2 Corinthians 11:20

2 Corinthians 11:20

For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.-King James Version

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         He had greeted them this way for the last four years: standing at the door, neatly dressed, shaking their hands as they entered the church. As usual each one had smiled warmly as they moved toward him. A slight whisper of "Good Morning" or a hushed "How are you today?" had been uttered. Not one of them had been loud or raucous, respectful of the "Silence is GOLDEN in the house of the Lord" sign each of them passed. Even the families with children maintained control despite the obvious euphoria that everyone felt. Many had arrived early and brought flowers in an attempt to add to the festivities. Not that he hadn't taken the necessary steps. The extra bouquets merely made an already bright room sparkle. Everyone, of course, was dressed in their best outfits. He had seen to that.

         Since he first left his job at the pharmacy and joined this congregation as their full time minister, he had prepared for this day. He knew that this group was unique. He had delivered sermon after sermon about love, and hope, and a promise of a better tomorrow. The group took in every word. Occasionally there were debates and discussions. Tolerantly, like a father, he would help them understand both the obvious and the deeper, truer meaning of his words. Each time they met he taught them how to know. Meeting after meeting they gathered to absorb, to gain a thorough knowledge of the ways of God. With time each one obtained a complete comprehension, and patiently they waited...for this day.

         He ventured out of sight, wanting to make a grand entrance, and had listened to the morning's song which greeted the faithful. He had paused in the prepared anteroom, having left the morning's benediction to one of the others. They knew the proper words, had them down by rote. Then he approached the podium. The already quiet room had grown deathly silent, but as he looked out over the group, he had been greeted by nothing but appreciative, beaming smiles. Thinking to himself he had begun...

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Welcome, my sheep.

         "Friends, I wish you good morning. As you know we have a full and promising day ahead of us, so I will be brief. Before I begin, though, I want to thank the choir for their wonderful rendition of 'God Is With Us Always'. Believe them, Brothers and Sisters, God is with us. That feeling, the knowing that Christ is with us always is such a powerful blessing to us all. Have no doubt, it is a power beyond even words, beyond comprehension. It is a power, not like the power of a President or the supposed power of business men. No, these are mere shadows when compared to the gift of having Christ in your life. Presidents have come and gone. Business owners and CEOs have stumbled and fallen, yet through the power of the Lord you know your savior and carry forth in righteousness."

See how you wait for my every word? Hope, fear, happiness--none of this means anything unless I explain it to you, give it to you. Your savior? You know your savior because you see him before you. It is my power that shines above all others.

         "The power of the Lord is not a power for you, but a power that runs through you. It circulates like life blood in your system, sustaining you and keeping you alive, and more than just alive, alive with a knowledge that His is the path and the light. This power quenches your very soul with the nourishment of life itself. For without the power of the Lord, your soul would be lost, a wandering nomad crossing an unending desert."

My words shall bring you to the oasis of the soul. You are my flock, and I will herd you and pen you in. Sustenance and existence are possible because of me, and only for as long as I allow.

         "Brothers and Sisters I ask you to reflect on these words. Look beyond yourself and reach for this power. Strive to understand that God grants you this miracle every day. Think back on these words that I tell you because you will soon be tested. Doubt will creep in, will be there to challenge you. As this challenge arises, you might not sense that all important power despite your best efforts. Then you must focus on what we talked about here today."

That's right, don't let anything keep you from the path I choose for you. Without me you are nothing. In the beginning I looked out at you and saw weakness and uncertainty. You were the lost masses. Now I stand before you. These things I tell you, mere words. Do you not know greatness when it is in your presence? Do you not feel true power emanating from its source? Your weakness, while it sickened me, was of use. It is what led you to me, the true light. It is what allowed me to take what is most precious and make it mine.

         "You will be tested, but you have one weapon upon which you can count on, your faith. Reason, logic, these are helpful tools but they are weak substitutes for true faith. Only true faith will not fail you during your time of need. You must sacrifice these worldly whims, these crutches of your mind and let the word of God guide you."

Yes, sacrifice your reason, your ability to think. I want your minds and your souls. Give up your primary means of protection and expose yourself to my desires. You have handed over to me your only defense, and I will have you do my bidding.

         "My mission is to help you find the ability within you to let go of your worldly attachments so that you will know, as the choir so eloquently sang, that God is with us always. By letting me be your voice, by hearing what I have to say, by letting me guide you to what is right, and by joining in the acts of God you shall have the power. Come forth! Our day has finally come! Be one with me and partake in the body and blood of Christ! Come taste everlasting life!"

You are mine. My control is complete.

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         They had approached as a group. Each one smiling at him. Some wore nervous smiles quickly diminishing as they touched the small, liquid filled cups. Others held a grimace for a smile, a determined look, but one that held just a moment of fear. Possibly reflecting on the most recent sermon, they too had reached for their cups. None had refused.

         He looked down at the tiny white vessel which held a potion smelling faintly of almonds. He had no problems getting it. A few bucks handed over to one of his old contacts was all it took. He glanced around the room. The shades were open exposing the assortment of flowers to the refreshing sunlight. It was his turn. He grabbed his cup and walked into the prepared anteroom filled with the remnants of his congregation. He smiled as he shut the door.