Tear Down the Walls!

God's been speaking to me about distrust and keeping people at bay. Having been the daughter of a pastor and also the mother of one, I've seen some horrendous behavior from God's people. Though my mother surrendered her life to reach and serve people in the inner city of St. Louis, still there was always those who would say terrible things about her. To be honest with you, she was very much in your face about her beliefs and though she had many incredible results with her ministry style, I didn't always agree with her methods. As a result, people either loved her or hated her, there was no in between. Her personality was so strong and her faith so great, she really didn't care what anyone thought, as long as she was doing God's will. It was hard because I was often caught in the middle, between a mother that I loved and the anger and opposition of those that hated her...

My son who was brutally bullied as a child, dealt with subsequent anger issues, then one day was miraculously transformed by the grace of God and soon became a pastor. Many of those He and His wife, Pastor Bethany, tirelessly ministered to, people we came to love and poured out our lives for as well, turned on us. Terrible rumors were spread about each of us and quite honestly, the joy of ministry was sucked out for quite some time, as the wound cut deeply.

I hadn't realized until this moment that I have been finding it hard to trust people, especially those who vow their love, support and devotion. How can we when it's been violated so many times before..?

So here I am, 46 years into this walk with Jesus and another layer that needs to be crucified is being revealed. Some of you that have experienced hurt and betrayal may wonder why this would even matter to God, especially if we've forgiven those that have violated our trust. There are people that God desires to join arms with you to help fight the battle before you and partner with you in both business and ministry. There's also countless souls to be won and babies that need to be discipled and it must be accomplished from a place of love and selflessness, not a hard heart and seclusion.

The enemy uses all of the past negative scenarios in our lives to keep us from getting too close to others. Christianity is not an individual sport, we were designed to be a part of an amazing team called the Body of Christ. It's time to hand over to Jesus the keys to our hearts and trust Him with the results. That doesn't mean we'll never be hurt, talked about or hated. What it does mean is that we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way as we love without reservation and continue to pour ourselves out for others.

Tear down the walls and allow the Holy Spirit to do what He does best in and through you! Love, minister, comfort, teach, instruct and become the listening ear and the friend they need!

As the wells to your soul are reopened, fresh water will flow and bring life to others and you'll be blessed in the process!

James 3:17-18 (NLT) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

John 13:34-35 (NLT) So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Philippians 2:1-5 (NKJV) Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.