Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Ashly Broussard
“Cash rules everything around me, dollar dollar bill y’all”, ( C.R.E.A.M. ) are the popular lyrics to a song by the Wu-Tang Clan. Then there’s the famous saying or quote “ money makes the world go round”.
The saints view of this should differentiate from the secular, but the saints have allowed the secular perspective to cause a worldly transformation inside the Church of Jesus Christ. Am I the only one that notices the urgent declarations from pastors around income tax season? The call isn’t for repentance, but rather more money. Were being taught that being obedient in paying tithes or giving contributions is and act or deed, that’s accepted from God, even if your hearts are not in the right place. Joel 2:13 says ,“ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love; and He relents from doing harm.”
Just recently I came from under a deception of being bribed into giving bigger tithes and offerings in order to expand a part of the church building, where I had fellowshipped. I remember my husband and I wanting to be anonymous in our giving, so we no longer put our names on the tithe and offering envelopes, but instead just threw money into what we thought was going towards the churches building fund, but since then it seems that particular pastor has become an affiliate of everything and has yet to use the money raised to build the project we were raising the money for. I’ve seen the pastor and first lady bring in a Gospel celebrity to perform, open up stores and even salons. All of which cost money.
Its sickening because this time last year, the entire church was involved in raising around $20,000. This was all under the angel of the house proclamation of it being from God. By the middle of the year, the end of tax season, the money raised for the building expansion no longer was being mentioned, but one of the worst things and what I believe to have been an abomination in God’s sight was them allowing a false prophetess to prophesy lies to God’s children. In the beginning of her performance she expressed to those seated in the pews how a woman at a gas station had asked her if she was going to perform. She told us her response to the woman was that she wasn’t apart of a show, but that’s exactly what it was, a spectacle. We were all drawn in when she gave us a story about God using her as a point of contact to deliver her sibling of cancer. Claiming to have supernatural power is one thing, but she then laid hands on a woman diagnosed with cancer and started doing some weird theatrical movements as though she felt the disease exiting that vessel. Then following that she opened up an umbrella at the altar and all the sheep ran and threw money into it. Instead of God’s sheep using discernment or waiting around to see the prophesy fulfilled, they were under the power of this delusional spirit that boldly dealt treacherously in Gods house. In the biblical days false prophets were killed. In fact Micah 3:11 says, “ Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money.”
The Word of God says in 1 Peter 4:18 that the righteous is scarcely saved. One of the worst things that has happened to the church of Jesus Christ is to become worldly rich, instead of spiritually. We as Christians have become overwhelmingly distracted by the deceitfulness of wealth, the word prosperity and gain. Paul spoke about this greed in 1 Timothy 6:5 that a time would come when people think that gain is godliness. The actual buildings have become more important than God, His Kingdom and sheep. Every church isn’t called to be a mega church. For those that God have called to be mega, should be viewed as a vast of souls belonging to God in those vicinities. Not as the pastor being so deep or real that he should be on TV and pastoring hundreds of thousands. Embarrassingly we feel as though were doing the Will of God in making the sanctuary look like something from a fairy tale, thus 50-75% of the congregation is living on some type of government assistance. This paradox has become the churches modus operandi in robbing God publicly. Christians are mocked because we place ourselves in mock-heroic situations. Jesus’ life clearly illustrates that He wasn’t even considered middle class. ( Luke 9:58 Jesus replied “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.)
The bible says Jesus carried the government on His back, yet were appearing on game shows to put on a spectacle for unbelievers? We are the temples of the Holy Spirit, yet we claim to be glorifying God by worshipping MAMMON; PUBLICLY. Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. For the LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR. The Bible clearly states that the LOVE of money is the root of all evil, yet we have compromised His Word, and have done everything the Bible says not to do, ALL FOR A LITTLE CASH. Justifying scriptures as though God would really make and exemption, or show partiality or favoritism for one individual. Acts 10:34 God is no respecter of persons. Matthew 21:13 “It is written My house shall be called a house of prayer’, but you are making it a den of robbers.
Excepting tithes and offerings during the services and afterwards having tables and chairs stationed right outside the sanctuary doors, selling CD’s to promote yourselves. If He was angry with buying and selling taking place in the courts of the sanctuary 2,000 + years ago, then most definitely, He would flip over tables and drive out those buying and selling in His house in 2016. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Acknowledging that we are Christians on TV game shows before and entire audience of unbelievers. Then dancing in the spirit, being slain, falling down and jumping around as though God had part in that. Yes, Proverbs 13:22 says that the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous. This doesn’t mean that we go out and make ourselves look ridiculously foolish to impress the world, so that they release their money to us. 2 Corinthians 6:14 What fellowship can light have with darkness? The reason a lot of Christians aren’t walking in victory in their finances is because were practicing trickery, bribery, extortion, lottery and casting lots. Were becoming weary in waiting on God, and more dependent on the things of the world. Seeing pastors engaging in deceitfulness and still following or investing in them, instead of making a bold stand by speaking up. Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied “ we must obey God rather than men. The world has dramatically transformed the church instead if it being vise versa.
Next, consulting psychics and using pendulums, is going to be permitted inside the same buildings we worship God. Do you really expect God to grant your hearts desires or enlarge your territories, and your not doing anything to distinguish you from the wicked? And why? Because their punishment have not been executed, so you think that you can get away with these crimes too? The fear of the Lord is to hate everything that is evil. Not compromise for a little paper because you don’t want to have to work. The Bible says to work with your hands. Psalms 90:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:11 If your flipping burgers, flip them with all of your heart, as if you were getting ready to serve Jesus a double-double or quarter ponder. Those of you in janitorial or maintenance, scrub those floors squeaky clean, wax them toilets, and shine those tables as though Jesus were coming into your work place today. Security officers and guards instead of staring into outer space, study your Word and show yourself approved. ( this is currently my occupation and I stay feasting on the Word ) Colossians 3:23 whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord not men. Then will the Lord make you most prosperous in all your work. Deuteronomy 30:9 God will do what He promised. He is not a man that He should lie, for He shall supply our every need. Not mammon, deal or no deal, wheel of fortune, price is right, lets make a deal or who wants to be a millionaire. If He wants to make you a millionaire to further His Kingdom, then He will make you a millionaire. But if its not His Will stop forcing it to happen. Maybe your and individual who every time gets a new job, career or mate, forgets The Lord. And by Him knowing this, He’s waiting for you to learn that He wants to be first in everything: your week, day, finances etc. Or maybe your and individual who hasn’t cared for or managed the little that He has blessed you with. And Him seeing that you are still irresponsible, He’s maturing you. There’s a reason those of us living paycheck to paycheck are in that predicament. But as our soul prospers everything else around us will prosper. Matthew 6;33 But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
What’s being preached is that money increase or financial increase means the Holy Spirit is with you. This is hypocrisy and financial exploitation. There are rich atheist, evolutionist and those belonging to the illuminati. But riches has become normal in the body of Christ and I don’t think Sheppard’s realize that they have become corrupted. And besides, seeking His hand is just too traditional for those that are on the pursuit of God. Especially if you can fathom it was His mouth that spoke life into existence, so His face is just as exuberant. Sure spending $10.00 on a slot machine that you can walk away $100,000.00 richer, would be and awesome gain, but I’m here to tell you the Bible says to work with your hands, not gamble or lottery. Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice. What happened to BE STILL AND WAIT ON THE LORD? Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man will be richly blessed , but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. And we wonder why we see so many sick among our bothers and sisters in Christ. Proverbs 1:19 such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it. That Strongman or that Spirit of Whoredoms ( love of money, gluttony, spirit soul or body prostitution ) is celebrated among believers. We jump, shout and run around the church building when the pastor says money is coming, but when Salvation is preached people get up and walk out. Why? Because they heard that message to many times before or they feel their saved so that message couldn’t be speaking to them. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
To many Saints of God are backsliding back into bondage of addiction to drugs, sleep, food and etc. because of the Spirit of BONDAGE, because of the Spirit of HEAVINESS, and because of the Spirit of WHOREDOMS. But I Love God to much to sit back and watch His people perish because of lack of knowledge. JESUS said in Matthew 23 that it is hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. If it had not been for The Holy Spirit opening my spiritual eyes to all of this, I would have still been the one who received the seed that fell among the thorns, and I would have still been worried about this life and the deceitfulness of wealth. Running to the church jumping around like and Tasmanian devil every time I heard a pastor mention the word MONEY. Then leaving feeling miserable because I wasn’t taught not to worry about this life. Or to look to The Author and Finisher of my fate to supply my every need. But because we have to seek the approval of others we need more money to change our fleshly appearance with bodily surgeries, and better or more expensive wardrobes. And now because were feeling good about ourselves were no longer content with our spouses. We need a bigger house and a more lavish car to go along with our new lifestyles. Saints of God, with greed comes misery. We heard and read how Judas after accepting the money to betray Jesus, he then threw the money into the temple and hang himself. There is not enough money in this world to buy Salvation or to save your soul. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath. Proverbs 15:16 says it is better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. We see preachers making headlines for being exposed for having sexual relations with members in their congregations.
The wives’ of pastors having to fight their husbands mistresses. Even how male pastors are engaging in homosexual relations with young men. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having wealth or possessions. Luke 12:48b For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. But when pastors are seeking bigger tithes and offerings, and 50-75% of the congregation is living on government assistance, while they chase after their dreams, this is evil. Its ok to ask for offerings to help expand the building or parking lot, but what’s a disgrace is when the members are out searching for help everywhere else, except the church because their unaware with what the church is really for. Acts 4:32 -36 talks about how believers shared their possessions and their was not a needy person among them. A pastor made a sermon directed to my husband and I, after we gave a woman in need the money she needed to move her and her children from where they lived. He stood in the pulpit the same day I handed her the envelope and said that we are to bring the money straight to the church and then they would distribute it. But from her statements, she had already gone to everybody for help and got denied. If on your way to church you see a homeless family walking the streets, and all you have in your wallet is tithes; do you really assume God would be angry with you from helping out someone in need, and not having money to place in a basket once you arrive to the building? The building is not the Church. You and I are the Church! See we’re being scared half to death and in fear that if we don’t give bigger offerings that what happened to Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 will happen to us. Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. Pastors are bragging about buying their 3rd, 4th, or 5th house, yet homeless saints of God are sitting in the pews crying their eyes out, because they don’t have a place to go. It’s a shame when members are afraid to reach out to the leaders and Sheppard’s to lend a help in hand, because of the fear of being rejected. Sheep are out there struggling to make ends meet, while we sit back and watch pastors self-indulge. But WOE to him who builds his realm by unjust gain to set his nest on high, to escape the clutches of ruin. The Bible teaches that people who hold onto their possessions are stingy, but God rewards generosity not stinginess. We are being taught to become fanatical in demanding God for what we want.( Like Jacob ) When was the last time you heard a pastor say “ Lord only if it is your will, or if it isn’t your will keep this cup far from me?)” Instead, its give me this, give me that. “ Yes I know I’m a sinner, and I haven’t truly submitted to your will, but until I reap the harvest I feel I deserve, I‘m going to continue doing things my way.’’ Boasting and bragging is the new Church trend. Altar calls sound like this “ Come on down to the altar if you want YOUR MONEY!”, “ What would life be without MONEY?” “ Today’s sermon is on THE MONEY GOD IS SENDING YOU.” “ Money, Money, Money.”
We don’t even go to church for deliverance and healing anymore. Do we even believe in healing and miracles anymore? We want the devil to flee from us but what don’t want to do the first part of that scripture which says “ submit to God”. 1 Timothy 6:6 Godliness with contentment is great gain. But we no longer want to walk by faith and trust God when we have needs. As it is written “the just shall live by faith.” ( Hab 2:4, Heb 10:38, Gal 3:11 ) All we want to know is what it means to have plenty. So we end up accepting bribes or bribing someone out of their possessions. A wake up call for me was when I had a dream of someone giving me $5,000.00. There’s nothing wrong with that right, especially if someone has it like that? It is better to give than receive. But the next day after waking up from that dream, the same guy who claimed to be a Christian tried to bribe me into paying him $50.00 so that he could give me a $ 3,000-5,000 credit loan to a furniture store. His exact words we’re, “ Christian or not… everybody’s hustle is the same”.
I would be a liar if I said I didn’t think about it. But I sinned against God by even thinking about committing such evil. And I remembered that JESUS was tempted 40 days and 40 nights, and not once did He give into temptation. But He resisted the devourer and right after that He walked right into His ministry. So I REPENTED. Then I went into Spiritual Warfare with Satan and his demons because I will practice what I preach. Then when I came across that lukewarm Christian again I proudly told him, secular and saints hustle isn’t the same. There are those of us that follow The Way, and there are those of you that are perverse and are trying to get in thru another way, but Jesus is The Way, The truth, and The life and no man gets to the Father accept by Him. Saints of God if we try and rush God for our blessings, we will end up with and Ishmael just like Abraham and Sarah. All God needs is a yielded vessel. Some one who will do what the Word says, not merely, but with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. Please I’m urging you to chase after Him and His righteousness, not money. Seek justice Saints of God. Don’t be a willing party to the death of your brothers/sisters in Christ. SPEAK UP ! Stop being cowards. Yes the wolves in sheep’s clothing will come after us, but stand firm in your faith and do not waver from The Word of God. Don’t fear what man can do to your flesh but, rather what God will do to your soul. If I would have accepted that bribe, this wide door of opportunity would have never opened up for effective work. But, I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things thru Him who strengthens me. And the same God I serve will meet all the needs of the readers that are blessed by this article, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To Our God and Father be the glory forever and ever Amen.
