Looking forward to rockin Healer at the SSCC Night of Worship this weekend. That's all I've got to say about that.
Anna
· 1 year ago
I feel sorry for him and I truly hope he gets all the help he needs from his family, friends, church and of course God.
I don´t understand how you can get physical symptoms similar to cancer symptoms from a porn addiction though. But that´s none of my business.
Rich Kirkpatrick
· 1 year ago
Uhm... good for him that he is done with the charade. Amen.
Does not make this end "happy" however. We can forgive--release any bitterness anger and hope for the best for him--but my word. Let's not be so gullible as Christians to go so far the other way to forget that these things happen and hurt the church. A good warning to any of us in leadership: Just because we have gifts that move and lead people does not endorse the character of the interior of our lives. And to the church member: do not rely on your leaders too much--gaze at Jesus.
Crystal Renaud
· 1 year ago
it is still very, very sad and upsetting... but it is also still a very, very good song. and God is still a very, very good, forgiving and redeeming God. and because of that, he's forgiven and we have no rights to hold grudges or bitterness towards him.
Adam Riggins
· 1 year ago
Los, real quick-- the Deadly Viper link takes you to a "Kill Bill" related site.
Scott
· 1 year ago
Well, most Americans don't take Christianity seriously. So this scandal will undoubtedly support that position.
The Bible clearly asks us to choose our church leaders extremely carefully. We reap what we sow when when nepotism decides leadership and not God's appointment.
Mark Jaffrey
· 1 year ago
Repentance from sin of this magnitude is a long, long process. With time, the consequences of his actions will become clearer to him and as the fog of the deception starts to disperse from his mind and his spirit, these words will take on real meaning. It's a good start, but it will take time and continuous effort for this to be seen to be truly authentic.
Amanda
· 1 year ago
We are human - we are all flawed.
That is why God is so great.
Anne Marie
· 1 year ago
it doesn't minimize the horrible deception, but my heart breaks for him. and i think just about anyone who serves in ministry struggles with how to be both open/honest and holy/above reproach... this whole addiction to pornography is like a disease that plagues ministers. we need to be better stewards of our leaders, and help our brothers (and sisters) from feeling trapped by it like he did.
RachelB
· 1 year ago
Wow... I feel sorry for him. I think he's still really lost and doesn't even see how deep he still is in this mess. Sin is so tricky and has so many layers and the deeper you're in it, the harder it is to make sense of how to get out of it. That's one of the things that Satan is best at. Rationalizing our behavior is so easy to do and it keeps us from really owning our part in the messes of this world. But the problem is, God can't get in and do much with part of what we give Him. We have to hand the whole mess over and admit ALL of our responsibility. Until then, He can only wait for us to let go of it, all the while trying to convict us of what we're still holding onto. The time that's wasted during it all is really Satan's triumph. In this instance he can't have the soul, but he can make sure that while that soul is still on this earth it wastes a lot of time and opportunities. I pray that somehow Mike can learn to let go of all of his mess and take responsibility for all of his sin so that God can get in there and do what He's so good at which is cleaning up and growing us up so that His name alone is glorified and we are actually thankful for the journey. What a God!!
EricD
· 1 year ago
I think that all of us have lived a double life at some point.
blendahtom
· 1 year ago
hmmm how bout "Im sorry to Jesus".. It's unfortunate but the level of me me me can only lead to destruction :(
Marcelo
· 1 year ago
I was watching one of my Seinfeld dvds the other day and I remembered mike when it came to this point of the Scofflaw episode:
GEORGE: You still owe me a secret.
GARY: All right, listen. There is something I haven't told you, all right?
GEORGE: Yeah?
GARY: Yeah, but uhm, you can't tell Jerry.
GEORGE: What do think I tell Jerry everything? It's not like he's my wife.
GARY: Okay. Well, the thing is, I've been living a lie.
GEORGE: Just one? I'm living like twenty. (chuckles) What's yours?
GARY: Well, I (laughs) I never actually had cancer. (laughs) I'll see you.
I LOL. Then I realized that though Gary reminded me o Mike, our good old George reminded me of myself sometimes... but it was funny. It also proves my theory that there is a 'Seinfeld moment' for everything in life.
alex mclean
· 1 year ago
there is a light, that shines in the darkness...
Scott Overpeck
· 1 year ago
Did everyone miss the bigger story here. That beard. Come on everyone. With that mountain man unabomber beard you had to know something wasn't right. Worship leaders are suppose to have short or shaved hair and tattoos. Not look like Mr. Rogers after a year in the wilderness.
That being said, the church's outrage when a leader falls is a large part of the reason pastors don't seek help before things get to this level. Leaders are infallible humans and we should treat them as such. They should be in small groups and seeking accountability and be able to be real with us without condemnation. Oh that unabomber homeboy could have said long before he became jesus in so many folks eyes, "dude, i am struggling and need help." "christian" culture loves to make heros of our leaders rather than our savior. So he screwed up. I did too, yesterday I was pissed off and I told my baby to "shut the hell up." Felt terrible about it. Did you do anything you are not proud of? We are all sinners (it might say something about that in the bible? reference?)
Help to heal and restore leaders who are struggling. Don't crucify them on a cross you yourself couldn't bare.
bub
· 1 year ago
After watching the video I still think that guy is in a lot of denial. Maybe it's the poker player in me, but I can read people pretty well. I think this guy is full of a word that rhymes with sit. The song is still an awesome song. It has still helped thousands of people. What's that expression, "The Lord works in mysterious ways." I pray that he really looks inside himself and asks God to show him the full weight of his actions. The whole story is really a shame.
Scott Overpeck
· 1 year ago
But seriously. The beard?
pitt
· 1 year ago
apology excepted.
kim
· 1 year ago
power of a song, regardless of it's circumstances, yes. All of us sin, all of us deceive, yes. Forgiveness & restoration, yes. Possible because of Jesus.
Still, I watch this, and the word in my head is 'ick'.
Not a shining moment for The Church.
Derek
· 1 year ago
As a worship leader myself...every time i see this story my stomach gets a little sick for him. I have been and will be the last one to judge him. My friends attended the recent Hillsong Conference and actually had the chance to talk to him personally out to lunch. Everyone was fooled...but it is always a reminder to me as to how gracious God is to not allow a news station or news crew to do a "exclusive report" every time i screw up as a worship leader or how often i show up thinking about myself rather than my congregation. I am so happy for him that even though the worst may not be over...the BEST is yet to come. HIS HEALING. and for that i believe the power of the song will continue to heal if to no one else... Mike Gugli's healing.
Russ
· 1 year ago
Hey, manly beards are cool.
Soul patches are so 90s.
Holli
· 1 year ago
sad....satan is STRONG! So glad GOD IS STRONGEST!(as my son would say)
Marcelo
· 1 year ago
I prefer the sideburns/Fu Manchu combo on the guy around 8:40 min.
supersimbo
· 1 year ago
i like his beard, i also like how i am no longer angry about this.............we should be praying for this deeply troubled brother. If i was in his shoes i would hope he would pray for me.....
connormcc
· 1 year ago
i dunno what to make of the whole thing, its very sad that he did this, but at the same time, we have to remember that 'All things work together for the good of those who know Christ'
Stephen Stonestreet
· 1 year ago
This is just heart-sickening, but understandable. I was once in a very strong ministry to youth in jail, and in that time, I had problems with pornography, as so many do. I have talked to so many people who had the same problems, and we have all seen this, either in our ourselves and even pastors of mega-churches. Even down to the starter of the Lakeland revival, Todd Bentley, who, from what I heard today, had been having issues with alcohol and sexual activity with a female women on his staff.
I pray that God will bless those who are in sin and in ministry, and that a balance between ministry and everyday life would be found among the Christian community. Everyday life is a ministry in itself. I pray that God would bestow the same upon myself, that I would be given grace.
God, give grace to Michael.
Brandy
· 1 year ago
I am not saying I am right. This is just my impression- I think he is sorry- up to a point. For me, I do not get a sense of true brokenness from him. This could be part of a mental illness(inability to empathize) or it could be just a defense(it is so overwhelming to think of his sin that he just can't yet) or it could be that he truly isn't broken. Here is what I don't understand still about this story- as a wife, I can't imagine allowing my husband to attend doctor's appointments alone- no matter what he said. After two years of NEVER meeting his doctors, I would be more than suspicious. Same goes with the staff- I can't imagine my husband going through chemo without his community right there- literally, in the room. Was this person so isolated that this was easy to pull off? I just don't get it....
Todd
· 1 year ago
I'm very glad that my lies have never been exposed on the level of Micheal's. I am no better than he is. His story breaks my heart and while I don't understand his motive, I can only imagine the torment he's been through trying to keep this charade up for two years. Despite the difficulty and ill-will coming his way, praise God that the burden of his deception has been lifted. Now it's time to ask that God continues His work in Micheal.
Brett Tilford
· 1 year ago
Just stunning. I hope his marriage makes it.
nate davis
· 1 year ago
just wrote a blog on this...it just ticks me off that Satan is seriously winning the battle of porn. C'mon guys let's get it together before another one goes down!!
D.Lake
· 1 year ago
Marcelo: Nice Seinfeld reference.
I feel for this guy. I think there are a lot of people in ministry that feel this way.
Like Pitt says, "Apology accepted" ... let's all take inventory, live with integrity and grace, and move forward.
amy sanders
· 1 year ago
may the true healing begin for him...and man, porn just sucks the life out of the addicted and everyone that surrounds them. i pray that he will be supported and given the tough love that he needs to walk in the light...just like all of us do.
D Rho
· 1 year ago
We all know he lied, duped millions, and ran away with lots of money and fame. We all know God forgives people like this, because we're all in desperate need of Jesus Christ's power in our lives.
Has anyone wondered what makes a person do these kinds of things? He is so desperate for love that he will destroy his life like this to get it. How crazy is it to be that close to Christ and the church, yet not experience His fulfilling love?
Has anyone wondered why it's so easy to dupe the church like this? Have we looked too hard and long on talent and too softly and quickly over character and maturity?
What does God want us all to learn from this man's public tragedy? If you think it's a lesson on purity and authenticity you'd be dead wrong!
This is a devastating reality about how loveless we've become as a church, and how addicted to "consumerism" we have become because of it. Church has become one of the most dangerous places to reveal our dark sides. This is magnified ten times as a church leader. The message clearly sent is one slip up and you're toast! What one recieves too often is rejection, alienation, marginalization, knowing looks of guilt, surface statements of pity, and scripture quotes. God is showing us time and time again that our system of "doing church" is broken and in need of dramatic redemption. A people where Jesus' love flows deeper and faster than any building, service, program, idea, art, or name ever could. A powerful love that is experienced not in a song, a message, or an environment - but in the raw relationship of agape.
Tim
· 1 year ago
This has me thinking about the status of miracles in the church. for some they seem to be commonplace everyday things, then for others they are the stuff of bible stories and flannel graphs. I'm curious about modern miracles... lame walking, blind seeing and dead rising kind of stuff. What's your experience in this area?
Amy
· 1 year ago
I feel bad for the guy, who knows his true motives besides God. I can only hope that the people who he brought into faith and donated money aren't detoured by the person because a wise woman told me "don't judge church or God or your faith by a "person" he is only human we all make mistake his has been seen by the whole world. I'm sure he is already recieving tons of scrutiny from everyone who has a chance. I hope that we can all have some forgiveness and pray for him to get better whatever better may be. I hope those people can either get there money back or see it some how go to a greater cause.
blendahtom
· 1 year ago
You know.. In a way only god can work...that Song may truly heal Michael.. I hope he can really start just giving it to God and letting him do the work on him.. Just give him the keys Michael!
metromom
· 1 year ago
One thought we all must focus on more...it will keep us from hurt and keep us (as ministers) from hurting others.
It's not about the "man of God" It's all about the "God of Man".
Jenn
· 1 year ago
I can't judge him... I'm glad he's saying sorry and saying that he will return money and that he finally told the truth, which couldn't have been easy to do. I'll be praying that somehow, God will be glorified in this situation. We need to pray more for those in leadership as they have influence over many. My sister's youth pastor left his wife for another woman last year and late last week, he committed suicide. It's just so, so sad. We're all screwed up, selfish, and sinful. I agree that we need to look to God as our source of strength, truth, and perfection.
KAT
· 1 year ago
I just hate the fact that he didn't seem like he was holding on to Jesus in the middle of all of this, because Jesus is the ONLY thing that will get him through.
Jake
· 1 year ago
I agree with Overpeck. The bigger issue here is the unabomber beard.
Lots of good insight on this thread, especially that God is LOVE, and he forgives every sin. Although, the wages of sin is death. So he's probably going to die soon.
Kidding.
annon.
· 1 year ago
I mostly lurk around here... maybe this is my third comment ever. Interesting thread.
My husband has been addicted to pornography most of our married life. I found out when I was pregnant with our third child. All I can say is the way that he compartmentalized his life was surreal and the denial was something I've never been able to understand. Healing was a long process. is a long process.
When I first heard about this story my first thought was... in what ways do I live a lie? IS there anything in my life that desires man's approval and acceptance over truth and character... are there any places in my life where I am looking for the validation of my peers over being loved by my Jesus?
I wonder if this is what it was like for King David when he cheated on his wife, and had her husband murdered. It would be safe to assume that he had a love vacuum all alone in the fields with his dad's sheep. His dad who barely remembered him when Samuel came along. The shame, the confession, the falling forward, getting help, healing, living with the ramifications. I think it's flippin' genius of God to give M. the song "healer" as a prophecy over his life, and a glimps into the heart of God for him and so many others.
The song means more to me now knowing his personal story than it did before because I see God shoveling out mercy with a desire to hold him close to His heart and love him to wholeness. ISn't it like Jesus to give a song of healing to the one who is broken and in need of it?
I would like to know how much of the spiritual part of the interview got edited out
DenOfThieves
· 1 year ago
I would like to believe him. But is hard to believe a liar. Gosh the people at his church seem pretty quick to forgive him? It's like "yeah yeah, we forgive you, now give us more great worship services". It's almost like they didn't really care if it was real or not. Emotions are such bit part of these big church services. It's hard to say what is exceptable as far as manipulation of a congregation's emotions. I mean even the old keys playing through a prayer is a way of 'enhancing' emotional response. It wouldn't be difficult for this kind of thing to get out of control and even if the person up the front singing the heart wrenching song, to the crying fans is lying, you still get the high emotional payoff at the end of the day. Christian celebrity is just recipe for disaster, and christian consumers just wanna eat it up. Even if it all goes wrong, it makes it all more interesting. We can read about it magazines and watch it on TV. Just more entertainment.
Greg
· 1 year ago
Normally I dont interject in comment sections like this... but I'll make an exception here.
Forgiveness is essential... sure. Justice is also though. And not that we need to be his judge, but seriously... every time one of us plays that song, or downloads it from itunes... who's getting paid. Sure, he's giving the royalties away... but look at his track record on truth telling. Mmmmm... wont catch me near that song... There are plenty of other "anointed" songs (what ever that means).
Jan
· 1 year ago
I think the whole story is really sad. The guy is forgiven by God if he has asked for it, but that doesn't erase the stuff he will have to reap for many years. I think about his family, I would be so ticked if I was his wife or parents, too much turmoil and lies. It will take years to regain their full trust, if it can ever be had again.
tricia
· 1 year ago
This story is so sad. I hope he gets the help he needs. And as for the song - I know that it brought hope to people and I hope that doesn't change, based on this circumstance.
Rachel
· 1 year ago
Los, I appreciate that you posted the video. But my question is this: do our opinions really matter in all this? We seem to pretty readily offer them, but 1) we're not God and 2) we don't know Mike.
Just a thought.
Andrew
· 1 year ago
I think we can all learn a very important lesson from this. Sin is serious. It forces us to seclude ourselves and hide in shame. But you know what? I say no more. Let's expose our sins to God and to one another while they are controllable. Better to admit an addiction to pornography and have it dealt with than to admit your entire life is a lie. Know what I mean?
All of this out of an addiction to pornography? I can see it. Can't you? Our secret sins will destroy us and those around us. It's time to accept the grace of God and let go of the shame. If we don't we will all end up like this. Maybe not so publicly, but it will happen.
God bless you mike, We are all praying for you.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
dewde
· 1 year ago
Anyone who says, "From this day forward I am not lying anymore" clearly does not grasp the power of human nature or the gravity of what he has done. Ask any recovering substance or sex addict.
Mike is addicted to lying. He is addicted to words. What he needs now is not reporters in his face feeding his addiction, what he needs is compassionate friends, family, and spiritual mentors to help his heart heal.
I think it is appropriate for this community to discuss the topic. This is a blog community centered worship and leadership. It is on topic and we can learn from the successes and failures of others. This is healthy.
praying for him and for all of us. Our actions have a ripple affect. The stone hit's the water, ripple! word are spoken, sound travels! Search my heart O lord make my path streight so my actions do not hurt you lord. say the the lords prayer.Amen. old school
Dean
· 1 year ago
He is just at the beginning of his journey and will have a completely different perspective about what he did and why he did it in a couple of years (if he chooses to stay close to God). Personally . . . I think him saying anything more than a simple apology publically was premature . . . it needed to happen but he needed to get some healing going in his life first.
Pretty much anything he says now can (and probably should be) taken with a grain of salt. We just need to give him grace and love him. God will work a miracle in his life (so long as Michael allows) and the journey before him really is just beginning. I know . . . I've been there.
The road ahead will not be easy. He may never realize his full potential that he was created for, but God still has a plan for Michael’s life. God still loves him. God knew from the foundation of time that Michael would have this sin in his life and STILL sent his Son to die for Michael anyway.
I hope and pray that God still has a plan for Michael to write music . . . he obviously has a gift.
Remember - we are only talking about him because he is caught. How many of us are walking around right now with sin in our lives and not handling with God or the folks around us? I'm sure not going to throw any stones . . .
Rachel
· 1 year ago
Does not in any way change the power of the song. God still works through imperfect people. The man definitely needs help, but He also needs grace. Who here among us is without guilt or shame? Who am I to cast judgement?
Scott Overpeck
· 1 year ago
Verily verily I say to you, any man that speaketh from behind a unabomber beard, beleiveth not what comes from behind said beard, for it is the beard that distorts all truth into lies as it has forever been it shall for ever be.
Dustin
· 1 year ago
The story seemed very condemning towards him because of his actions. I believe that he's in the same boat everyone else is in or has been in. Who hasn't tried to live two lives, hide things from those we care about, and try to deceive to avoid the truth of how imperfect we are? I don't hold any hostility, anger, or bitterness to him. He wrote an amazing song that is inspiring to thousands, maybe even millions of people. I think it's great that he is being helped and would like to see more support for him in his recovery.
Remember: in our weakness, He is made stronger.
DenOfThieves
· 1 year ago
Rachel - the song was written by a liar, a fake a and great deceiver. But your 'Pop Christianity' is disturbing. You are easily deceived.
If Marilyn Manson had written the song would you feel different about it? or would you say 'God still works through imperfect people". You would probably say it was blasphemy.
Mr. Police Man
· 1 year ago
I' ve look but could not find. I'd love to see Hillsongs reaction.
jenn lee
· 1 year ago
My heart breaks for him...but gives new meaning to the song "Healer". I, of course, always thought of the song from the perspective of someone needing healing from a terminal illness or physical problem in general. This song brings new meaning and freedom to all those that, along with Mike G., need God to be their healer of devastating addictions, emotional disease, and psychological battles. The song is still powerful, and I believe God will still use it to deliver people. Mike G.'s prayer was sincere, he just masked the place where he was crying out from with something that might be a little more acceptable and easier to swallow by the church. Mike, God is still your healer, and nothing is impossible for him...not even a life crippling addiction to porn!
Josh Gurley
· 1 year ago
I love what Paul has to say about people's motives for preaching the Gospel.
Philippians Ch 1:
15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Verse 18 is the is where the rubber meets the road for the "Healer" story, and more importantly for our attitude towards it... I love Paul's heart... even if it meant trouble for him... as long as the Gospel was preached.
Jeremy Ricketts
· 1 year ago
@Josh- I think motives do matter. A lot.
If you were drowning in a river and I jumped in to save you, people would see this as a heroic act of benevolence. And rightly so. The end result is that you would be saved.
If you were drowning in a river and I jumped in to save you, only so that I could torture you, people would see this as an act of evil. And rightly so. The end result is that you would be saved. Just because someone stopped me from torturing you, doesn't change the act of saving you as an evil act.
In morality, it's not only the ends that matter. We should do the right thing not just because of some cold, calculated result... but because DOING the right thing IS right.
You see this in Jesus ALL the time. He's less concerned about the results of some action or law, and is more concerned with the heart of the person acting.
I guess what I'm saying is, I think in one important sense, Paul is wrong.
merritt
· 1 year ago
Some coworkers and I had a discussion about this when it first came out. We eventually reached the conclusion that even though it was born out of falsehood, the message- that God is our healer and all we need- is still very much true.
Also, while on a much larger scale, isn't this similar to most worship leaders when they stand in front of people and lead them in songs that may not be true in their own life?
WendyK
· 1 year ago
While I'm not downplaying the seriousness of this man's sin (lying), it's kind of sad to see so many Christians so quick to judge and condemn. What's really sad is that our (the church's) quick judgment likely contributed to his choice to invent a physical illness, rather than be honest and open about his spiritual illness. Is it possible (I think likely) that he felt he would only be accepted by Christians if he were physically dying, but would likely be rejected in telling the truth of his spiritual condition?
Lying is sin. No argument. While most have not done this on this magnitude and public scale, we have all sinned, and fall short. Yet we are so quick to judge, reject, and throw away.
This song, and this story, points to the healing that needs to take place within the church. We need mercy. We need grace. We need forgiveness. We need acceptance. We need reconciliation. Not only from Christ for our sins. But for each other for theirs.
Perhaps he felt the necessity to lie because too many in the church do not show mercy, grace, forgiveness, or acceptance for people bound in sexual and other sin. It is the dark stuff that we prefer to ignore, cover up, and then rant and rave when a public figure falls.
Amazing how so many are only willing to forgive after they have received a "sincere" apology. Yet, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. It is that kindness that leads us to repentance.
Perhaps if we showed kindness, love, gentleness, mercy, grace, unconditional acceptance, then people, yes, even leaders, might feel more confident in sharing their real struggles.
All Comments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSAXLayoMKI
I don´t understand how you can get physical symptoms similar to cancer symptoms from a porn addiction though.
But that´s none of my business.
Does not make this end "happy" however. We can forgive--release any bitterness anger and hope for the best for him--but my word. Let's not be so gullible as Christians to go so far the other way to forget that these things happen and hurt the church. A good warning to any of us in leadership: Just because we have gifts that move and lead people does not endorse the character of the interior of our lives. And to the church member: do not rely on your leaders too much--gaze at Jesus.
The Bible clearly asks us to choose our church leaders extremely carefully. We reap what we sow when when nepotism decides leadership and not God's appointment.
That is why God is so great.
I pray that somehow Mike can learn to let go of all of his mess and take responsibility for all of his sin so that God can get in there and do what He's so good at which is cleaning up and growing us up so that His name alone is glorified and we are actually thankful for the journey. What a God!!
GEORGE: You still owe me a secret.
GARY: All right, listen. There is something I haven't told you, all right?
GEORGE: Yeah?
GARY: Yeah, but uhm, you can't tell Jerry.
GEORGE: What do think I tell Jerry everything? It's not like he's my wife.
GARY: Okay. Well, the thing is, I've been living a lie.
GEORGE: Just one? I'm living like twenty. (chuckles) What's yours?
GARY: Well, I (laughs) I never actually had cancer. (laughs) I'll see you.
I LOL. Then I realized that though Gary reminded me o Mike, our good old George reminded me of myself sometimes... but it was funny.
It also proves my theory that there is a 'Seinfeld moment' for everything in life.
That being said, the church's outrage when a leader falls is a large part of the reason pastors don't seek help before things get to this level. Leaders are infallible humans and we should treat them as such. They should be in small groups and seeking accountability and be able to be real with us without condemnation. Oh that unabomber homeboy could have said long before he became jesus in so many folks eyes, "dude, i am struggling and need help." "christian" culture loves to make heros of our leaders rather than our savior. So he screwed up. I did too, yesterday I was pissed off and I told my baby to "shut the hell up." Felt terrible about it. Did you do anything you are not proud of? We are all sinners (it might say something about that in the bible? reference?)
Help to heal and restore leaders who are struggling. Don't crucify them on a cross you yourself couldn't bare.
All of us sin, all of us deceive, yes.
Forgiveness & restoration, yes. Possible because of Jesus.
Still, I watch this, and the word in my head is 'ick'.
Not a shining moment for The Church.
Soul patches are so 90s.
So glad GOD IS STRONGEST!(as my son would say)
I pray that God will bless those who are in sin and in ministry, and that a balance between ministry and everyday life would be found among the Christian community. Everyday life is a ministry in itself. I pray that God would bestow the same upon myself, that I would be given grace.
God, give grace to Michael.
Here is what I don't understand still about this story- as a wife, I can't imagine allowing my husband to attend doctor's appointments alone- no matter what he said. After two years of NEVER meeting his doctors, I would be more than suspicious. Same goes with the staff- I can't imagine my husband going through chemo without his community right there- literally, in the room. Was this person so isolated that this was easy to pull off? I just don't get it....
I feel for this guy. I think there are a lot of people in ministry that feel this way.
Like Pitt says, "Apology accepted" ... let's all take inventory, live with integrity and grace, and move forward.
Has anyone wondered what makes a person do these kinds of things? He is so desperate for love that he will destroy his life like this to get it. How crazy is it to be that close to Christ and the church, yet not experience His fulfilling love?
Has anyone wondered why it's so easy to dupe the church like this? Have we looked too hard and long on talent and too softly and quickly over character and maturity?
What does God want us all to learn from this man's public tragedy? If you think it's a lesson on purity and authenticity you'd be dead wrong!
This is a devastating reality about how loveless we've become as a church, and how addicted to "consumerism" we have become because of it.
Church has become one of the most dangerous places to reveal our dark sides. This is magnified ten times as a church leader. The message clearly sent is one slip up and you're toast!
What one recieves too often is rejection, alienation, marginalization, knowing looks of guilt, surface statements of pity, and scripture quotes.
God is showing us time and time again that our system of "doing church" is broken and in need of dramatic redemption. A people where Jesus' love flows deeper and faster than any building, service, program, idea, art, or name ever could. A powerful love that is experienced not in a song, a message, or an environment - but in the raw relationship of agape.
It's not about the "man of God" It's all about the "God of Man".
Lots of good insight on this thread, especially that God is LOVE, and he forgives every sin. Although, the wages of sin is death. So he's probably going to die soon.
Kidding.
Interesting thread.
My husband has been addicted to pornography most of our married life. I found out when I was pregnant with our third child.
All I can say is the way that he compartmentalized his life was surreal and the denial was something I've never been able to understand. Healing was a long process. is a long process.
When I first heard about this story my first thought was... in what ways do I live a lie? IS there anything in my life that desires man's approval and acceptance over truth and character... are there any places in my life where I am looking for the validation of my peers over being loved by my Jesus?
I wonder if this is what it was like for King David when he cheated on his wife, and had her husband murdered. It would be safe to assume that he had a love vacuum all alone in the fields with his dad's sheep. His dad who barely remembered him when Samuel came along.
The shame, the confession, the falling forward, getting help, healing, living with the ramifications.
I think it's flippin' genius of God to give M. the song "healer" as a prophecy over his life, and a glimps into the heart of God for him and so many others.
The song means more to me now knowing his personal story than it did before because I see God shoveling out mercy with a desire to hold him close to His heart and love him to wholeness.
ISn't it like Jesus to give a song of healing to the one who is broken and in need of it?
I would like to know how much of the spiritual part of the interview got edited out
It's almost like they didn't really care if it was real or not.
Emotions are such bit part of these big church services. It's hard to say what is exceptable as far as manipulation of a congregation's emotions. I mean even the old keys playing through a prayer is a way of 'enhancing' emotional response. It wouldn't be difficult for this kind of thing to get out of control and even if the person up the front singing the heart wrenching song, to the crying fans is lying, you still get the high emotional payoff at the end of the day.
Christian celebrity is just recipe for disaster, and christian consumers just wanna eat it up. Even if it all goes wrong, it makes it all more interesting. We can read about it magazines and watch it on TV. Just more entertainment.
Forgiveness is essential... sure. Justice is also though. And not that we need to be his judge, but seriously... every time one of us plays that song, or downloads it from itunes... who's getting paid. Sure, he's giving the royalties away... but look at his track record on truth telling. Mmmmm... wont catch me near that song... There are plenty of other "anointed" songs (what ever that means).
Just a thought.
All of this out of an addiction to pornography? I can see it. Can't you? Our secret sins will destroy us and those around us. It's time to accept the grace of God and let go of the shame. If we don't we will all end up like this. Maybe not so publicly, but it will happen.
God bless you mike, We are all praying for you.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Mike is addicted to lying. He is addicted to words. What he needs now is not reporters in his face feeding his addiction, what he needs is compassionate friends, family, and spiritual mentors to help his heart heal.
I think it is appropriate for this community to discuss the topic. This is a blog community centered worship and leadership. It is on topic and we can learn from the successes and failures of others. This is healthy.
peace|dewde
http://dewde.com
Pretty much anything he says now can (and probably should be) taken with a grain of salt. We just need to give him grace and love him. God will work a miracle in his life (so long as Michael allows) and the journey before him really is just beginning. I know . . . I've been there.
The road ahead will not be easy. He may never realize his full potential that he was created for, but God still has a plan for Michael’s life. God still loves him. God knew from the foundation of time that Michael would have this sin in his life and STILL sent his Son to die for Michael anyway.
I hope and pray that God still has a plan for Michael to write music . . . he obviously has a gift.
Remember - we are only talking about him because he is caught. How many of us are walking around right now with sin in our lives and not handling with God or the folks around us? I'm sure not going to throw any stones . . .
Remember: in our weakness, He is made stronger.
You are easily deceived.
If Marilyn Manson had written the song would you feel different about it? or would you say 'God still works through imperfect people".
You would probably say it was blasphemy.
Philippians Ch 1:
15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Verse 18 is the is where the rubber meets the road for the "Healer" story, and more importantly for our attitude towards it... I love Paul's heart... even if it meant trouble for him... as long as the Gospel was preached.
If you were drowning in a river and I jumped in to save you, people would see this as a heroic act of benevolence. And rightly so. The end result is that you would be saved.
If you were drowning in a river and I jumped in to save you, only so that I could torture you, people would see this as an act of evil. And rightly so. The end result is that you would be saved. Just because someone stopped me from torturing you, doesn't change the act of saving you as an evil act.
In morality, it's not only the ends that matter. We should do the right thing not just because of some cold, calculated result... but because DOING the right thing IS right.
You see this in Jesus ALL the time. He's less concerned about the results of some action or law, and is more concerned with the heart of the person acting.
I guess what I'm saying is, I think in one important sense, Paul is wrong.
Also, while on a much larger scale, isn't this similar to most worship leaders when they stand in front of people and lead them in songs that may not be true in their own life?
Lying is sin. No argument. While most have not done this on this magnitude and public scale, we have all sinned, and fall short. Yet we are so quick to judge, reject, and throw away.
This song, and this story, points to the healing that needs to take place within the church. We need mercy. We need grace. We need forgiveness. We need acceptance. We need reconciliation. Not only from Christ for our sins. But for each other for theirs.
Perhaps he felt the necessity to lie because too many in the church do not show mercy, grace, forgiveness, or acceptance for people bound in sexual and other sin. It is the dark stuff that we prefer to ignore, cover up, and then rant and rave when a public figure falls.
Amazing how so many are only willing to forgive after they have received a "sincere" apology. Yet, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. It is that kindness that leads us to repentance.
Perhaps if we showed kindness, love, gentleness, mercy, grace, unconditional acceptance, then people, yes, even leaders, might feel more confident in sharing their real struggles.