THE EDDIE LONG SCANDAL: IT LOOKS LIKE A DUCK AND QUACKS LIKE A DUCK

The Eddie Long scandal is a very disheartening one for many. There are but a few effective spiritual leaders that are getting through to the masses to the extent that people are changing their hearts, finding healing for their hurts, and ultimately changing their lives as a result of receiving the Word of God in a powerful, yet simplistic way. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Eddie Long was a prominent spiritual leader, highly esteemed, religiously sought-after, and wise in the pragmatic teachings of the Bible. His uncompromising, unadulterated, unwatered down approach to teaching the Bible is what acclaimed him as a no non-sense, Bible teaching, preaching man of God. So what happened?

The recent charges brought against Bishop Long in September 2010 by four adult males are very serious and also criminal in that it is being alleged that the sexual acts began when the young men were just teen-aged boys. What are we to believe? These allegations have divided many people across the nation and abroad, not just Christians since Eddie Long is an international public spiritual figure. Unfortunately, many Christians have gotten so caught up in this scandal that we have taken our eyes and hearts off of God and His Word and have focused upon what Bishop Long did or did not do. Of course everyone has their own convictional opinions and can justify why they feel the way they feel about this situation, but as Christians we have to always resort back to the Word and what it says. First and foremost, we must be careful about what is spoken out of our mouths when criticizing or condemning another because our own words will come back upon us.

Judge nothing before the time, before the Lord does come, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will manifest the counsel of the hearts. (1st Corinthians 4:5)

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:  Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. (Proverbs 24:17-19)

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)

BUT IT LOOKS LIKE A DUCK AND QUACKS LIKE A DUCK!

Yes it does, and we have always heard that if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then more than likely, it is a duck. Yes, I know what it looks like in the natural. Sometimes, what appears to look one way in the natural could have a totally different reality in the spirit realm. We as humans naturally rely upon what our eyes see and what our ears hear, but truth, like cream, always rises to the surface after it has run its course. Rumors about Eddie Long's sexually have been floating around for years. The rumors were more prevalent in the Atlanta area where the Bishop resides but they have nonetheless been out there for years. When you are doing the work of the Lord, you will be attacked spiritually and naturally. It is written in the Word: …in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33).

In the Bible, Joseph was accused of trying to rape Potiphar's wife and was put in jail for something he did not do, but God continued to bless Joseph, promote him, and ultimately vindicated him. Daniel was placed in the lion's den for praying to his God after the decree was set that no one should pray to any God other than the King's God. Daniel's heart was pure. God delivered him, blessed him, and promoted him. Jacob was pursued by his brother Esau for taking the birthright of the first born. God delivered him and made things right between him and his brother. All throughout the bible, when people were falsely accused, God eventually revealed the truth, vindicated them, and set things right. Perhaps he will do the same for Eddie Long if his heart is also pure and he is telling the truth, as these men were. However, we cannot do wrong then expect God to step in and make things right. Life is about cause and effect. Effect follows cause as night follows the day. God does not punish; His law does.  For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. (1st Peter 2:20). Let's review the facts:

·     Bishop Eddie Long has frequently and consistently preached against and denounced homosexual behavior. In fact, The ‘Atlanta Journal-Constitution' has referred to him as "homophobic" for his stance against same-sex partnerships.

·     He has ministered "homosexual cure" programs to recruit gays and lesbians for what he called "Sexual Reorientation" conferences and his church offers an ongoing ‘Out of the Wilderness'  ministry to help convert homosexuals into heterosexuals.

·     In September of 2010 four adult males accused long of sexually molesting them when they were teen-aged boys and into their adult hood. The claim was that Long placed the men on the church's payroll, bought them cars and gifts, and took them separately on trips to destinations such as Kenya, South Africa, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad, Honduras, New Zealand, and New York City. The lawsuits stated that Long would teach the Holy Scriptures to justify his sexual activity with the boys.

·     Long adamantly denied the allegations and is quoted as saying, "I have devoted my life to helping others and these false allegations hurt me deeply." He said that he was going to fight the case until the end:  "Like David, I have only five stones, and I haven't begun to throw the first one."

·     Documents indicate however, that instead of fighting, as Long said he would do, he settled the case for 25 million dollars. Dr. Boyce Watkins from ‘My Black World' states,(www.yourblackworld.com/2011/06/09/bishop-eddie-long-reportedly-paid-25-million-to-make-case-go-away)

What began as a $2 million agreement to settle the case for each of the four men quickly rose to $5.5 million for the respective plaintiffs, the source said, only because Long refused to publically admit guilt.

        The men are to divide $2.2 million equally and then receive $400,000 in payments until the money is paid out over the next 20 years, the source said. The final figure comes to $22 million for the four men and $2.8 million for the plaintiffs' attorneys.

        The church had already been paying these four young men $40,000 annually each before any charges were filed, the source said.

Those are the documented facts. Considering that we are talking about a man who is very vocal, extremely convictional, very outspoken about homosexuality, gay marriage, and men stepping up to take their rightful places as men in the homes, in society and in the church, doesn't it seem uncharacteristic for someone of his caliber not to defend himself with every fiber of his being, the very thing that he is so publicly and vehemently against but being accused of doing? There comes a time in life when you have to take a stand for what you believe in. If not, you will fall for anything. Some things are not worth fighting for, even when you know that your heart is pure and you are innocent, but some things are worth taking a stand for. One would think that Bishops Long's reputation, his image, his credibility, and his authenticity would be worth fighting for with every fiber of his being, but shockingly, he has not taken this stand, so what are people supposed to think?

There are religious leaders who have reached high spiritual altitudes in the heavenly realm and through their teaching and preaching have blessed the masses. As a result of this, many people have given their lives to Christ.  Since the Word says, Your gifts shall make room for you, these spiritual leaders are reaping the material and monetary benefits of using their gifts.  It has been said that Bishop Long is renowned for his extravagant lifestyle. He drives a Bentley, has a nine-bathroom mansion, drew millions of dollars in salary from his charities and ministries and enjoyed the benefits of traveling the world, conducting keynotes speeches, rubbing shoulders with presidents of the United States, mixing and mingling with superstars, popular rap artists and reputable actors and actresses and living the life of a King. However, when one gets so high on the pinnacle of success they are the most vulnerable to fall hard. Pride sneaks in bringing arrogance and a preeminent spirit that makes one think that they are gods in their own right. Unfortunately, people no longer come to worship the true and living God, they come to worship the other god. And because of this distorted thinking, the little god believes they are going to make it in the kingdom because of their mighty accomplishments for the kingdom, but fail to realize that, "The gifts and callings of God are without repentance." Meaning that they can be so caught up, obsessed with, and all engrossed in sin, but still manifest great things for the kingdom. What is the result of this? "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name cast out many devils and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Mathew 7:20-23).

DOES LOYALTY HAVE LIMITS?

Eddie Long has strong and loyal supporters, but how far will one go to prove their loyalty? To perdition? Yes, forgiveness is warranted for everyone, but how can you forgive someone for something they are denying they did? As members of church congregations, we must be very, very careful of who is speaking over us and what spirit they are walking in because what is on the head, will be on the body. If you have a head cold, your whole body will ache and feel the effects of the head. It is the same in the natural realm. If the head, the spiritual leader is sick, the whole body will feel the effects of it.

Crimes against children and the elderly are the worst crimes to commit in my personal opinion. Stealing their innocence by using spiritual authority and manipulating the Word of God to exploit them is very dangerous.  As we therefore have this ministry, let us walk in faith, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's consciousness in the sight of God. For if our gospel be hid, it is hid unto them that are lost, in whom the god of this world, has blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ should shine unto them. (2nd Corinthians 4:3) Are we spiritually blind?

One very prominent pastor, in defense of Eddie Long is quoted as saying, "If you're from that church . . .and you trying to join here, I don't want you to join here! You need to go and join where you are supposed to be. I don't want you here. That is my friend that is my brother in the Lord." How disheartening, cruel and not to mention unchristian-like for a spiritual leader to say to people who may have been bruised, betrayed and deceived. You are telling them that you don't care how they feel, you don't care if Bishop Long has perpetrated these crimes – even if it is the child of the person trying to join your church? All you care about is that he is your friend? Would you say that same thing to someone who was victimized in the exact manner that Bishop Long is being accused of, but the accuser wasn't your friend?  Would you have the same position if Bishop Long allegedly sexually molested YOUR OWN children?

By virtue of the words that this pastor spoke in defense of Eddie Long and against the members of his congregation that may leave to come to his church, he has set certain causes in motion that will manifest with exact precision to parallel what he has put out in the atmosphere. You pick up a live wire when you say such things, so expect a shock. Many people have been hurt as a result of these heinous accusations, starting first with the victims and this is the stance you take? Shameful!  It is sometimes better to keep quiet if what you have to say is not fruitful, life-giving, or encouraging - especially as a preacher! The victims: their manhood has been significantly challenged. Psychologically and mentally, they are understandably confused. The members of the congregation do not know what to truly believe or what to do for that matter and Bishop Long's family and friends are caught in the middle, let alone humiliated, disheartened and hurt. Let us not forget the mothers of the boys who trusted Bishop Long to provide fatherly male guidance they did not have. Speaking as a single mother of a soon-to-be teenage boy, I would be devastated to say the least if it were me who trusted this man to lead and guide my male son in the right direction and provide mentorship, but instead, he sexually abused my child. I would question my own judgment and decision making. Needless to-say, much healing has to take place on various levels and in so many directions.

PRIDE COMES BEFORE A FALL

Bishop Long has fallen. However, as long as the blood runs warm in his veins and there is still breath in his body, he can repent, be delivered, and get healed if he is guilty of what he is being charged with. But as long as he continues to act as though nothing has happened, refuses to address the situation honestly, and continue to embrace pride and arrogance, healing cannot and will not take place. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, these O God, You will not despise. (Ps. 51:17). Is Bishop Long's spirit broken? Is his heart contrite? Has his humility kicked in? Has he repented if he has done wrong? That is the only way that God can restore, heal and bless again.

When you hear stories of preachers, politicians  or other prominent leadership figures who have fallen from grace, it is not because of one thought acted upon. In those cases, the fall was only the finished product, the outworking, the end. The person allowed an impure thought to enter their mind. As it entered a second and third time, they welcomed it, fondled it, and entertained it. Each time the impure thought returned, it grew and became stronger until at last it attracted to itself the opportunity for it to manifest into action. That original perverted thought, which was nurtured and cultivated gradually undermined the person's character.   No-one  is  so strong that this cannot happen to them. Remember – YOU BECOME WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT! Everything acted upon always originates in the mind first. If you analyze every thought, you won't have to worry about the actions because if the thought is good, the actions will be good as well.

In closing, I want to say that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ and work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Before we condemn, let us consider the things that we have done that we hope no one finds out about. We have all sinned. What needs to be done in this case is sincere prayer for this man. If he is innocent, as he says he is, the truth will be revealed. If he is guilty of the charges, then let us pray that he and all who are involved find healing and deliverance. We must use discernment to determine the true essence of a thing. God will reveal the truth about a situation, person or circumstance when you seek Him for the answer. Truth, as cream, always rises to the top and is revealed.

Dr. Mia Y. Merritt

The Power of Words, Speech, & Conversation

The word that you release from your mouth determines your successes or failures. You must speak only what you want to see manifested in your life. To change the reality of your life, you must change the words that you speak on a daily basis, which makes your reality what it is. Your words contain the power to kill or heal, bless or curse, tear down or build up, create or destroy. Your conversation will expand as your consciousness expands. Your consciousness will expand as your conversation expands. Your everyday conversation reveals exactly what is in your mind, discloses what you are agreeing with, divulges what you believe in, and is therefore creating your reality.

You must take control of your mind and mouth! Who you are and what you think or feel is always revealed when you speak. Your life is shaped by the predominant thoughts you entertain and the words you speak. Your words shape your world and everything in it. Since you were created in the image of God and His spirit lives within you, then your words are of the same creative force as God's word. There is a power, an intelligence and a law that operates upon your word.

Your words are self-fulfilling prophecy. Be careful of what you think and speak because thoughts run in currents and what you think or say will attract back to you the physical equivalent containing the elements that made up the words you spoke. If thoughts were visible to the natural eye, you would see currents running to and from people that  their words and attitudes have placed them on. Everyone with the same nature of thought would be on the same current. Those with a high level of motivation and joy would be on the same current. Those with similar temperament and character would be on the same current. Those depressed and unhappy would be on the same current, those whose motives are to commit crimes would be on the same current. We would be able to see forces connecting those together with like mental states. Prentice Mulford, in his book Thoughts  are  Things states,  "When  you are in low spirits, you have acting on you the thought current coming from all others in low spirits. You are in oneness with the depressive order of thought".

When you speak of the attainment of your goals, you attract all the elements needed to help you accomplish those goals. When people talk of business or entrepreneurship, they attract a business current of idea, initiative, and plans. You attract what you speak about. When you change your belief system in thought, words, and emotional pattern, you change your whole body, you change your situations, and you change your reality. The more specific you are when speaking positive, the quicker the manifestation, the greater you feel, the more powerful the materialization. We decree our realities one word at a time. Definite statements produce definite results!

Looking Past Appearances

We   live  in  a  country  where  we initially accept or reject others based on their outward appearance. Physical appearances seem to take precedence over many things these days, including competence and skills. Much pressure is placed on beauty and weight that peer pressure among teenagers   and young adults to look like Barbie Dolls and Calvin Klein models is very prevalent. Many people are unhappy with some part of their physical appearance, and as a result of their dissatisfaction, they modify areas of their body in an effort to look better, feel better, and be accepted. Ideally,    we   should   be   content with   our appearance because God, in His wisdom, purpose, and creativity has made us each unique. Our life and all it entails should not be about physical appearance, because our spirit is so much deeper than mere looks.

Your physical body is only a shell that holds your spirit and the spirit of a person is what makes him or her who they are. There are beautiful spirits in this world, and if we took the time to look past the physical appearance, we would discover the most precious and powerful people in the world. When God looks at you, He looks beyond the appearance and directly into the heart. When Isaiah prophesized about the coming of Jesus, he said in Isaiah 53:2  "…and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him." Jesus was rejected because He looked like an ordinary man. There was no majestic or powerful supremacy emanating from His person. He   was   not wearing the   finest of garments,    nor   did   He   come wearing a crown of gold. Jesus Christ suffered the ultimate rejection. He was jeered, spat on, threatened, and finally put to death. Everywhere He went, He faced rejection. But man's view of Him never altered His focus. If the people knew God, they would have recognized Jesus by the spirit of God that was in Him. We judge the outer appearance way too much and often make critical, life-changing mistakes because of our superficial judgments.  

I am not saying that appearance does not matter. Your appearance does matter, and we should strive to look our best at all times because the appearance is the first basis for evaluation that other people have. People look at you, make a quick and often subconscious judgment,  and then treat you accordingly.  But most importantly, we should strive to display those precious attributes that have nothing to do with outer appearance. These   qualities can never be purchased. Love, humility, wisdom, integrity, compassion, understanding, and purity are but a few.

Coincidentally, when we display that kind of fruit, our outer appearance is reflected and the glory of God makes us beautiful and handsome. Do you want to be attractive? Put on the garments of praise, humility, grace, excellence, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As you begin to walk with God, you begin to walk in His nature. That image will project outward from the inward and people will begin to look past all outward appearance and love  you for who you have accepted yourself to be.

Gratitude

We don’t have to try hard to find things to complain about, but depending on how we choose to see life, we can see the good in every situation and if the truth be told, there is more to be grateful for than not. The many blessings that God has bestowed upon each of us are innumerable and to count them, would be to limit them, but our blessings are unlimited! The fact that you are reading this e-mail is testimony that you are blessed. Some people were here last year this very time of year, but have made their departure from this earth. YOU are still here. Therefore, this week’s topic is on GRATITUDE.

I am asking that you simply name one thing that you are grateful for. Certainly you can name more, but at least one. There is power in the written word. When written, your words continue to speak to the universe 24 hours a day 7 days a week, so put your gratitude to words.

The Power of Your Tongue

Why do we fail to realize that we have the power in our tongue to change our circumstances? God called forth the world into existence when He said, “Let there be…” We are made from the same essence of God and have the same power. We must learn to call things forth into our lives. Nothing leaves heaven until the command for it comes from earth. Therefore you must call forth peace, joy, health, wealth, power and blessings into your life. Fill your mental atmosphere with the heavenly spirits. The power is all in your tongue! Do you believe the report of the Lord? Leave your comment below.

The Art of Being Patient

We live in a microwave, fast-paced world. Everybody wants instant results and immediate solutions to concerns, but nature teaches that things take time. There are some things that just can not be rushed. Even when you know that you have been called to do a specific task, there is a season for when you are to step into the position. We must learn the art of patience. Many grow weary when their prayers are not answered fast enough and end up compromising and/or making the wrong choices.

While waiting for the manifestation of your desires, you must be patient, prayerful, and persistent in moving forward. Can you think of a time when you did not wait on God and moved out into the wrong decision? Please share by posting in the comment section and have a blessed day!  

It is amazing how the creative ingenuity within us will spring forth into action causing us to develop ideas for making money when we are desperate. When things tend to be going along too well, we really don’t put our creative forces to work. What do you think would happen if you begin using your natural gifts and talents every day in a creative way? The bible says that your gifts will make room for you, but you must first use your gifts. What gifts do you have that you are not using?

Childhood Memories

We must never underestimate the impact we have on children. My 2^nd grade teacher, Mrs. Ladd once told me that I was a special little girl. Those words remained with me all my life. On the flip side, there are adults who verbally abuse children, making them feel unworthy and less of a person. We must remember that children grow up and they do remember you and how you made them feel, so before you fix your mouth to curse out, belittle, or criticize a child, just remember that your worlds could sink so deep that they go into the subconsciousness and cause the child to believe what you say, and thus bring it about.

The same is true of positive words. So knowing this, let’s continue to uplift our children, calling them great, wonderful, smart, delightful and pleasant girls and boys of God. Trust me, they remember your words.

Please share your own childhood experiences or experiences that you have had with children.

Forgiveness Does Not Mean Reconciling

I am reading a book called Beauty for Ashes by Joyce Meyer. In the book, the author talks about how she was sexually molested by her biological father from the age of seven up until she was 17. When she told her mother about it at eight years old, her mother chose to believe the father when he denied it, but when the mother came home early one day and walked in on her husband having sex with the daughter at the age of 14, she simply shut the door and walked out.

She turned her back on her daughter and allowed the incest to continue.

I also heard a lady on the Dr. Empowerment Blog Talk Radio Show talk about how she had been gang raped by three men. Both of these victims of horrific crimes chose to forgive their perpetuators. It made me realize that forgiveness is a choice that has nothing at all to do with the one who hurt you, but everything to do with you. When we forgive, we bless ourselves, our physical health and mental well-being. Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. It does not mean acting as though nothing happened, but it does mean that we choose to give the situation to God without taking it back. We choose to not allow that bad situation to control us, dominate our minds, and/or cause guilt, shame, anger or bitterness. We choose to move on and release.

It is often difficult to forgive people when they have hurt us. It seems easier to just be angry with them. But we must realize that we are not hurting them because eventually, they forgive themselves whether you choose to forgive them or not. They go on and live their lives while we are still angry, causing our unforgiveness to turn to disease in our bodies.

Share your thoughts on forgiveness with our readers.

Causing Your Own Warfare

I once heard the following expression: “Every time I’ve been stabbed in the back, I find my own fingerprints on the knife!” In life we will experience good and bad, happiness and anger, sadness and joy, and failures and successes. It is all a part of life; but sometimes we cause our own problems with our mouth and our actions. Wisdom teaches how to act, what to say, and the right time to say it. So if you experience warfare as a result of something that YOU did or something that YOU said, don’t blame God and don’t blame the devil. Blame it on yourself. To be ill-mannered is to be unlearned and unwise. Ill manners are the outward expression of inward defects. Explain your thoughts to this.

Seasons

There is a season and a purpose to everything under the sun. We all have different seasons at different times. Some of you may be in your planting season and others may be in their reaping season. It is not difficult to discern your season. Tests, trials, tribulations and hardships come to us all, but they do pass always leave a lesson behind. Joy, victory, triumph and prosperity also comes into your life, but to pass away and leave room for something else as well. How you respond, react, speak, and behave in your season determines the degree to which you learn. Watch your thoughts, words and actions while in your season, because they determine the outcome. As you look over your life, what season are you in? Seasons of testing? Reaping? Planting? harvesting,? or blessings? How are you handling yourself during this season?

The Power of the Tongue

There is great power in the words we speak. When the spoken word is released from your mouth, they go out and manifest what you say with astounding accuracy. You must begin to expand your speech, and  when you expand your speech, you expand your world and all that is in it. Remember that death and life is in your tongue, so use your words to speak blessings, health, prosperity, and peace into your life.

The Bible says the we shall be accountable for every “idle” word we speak. How have you been using the power of your words lately?

Share your thoughts and feelings on the above question. Do you believe that with strong emotion, your conditions can change by the power of your words? Please share.

Emotional Baggage

Both men and women have endured negative experiences from past relationships that have caused pain, hurt and scars. Horrible things from childhood can also cause pain in adulthood. This history from the past is called Emotional Baggage and can sabotage future relationships, causing a person not to love, trust, or be loved. We must start recognizing patterns of behavior in us that causes our relationships to deteriorate. The way in which the situation is dealt with and the things that are said and done while dealing with an issue determines if it’s the baggage dictating the situation or not.

What suggestions can you give to help someone (or yourself) get through the pain and hurt of their past so they can move forward towards developing healthy relationships?

Are You Achieving Your Goals?

So many of us have these great goals and aspirations that we want to achieve. We can even see ourselves accomplishing great things, but month after month and year after year goes by and we have done nothing towards the manifestation of our goals. Have you written your goals down? Do you have an action plan for bringing them into fruition? Do you have the room in your consciousness to receive them when they arrive? The Word says write the vision and make it plain. EXPLAIN TO OUR READERS HOW YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOALS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.


Your gift shall make room for you, but you must express your gifts in the earth while you still have time!

Identifying Your God-given Gifts

Before you came to this earth, you were given a specific assignment by God to be accomplished on earth through the use of your God-given gifts. Your gifts will make you prosperous and bring success to you in a massive way! However, many are frustrated, claiming they don’t know what their gift/talent/ability is. It is often the thing that you can do all day and night and love it. It comes natural and easy for you.

If you know your gift, please explain how you discovered it. If you have not yet found your gift, share what you love to do and help us to help you through feedback in love.