From: The Pastor’s Heart
To: You
Yesterday we (music lovers), lost a giant of an entertainer and innovator. Those in my age
bracket will surely remember the first time you saw or heard Prince and wondered who
was this coming forward into the music world. It was around the same time that MTV
birthed onto the scene and introduced to us artist from all over the globe in their most
electrifying performances. People of all ages and nationalities gave their views about
where to place Prince in line in terms of musical genius of all time and depending on who
you asked would determine the diverse answer you would receive. One thing, however,
that we all agreed and agree upon is that Prince was different.
Being different at times may make things difficult because you don’t fit in to the opinions
and ideologies of others, but different certainly doesn’t have to mean bad or negative. The
Apostle Paul told us to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of our minds.” That signified that we should not take on the mannerisms and
caricatures of the world in which we live, but rather we should operate in a vein that’s
unique from the philosophy of secular society.
Jesus came to this world teaching us to be different. He would say things like, “If a man
strike you on one side of the cheek, turn to him the other.” And, “pray for those who
despitefully abuse you and say all manner of evil against you.” He told us to “forgive
those who trespassed against us,” and to “give seven times seventy times.”
Being different as a believer doesn’t mean that you are excluded from being wronged, it’s
that you choose to respond to wrong in a Godly RIGHT manner. You live to please God
above living to please self and doing this reaps rewards on your life that are not only
immeasurable, but unremovable. The grace that is given to you when you live in this
earthen kingdom but respond as your heavenly Father instructed from His kingdom is
enormous. The weight of glory that comes upon your far exceeds that of the weight of
affliction.
As I continue to pour into you about Reclaiming the FIRE, it’s not only about doing
ministry at a higher level and upon a greater standard of excellence, but it’s even more
about reigniting the burning passion in your heart to live a lifestyle that’s patterned after
the life of Christ. It’s about loving God and His ways above loving yourself and your ways.
It’s about defending the name of the Lord more than you fight to defend your name. The
light of the Savior is available to shine through us daily, but we must be committed to
walking in the will of the Lord in order for that light to have a place where which it can
shine.
EVERYTHING WE DO MOVING FORWARD WILL BE INTENTIONAL AND DRIVEN WITH
PURPOSE TO REPRESENT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE BEST POSSIBLE LIGHT!
NOTHING WILL BE DONE WITH ENERGY LESS THAN OUR BEST AND EFFORT BELOW
OUR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL.
OUR SERVICE IS LOCAL, BUT OUR REACH IS GLOBAL – SO WE CANNOT REDUCE OUR
PRESENTATION DOWN TO WHAT’S CONVENIENT, BUT RATHER WE MUST RAISE IT TO
THAT WHICH IS EXPLOSIVE!
Get ready for major change that’s coming systematically, intellectually, purposefully, and
professionally. Nothing we do moving forward will be done haphazardly, sloppily, poorly,
or carnally.
We Are the LIGHT!
Sincerely,
Pastor J.E. Chandler, Sr.
(CEO/Pastor of MLCM)