“ANYTHING THAT MAKES ME feel bad is of the devil!” This is nonsense and godless and has no founding in Scripture. I came out of a past of drugs and alcohol. The Lord delivered me and spoke a very sure and stern word to me, “Crystal, I do not want you to even touch your lips to alcohol.” And for many years I didn’t, until I let down my guard and I began having a glass of wine every now and then for anxiety.

If you have never struggled with alcohol, this would be a non-issue; but for me it was a big issue. This went on for a while until the Lord told me to expose my sin in front of the whole congregation. I was nervous and embarrassed. But I never touched alcohol again after that. The Lord allowed me to feel the pain of my disobedience. He loves me too much to let me get away with my sin.

Now, some say He does not operate in this manner to which I say, “Read the Bible”. If God doesn’t discipline you, you are not a son. (Hebrews 12:3-11) Sometimes, He has to embarrass us to make a point. He loves us too much to allow us to continue in disobedience. Discipline is love. Chastening is love. Sin destroys lives and separates us from His presence. Rebellious pride opposes sonship. Those who receive correction are sons. Those who will not are not sons, but illegitimate children. This is the difference between life and death. “He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.” Proverbs‬ ‭15:32‬ ‭#runyourrace

To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page