Earning the right to be heard!

Recently I listened as Bishop TD Jakes made the statement that "You have to earn the right to be heard. Until you've suffered you've only earned the right to think". There are lots of different types of suffering, yet being in ministry we are never without plenty of arenas in which suffering shows it's ugly, yet teachable face. I suppose the most dreadful suffering in ministry comes as betrayal, attacks and disregard from the close and seemingly trusted hand of people you esteem. Maybe those are not the types of suffering Jakes is referring to but I certainly think they count for something.

Assuming that Jakes' statement is valid, have you found yourself experiencing the kind of suffering that will earn you the right to be heard? If so, may the world get ready for the anointed insights that God is developing through the storms of your life. Peace, Dr. GreeneBarr

Two souls for Jesus....

Jesus told his disciples to follow him and he would make them fish for people. One of the things I tell the congregation (and especially the officers of Smith Chapel) on a regular basis is that God doesn't hide sinners. When Jesus says that he will make his disciples fish for people then it would just be senseless to then HIDE all of the sinners.

Today while my children were in choir rehearsal I went out to the streets of Inkster (where the church is located) and knocked on doors. I was accompanied by one of the brothers from my WALL. We were met with kindness and open ears. Even the couple of residents who were standoffish were not rude or unkind. We received their prayer requests, talked about the love of God for them and it was a great testimony. There is no reason at all for believers not to fish for people. So many people need to be told that Jesus loves them and wants to live in their hearts.

The final report for our day of fishing is this: we believed God for healing of one resident with a hurt disc, financial increase, whole house salvation, employment for a young man and TWO souls for the Kingdom of God. What a report. Praise Jesus.

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