From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Empowerment
By Pastor Allen
Mar 1, 2010 - 4:18:05 PM
As I’ve stated before; we’ve perfected the art of riding the waves of
words without dissecting and understanding fully the meaning thereof.
Therefore no matter how we try to eloquently politicize or spiritualize
a word; the scripture (Hosea.4:6) always meets us at the front door as
our ignorance shines forth like the morning sun.
The
national word of today is Empowerment. It seems as if no matter what
arena or gathering one goes into; the word empowerment is somewhat the
thrust of the conference or meeting. As the scriptures are being
fulfilled everyday before our eyes; people from all walks of life can
be heard crying out in various ways for spiritual, emotional,
financial, or psychological help, yet to no avail.
This leads me
to conclude that despite all of the rhetoric about empowerment for the
most path; that 95% of the people who are talking about empowerment
have a preconceived, distorted, unclear view of empowerment itself.
The following statement can be often heard over the air waves and
throughout our communities “The Government needs to do more to empower
its people”
I would double dog dare
you to ask those who are echoing empowerment to expound on their
meaning of empowerment? To make a long story short; empowerment to
many is creating employment opportunities or some kind of hand outs to
the needy. Listen! By no means am I knocking the creation of
employment opportunities and assisting the needy; for this in itself is
good also.
Follow me for a few moments as I
paint the picture of that which I’m saying; and if you’re honest, you
know that what I am saying is the truth.
Here’s the Webster Dictionary definition of empowerment: (1) to give authority or power, and (2) to enable.
Where
do you think Mr. Webster got his definition of empowerment? Being the
religious people that we are does Webster’s definition sounds
familiar?
Watch this! Speaking of Yeshuwa Messiah (a.k.a. Jesus the Christ) here’s what the scripture says.
Luke.9:1.
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and
authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
: 2. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
:
3. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither
staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats
apiece.
This word power in the Greek is: dunamis, doo'-nam-is; which means (1) ability, and (2) the abundance of strength and might.
The
word authority in the Greek is: exousia, ex-oo-see'-ah; which also have
several meanings as follows: (1) force, (2) capacity, (3) competency,
(4) freedom, (5) mastery, (6) magistrate, (7) potentate, (8) token of
control, (9) delegated influence, and (10) jurisdiction.
As a
people / nation, we’ve become so comfortable with mediocrity in that,
even in our cry of empowerment; we will settle for being the recipients
of a weekly or monthly pay-check or charitable hand outs. The two most
influential systems of the world (Political and Religious) has not been
establish to empower the masses of people; but rather to govern and
keep the masses looking too, and depending upon their leaders for
answers and support.
Do
yourself a favor and follow the trail of authority in this country;
maybe then you will get some idea of that which I’m speaking. Because,
true empowerment calls for the denying of one’s self and the
preferring, the advancement and the substantial welfare of others above
self.
Now, check your list / trail of authority figures and see who
are denying themselves so that you or others can succeed? How about
your honorable member of parliament, or better still; how about your
anointed religious leader?
Again, the leaders of the systems
(Political and Religious) fully embraces the lyrics of the Great Ronnie
Butler’s song “I know them long time, them people they’re mine” for the
politicians are fully aware of the fact that the grassroots have been
well trained and conditioned to received political rhetoric and futile
promises.
Likewise, the religious leaders knows that the people
are trenched in tradition and religion; and its only a matter of
opening a bible and quoting a few scriptures to move their agenda and
their people in a desired direction.
True empowerment comes from
Father Yahweh through the obedience of His word from which man has
taken and twisted to form their various religions thereby financially
and materially empowering themselves.
In speaking to a people
here’s what Yahweh says: Deut.8:18. But thou shalt remember the LORD
thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may
establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this
day.
People,
wake up! The empowerment that your spirit man knows that you’re
entitled to through a covenant relationship will never be obtained in
religion. This empowerment can’t be found at political rallies or
religious conferences, but rather it is found in getting back to basic
studying and obedience to God’s word. Again, there’s always much more
to say, but this ought to be enough to cause you to get up and do the
right things for your children‘s children sake.
May the FOG (Favor of God) be with you
For questions or comments contact us via E-mail:pastormallen@yahoo.com or kmfci@live.com or Ph.1-242-441-2021
Pastors Matthew & Brendalee Allen
Kingdom Minded Fellowship Center Int’l
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