James Langston's Blog - Posts Tagged "church"
Grandmothers – The Unsung Heroes.
Grandmamma's Prayers
“GrandMamma’s Prayers,” don’t underestimate the persistency and consistency of a praying grandmother!
When we think of GrandMamma, we often think of good food, dress up days and Sunday morning church. GrandMamma’s Prayers records a simpler time in life.
A time when the social, economic, or cultural status of a person was not the determining factor of a relationship.
Life in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s was anything but uncomplicated. Yet, even with all the inherent uncertainties of these times, they were still some of the best of times and worst of times, all at the same time.
GrandMamma’s Prayers takes a nostalgic look at those bygone years. A time when a neighbor helped a neighbor without expecting anything in return: when a ride in an old wagon was the highlight of the summer and where Sundays’ were the official church days.
So often you will hear people say, “You know my GrandMamma always said . . .” or “My GrandMamma always did . . .” or “She taught me how to . . .”
These were testimonials to the unselfish work and labor grandmothers carried out for their grandchildren and everyone around them.
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
“GrandMamma’s Prayers,” don’t underestimate the persistency and consistency of a praying grandmother!
When we think of GrandMamma, we often think of good food, dress up days and Sunday morning church. GrandMamma’s Prayers records a simpler time in life.
A time when the social, economic, or cultural status of a person was not the determining factor of a relationship.
Life in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s was anything but uncomplicated. Yet, even with all the inherent uncertainties of these times, they were still some of the best of times and worst of times, all at the same time.
GrandMamma’s Prayers takes a nostalgic look at those bygone years. A time when a neighbor helped a neighbor without expecting anything in return: when a ride in an old wagon was the highlight of the summer and where Sundays’ were the official church days.
So often you will hear people say, “You know my GrandMamma always said . . .” or “My GrandMamma always did . . .” or “She taught me how to . . .”
These were testimonials to the unselfish work and labor grandmothers carried out for their grandchildren and everyone around them.
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
“Orchestrated Dancing in the Church,” “Is it Scriptural?”
The Building of A Church
Orchestrated dancing with all its glitter and glamour is simply a “new cart.” Just because it excites the flesh, and the majority of the Church sees nothing wrong with it, does not mean it is harmless.
What’s the harm? Whenever we attempt to please the Lord through our fleshly efforts, we may end up so far from the Ways of the Lord that soon “anything goes.”
Let me ask you, after the last note, the last dance step, and the final pirouette, who is lifted up, Jesus Christ or the flesh? Our task is simple – get out of the way so He [Holy Spirit] can have His way!
Most church services are not structured so the Holy Spirit can have free reign. As such, we end up with fleshly efforts that do little more than attract, tease and exalt more flesh.
[image error]
We must realize that God does not accept our fleshly efforts, no matter how grand. He will accept nothing less than our obedience. However, this obedience must be to His Word and the blowing (karar) of the Holy Spirit.
The Hebrew word is karar {kaw-rar’}, and means, “to whirl.” It is similar to a leaf being blown by the wind. The leaf has no power of itself, it simply moves as the wind blows.
A common misconception in many churches is how to reach people people with the Gospel. The 21st century witness must first cater to the needs of the people (physical,emotional, mental, social and economical). That, my friend, is not our job, but the sole responsibility of the Holy Spirit!
Folks, if we provide an atmosphere in which He [the Holy Spirit] can work, He will do the rest!
“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
Orchestrated dancing with all its glitter and glamour is simply a “new cart.” Just because it excites the flesh, and the majority of the Church sees nothing wrong with it, does not mean it is harmless.
What’s the harm? Whenever we attempt to please the Lord through our fleshly efforts, we may end up so far from the Ways of the Lord that soon “anything goes.”
Let me ask you, after the last note, the last dance step, and the final pirouette, who is lifted up, Jesus Christ or the flesh? Our task is simple – get out of the way so He [Holy Spirit] can have His way!
Most church services are not structured so the Holy Spirit can have free reign. As such, we end up with fleshly efforts that do little more than attract, tease and exalt more flesh.
[image error]
We must realize that God does not accept our fleshly efforts, no matter how grand. He will accept nothing less than our obedience. However, this obedience must be to His Word and the blowing (karar) of the Holy Spirit.
The Hebrew word is karar {kaw-rar’}, and means, “to whirl.” It is similar to a leaf being blown by the wind. The leaf has no power of itself, it simply moves as the wind blows.
A common misconception in many churches is how to reach people people with the Gospel. The 21st century witness must first cater to the needs of the people (physical,emotional, mental, social and economical). That, my friend, is not our job, but the sole responsibility of the Holy Spirit!
Folks, if we provide an atmosphere in which He [the Holy Spirit] can work, He will do the rest!
“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
Going to Church with GrandMama - Reflections
Grandmamma's Prayers
Excerpt from Chapter II - "Let's Go to Church!"
If memory serves me correctly, I was about five or six the first time I attended church with GrandMamma. The roads were mostly dirt, so we either walked or rode in wagons to and from church.
My most memorable part of the ride was the rhythmic sounds the chains made as they brushed against the leather collars around the mules’ necks.
Invariably, we would meet up with others along the road also headed to church.
Whenever that many saints came together, it was only a matter of time before someone started singing one of those old spirituals.
When they did, others joined in until everyone was singing. One of my favorites was “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”
Swing low, Sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
Swing low, Sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
As the Spirit began to flow, some clapped their hands, others stomped their feet. All the kids would grab straw off the wagons and throw it into the air.
An inexplicable excitement compelled everyone and everything breathing to participate in this time of jubilee! And, by the time we got to church, we had already been to “church!”
Please understand, I’m not saying that an outward display of what some term “physical gymnastics” is a true sign of worship.
However, I do believe that if the Spirit of the Lord is present, there will be visible responses as He moves on hearts and lives.
[image error]
When these sons and daughters of former slaves and their progeny began to worship, they were participants in the greatest event on planet earth – the Praise and Worship of the Lord.
The Gospel of John says, “. . . true worshippers shall worship him in spirit and in truth . . .” This they did to their fullest.
A Church service should never be geared to simply excite and stimulate the flesh. Conversely it should not feel like a stroll in a graveyard!
There must be balance, with emphasis always on allowing the Holy Spirit to have preeminence.
The Word says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
Sadly, this spontaneity (the moving and operation of he Spirit) is so lacking in worship services today.
We have become so adept at form and fashion worship (a disjointed mixture of flesh, flesh and more flesh) that true worship (which comes as the heart is broken before the Lord) is as scarce as the proverbial “hens” teeth.
When Ezekiel wrote,
“And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh,” he was describing a powerful flowing river that breathes life into whatever it touched!
If the river does not flow, the deacon cannot pray, the choir cannot sing, and the preacher cannot preach! Only the flowing river quenches the thirst and satisfies the soul.
My GrandMamma was a very orderly lady. Her clothes, her hats, and even the way she walked all bore these unique defining qualities.
Yet, when she worshipped the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, she displayed a youthfulness and vigor rivaling her years.
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
Excerpt from Chapter II - "Let's Go to Church!"
If memory serves me correctly, I was about five or six the first time I attended church with GrandMamma. The roads were mostly dirt, so we either walked or rode in wagons to and from church.
My most memorable part of the ride was the rhythmic sounds the chains made as they brushed against the leather collars around the mules’ necks.
Invariably, we would meet up with others along the road also headed to church.
Whenever that many saints came together, it was only a matter of time before someone started singing one of those old spirituals.
When they did, others joined in until everyone was singing. One of my favorites was “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”
Swing low, Sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
Swing low, Sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
As the Spirit began to flow, some clapped their hands, others stomped their feet. All the kids would grab straw off the wagons and throw it into the air.
An inexplicable excitement compelled everyone and everything breathing to participate in this time of jubilee! And, by the time we got to church, we had already been to “church!”
Please understand, I’m not saying that an outward display of what some term “physical gymnastics” is a true sign of worship.
However, I do believe that if the Spirit of the Lord is present, there will be visible responses as He moves on hearts and lives.
[image error]
When these sons and daughters of former slaves and their progeny began to worship, they were participants in the greatest event on planet earth – the Praise and Worship of the Lord.
The Gospel of John says, “. . . true worshippers shall worship him in spirit and in truth . . .” This they did to their fullest.
A Church service should never be geared to simply excite and stimulate the flesh. Conversely it should not feel like a stroll in a graveyard!
There must be balance, with emphasis always on allowing the Holy Spirit to have preeminence.
The Word says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
Sadly, this spontaneity (the moving and operation of he Spirit) is so lacking in worship services today.
We have become so adept at form and fashion worship (a disjointed mixture of flesh, flesh and more flesh) that true worship (which comes as the heart is broken before the Lord) is as scarce as the proverbial “hens” teeth.
When Ezekiel wrote,
“And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh,” he was describing a powerful flowing river that breathes life into whatever it touched!
If the river does not flow, the deacon cannot pray, the choir cannot sing, and the preacher cannot preach! Only the flowing river quenches the thirst and satisfies the soul.
My GrandMamma was a very orderly lady. Her clothes, her hats, and even the way she walked all bore these unique defining qualities.
Yet, when she worshipped the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, she displayed a youthfulness and vigor rivaling her years.
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
The Building of A Church
The Building of A Church
Excerpt from Chapter One, "That Little Old Country Church"
I was born in the late 50’s, so I grew up under the hippie, peace, “right on,” influences of the 60’s and 70’s.
Yet, thankfully, I had the fortune to attend a little country church strategically located between the cities of Egypt, Texas and Spanish Camp, Texas, named Camp Zion Baptist Church: one of the few churches that still preached a message of separation from these influences.
My sister recently told me the church had become a recognized historical landmark in the state of Texas.
I know many people worked hard for this recognition, and I am excited about the notoriety, however during those days; there was nothing unique or eye-catching about the building. In fact, if you drove by it, you would not have noticed anything unusual.
Our services were simple. The pastor, the late Reverend Elbert Hinton, talked about a Jesus that could do the impossible. Pastor Hinton was not a great orator, nor was there anything overly stunning about his demeanor.
[image error]
Yet he did have a story worth telling. He loved to talk about a God who could make something out of nothing and do it so well that you thought the nothing always was something!
In the winter, we used an old “pot-bellied” stove to heat the building. If I remember correctly, our combination pulpit and choir area was one of the first in our area.
The inside architecture of the church consisted of hard wood floors, wooden benches, and stained glass windows. This made it notoriously cold in the winter and hot in the summer.
On hot days, we kept the church cool by propping open the windows so a breeze could blow through. Many a time I remember watching the grown ups furiously fanning themselves with those familiar “funeral home” fans trying to keep cool.
I also am ashamed to admit this, but I learned at an early age the consequences of “acting up” in church. Southern women would correct you with a stare, a pinch, or a quiet yet firm, “Stop that.”
If none of those tactics worked, my Mama or GrandMamma would give me the, “You are going outside with me” look.
I knew an old-fashioned whipping lay in store if I continued my foolishness, yet, I persisted in my cantankerous ways.
Why? The Holy Spirit through King Solomon summed it up best, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
Excerpt from Chapter One, "That Little Old Country Church"
I was born in the late 50’s, so I grew up under the hippie, peace, “right on,” influences of the 60’s and 70’s.
Yet, thankfully, I had the fortune to attend a little country church strategically located between the cities of Egypt, Texas and Spanish Camp, Texas, named Camp Zion Baptist Church: one of the few churches that still preached a message of separation from these influences.
My sister recently told me the church had become a recognized historical landmark in the state of Texas.
I know many people worked hard for this recognition, and I am excited about the notoriety, however during those days; there was nothing unique or eye-catching about the building. In fact, if you drove by it, you would not have noticed anything unusual.
Our services were simple. The pastor, the late Reverend Elbert Hinton, talked about a Jesus that could do the impossible. Pastor Hinton was not a great orator, nor was there anything overly stunning about his demeanor.
[image error]
Yet he did have a story worth telling. He loved to talk about a God who could make something out of nothing and do it so well that you thought the nothing always was something!
In the winter, we used an old “pot-bellied” stove to heat the building. If I remember correctly, our combination pulpit and choir area was one of the first in our area.
The inside architecture of the church consisted of hard wood floors, wooden benches, and stained glass windows. This made it notoriously cold in the winter and hot in the summer.
On hot days, we kept the church cool by propping open the windows so a breeze could blow through. Many a time I remember watching the grown ups furiously fanning themselves with those familiar “funeral home” fans trying to keep cool.
I also am ashamed to admit this, but I learned at an early age the consequences of “acting up” in church. Southern women would correct you with a stare, a pinch, or a quiet yet firm, “Stop that.”
If none of those tactics worked, my Mama or GrandMamma would give me the, “You are going outside with me” look.
I knew an old-fashioned whipping lay in store if I continued my foolishness, yet, I persisted in my cantankerous ways.
Why? The Holy Spirit through King Solomon summed it up best, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
Are You Willing to Make a Stand for Truth?
The Building of A Church
Excerpt from Chapter II “Studying the Word of God”
Today (2 Oct 02) as I read our local newspaper, I came across a rather interesting article. It seems a fifth-grade English teacher had challenged his students to find a word composed entirely of consonants.
The article ended with a direct quote from the teacher that said, “…he doubted such a word existed.” Considering the challenge had stood uncontested for some 15 years, this only further enhanced the strength of his argument.
When you consider that literally thousands of students had passed through his class sidestepping the challenge, the situation becomes even more remarkable. And, for those who had considered, eventually they shrugged it off as a “no win” “why bother” situation.
Sadly, this same apathetic spirit also exists in the church. The consensus is, “People have no interest in Jesus, so why bother telling them.”
[image error]
How sad when we think so little of sin, heaven, hell, judgment or eternity that we use our limited and myopic [narrow] view of life as excuse for not sharing the Gospel.
Why is there so little faith, so negligible soul winning in the church today? Three reasons come to mind: Acceptance – We want everyone to like us. Non-Confrontational – We cringe at issues that challenge our way of life.
The consensus is we are to avoid issues dealing with Biblical truth, and Lack of Commitment – We love the easy “no strings” attached road of life.
Sadly, we surmise that it is more important to be a part of something, even if it is wrong, than be shunned by those we hold up as role models.
Thankfully, there are a few “David’s” and “Josiah’s” in every generation who are not afraid to take on issues – no matter the cost!
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
Excerpt from Chapter II “Studying the Word of God”
Today (2 Oct 02) as I read our local newspaper, I came across a rather interesting article. It seems a fifth-grade English teacher had challenged his students to find a word composed entirely of consonants.
The article ended with a direct quote from the teacher that said, “…he doubted such a word existed.” Considering the challenge had stood uncontested for some 15 years, this only further enhanced the strength of his argument.
When you consider that literally thousands of students had passed through his class sidestepping the challenge, the situation becomes even more remarkable. And, for those who had considered, eventually they shrugged it off as a “no win” “why bother” situation.
Sadly, this same apathetic spirit also exists in the church. The consensus is, “People have no interest in Jesus, so why bother telling them.”
[image error]
How sad when we think so little of sin, heaven, hell, judgment or eternity that we use our limited and myopic [narrow] view of life as excuse for not sharing the Gospel.
Why is there so little faith, so negligible soul winning in the church today? Three reasons come to mind: Acceptance – We want everyone to like us. Non-Confrontational – We cringe at issues that challenge our way of life.
The consensus is we are to avoid issues dealing with Biblical truth, and Lack of Commitment – We love the easy “no strings” attached road of life.
Sadly, we surmise that it is more important to be a part of something, even if it is wrong, than be shunned by those we hold up as role models.
Thankfully, there are a few “David’s” and “Josiah’s” in every generation who are not afraid to take on issues – no matter the cost!
Pilgrim Outreach Ministries Bookstore
What My Husband's Book Means to Me
The Building of A Church
Excerpt from Books Foreword
In The Building of A Church, my husband gives a behind the scenes glimpse into his life that few see. As private as he is, I know he would not have done this had not the Holy Spirit lead him in The Building of A Church this direction.
I may sound biased when I say this, but in spite of my husbands’ many accomplishments; I believe he remains one of the most down to earth persons that you will ever meet.
We have been together for almost 25 years, so I say this with insight built from our two decades plus together.
Building a church is not an easy task.
In fact, it is a lifelong commitment. While serving in the Navy, James often worked twelve to fifteen hours a day. Then on Wednesday’s and Friday’s he would drive about thirty miles to our church in Formia, Italy.
Once there he spent three to six hours ministering, teaching and preaching.
Having kept this exacting routine for the past 5 years, I wanted him to relax and enjoy some of the things he never had time to do before his retirement.
He however chose to spend this extra time with me, the children and of course in service to the Lord. I cannot fault him. This is precisely what the Lord called him to do. My responsibility is to love him, support him, and be the most faithful and understanding helpmate that I can.
With churches springing up all over the land, you may wonder if the end time revival Joel prophesied about in Chapters 2 and 3 of his book has begun. I believe revival has begun but not necessarily in the way you might think.
Yes, the Lord is definitely pouring out His Spirit, and yes, many souls are coming to the Lord, yet we also are witnessing the beginning of the great “falling away” Paul recorded in his letter to the Thessalonian church.
Although this in no way suggests that the enemy will stop,
hinder, or delay the plans of God, it does indicate that the Rapture of the Church is imminent!
Remember this; the enemy always works hardest counterfeiting the things of God when his time is short.
James and I have been involved in some form of ministry for the past 20 years (e.g., prayer groups, Bible studies, Youth ministry, taught Sunday school, served as Associate Pastor and even held church services in our home).
With so many prerequisites, I now understand how the Lord was graciously laying a foundation for the work we are doing today.
As you read this book, I ask that you remember two things: first, only Jesus Christ can build His church in your life. And, second, please realize your place in this eternal work.
Far too many people are doing things, trying things, and pursuing things that the Lord never told them to do for you to repeat their errors.
Pilgrim Outreach Ministris
Excerpt from Books Foreword
In The Building of A Church, my husband gives a behind the scenes glimpse into his life that few see. As private as he is, I know he would not have done this had not the Holy Spirit lead him in The Building of A Church this direction.
I may sound biased when I say this, but in spite of my husbands’ many accomplishments; I believe he remains one of the most down to earth persons that you will ever meet.
We have been together for almost 25 years, so I say this with insight built from our two decades plus together.
Building a church is not an easy task.
In fact, it is a lifelong commitment. While serving in the Navy, James often worked twelve to fifteen hours a day. Then on Wednesday’s and Friday’s he would drive about thirty miles to our church in Formia, Italy.
Once there he spent three to six hours ministering, teaching and preaching.
Having kept this exacting routine for the past 5 years, I wanted him to relax and enjoy some of the things he never had time to do before his retirement.
He however chose to spend this extra time with me, the children and of course in service to the Lord. I cannot fault him. This is precisely what the Lord called him to do. My responsibility is to love him, support him, and be the most faithful and understanding helpmate that I can.
With churches springing up all over the land, you may wonder if the end time revival Joel prophesied about in Chapters 2 and 3 of his book has begun. I believe revival has begun but not necessarily in the way you might think.
Yes, the Lord is definitely pouring out His Spirit, and yes, many souls are coming to the Lord, yet we also are witnessing the beginning of the great “falling away” Paul recorded in his letter to the Thessalonian church.
Although this in no way suggests that the enemy will stop,
hinder, or delay the plans of God, it does indicate that the Rapture of the Church is imminent!
Remember this; the enemy always works hardest counterfeiting the things of God when his time is short.
James and I have been involved in some form of ministry for the past 20 years (e.g., prayer groups, Bible studies, Youth ministry, taught Sunday school, served as Associate Pastor and even held church services in our home).
With so many prerequisites, I now understand how the Lord was graciously laying a foundation for the work we are doing today.
As you read this book, I ask that you remember two things: first, only Jesus Christ can build His church in your life. And, second, please realize your place in this eternal work.
Far too many people are doing things, trying things, and pursuing things that the Lord never told them to do for you to repeat their errors.
Pilgrim Outreach Ministris
