- I want to share a thought-provoking riddle and its answer with those who are open to receiving it.
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- The riddle goes: "Why not light a lamp and put a bushel basket over it?" The answer is clear - the light would be rendered useless and may cause a destructive fire ("No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:15-16)”. This analogy speaks to the current state of a scripture in God's word, which has been mostly disregarded, ignored, overlooked, neglected and rejected resulting in devastating consequences for the Church and the world.
- You may argue that God's word is being preached worldwide 24/7; however, I am referring to a particular scripture that is often ignored due to its potential to offend many, the scripture being 1st Corinthians 7:11, which states, "But if she departs, let her remain single or be reconciled to her husband." Unfortunately, many people are unaware of this scripture's existence, preventing them from having the opportunity to obey it.
- Allow me to share my personal experience related to this scripture. In the early '90s, I had separated from my husband and was grappling with anxiety about the possibility of dating again. I prayed to the Lord, asking for a scripture that would bind me to God. To my astonishment and jubilation after praying this, I opened my Bible and my eyes fell upon 1st Corinthians 7:11. I knew that this was a supernatural moment, and I knew God was speaking to me through his word. However, my excitement was soon tempered by the realization that obeying this scripture would likely mean being single for the rest of my life, which was initially daunting. Nevertheless, I had asked God for a scripture that would bind me to Him, and so I embarked on a journey to obey this scripture for the rest of my life.
- Like all Christians, I have experienced both mountain top and valley moments in my walk with God. However, I can sincerely say that there have been times when I have felt as though I were the happiest person alive and other times when I have felt like I was having a desert experience. Yet, just as God was with the Children of Israel during their desert experience with the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, I have experienced God's presence in my life in a powerful way.
- People need to be informed about this scripture of 1st Corinthians 7:11 so that they can make their own decision regarding its relevance to their lives. Ephesians chapter 5, verse 26 talks about Christ sanctifying and cleansing the church “with the washing of water by the word.” There is power in the name of Jesus, power in the blood of Jesus, and there is power in the purity of his Holy Church. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). The Holy, blood-bought bride of Christ, the church, is meant to be that standard that God raises up to bring about the victory over the lawlessness and depravity that has come in like a flood against our nation and the world.
- "If my people who 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 heal their land." This scripture is quoted often; however, today’s church has failed to affect change in our society that would set us on the course to becoming a righteous nation. That is why we must follow the instructions in this exhortation from 2nd Timothy 4:1-5: I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
