I met another lost sheep in the seeming care
Of a hunter called a pastor: once upon a time
This sheep and I shared the Shepherd’s pen.
This lost sheep was once a good sheep
Now its style is shocking, arrogant
“How can you speak thus?” I queried,
Concerned, “What have you been fed?”
“Prosperity!” it boasted, “Take it! Take it!
It’s all Yours! Believe it! Claim it! Take it!
Now!” It looked fat, it seemed rich
Yet it had the leanest heart I ever saw
And though it boasted gifts and mysteries
Yet it had the meanest aims I ever knew:
And I felt such overwhelming sorrow
Much more than I felt for my weariness
For a lost sheep in the hunter’s fold.

Food For Thought: I read about the changes made in a particular version of the Bible and it was amazing to be faced by the fact that man will stop at nothing to serve his agenda. The reverence around the Word of God is on such decline that men are going beyond selective obedience. It is no longer about twisting interpretations of Scriptures, cooking up themes and memes that have a bit of the word and a lot of the world. They are not just stopping at tweaking sections and intentions of Scriptures to suit their aims. It is going as far as adjusting, deleting, and adding to it. Why? Because we don’t like an aspect and we don’t want to be held accountable in that regard. Not only that, we don’t want to leave it there lest it bug our conscience that we are missing a part. By taking it out, we don’t have to see it and be made to feel guilty for something we despise even if it is right. No, it is no longer about truth and right: it’s about if we like it or not; if we accept it or not. If we don’t like it then it shouldn’t be there. Why not go write your own that says what you want to hear? Why tamper with this history whose origin is way beyond you and your whimsical wishes? What about others who value that old thing you hate? How can life be about you and your desire today that is bound to change tomorrow? If everyone arms up and changes things like you are wont to, nothing will escape this transcendent madness. This is the same attitude generating hate and ruining the world today: my way or no way at all. If you don’t agree with me then you are against me. Why can’t we agree to disagree, savor our opinions and let others enjoy theirs? Why must I bend them to go my way, do my will, irrespective of theirs? We want to be free to live as we please but we want that of others taken away and added to ours: what manner of life is this? Our level of intolerance to anything contrary to what we’d rather believe can no longer be hidden or managed. We tout unity and diversity yet we cannot stand anything outside our chosen spheres of interest. And many of those championing these intolerance and rebellion are leaders, what is the fate of their followers?

Scripture: Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4: 1.

Prayer: Dear Lord, there are many who went out to seek you but today are caught in the traps of evil men, posing as shepherds: please deliver them and deliver us from evil ones, amen.