This past Friday in addition to the events if last week has really opened my eyes to the spiritual battle that goes on.
As I gave the message, I'd asked by a show of hands, who believes the statement Jesus said in John 14:6. There was a significant number of hands raised... (somewhere around 30 if I had to guess a number)... but what was revealed to me at that moment wasn't how many people were saved, it was the number of those with hardened hearts and deaf ears unwilling to change even after so many years of hearing the Good News that will save their life.
Months ago, there was an issue with a woman who comes through our line. This time she was so out of control and disrespectful that I had to ask her to leave. She refused and became even more belligerent that I ended up calling the SDPD to handle the situation. Some of her friends, became angry at me and could not understand why I made such a decision, but those of sound mind understood. There has been a great and damaging sense if disrespect for what we are doing in PB. It breaks my heart to see so many people unwilling to receive the goodness of God. Some of our regular guests have shown that they feel they are entitled to something, which I'm afraid is not the case at all. There's. fine line between friendship and ministry. Personally speaking, I feel that if ever there comes a time when somebody after investing so much into their lives, they feel comfortable enough to be your friend and stay in that previous state, rather than change and be fruitful.... one must evaluate and figure if it's time to move on.
We all know that Jesus is bold, direct, and speaks with clarity. He didn't beat around the bush in Luke 9:3-5.
There's no doubt there's a spiritual battle going on, just as the Bible says. One of my brothers in Christ told me after the outraged woman left told me something that really ministered to me: "Thank GOD that's the only thing that happens tonight!" I'm pretty sure the devil wasn't too pleased to see so many people raise their hands without any shame that Jesus Christ is their LORD and confess that He is the only way to salvation.
Here I am Wednesday morning still with a heavy heart, but encouraged in the LORD by my brothers, and seeking direction from our Father. Please join me in prayer what to do.
Thank you and GOD bless you all.
