Missionaries of lies, Sewing darkness disguised as truth twisting words to suit selfish lust but you must give to receive down on your knees begging please notice my sacrifice you must give back thrice do I entice you with my offering.
I love the following video:
Would love to know your interpretation of the poem.
I’m just a simple girl that is passionate about being relevant and making a difference in this world.
World traveler, lover of bright sunny days, experiencing cultures, good friends and conversation. I love my God and love my family.
I don’t believe that I have the Truth, but that I have a relationship with Truth and want to be closer to Him.
Canadian, born and raised in Vancouver, BC. YWAMer since 2000 and have traveled and lived all over the world –Hong Kong, China, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Turkey, Germany, Argentina, Australia and The USA.
I moved to Brazil in 2002, married an awesome “Baiano”, Daniel, and we have two adorable kiddies, Caue and Hannah.
I am certified in fitness and nutrition and conducted physical conditioning classes while working with an arts and evangelism team and schools. I am also certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners).
"A God Coloured Girl in a Grey World" is my blog where I write articles based on my faith, post fitness routines, recipes and other health and wellness stuff. You can also check out a bit of my music at www.myspace.com/stacilys
View all posts by stacilys
41 thoughts on “Offerings”
I cant see the video cause I am on the roof, but I know that here in india missionaries were not only good. some of them, not all, only gave help to the poor, like food and clothes, if they converted to Christianity, I dont like that, and I dont think Jesus would have liked it either, he believed in uconditional giving I think, everyone deserved help not only those who bowed down to Him. That was not, i think, in his character.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this Trini. Soooo true. God isn’t a respecter of persons. He is good all the time, to all people.
I also don’t think that Jesus would ever would have acted as such.
🙂
🙂 🙂 Yes, God loves us all, no matter what we are or what we do 🙂 We are His children after all 🙂 And a parent always loves his or her children regardless of what they do are what they believe, now I dont think God’s Love is any lesser than the Love of a human parent for his or her child 🙂
Couldn’t have said it better myself Trini. You hit the nail on the head. There’s even a verse in the Bible that says, “”Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
Big hugs
🙂 ❤
“missionaries of lies”: and changers from the temple, liars in other words, “Sewing darkness disguised
as truth”, so many many traps (and “misleaders”) in a confusing world! I absolutely love your poem Staci. You’re very clearheaded, and therefore, very right! Much love to you!
Hi Frederic. Ohh, thank you so much for sharing here. And thank you so much for appreciating my poem and for your kind words. So often you bless me with your words.
This poem was birthed out of my thoughts of these preachers that go around saying that people must give to them, because when they give, then they’ll receive. That God wants them to be rich, and that the way they’ll accomplish that is by giving towards their ministry. God did not come to make us rich. Nor to give us all that our selfish lusts long for. He came to give life, peace and joy, and to it’s fullest. We don’t encounter these treasures in earthly things. They run much deeper than that.
Thanks again Frederic. You’re a true gem.
Much love to you.
🙂 ❤
Yes Chaitali. Benevolence in it’s purest in the video eh. As for the poem, it’s my rant about the prosperity message. I don’t believe that we should treat God like a, “if I give to you, you must give to me”. I don’t believe that that is where are hearts are meant to be. It’s not about how much we give, but the position of our heart. I like what Terry said in his comment: “the widow woman who put mere pennies in the offering plate but it was all she had. Christ recognized it as such and praised her heartfelt offering as pure and more valuable than all the gold the others had gave.”
Thank you so much Chaitali.
🙂
Almost afraid to offer my interpretation. But i get a dig at the true desire of some purported missionaries … believe I need not explain. The ending remnds me of the story of the widow woman who put mere pennies in the offering plate but it was all she had. Christ recognized it as such and praised her heartfelt offering as pure and more valuable than all the gold the others had gave. Her reward was great and I’m sure she was blessed with good gifts from the Father,
I’m probably way off here, but the missionary of lies impresses me as the media outlets and/or governments. I like the poem, since many different interpretations can be made.
Rob, I’m reading a book right now called, “I’m fine with God… it’s Christians I can’t stand 🙂 But don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I don’t like Christians. Heck, I am one. But this book goes over a number of different beliefs that some have, where they take certain parts of the Bible to extremes, but completely ignore others. I wrote this poem thinking about one of the chapters: “I’m fine with God… but I can’t stand Christians who are convinced God wants them to be rich.”
Unfortunately, many times the poor are victims to such messages. So then they’re told that if they give, they will get. So then the rich get richer and the poor don’t get ‘rich’.
Thanks so much Rob.
🙂
Wow, I was WAY off! lol Don’ play pictionary with me, because I’m terrible at that, too. I get it now. Yes, I agree – some co-opt a religion for their own personal gains. It happens in all religions and it’s unfortunate.
Oh Rob, you really make me laugh so hard sometimes. I love the ‘pictionary’ comment. Hahahahaha.
Awesome! I’d love to have monkeys living in my backyard, unless they’d mess with my chickens. Then, all bets are off. 😉
Hahahahaha. You stay with your chickens then, and I’ll stay with the monkeys. At least the chickens give you fresh eggs.
🙂
Reminds me of a close friend in Taiwan whose father had been a Taoist faith healer. She hated Christians due to their condemnation of such as her father (he was a very good man), but wanted me to teach in her school. She couldn’t reconcile my life with her hatred and as our friendship grew so did her understanding. She saw that the great difference in our faiths was that the spirits her father obtained miracles from always demanded a sacrifice in return whereas Christ healed for love alone.
I love this Claire.
“She saw that the great difference in our faiths was that the spirits her father obtained miracles from always demanded a sacrifice in return whereas Christ healed for love alone.”
–So true. None of us are good. Not even one.
I’m reading a book right now, “I’m fine with God… it’s Christians I can’t stand. First of all, let me clarify that I’m not a disliker of Christians. I’m a Christian myself. This book talks about a number of different beliefs that some have, where they take certain parts of the Bible to extremes, but completely ignore others. This poem was inspired by one of the chapters: “I’m fine with God… but I can’t stand Christians who are convinced God wants them to be rich.” Basically the prosperity message, which I am NOT a fan of.
I would love to see more Christians doing as this man did in the video. Yet, not out of sacrifice to appease the spirits or anything like that, but lead out of the compassion of Christ.
Thanks a ton Claire.
🙂 ❤
I agree. It can even bring a tear to the eye eh. The poem is the opposite. I would like to see more Christians living like this man in the video. Doing good out of a love for God and people. Having compassion and understanding that God’s will for us on Earth isn’t to get rich, like so many misled Christians have believed.
🙂 ❤
The poem reminds me of those who clean the outside of their cups, hiding the filth inside, and preach the wisdom of this world as God’s wisdom, yet their fruits are always the way of death, and yet there are those who clean the inside of their cups and their fruits bear more fruit, and lead to God’s wisdom.
I hear you loud and clear. I’m reading a book right now that talks about misguided believers that take certain parts of the Bible to extremes, while totally ignoring other parts. One of the chapters is all about those who think God’s will is for you to be rich. The whole prosperity message. I don’t like it. That’s why I chose to pair it with the video. Wouldn’t it be awesome if more believers would understand compassion and love and act out of that?
Thanks for the comment.
🙂
I’ve seen that video before and absolutely love it! Missionaries of lies that telling your works can buy your way in heaven and Christ’s heart. They are like the Pharisees who wanted the world to see their false piety. Works are important but Scripture clearly says that all that we need to be saved is to belief and trust that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Hugs, MN 🙂
Oh, I know. It’s beautiful isn’t it? I paired it with this poem because I found it so fitting. Now if more believers would just start learning compassion and love, and putting it into practice. Living Kingdom values and principles here on Earth.
The poem was inspired by a chapter in the book I’m currently reading, “I’m find with God… It’s Christians I can’t stand”. Not that I don’t like Christians. Heck, I am one. This specific chapter focuses on those that are convinced God want them to be rich. Hmmmmm. The prosperity message. It’s not all about storing up for ourselves treasure on Earth. The true treasures are unearthly. Yes, God does give and bless, but to place our heart in riches and preach to the poor that God’s will for them is to be rich, but they must give in order to get… I have difficulty with that.
I love how you signed yourself as MN.
Hugs to you MN.
MS 🙂 ❤
Twisting words to suit selfish lust… I really like this line. It reminds me of the fact that speaking half truth is worst that telling a lie. Beautiful poem revealing some dark secrets. Love it. ❤
Ohhhhh, really? I didn’t know that. That’s too bad. It’s a video about a guy that would do nice things and people thought he was ridiculous to do them. He was walking down the street and all of a sudden someone was dumping water over their balcony. the man saw a plant nearby, picked it up and put in under the water. Then he helped an older person with a heavy cart. Then he gave money to a mom and daughter begging on the street. Day after day he did this and people ridiculed him for it. As if to say, it won’t make a difference. However, all of a sudden, one day he walked past the begging mother and saw that the daughter wasn’t there. He looked worried, but then all of a sudden the girl showed up, and she was in school uniform. So then, all the nice things the man did, really did make a difference and touched the lives of others.
REally beautiful.
🙂
Awww that seems like a really beautiful video. I wish I could have seen it. Really appreciate you explaining it to me Love, Thanks so much ❤
You’re welcome.
🙂
Awwww, thanks so much Lala. I’m a Christian and have a difficult time when I hear about or see certain mis-guided preachers that think God wants them to be rich. They try and make the poor give, because in giving they will receive. So then oftentimes, the poor give out of their very little, and don’t end up getting rich. That’s not what life is all about, nor what the Bible says. Unfortunately there are misguided people/preachers that think they’re doing what is right, but are taking certain parts of the Bible to extremes, while totally ignoring other parts.
I paired it with the following video, because I thought it was beautiful and a contrast to what the poem states.
Thank you, once again sweet girl.
🙂 ❤
You are so right, I am a Muslim but I kind of feel the same. Many people misinterpret the teachings and use it for their own good while ignoring everyone other. And they argue that they are doing it right. That’s why all the misunderstandings about a religion spread out. I hate these double-faced people. Really wish they get to learn a lesson !
I hear you loud and clear Lala. May they truly learn the lesson.
🙂
Loved the video. Once we remove our selfish desires. The beauty of God’s love for His children is miraculously and magnificently revealed. The ripple effect can then become a tsunami!
Oh that’s great, “The ripple effect can then become a tsunami.
Yes, I love that video too. The poem was based off of my aversion towards the prosperity message. It’s really too bad that there are some out there that take certain verses to the extreme, while totally disregarding others.
Thanks Rita.
🙂
stacilys.wordpress.com 
I cant see the video cause I am on the roof, but I know that here in india missionaries were not only good. some of them, not all, only gave help to the poor, like food and clothes, if they converted to Christianity, I dont like that, and I dont think Jesus would have liked it either, he believed in uconditional giving I think, everyone deserved help not only those who bowed down to Him. That was not, i think, in his character.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this Trini. Soooo true. God isn’t a respecter of persons. He is good all the time, to all people.
I also don’t think that Jesus would ever would have acted as such.
🙂
🙂 🙂 Yes, God loves us all, no matter what we are or what we do 🙂 We are His children after all 🙂 And a parent always loves his or her children regardless of what they do are what they believe, now I dont think God’s Love is any lesser than the Love of a human parent for his or her child 🙂
Couldn’t have said it better myself Trini. You hit the nail on the head. There’s even a verse in the Bible that says, “”Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
Big hugs
🙂 ❤
“missionaries of lies”: and changers from the temple, liars in other words, “Sewing darkness disguised
as truth”, so many many traps (and “misleaders”) in a confusing world! I absolutely love your poem Staci. You’re very clearheaded, and therefore, very right! Much love to you!
Hi Frederic. Ohh, thank you so much for sharing here. And thank you so much for appreciating my poem and for your kind words. So often you bless me with your words.
This poem was birthed out of my thoughts of these preachers that go around saying that people must give to them, because when they give, then they’ll receive. That God wants them to be rich, and that the way they’ll accomplish that is by giving towards their ministry. God did not come to make us rich. Nor to give us all that our selfish lusts long for. He came to give life, peace and joy, and to it’s fullest. We don’t encounter these treasures in earthly things. They run much deeper than that.
Thanks again Frederic. You’re a true gem.
Much love to you.
🙂 ❤
Benevolence in true sense…wonderful
Yes Chaitali. Benevolence in it’s purest in the video eh. As for the poem, it’s my rant about the prosperity message. I don’t believe that we should treat God like a, “if I give to you, you must give to me”. I don’t believe that that is where are hearts are meant to be. It’s not about how much we give, but the position of our heart. I like what Terry said in his comment: “the widow woman who put mere pennies in the offering plate but it was all she had. Christ recognized it as such and praised her heartfelt offering as pure and more valuable than all the gold the others had gave.”
Thank you so much Chaitali.
🙂
Almost afraid to offer my interpretation. But i get a dig at the true desire of some purported missionaries … believe I need not explain. The ending remnds me of the story of the widow woman who put mere pennies in the offering plate but it was all she had. Christ recognized it as such and praised her heartfelt offering as pure and more valuable than all the gold the others had gave. Her reward was great and I’m sure she was blessed with good gifts from the Father,
Love this Terry. That’s just it. It’s the heart that matters. This poem is my rant on the prosperity message.
🙂
I’m probably way off here, but the missionary of lies impresses me as the media outlets and/or governments. I like the poem, since many different interpretations can be made.
Rob, I’m reading a book right now called, “I’m fine with God… it’s Christians I can’t stand 🙂 But don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I don’t like Christians. Heck, I am one. But this book goes over a number of different beliefs that some have, where they take certain parts of the Bible to extremes, but completely ignore others. I wrote this poem thinking about one of the chapters: “I’m fine with God… but I can’t stand Christians who are convinced God wants them to be rich.”
Unfortunately, many times the poor are victims to such messages. So then they’re told that if they give, they will get. So then the rich get richer and the poor don’t get ‘rich’.
Thanks so much Rob.
🙂
Wow, I was WAY off! lol Don’ play pictionary with me, because I’m terrible at that, too. I get it now. Yes, I agree – some co-opt a religion for their own personal gains. It happens in all religions and it’s unfortunate.
Oh Rob, you really make me laugh so hard sometimes. I love the ‘pictionary’ comment. Hahahahaha.
Hey, check out the following photo:
http://imagecollect.com/picture/rio-de-janeiro-brazil-a-woman-is-seen-feeding-a-photo-2803340
It’s a pic of the type of mico monkeys we see at our home base.
🙂
Awesome! I’d love to have monkeys living in my backyard, unless they’d mess with my chickens. Then, all bets are off. 😉
Hahahahaha. You stay with your chickens then, and I’ll stay with the monkeys. At least the chickens give you fresh eggs.
🙂
Reminds me of a close friend in Taiwan whose father had been a Taoist faith healer. She hated Christians due to their condemnation of such as her father (he was a very good man), but wanted me to teach in her school. She couldn’t reconcile my life with her hatred and as our friendship grew so did her understanding. She saw that the great difference in our faiths was that the spirits her father obtained miracles from always demanded a sacrifice in return whereas Christ healed for love alone.
I love this Claire.
“She saw that the great difference in our faiths was that the spirits her father obtained miracles from always demanded a sacrifice in return whereas Christ healed for love alone.”
–So true. None of us are good. Not even one.
I’m reading a book right now, “I’m fine with God… it’s Christians I can’t stand. First of all, let me clarify that I’m not a disliker of Christians. I’m a Christian myself. This book talks about a number of different beliefs that some have, where they take certain parts of the Bible to extremes, but completely ignore others. This poem was inspired by one of the chapters: “I’m fine with God… but I can’t stand Christians who are convinced God wants them to be rich.” Basically the prosperity message, which I am NOT a fan of.
I would love to see more Christians doing as this man did in the video. Yet, not out of sacrifice to appease the spirits or anything like that, but lead out of the compassion of Christ.
Thanks a ton Claire.
🙂 ❤
I’ve seen that video, so touching and beautiful! ❤
I agree. It can even bring a tear to the eye eh. The poem is the opposite. I would like to see more Christians living like this man in the video. Doing good out of a love for God and people. Having compassion and understanding that God’s will for us on Earth isn’t to get rich, like so many misled Christians have believed.
🙂 ❤
The poem reminds me of those who clean the outside of their cups, hiding the filth inside, and preach the wisdom of this world as God’s wisdom, yet their fruits are always the way of death, and yet there are those who clean the inside of their cups and their fruits bear more fruit, and lead to God’s wisdom.
I hear you loud and clear. I’m reading a book right now that talks about misguided believers that take certain parts of the Bible to extremes, while totally ignoring other parts. One of the chapters is all about those who think God’s will is for you to be rich. The whole prosperity message. I don’t like it. That’s why I chose to pair it with the video. Wouldn’t it be awesome if more believers would understand compassion and love and act out of that?
Thanks for the comment.
🙂
I’ve seen that video before and absolutely love it! Missionaries of lies that telling your works can buy your way in heaven and Christ’s heart. They are like the Pharisees who wanted the world to see their false piety. Works are important but Scripture clearly says that all that we need to be saved is to belief and trust that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Hugs, MN 🙂
Oh, I know. It’s beautiful isn’t it? I paired it with this poem because I found it so fitting. Now if more believers would just start learning compassion and love, and putting it into practice. Living Kingdom values and principles here on Earth.
The poem was inspired by a chapter in the book I’m currently reading, “I’m find with God… It’s Christians I can’t stand”. Not that I don’t like Christians. Heck, I am one. This specific chapter focuses on those that are convinced God want them to be rich. Hmmmmm. The prosperity message. It’s not all about storing up for ourselves treasure on Earth. The true treasures are unearthly. Yes, God does give and bless, but to place our heart in riches and preach to the poor that God’s will for them is to be rich, but they must give in order to get… I have difficulty with that.
I love how you signed yourself as MN.
Hugs to you MN.
MS 🙂 ❤
Twisting words to suit selfish lust… I really like this line. It reminds me of the fact that speaking half truth is worst that telling a lie. Beautiful poem revealing some dark secrets. Love it. ❤
And I can’t see the video as we don’t have access to you tube here in Pakistan 😦
Ohhhhh, really? I didn’t know that. That’s too bad. It’s a video about a guy that would do nice things and people thought he was ridiculous to do them. He was walking down the street and all of a sudden someone was dumping water over their balcony. the man saw a plant nearby, picked it up and put in under the water. Then he helped an older person with a heavy cart. Then he gave money to a mom and daughter begging on the street. Day after day he did this and people ridiculed him for it. As if to say, it won’t make a difference. However, all of a sudden, one day he walked past the begging mother and saw that the daughter wasn’t there. He looked worried, but then all of a sudden the girl showed up, and she was in school uniform. So then, all the nice things the man did, really did make a difference and touched the lives of others.
REally beautiful.
🙂
Awww that seems like a really beautiful video. I wish I could have seen it. Really appreciate you explaining it to me Love, Thanks so much ❤
You’re welcome.
🙂
Awwww, thanks so much Lala. I’m a Christian and have a difficult time when I hear about or see certain mis-guided preachers that think God wants them to be rich. They try and make the poor give, because in giving they will receive. So then oftentimes, the poor give out of their very little, and don’t end up getting rich. That’s not what life is all about, nor what the Bible says. Unfortunately there are misguided people/preachers that think they’re doing what is right, but are taking certain parts of the Bible to extremes, while totally ignoring other parts.
I paired it with the following video, because I thought it was beautiful and a contrast to what the poem states.
Thank you, once again sweet girl.
🙂 ❤
You are so right, I am a Muslim but I kind of feel the same. Many people misinterpret the teachings and use it for their own good while ignoring everyone other. And they argue that they are doing it right. That’s why all the misunderstandings about a religion spread out. I hate these double-faced people. Really wish they get to learn a lesson !
I hear you loud and clear Lala. May they truly learn the lesson.
🙂
Loved the video. Once we remove our selfish desires. The beauty of God’s love for His children is miraculously and magnificently revealed. The ripple effect can then become a tsunami!
Oh that’s great, “The ripple effect can then become a tsunami.
Yes, I love that video too. The poem was based off of my aversion towards the prosperity message. It’s really too bad that there are some out there that take certain verses to the extreme, while totally disregarding others.
Thanks Rita.
🙂
Absolutely wonderful…if only we rekindled the souls reality and removed ego!
Hmmmm, if only eh. I think much of the world’s problems would be solved if ego was removed.
Thank you so much Zara.
🙂
Beyond Excellent!
Awwwww, I’m touched. Thank you so much for such kind words Benjamin. That makes me smile.
🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
Beautiful poem and a wonderful video. Wouldn’t the world be a much nicer place if we all were a bit more like the man in the video? ❤
Oh yes.
🙂