Originally posted on Facebook on Sunday, April 25, 2021.

There are moments that shape you.

My family was huddled in a hospital waiting room of Delta Regional Medical Center. And, despite the unfortunate occasion for our gathering, the presence of many family members and their love for one each other made the atmosphere hopeful and upbeat. Then someone called us all together and asked me to pray.

My nephew retorted, "Church is a joke." I asked, "Why do you say that nephew?" He quipped, "Because all the preacher wants is your money." I replied, "Well, I'm a preacher, nephew, and I don't want people's money." He calmly responded, "Not yet."

That moment never ever left me. It grieves me how charlatans, thieves and wolves in sheep's clothing have called in to question the authenticity of the faith but more importantly the reality of God's Love. It is for this reason, I have taken a vow to never profit from preaching the Gospel nor from the pursuit of the just treatment of my fellow man.

Lord, surround me with people of like spirit who will hold me accountable and grant me the grace to be like the Apostle Paul who wrote,

"I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:33-35 NKJV