As a young pastor in a small, county seat town, I quickly "Made friends of Mammon" even before I knew the ramifications. I identified the power connected with being the banker, the local doctor, undertaker, sheriff, and the barber. The banker became my friend because he loaned me money to buy a car. I made the doctor my friend because he made house calls. The undertaker and I developed a sort of partnership: I "performed" the funeral if the deceased was not a faithful Baptist or Roman Catholic. The sheriff and I only interacted socially! As for the barber, well, that's a different story. He liked me as long as I sat in his chair and paid for a haircut. He didn't like me very much at all after I severely out fished him for largemouth bass on a local lake. Yes, he was offended! My simpler, less expensive gear proved to be very superior to his high price tools because I knew where to cast, how to work the artificial lure, and "set the hook." I had to go to another town to safely get a haircut!
As for persuasion, it became very obvious that the banker, doctor, funeral director ... even the barber ... had more power and persuasion than me in the natural realm. In the supernatural realm, I was the guy who prayed for the sick and the bereaved. In the supernatural realm, it was perceived that I had more "clout" with Heaven than anyone operating in the secular scheme of things. Sadly, to my present chagrin, I doubt the veracity of the latter. I was still in the process of learning to be a clergyman, and I had not even begun to think like a man of God Many years later, the Holy Spirit told me "It's ok, Paul, you're still learning." He was right then, and He's right now. I'm still learning!
This journey is worth it. It is especially worth it every time I stand before my congregation 42 miles south of Springfield in the "Entertainment Capital of The World."Â My Branson, Missouri flock is comprised of God's best on Earth, and I am very protective of them. As of now, the best protection I can give them are the tools I find in the Bible and the directions I receive from the Holy Spirit.
This is a view into my life jouney in which I focus on Christ centered concepts for success.  In a world saturated with weapons, a hunger for more power, and people willing to do just about anything for money, Jesus still has the last word.
"Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden. I will give you rest."
Contact me direct at either of these links:  Branson Church of the Harvest  or   Dr. Paul Collins
Paul Collins
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