Herb and Jamaal by Stephen Bentley for August 05, 2023

I was taught: “Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

That’s one perspective, Rev. I prefer to lead all to abundant life, regardless of their present situation. And for all, that will include some commitment to The Way.

Jesus tends to do that. Unfortunately many of his deranged followers make everyone but themselves uncomfortable

Rev. Croom is clearly the kind of pastor who would open the doors of his church to the victims of a 500-year flood without needing to be coerced by the state. He’ll never make mega-pastor that way….

No, the purpose of the clergy is to rake in millions of dollars, pay no taxes, and somehow always need more.

Unfortunately, I see far too many religious leaders doing this in reverse. While, making sure they are the most comfortable.

“I can’t stand your religious meetings.

I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions.

I want nothing to do with your religion projects,

your pretentious slogans and goals.

I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,

your public relations and image making.

I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.

When was the last time you sang to me?

Do you know what I want?

I want justice—oceans of it.

I want fairness—rivers of it.

That’s what I want. That’s all I want.

Amos 5:21-24 The Message