everyone. Can you imagine all the other people that ask for help. Your daughter is not the only member in the church. Maybe the ministry had helped out many others and your daughter was the unfortunate one that was left out. Also, you don't ever know other peoples intentions. I know people that have asked for money and help but went out and bought drugs/alcohol instead. At some point you have to tell people no. I'm sorry for your daughter. I don't know why people think that Christianity is bad. Being a Christian is about having a relationship with God and trying to help your fellow man but it's not about fixing everyones problems. Where's the accountability for our own actions. We shouldn't be dwelling on others faults let's look to God for guidance.
Hey folks. Yes I agree they need our prayers. Sitting up on a "religious highhorse" criticizing and condeming folk. We have no right to do that. The Bible say "Now there is no condemnation for them who are in Christ Jesus". Man, some folk love to look "holy" don't they? WE ARE HUMAN. WE ARE NOT divine. WE ARE NOT GOING TO HIT THE MARK EVERY TIME. We all need prayer and cannot do anthing without Christ. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the end is near. We are living in a time where we can't let our eyes and ears and what goes into them steer our faith. I've seen alot of folk in alot of forums totally bashing christians because of the Paula Whtie situation and the Juanita Bynum situation. They are calling us fake and phoney and it's further fueling the wave of persecution of the Body. Not knocking televagelism, it's impotance is undenyable, but the best ministry is on your own two feet. wherever you go, the church is with you because YOU ARE THE CHURCH. Not tooting my own horn, but my girlfriend and I witnessed to someone at a pizza parlor today and the man went away in tears and was so greatful. God was there. We were the church and the job of the church is to go out and represent Christ. Feed the hungry and comfort the comfortless.
So people whenever you see one of us or anyone involved in a crisis or a sin, we need to act as if they are being mugged or assaulted and get on our knees and dial "911" and ask God help them that are in trouble. It's prayer time yall. enough of this critical yappin! And I suggest that we pray for all the televangelists because the worst is yet to come! Jakes, Dollar, Meyers, Osteen and everone, WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU! WE HAVE THE VICTORY IN JESUS!
Something is wrong when two mature christians who love God and his souls are not willing to give in and die to themselves for the sake of the greater good. someone decided that they were not going to make it work and that is very sad. The first thing I learned as a baby christian was to die to myself.
AMEN AND AMEN TO THAT! I've heard a few well-known people say that God is more interested in our HOLINESS than our HAPPINESS! That thought has kept me in check more than once in my Christian life. This life is but a vapor - a single little dot on the line of ETERNITY!
I totally agree with you. If you look at a person who stands in a positon such as Paula White, they will get scrutinized and criticized for being a Christian who failed. The world looks at Christian leaders as if they weren't human. Yes, we have to endure and put on our breast plate of armor and guard our minds and hearts. Our enemy is cunning, so let's continue to pray those God (Jesus)calls to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Our Savior.
TO DESTINI:
God holds pastors to a higher standard than the rest of us. It's only fair, he put them in charge of His children. If He didn't think they could do it I doubt He would have put them in that position. Sadly, these mega pimps live under a flesh feeding frenzy and don't seem to care about the flock.
You wrote: The world looks at Christian leaders as if they weren't human.
That statement is so sad, but so true. It is up to us to use our God-given discernment to test and see if our leaders are living up to a proper standard. If they are not, we should not be supporting them or buying their books, tapes, etc.
Yes, they need our prayers I truly agree but what could have been so bad? What happen to our trust in God. Divorce is not the answer I just don't believe that for this couple no, I don't know what made them come to this desicion after all these years ,but one thing I do know is that we are living in the last and evil days it's time to be careful of the enemies tricks and send him Back TO HELL!!!! People of God it's time to FAST and PRAY like never before Jesus so soon to come Saints of God lets take Back Our families. Thank You.
I agree. I feel that people should be Oh so careful when they choose to be vocal against the men and women of GOD. We are not the judge, GOD is. When we do this, we virtually put ourselves in the place of GOD. If you do not like what you see... PRAY and don't watch them. GOD is the only one able to fix that situation. Look at your own life, and then you won't have room to talk!
I don't think money is the major cause of breakups, I realy think that we all have to be careful of not falling out of love with God first, and with each other. Sometimes we have to take a break, As pastors and minister's and need to take a break from trying to do to much at one time, and spend family time together. God didn't create the Church first, He created family first. So we should never get so busy with church that we forget about our family. And remember the Church needs to always pray for our Spiritual Leaders, The devil wants to stop the leaders, so he can detroy the flock!
If you have all the faith in the world for God to provide for your physical needs (buildings, food, clothes, cars, etc.), your faith in God to heal your marriage shouldn't be a big deal.
Thank you for your reminder and warning, we need this today.
I believe there are so very many Christians (and it is very easy to happen) that get caught up in things that ministers are caught up in. May God have mercy and open our eyes and hearts that we see clearly His Kingdom and His will be done on earth .............. as it is in Heaven.
From my own life experience I am a witness that following after money will most likely lead people to a place ...... such as divorce. My husband of over 27 years has recently told me that he thinks it's neccessary that we divorce. He didn't have any one reason to give me other than what I have seen in his actions for many years. I was always cautious not to nag when I would see his ways going in the direction of following the desires of the flesh - to include investments/money and sexual affairs with others. My heart was broken this past Nov. when he suddenly said to me; "Babe,I think it's necessary that we divorce." Does he love me? Yes, but he is following after others more than his love for me. God's word tells me that if he wants to leave then to let him leave. His word also lets me know that because of adultary I am free to be free from the marriage.
I don't know what is happening in the White's lives but they do and God does. Let's be wise and when we see what is happening in other peoples' lives - we learn ... and don't make the same mistakes.
My husband loves me even now while we are in the process of divorce, if he would love me enough - enough to stop (repent) the wrongful passion of investing and the wrongful relationships (greed and adultary) ........ we wouldn't be ending the marriage that God joined together. And, now, for the sake of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus I have choosen to stay focused on doing the will of our Father God.
Let's be encouraged to not make the mistakes that others make.
I agree wholeheartly with you sister, who are we to judge pastor paula or pastor randy pastors bynum or Bishop weeks. only God knows the real reasons it is none of our business all we should be doing is praying for these people. Life is hard even for a christian . we face more issues than the average person that is not walking the walk, but we must keep the faith and run a swift race and not grow weiry of doing the right things because in the end if we faint not we will have the victory , I was alway blessed by Pastors Paula and randy all I can say is I hate that is had to come to this and I will continue to pray for both couples. May God bless.
Bravo! It disturbs me greatly that people wait for negative things to happen in the lives of christians to assume that they must have been doing something sinful or illegal. What these non christians need to understand is that we the body of christ don't look at the messenger we look at who sent the messenger. What ever is going on with Paula and her husband is between them and God. NOT US! Be very careful speaking negative about God's people!
We all need to come together and lift this family up in prayer. So to the author, this is what we Christians do. We don't judge. We pray.
God bless
People in the Body of Christ get divorced all the time. Instead of blaming things on money, can we blame the real culprit...the Devil. There's nothing to do with money. I just looked at a site that confirmed why Randy has a ministry developing in California and Paula is in New York. Who says that they won't get back together. You should be praying that God perfect will be done in both of their lives. They were and still are hurting.
p.s. It is the will of God for all His Kids (which I am one) to prosper. We need money to spread the Gospel. But also to live life down here more abundantly. Ask Jesus in John 10:10.
DONT WORRY GOD IS THE HEALER AND RESTORER OF ALL THINGS. HE WILL HEAL AND RESTORE.
God seems to remind us daily that the mortality rate in or out of the church is 100%.
These 2 will have their hearts healed when someone else falls for them ...say someone younger or richer, whichever their heart desires.
Though there are some truths to your view point.
It is not right nor even fair to assume that the divorce was caused by money issues.
Also, it is so stereotypical and one sided of you to assume that automatically, an abundance of money is the result of obeying God (not sinning) while the lack of it is the result of disobedience (sin).
If this were so, then why are there so many immoral people who have material possessions (eg in Hollywood), while there are some well meaning people who live a life of integrity before God, both in the US and Africa, if i may use you example, but are still struggling financially?
Hi Concerned,
Have YOU noticed that these prosperity gospel televangelists also live like the world or the movie stars? It is obscene!! Then they have the nerve to stand in the pulpit (earning them the name "Pulpit-Pimp), and tell us NOT tol live like the world! They are the worst kind of hypocrites. Check it out at www.pulpit-pimps.org
This season in christendom is so similar to the time of the Old Testament Kings. Remember God NEVER intended for Leaders (spiritual or otherwise) to rule over HIS people the way these peolpe do! He wants to walk with him and worship and serve him only! He never intented to give ISRAEL a KING and wouldn't have except out of of a rebellious and unbelieving spirit they begged one from GOD he warned them:
1 Samuel 87And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
8According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.
9Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
10And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
11And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
12And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
13And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
14And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
15And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
16And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
17He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
18And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
19Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
20That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
21And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD.
by JCW (not verified) on August 27, 2007 - 1:41pm
Again another DEVILS ADVOCATE always assuming that Christians are PULPIT PIMPS...The devil is like that,, he like's to think he know's everything...
Read the Bible or put a lid on it, you sound like a fool, if you read the bible, you will see that's how I know that you are a divils advocate...
ok, sorry....something is wrong with the pulpit-pimps site, but it is very good and informative. Go to www.youtube.com and type in greed gospel and see what you get....or Benny Hinn, John Hagee, Copeland, Hagin, etc. Look at Hagin making an idiot of himself with "holy laughter" it is shameful and disgusting to a Holy God.
Oh Please! Just because you dont understand what holy laughter is about dont criticize it. do you not think that God has a sense of humor? Get to know Him better and you will find out He does. Maybe that holy laughter is just one of Gods many ways of healing. the Bible does say that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine. forget the spiritual part. even medically speaking they can prove that laughter has healing effects on people. the Bible says to not lean on our own understanding. So unless you know without a doubt that the holy laughter business isnt real then you need to watch what you say. you could be bordering on blasphemy.
Hi Darlene,
I not only understand it, I did it! I believed in all this with every fiber of my being. I believed every single word that came out of my pastor's mouth. I trusted him with my soul and my children's soul. I will never make that mistake again. I never read where Jesus acted like this, not anywhere else in the Bible.......David danced before the Lord but he didn't make a fool of himself. However, I have read where God will give you over to a reprobate mind (believing a lie) if you continue in your sin. Go ahead....check this out if you've got the guts http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=holy+laughter+ha ... Click on the other links that come up on the side with this one and see for yourself. If that doesn't get it for you then go to www.youtube.com and type "holy laughter hagin" in the search bar. What a terrible witness to the unsaved. Dispicable!! This man and his cohorts are devils in disguise and they want YOUR money!! I don't think God has a sense of humor regarding sin and his flock being deceived......if you
This is a warning for us all when we make money a god. It's either we serve God and obey Him to the end, much finances or not and just remain faithful to Him. Our problem as human beings is not lack or abundance but sin and our lack of obedience to God. Adam and Eve had everything and lost it because of disobedience not because they were poor. All those things (we run away from or are in bondage to) that we hate came after the fall. Human beings have a sin problem and it doesn't matter if I am in America or Africa it is a sin issue. Poverty in Africa is caused by the greed of people and more money will not solve that situation. A life has to be transformed to be able to even understand what kind of bondage it is in to begin with! I pray that we will get our focus right in the Body of Christ and stop seeking riches at the detriment of our souls. We need to understand that we are in a Kingdom and we are subject to the King's commands in order to function well as His servants even though we are His children. Go down if you want to go up; Die if you want to live; Be tough on life before it's tough on you; Prepare to suffer; Make pleasure a transition not an address; Complacency is a convenient killer; Truth is a bitter pill that leaves a sweet aftertaste.