It’s time to clean up ‘My Father’s House’.  Tear down the walls [spirit] of negativity.  It will hurt and the tears will come, but grieving is just for a season.  That season of your life is however necessary in order to take the church/body forward.  It is at this stage, the wheat will be separated from the tear.  Then, as a leader, you must help the flock to move forward; help them through the healing process so you can rebuild the church to its intended state in Christ. 

This will be the quiet period, during which time it may seem as if God is not present – use it to teach from the Word of God to the broken-hearted.  They are at the stage where they are willing and ready to learn.  Capitalise on this quiet time and educate the flock, so that they will remain in Christ, with no desire to return to their old ways.  To do this, you need to be in tuned to God's voice at all times, so you can relate to the flock what's in His Will.  Continually educating yourself so that you can remain connected to the congregation -- being aware of their spiritual needs and be able to reach them from a cultural viewpoint and otherwise. 

Don’t just read the scripture as part of your sermon; explain what the verses mean (in its context) so that the people can grasp the meaning and start to apply the lessons to their daily lives.  James 1 verse 23 reminds us to be doers of the word and not just hearers.  But in order for the people to heed the message in this scripture (applying the lesson to their daily lives) they must first understand what they are hearing.  Reading the scripture and leaving it there can prove to be fruitless to some, because each member in your congregation is at a different level in their faith.  Not all will get the message clear.  Simplicity and clarity works best.

In all things remain faithful in your service to God.  Regularly check to see if you are walking right.  Feed on the Word, lest you be tempted and fall for the tricks of the enemy.  


In conclusion and as you move towards higher heights in Christ, I leave with you an encourager for the journey ahead: 

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.  If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask Him and He will gladly tell you."   (James 1:2-5, NLT)

God bless you and your ministry and "Let the words of Christ, in all its richness, live in your hearts and make you wise.  Use His words to teach and counsel each other.  Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.  And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Col 3:16-17, NLT).

Copyright 2008 Janice Ramkissoon