Who's In Charge of HIS Church?

The World of Catholicism has now selected their 266th Leader - call 'The Pope'.  They use a term "Vicar of Christ" to describe this position.  By definition, the word "vicar" means a representative or deputy.  I am not writing today to in any way disparage the current Pope from Venezuela.  There are a lot of people expecting this man to be a positive role model for the Roman Catholic church -- to lead them past the scandals, both sexual and financial.

I'm writing this post today to talk about the real question:  "Who's in Charge of HIS Church?

I'm not referring to a denomination or even whether it's Catholic or Protestant.  I'm referring to HIS church -- the one that Jesus Christ died on the cross to birth -- the church HE said that HE would build, "and the gates of hell cannot prevail against."  I'm referring to the Kingdom Church!

The "Church" by definition is the "ecclesia" (Greek word) which means "the called out ones.".  It's not a word used for a building, a local group, or a denomination -- but an organism made up of people  - worldwide and across all boundaries.  We know that the "ecclesia" shows up, especially in America, as local 'churches' (referring to congregations and buildings), denominations (Catholic, Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, etc.).  In each of these uses of the word, we're dealing with PEOPLE --- somebody is "in charge" of the local group -- the state group -- the national group.  What is so sad is when the emphasis is more on the local 'in charge person' instead of  the Kingdom.

The word "Kingdom" means -- the domain of the King.  We celebrate each year during Easter - the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  HE did all that to birth a KINGDOM -- not a religion.  Please note that in a Kingdom -- the KING is the main player -- the King is not elected or reelected by any man - the King's word is binding -- and the King takes care of his subjects (people who live in his Kingdom).   So now, think with me --- if the KING is in charge and HIS word is binding, then what place does all this other bureaucratic stuff have in the Kingdom?

The word "religion" refers to something made by man -- ordered and administered by man -- and is very capricious.  Man's opinion rules in religions, and it is subject to change (sometimes as quickly as the weather changes).  Religion favors a political edge, especially in America with our democratic mode of government.  For all the good the United States has done over the years in missionary efforts and charitable works, the one terrible thing we have imported is our "democratic religion" -- "of the people, by the people, and for the people"  

What is the difference between Religion and Kingdom --- a world of difference.  In the Kingdom, Jesus Christ is the HEAD -- unquestionably and peerless.  His Word is our command - His Will is our purpose -- and in the words of John the Baptist..."HE must increase and I decrease".

Guess what -- in religion, I count -- my voice is important -- my wishes need attention.  In the Kingdom, NONE of that matters!!

We witness daily the demise of local congregations, where leaders who are so heady, fight, split, cause strife -- all in the name of our Resurrected Lord.  This should never happen.

Listen Pastors -- it's not your church - it is HIS church!  Listen Deacons and Lay Leaders -- it's not about you!  It's not your Kingdom -- it's not your "church"!  You have no right to dictate anything -- it's your privilege to obey HIM and follow HIS Word in all matters.

When our Religion finally becomes His Kingdom, and HE is truly LORD of HIS Church -- then we won't worry about the "smoke signals" from the Vatican Chapel -- we won't worry about the latest "Board Meeting" -- the latest congregational vote- or the latest visit from the Bishop! NO, we will only be concerned about finding His will and purpose -- and fulfilling that Great Commission to go all over the world to make disciples of His Kingdom.

What do you think?

PRAY FOR KENYA'S ELECTIONS

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2013

Raila Odinga

Many of you know of my interest in the nation of Kenya -- having traveled to that country in East Africa, and having ministered there many times of the past two years.  I am appealing to all my Blog readers and friends on Facebook, to join me this weekend in earnest prayer for the people of Kenya, as they will go to the polls on Monday, March 4, 2013, to elect their next President and other leaders, including Governors, senators, county representatives, and members of Parliament. 

 There is a special reason for my asking for your prayers.  Last Presidential election led to such violence that over one-thousand people died.  The disruption was only stopped with the International community stepped in, and a power-sharing government was established between the top two candidates, Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga  (they became President and Prime Minister respectively).  It has taken all these four years to "calm the waters" of the nation.  The people of Kenya do not want another violent election.

Uhuru Kenyatta

Unlike the USA, where we usually have just two candidates from two parties (sometimes a third party candidate runs) -- there are many parties in Kenya.  They form alliances together to unite.  This will be the first election under the newly adopted Constitution (adopted in 2010).  There are eight candidates for President.  These include:  Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta, Martha Karua, Peter Kenneth, James Ole Kiyapi, Paul Muite, Musalia Mudavadi, and Mohamed Abduba Dida.

According to the recent opinion polls coming out of Kenya, the top two Candidates and their running mates are:  Raila Odinga/Kalonzo Musyoka (current prime minister and vice president - the CORD alliance); Uhuru Kenyatta/William Ruto (son of Kenya's first president, and former minister of agriculture and higher education).

Kalonzo Musyoka

William Ruto

Under the new Constitution, a candidate must get 50% plus 1 of the national vote PLUS at least 25% of the votes in half of Kenya's 47 counties.  If no clear winner on March 4th, there will be a second round of voting scheduled for April 11.  There are reported to be 14.3 million registered voters in the nation.

Tribalism is an issue in the political arena of Kenya.  Odinga is of the Luo tribe, and Kenyatta depends on the Kikuyu tribe.  Land is a big issue this year.  Kenyatta's family is reported to own over 1/2 million acres of land in Kenya.  Many in the nation don't own any land.

Fall out from last election hangs over this election.  Odinga was part of the dispute last time.  Kenyatta has had to answer charges from the International Criminal Court on his role in the violence following that last election where over 1,000 Kenyan's died.

Now you see why I am calling for PRAYER for Kenya NOW.  Pray for God's direction for their leadership, and most of all, PRAY FOR PEACE!

I met last year a fine Baptist missionary lady who barely escaped Kenya with her life in 2007 following that election and the violence.  I have communicated with many Kenyan pastors, and they are ALL praying for PEACE.

Will you take a few minutes and pray before Monday for the Peace of God to rule in Kenya?

Thank you!

Your Favorite god

I received in the mail the other day, some catalogs from publishing companies.  I am used to receiving these, as I have ordered products from them in the past as a Senior Pastor.  Tucked inside the calendars was a small booklet, which was actually the introduction and first chapter of a new book, written by Kyle Idleman from Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY.  I was intrigued by the title "gods at war"  - so I read it.

Kyle made a statement that hit me, like a seed implanted in my spirit.  He said, "The Bible's paradigm is absolutely different.  When we hear God say, 'You shall have no other gods before,' we think of it as a hierarchy; that is, God is always in first place. But there are no 'places.'  God isn't interested in competing against others or being first among many.  God will not be part of any hierarchy."

Wow!  As I have been praying and thinking, here's what I heard the Holy Spirit say:

"I do not want to be your favorite god!"

When God gave the Ten Commandments (the statement about "no other gods" was the first commandment given), the people has just come from being in Egypt.  That land was full of gods, everywhere.  Now, THE GOD says NO gods but ME!

Are we any different today?  Don't we see thousands of gods everywhere in our society.  Remember that an "idol" by definition is "something worshipped".  People worship their jobs - their cars - their houses - their kids - their position - their status - themselves (look at the fashion industry).  Humanism and hedonism is rampant today in the world. Some, even in the church world, worship styles of music, formats of services - programs -  even worshipping worship. 

We worship musical "stars" - movie "stars" - TV "stars"  -- by the fact we call them "stars" means we are elevating them to a status to be worshipped. We even have a popular musical talent TV show called "American Idol" -- Wow!

Remember - anything that you value or place before (actually means, "in the presence of") GOD, is your idol.  What do you worship today?  What is so important to you today that you could not walk away from it?  What stands "in the presence" of GOD today?  HE said - "no gods in my presence'.

I heard HIM say .... "I do not want to be your favorite god....I AM GOD all by myself"

2013 The Year of Jericho Victory

Ruins of Old City Walls of Jericho


The New Year has come!

I remember when people were frightened about Y2K -- the year 2000.  Many predicted that the world would end or the computers would crash resulting in mass chaos, etc.

Then there was the Mayans of 2012 -- the world would end, because their calendar said so....

As I reflected upon this new year, I was reminded of the city of Jericho.  In the Bible this was the first city of conquest for the children of Israel, who were returning to their land after having been in Egyptian bondage for many years.

This city was a walled city - a place that no one had been able to conquer until this group of Israelites marched across the Red Sea on dry ground, and had journeyed for 40 years around and around in the desert.  All the "unbelieving and doubting" ones had died, a whole generation of them.  Now the younger generation had grown up, tired of walking in circles.  Under the leadership of the apprentice of Moses, Joshua, they now were ready to take possession of what had been promised to them by God.  But Jericho stood in the way!

God gave them HIS instructions.  March around the walled city once a day for six days.  On the seventh day they were to march around the walls seven times.  What was most unique about this battle plan -- they had to be quiet for all those trips around the walled city, until sometime during that last trip around the walls - round 13.

On the seventh day - the seventh trip around that day (the 13th total trip around), when the trumpets blasted the people were commanded to SHOUT!  When they did, the walls of the city collapsed, and the people took the city. [Look at the photo above ... the archaeological 'digs' show us the walls that fell down, never to be rebuilt again]

I heard the Lord speak to me that there are many walls that we, God's people, have been walking around .... walls of opposition ... walls of sickness ... walls of stress ... walls of lack ....walls of unemployment .... walls of financial burdens .... walls of demonic oppression ... walls of disease .... walls of lack of spiritual power.  This year 2013 --- the 13th year of this new millennium - is our year to SHOUT -- OUR YEAR TO DECREE AND DECLARE A YEAR OF VICTORY!

I believe that the walls are going to come down in 2013!

Get ready to SHOUT!  Get ready for VICTORY in 2013!

Do you believe it?

Pray for America

It's that time again .... election time.  Every four years in the USA, we are called upon as citizens to select our leaders (the President and Vice President).  At the same time, we will be electing Congressmen and Senators, Governors and a host of other civic leaders.  Ballot initiatives will be decided too.
It's important that we do our part.   As a Christian and a citizen, we are obligated to do what Jesus said to do:
"Render to Caesar -- and to God" -- I know HE was speaking in reference to paying taxes, but I believe it applies to our duty to Vote.  The choice is ours to make. 

 Our nation is at a crossroads - this is a critical decision.  Our economy is deeply in trouble -- unemployment is at record highs -- people are hurting and losing hope that anything will change for the better.  The world is a dangerous place, with people who hate America doing all they can to destroy us.  Israel is in the cross hairs of their enemies as well.  We badly need the right choice for our leader.

Paul told Timothy what God expects us to do:

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. 
(II Timothy 2:1-3 in the Message)


I've heard some people say that they didn't think their vote counts, so why vote?  I believe that to NOT vote is a vote, and NOT the answer.  Every vote counts.

It's our duty to PRAY and to VOTE.  I plan to do my part and trust God for the results to be right! I plan to pray for our leaders too that God will guide them into the future, and that they will honor Him in every thing they say and do.  Will you join me?

What do you think?  What do you plan to do?

The Future of Kenya

Look into the eyes of these children
and you will see the future of the
nation of Kenya.

Are these the elite of Kenya?
Are these the important people
of Kenya?

NO

They are the poor children, who
are presently growing up in the
garbage dump of the city of
Nakuru.

Look at the photos closely!  See
and feel the pathos of the moment!

Recently, while ministering in Nakuru, Kenya -- our ICCL team spent time with these "little ones".

We brought food, clothes, shoes, toys ....of yes....you should have seen the face of these kids when given a toy or a piece of candy....you would have thought that they had received a million dollars!  Watching their response was "priceless"!

Jesus said concerning the children:
"of such is the kingdom of heaven"

HE was talking about their innocence  and their child-like faith.
We have to come to God like these !

God moved upon the hearts of the Pastor and members of his church team from Cross Point church in Paola, KS to sponsor 80 of these children for one year.  This month these children are going to a boarding school, where they will be fed, clothed, educated, and taken "out of the dump".  The future of these children is much brighter today, than it was a few weeks ago!

There are many more children we want to help "rescue" -- for only $10 per month we can place a child in a school and lift them out of the cycle of poverty and death.  Who couldn't give that much to insure the future of a nation?

If YOU would like to help, contact us ASAP.  We can make this happen!  I hope you realize that "whatever you make happen for another, God will make happen for you!"

Click on my Web site link below, or go to the ICCL web site,  and contact us.  Let's change a nation, one child at a time!

Don Railey Ministries           ICCL

MIRACLES IN KENYA

6250 ADDED TO THE KINGDOM

Our team just returned a few days ago from the nation of Kenya -- where 6250 people were "born again" and entered the Kingdom of God --- as the Scripture says, "translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light!"  Over 900 of those saved were in the men's and women's prisons there in Nakuru (third largest city in Kenya).  Over 450 of those were led to Christ during our team's street ministry.

We also saw the mighty power of God working in healing and miracles -- several laid down their crutches (healed) -- one little 8 or 9 year old girl who had never walked before in her life, walked across the stage healed by the power of God -- another lady had both her ears healed (from deafness to hearing the Good News) -- backs and legs were healed -- wow!  Too many to tell!

The ongoing story is that starting soon in both the Men's and Women's Prisons -- we will be conducting a Bible School -- training these former criminals to preach and teach the Word of God!  Can you say Praise the Lord!   We had hundreds of prisons ready to be baptized in water -- we only had time to baptize 50 of them .... the chaplains will continue to baptize them!  God is moving in the prisons in Kenya!  God has opened a door, and the time is NOW to walk through that door.

We'll be back in Kenya in November to have another class of the Bible School for the Maasai tribe. God is moving in the Maasai tribe and the time is NOW to train them to reach their people.

Want to be a part of this opportunity -- I need partners!  We need supporters both financially and prayer partners.  Go to my web page and make a contribution through Pay Pal today.  God to the new ICCL web site and commit to help us reach Kenya for Jesus!

Both web site links are listed below (just click the link)

Don Railey Ministries Web Site

ICCL Web Site

Stay tuned for more news of what God is doing through Don Railey Ministries!

Bookmark this page!  Come often!  Make a comment below and let me know you are my "Partner"!