Family Ministering 101: During the Holidays

 

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and Christmas and New Years will be coming soon and when this time comes around you find that being saved becomes very interesting. Why? Well. Holidays can either make or break your witness before your family and friends.  I will explain what I mean but first let me say this. If the majority of your family members are believers, then bless GOD!! That is an excellent thing, but this post is intended for the other 80% of us where we are one of the few that believe in Christ amongst family members. They may have a cerebral idea of God and/or Jesus Christ or don’t believe at all. Some of you even have family members that believe in alternative religions.

 

For this reason, when the holidays approach, we get nervous, anxious, and fearful because opinions, ideas, and perceptions clash. It is usually not in a good way. Also, most of our unsaved loved ones remember us when we were unsaved as well and sometimes it is difficult for them to embrace the new “you” that God has created you to be. Some of them will even remind you of past hurts, addictions, pains, and desires as an attempt to keep you on their level. However, during the holidays, God wants your witness to be strong. We don’t want to become a stumbling block.

 

So, here are few tips that would help it be an painless gathering and God can be glorified through your life.

 

·        Prayer for Family- Pray prior to spending time with family and be open to any directions from the Lord to minister.

·        Don’t Force Feed- Don’t shove scriptures down your family members’ throat. There is nothing worse than an overzealous family member trying to minister every scripture in the Bible. It does not work. You will cause more harm than good. Lose the need to prove your point! I know this one personally.

·        Be Wise with your Words- Even though we stand for Christ, some family members wait for an opportunity to pounce on something you said to make you feel like the bad guy! Be strategic! Inquire of the Lord the best approach and speak clearly and understandably so that nothing is taken out of context.

·        Prophesy through Conversation- For those of you that flow in the prophetic, speak prophetic words under the guise of advice or counsel. In order for your words to be taken seriously, they don’t have to begin with “God says!”

·        Love Covers All- Please refrain from pointing out flaws, inabilities, shortcomings in other family members. This is a recipe for disaster! It only produces strife, hurt and anger. Most family members are aware of their flaws so they don’t need to be repeated by you. It only makes you appear self-righteous and your words from that point are of none effect. Remember Love covers a multitude of sin.

·        Watch the Flesh Reaction- Be careful not to react in your flesh. The enemy knows what family member pushes your buttons or what this person does that you don’t like. Be careful not to react to it because you will be framed as the crazy one. Prior to visiting, take a personal inventory of things that may have the potential to irritate you and guard those areas of your soul.

 

 

I cannot list everything but these are some strategies that will help you get started. Remember more than anything. Be lead by the Holy Spirit. Let wisdom direct you.

 

Proverbs 11:30
”The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”

 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Prophet Marcus Allen

 

For more teachings and insight, Go to http://prophetspace.ning.com

 

 

The Genesis of CHANGE

CHANGE.

 

A very recognizable word and it has not been more prominent until this time. As Barack Obama, the newly elected president of the United States of America, built his entire campaign on this ONE word. He understood that not only the American people, but the entire world, needed and demanded the manifestation of what this one word entailed. He was distinctive in his message making many references to Martin Luther King Jr. and presenting to the world hope that the climate of this nation had the potential to reverse from practices of bigotry, selfishness, and greed to unity, hope, and peace.

 

Many thought this was a new concept, mantra, or belief and praised the Illinois senator for tailoring such a magnificent campaign around that word. Change is a powerful word, because the essence of it sparks the possibility of a new reality that was once impossible to attain. However, this word originated far from American soil and was spoken from lips of an unpopular teacher or scribe. Here is what he said:

 

Matthew 4:17 (King James Version)

 

“17.From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

 

Yes! Jesus Christ captured the real essence of change when He asked men to REPENT! Although his approach was hated and teachings were scorned, He trail blazed the original idea of change or in his particular message Repentance.

 

You see! Although, change and repentance carry similar meanings, they differ in application. Repentance requires real change in our hearts and souls. I am afraid we can ride the Change train for the next 4 years, but until real repentance occurs this nation will never be changed. Every proposal, venture, or bill will be short-lived because you cannot change this nation outside of Christ. This nation needs repentance! Only God carries the life altering ability to do that.

 

It’s apparent from the millions that voted that this nation wants CHANGE which explains that we all as humanity have a need for a savior.  We must wake up and see God has been trying to change for decades. Instead of embracing change, let us embrace repentance which is what the Father is after!

 

2 Chronicles 7:14 (King James Version)

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Prophet Marcus Allen

To join with others that are thirsty for repentance! Visit the Prophet’s Space Learning Center at http://prophetspace.ning.com.