From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
A Perishing People
By Pastor Allen
Oct 5, 2010 - 3:10:07 PM
I thought that it would be appropriate for me to include various
translations of the bible with reference to this most quoted scripture
by the religious mind-set throughout the Bahamas.
With this in
mind, I’m honored to know that there are leaders in our society (mostly
religious leaders) who take offense to that which God has inspired me
to write. My response to every facet of leadership is this: “Who the
cap fit, let them wear it”
KJV:
Prov.29:18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
NLT:
Prov.29:18. When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is happy.
NASB:
Prov.29:18. Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.
NIV:
Prov.29:18. Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.
The Message:
Prov.29:18. If people can’t see what God is doing,
they stumble all over themselves. But when they attend to what He
reveals, they are most blessed.
AMP:
Prov.29:18. Where there is
no vision [redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who
keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]—blesses (happy,
fortunate, and enviable) is he.
Here’s what Prov.29:18. Doesn’t say “Where there is no vision the
leaders perish” No, but rather it’s the people who perish.
Church
leaders should have a God given vision for the congregation they’re
leading; but to the contrary when ask about their vision, 80 - 90 % of
today’s religious leaders vision centered primarily around some
structure they feel led to erect for God.
What these leaders are calling visions are nothing more than building
projects that requires the assistance / involvement of people; which
will ultimately belongs to the leaders and their heirs.
Whereas
true vision (redemptive revelation of God) is always about the
uplifting of a people and not the erecting of buildings / sanctuaries.
Likewise , every man should have a Godly vision for his household;
so that he would not be distracted or dismayed if and when the
religious leader whom he and his family have submitted themselves too
fails to carry out or deviates from the corporate vision.
Despite the bad road or decision a people might make at times; a Godly
leader with vision has no problem with casting that vision before the
people.
Watch this !
Joshua.24:
15. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this
day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that
were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in
whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua,
had to admonish the people who had forgotten their God and had lost
their vision; in other words here‘s what Joshua said: “you religious
folks can do, what you want; but as for me and my house, here’s what
we’re going to do; we will serve the Lord.
One man (especially a leader) with a Godly vision can save an
entire nation; as God will show Himself strong on the behalf of His
faithful servant. And contrary to popular religious beliefs and
thinking; this Godly man doesn’t have to be an educated / seminary
graduate who knows the bible from Genesis to Revelation.
The
fact and truth is: We’ve got lots of educated, religious leaders today
who know the word of God; but not the God of the word. This is one of
the many reasons why our churches are so powerless spiritually and are
people are perishing
In Genesis chapter 40, a Godly man of vision saved nations; and
this was not done from the position of a Bishop or from his Pastoral
Office; but from prison. Just as God used Joseph to bring relief and
supplies to His people, He wants to do the same for His people in the
Bahamas; but the vision-less leaders are blinded by politics and
religion, therefore the people are perishing.
Here’s the sad twofold state of the beautiful Bahamas with vision-less leaders:
(1) Today’s Politicians are really not interested in the welfare / empowerment of the people; for they are
politicians, and not Statesmen.
(2)
The Religious leaders have perfected the art of manipulation as they’re
skillfully / deceitfully using the word of God to fleece the people for
their personal financial gain.
Politics & Religion: The Right & Left hand of the devil
O FOOLISH Bahamians who hath bewitched you?
Pastors Matthew & Brendalee Allen
Kingdom Minded Fellowship Center Int’l,
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