What Have You Done For Me Lately?

In the 80s Janet Jackson released a song that was an apt anthem for the “new” gospel. “What Have You Done For Me Lately” is what many worldly saints are asking today. They love you so long as you are playing in their band or serving their needs in some way. Their love is conditional and though they busy themselves with self directed “service” to others, what they do and the way they do it is often really all about them and their own ego. In their position, they have a monopoly on truth though blind to the light, the true light of Jesus in others. They have more faith in the parlor tricks of the enemy than in the power of Almighty God. They will drop you like a hot potato the moment your reputation is sullied, even if based upon speculation, treacherous lies, and slander. They will prove that they never were your friends, but rather tolerated you as long as you were useful to their own purposes. Furthermore, do not expect forgiveness in churches today, for in them you will more often find only disappointment, ridicule, and condemnation. Super-Christians cannot forgive. You have not paid the Pope his penance. If you have not done anything for them lately, then there is no grace there to be extended in your direction. In fact, some today even glory in the news or hint that someone else may have fallen. Ye who are spiritual… (Galations 6:1)? And, what of 1 Timothy 5:1-2? Have we become now like the Sadducees in Matthew 22:29 to whom Jesus said, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God?” I encourage you, even if you have been caught with your hand in the cookie jar in the middle of a crack-house with your pants down, to seek only the Lord’s face. No flesh can dwell within His presence and He is an all consuming fire. If the Lord sends a friendly face or comforter in the flesh, that counselor will understand both the scriptures and the power of God. Oh yes, many have been ordained and carry large Bibles. Just beware that all that glitters is not gold and not all who profess to be sent are Godly. “Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (John 4:1). However, if you find yourself alone with God and His Word, be encouraged and remember that He is faithful who promised and we should hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (Hebrews 10:23). Jesus was despised and rejected among men and the servant is not greater than his Lord (John 13:16). Satan is the accuser. May the Lord God rebuke the spirit of depression and failure in you now, in Jesus’ name. Amen.