notes from lisa...

This past week, we have focused alot of attention on the loss of Michael Jackson. I am a Facebook user--so, my home page has been inundated with videos, prayers, memoriams, "R.I.P.'s", and more, in his honor. I grew up along with MJ, too--being only a few years younger. I was not the fan that many are. My admiration was more toward the Jackson 5, than any of the solo artists that came from that family group. I did recognize the talents--extreme, that Michael had, though. His dancing was phenomenal. I didn't get caught up in his troubles, too much--because both sides, always seemed to have serious flaws, in their arguments. I'm not going to spend too much time on Michael, except to say that, I have been a little surprised at the attention he has received from Christians--based on Facebook, it has been much more than from non-Christians. They seem to have made their peace with the loss, within a day or two, but the saints are struggling to let go of the pop icon. I

"If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If My people which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attent to the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that My Name may be there forever: and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16) People of God, WE NEED RAIN. Some of us, think that because our churches are overflowing, and our ministries are (seemingly) thriving, that God is pleased and dwelling comfortably, in our midst. Although our churches may be full--many are present as star-gazer's and spectators. Some of us, are spending money to buy clothes and cars (that we cannot afford), to be able to impress the

AUTOGRAPH'S, ANYONE??? We have a big problem. Celebrities. I'm not mad at Hollywood--some of their antics are outrageous, for sure, but what's really wrong is that, Hollywood has crept into the Church. Hollywood feels, right at home in the pulpit and pews, too. It's really not a "new" concept, either. It got under Paul's skin--"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?".... For Christ sent me not to baptize, BUT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." Of course, there was no "Hollywood", when Paul was speaking to this group of listeners, but the problem was essentially the same (t

Lately, I've noticed that a lot of accusations are being hurled, all over the place! At friends, loved ones, at me, at President Obama, the previous administration, the media, fallen minister's, minister's who haven't fallen, but because they aren't poor, you name it-- accusations abound ! What I don't see much of, is forgiveness or mercy. That's a problem. You see, accusations, don't bring solutions . Forgiveness and mercy--they solve and heal a multitude of errors. There is so much finger pointing. A lot of it comes from those of us who SHOULD know better-- the Body of Christ . We should have learned better, in Sunday School--Card Class (as tots), in fact; hearing about the Pharisee's, accusing Jesus, that NO good can come of it. Yet, we get caught up in it, day after day, and we justify it , by saying that "God demands holiness and righteousness!!!" He sure does ! Yes, HE does -- but who are WE ! It reminds me of the time, (in Acts, th

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:36, KJV)        Earlier, as I was meditating, I thought on the old Apostolic song, " Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, O what a change in my life..." . If you have been around Pentecostal Apostolic churches (or some others) for any considerable length of time, then you have probably heard it. As I thought on it, I added some words, like: "Grace on the inside", or "Mercy on the inside", and finally, "Love on the inside". I guess, I broke it down because, we all are convinced that we have Jesus on the inside-- but what about the grace, mercy and love???         I often think of our rich heritage, too, and the great blessings that our forefathers left us. Most of it is an awesome blessing, but there were some limitations. Let's be honest; all of them were not educated and they simply didn't have the tools for study available, that we have (of c