HATE AND ANGER ARE NOT MENTAL ILLNESSES

This week we have suffered additional senseless and tragic shootings of innocent people here in America. 

This past Wednesday, Vester Flanagan II (aka:  Bryce Willisams) executed two, former co-workers from WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, VA.  Flanagan had a history of anger issues mostly stemming from his being both a black man and gay.  It appears his anger continued to grow over several years and between multiple jobs.  He had reached a point where common sayings or items and street names were viewed as racial attacks and taunts against him.  His hate grew right along with his anger and this week it reached a boiling point.

It has been reported that he considered the following as racial attacks:  seeing a watermelon on top of an ice chest at work, someone stating that it was time to “go into the field” before going out on location for their job, and someone saying the name of a street “Cotton Lane”.  He had filed a discrimination suit against another former employer claiming he was harmed due to being gay.  When that was dismissed and it was shown that there are other gays at the same employer, he changed the suit to racial discrimination. 

Flannigan approached, after what appears to have been a planned attack, reporter Alison Parker and her cameraman Adam Ward while they were conducting a live interview of another person (all white) out in public for the morning show on the station.  He had taken issue with each of these two while he worked at the station, prior to being fired over his anger.  Video footage has been made public from not only the cameraman but also the shooter, who filmed the attack.  The shooter walked up and stood slightly behind and to the left of the cameraman.  The three people standing in front of him were all absorbed in the interview and did not notice him.  He pulled out his semi-automatic pistol and aimed it at Alison.  Then, it appears that he noticed that Adam had directed his camera away from the two ladies and was shooting a scene to the side.  Flanagan lowered his gun and waited for the cameraman to get the ladies back on camera before raising the gun again and beginning to shot.

He ended up shooting 17 rounds, murdering both the reporter and cameraman and wounding the lady being interviewed.  Even though he had no beef with the third person, he shot her in the back while she was lying on the boardwalk.  He was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot after crashing his get-away car during a police chase. 

He had planned the senseless crime and posted the video of his deeds on social media and sending his manifesto to a news station prior to the police locating his car and chasing him down.

Flannigan had never been diagnosed as being mentally ill, as far as has been reported.  He purchased the gun legally earlier in the year.  He had no police record that would have been a red flag or stopped him from having a gun.  His problem was not that he was a criminal or mentally ill, he was just an angry man full of hate.  This is not something that can be solved with more laws or regulations; it is an issue with the private soul of the man.  This is evil incarnate!

ANOTHER SHOOTING:

Then, last night an on-duty and in-uniform Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy in Texas was executed while pumping gas.  He, a white man, was approached from the rear by a black man who opened fire and shot the officer in the head and back several times, killing him on the spot.  So far, there is no known connection between the two and it appears to be only due to the victim being a white cop.

SUMMARY:

These two events and others like them over the recent past, appear to be part of a pattern across the nation.  Recently, several Black activist groups (I will not name them due to some of their names being vulgar) have called for the lynching and hanging of white people and cops.  They want to kill people who are white and cops in order to send a message against the killing of black people. 

One show, which appears to be an online radio show, posted a screen shot stating, “Find one person alone kill him take a picture send it to people”.

Yes, we can blame the media, politicians and racist individuals or groups for some of this.  But, for the vast majority of these situations, they have nothing to do with mental illness.  They are pure and simple examples of hate and out of control anger.  Some of it is justified and much not.

Our society, in general, seems to have lost a moral compass.  To many, there no longer exists a “right and wrong”, only what is right in a man’s own eyes.  This is a social issue in general and a heart issue individually.  Apart from God, this will not be solved.  People need Jesus!  Only when they find grace, mercy and love from God will they be able to show that love to others.  Our society has turned away from God to a large degree and we are experiencing the predictable results.  As a nation and as individuals, we must repent and seek forgiveness from God and then He may heal this land. 

LOST IN THE FOG

LOST IN THE FOG

By:  Mike Foil

Do you have a good sense of direction?  Many of us believe that we do.  How well does your “sense” work when you find yourself in an unfamiliar setting in the dark?  How about in a dense forest when there is a thick cloud cover?  Have you ever been lost in the fog?

There are times when we just lose our way.  No matter how hard we try, we seem unable to summon that old reliable “sense of direction” that has always been there.  The first time that happens to you there is almost a feeling of amazement.  You have trouble accepting that you are actually lost! 

I remember the first time I experienced a complete lack of awareness as to the directions.  When I believed I was driving north, I was going south.  In spite of the signs along the road telling me which way I was traveling, I had trouble believing them – “I have a good sense of direction and I know that I am going north.”  This was a venture into an unknown city, far from home.  My cousin and I decided to go see the sights of Washington D. C. for the first time, even though it was the middle of the night during a cold January trip back east.  Without a map, but with a “good sense of direction” we headed out from Quantico, VA to find the monuments.

It must be a similar situation when a pilot stops believing his instruments and relies upon his senses.  Whether it is a night flight or a trip during a storm, he convinces himself that the cluster of instruments covering the dashboard of the plane have all quit working.  He knows what it feels like to fly straight and level and in spite of the artificial horizon and his speed indicator telling him otherwise, he knows best.  If, by chance, there is a split second of consciousness of his error in judgment, just prior to slamming into the ground; I wonder what flashes across his mind.  My thought is that his first reaction would be denial – this cannot be happening, I felt I was right!

There is another vivid memory of being lost in the fog.  Being from Arizona, the opportunities to drive in a heavy fog had been few by the time I was in college.  During my first trip to see my brother in Santa Barbara, after leaving the Los Angeles area and heading along the coast I was baptized into a real “fog”.  Barely able to see the white lines beside by car and only faint, red tail lights for the car just ahead of me a few yards; the traffic flow slowed from around 70 mph to around 60 mph.  I did realize that I had to stay in the flow, could not slow down, could not pull over to the side, and could not take an exit (as they would be past me before I could see them).  It was dark and the fog was so thick that I had no idea where I was or where this string of cars was taking me.  I wondered to myself, what if the first car goes home and we all follow?

There is certainly a sense of helplessness when we find ourselves lost.  It has helped me to realize that even I can lose my way.  When we deny that we are vulnerable, we make ourselves more so and can become dangerous to those who rely on us.  If we recognize the reality that we can be led astray, can take a wrong turn, can get lost in the fog, and can be fooled by our own sense of right and wrong; it should help us be on guard to the potential so that we are better prepared when it happens. 

None of us have a built-in compass that will never fail us.  Each one of us is capable of getting lost.  That is why it is so important for each of us to learn to place trust and confidence in a reliable instrument of direction. 

Currently, America is lost.  We, as a whole, have abandoned our compasses.  We lack the leaders who have a good sense of direction.  We are surrounded by the “blind leading the blind”.  As America has rejected the God of the Bible and the road map of the Republic – the Constitution, we have become a nation with no moral or religious compass and a people with no set boundaries to guide us.  We are controlled by our own opinions and led astray by those who desire to use us for their own purposes.  Many of us have become “useful idiots” and pawns for those seeking more power and control over our lives. 

It is the law, whether God’s law or the Rule of Law, which establishes the healthy boundaries wherein we live in peace.  Without the law and these boundaries there is lawlessness and anarchy.  When we each establish a law unto ourselves, a civilized society ceases to exist.  Freedom from the law is not more freedom, but less.  Too many, today, believe that they have a right to do whatever they want.  When that happens; they, exercising their “rights”, infringe upon the “rights” you have chosen for yourself.  The “free love” of the 1960’s did not bring liberty, but resulted in a breakdown of morality and a lack of respect for authority.

America, maybe now more than at any time since the War Between the States, is lost in the fog.  We will not find our way until we find our compasses.  The compasses are not lost, we are.  The Bible and the Constitution sit on the shelves gathering dust while we have a front row seat for the decline of the nation which has been the World’s best hope of liberty.  We were a light on a hill and we did offer the American Dream to many who could only wonder what it felt like to be “free”.  But, for some reason, the vary guides which established us have been rejected and are now openly ridiculed.  God will not be mocked!  Liberty will not survive anarchy!  It appears that either we have been or are being turned over, by God, to our own evil devices.  We will reap His judgment as a nation and as a people. 

The Miracle of Conversion

Last night my wife and I were watching the movie "Fireproof" on TV.  If you have not seen it, make sure you find a way as it is good.

During the movie the father of the man who is the main character is used by the Holy Spirit to lead his son to Christ.  To me, it was an amazingly powerful moment.  Sure, it is just a movie and those are just actors following a script; but that scene seemed so real that I had the sensation of witnessing a miracle.

Imagine yourself sitting in front of someone, looking into their eyes at the very moment that God changes the direction, for eternity, of their soul!  The miracle of birth just happened in front of you.  Heaven and hell just changed, forever!  You just gained a new spiritual sibling.  The body of Christ just became stronger and more complete.  The angels just set off in singing praises to God. 

Now, remember when you were born (again).  It was a miracle of God working on your sinful heart to make it clean and pure.  It was your soul being snatched from the grasp of damnation and in an instant your life was changed. 

Want to see a miracle?  Do you really?  Reach out to the lost, with the love of Christ, and let the Holy Spirit work through you.  One of these days, you will be sitting there looking into the blind eyes at the instant they are opened to see the Light for the very first time.

Have you seen the recent video, online, of the young woman who had just received the implant of a hearing device and was able to hear for the very first time in her life?  Go watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjU9U81O1n8

That is very moving and exciting to watch.  Someone who hears her own voice for the first time.  As great as that is, it does not compare to the spiritually blind having their eyes and hearts opened to see the truth of Jesus, for the very first time.

Showing the love of God can put you in the place of witnessing the ultimate miracle.  WOW!

Steal My Soul

Steal My Soul

Lord, how will you create the day, the one which steals my soul away?

And how will it begin and end, the day like no other has been?

Will sleep rapture away from me, as light draws to eternity?

Or will I wake and sense you near, with a peace over all my fear?

Will angels catch me when I fall? Will others know I’m gone at all?

Before the dawn will I see, the eyes of Glory at peace with me?

This special day, how will it be when the Son of Man calls for me?

Mike Foil                                   

May 29, 2011                        

WDJS

What did Jesus see?


After nearly being whipped to death, after the lose of blood and the agony of physical pain, after having the crown of thorns pressed upon his head, after being forced to carry a heavy beam through the streets, following the ridicule and rejection; Jesus was thrown down onto the ground, across the same beam.

Even though He knew what to expect, still the adrenaline was pumping through his veins. The Roman soldiers were pulling on his arms and preparing to pound steel spikes through his wrists. Others were pulling on his garment and striping him bare. Some in the crowd were still yelling at Him, cursing and laughing. Others, including his mother, were crying.

The prior night’s prayer was over and the thoughts had progressed past whether or not there might be another way to accomplish the Father’s will. Resolve had not only set in, it was steadfast!

Lying there on his bloody back, which had the skin ripped open and splinters poking the raw wounds; Jesus, through eyes crusted with dry blood and salty sweat, looked upward. Immediately in front of him were the images of Roman faces, some with whiskers, all showing an indifference to His situation. To them, He was just another guilty Jew that they had to deal with before they got off duty.

Beyond their empty eyes were the helmets of dull metal and leather straps. He glimpsed the hammer being passed from one soldier to another holding down his right hand. At the exact time of hearing the metal-on-metal contact, a pain shot through his whole body and a cry rang out from his dry mouth.

After several seconds of wincing, His eyes opened again, this time to see beyond the bounds of Earth. The soldiers and crowds were a blur to His sight. The sounds were fading into the background of His conscience. Now, He was looking into the Heavens where His Father waited for Him and the angels were ministering to Him. The God-man repeated the thought, “Thy will be done!”

Does God Know Your Name?

Where do you stand in your walk with the Lord?  Are you one of the people in line to hear, (Mat 25:23 KJV) "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."  Or, do you feel like you might just be in the line that hears, (Mat 7:23 KJV) "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

From the context, it appears that the later group is surprised to hear that they are not being welcomed into Eternity with God.  These people not only express shock, but back up their appeal with an argument claiming to have worked miracles in the name of Jesus.  The preceding verse reads as follows:  (Mat 7:22 KJV) "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?"  Jesus responds by telling them that He never knew them. 

It is passages such as this that should get our attention.  I, for one, believe that many "Christian" churches in America have a large number of members sitting in their pews, believing they are "saved", when they are in great danger of spending eternity in hell.

In the past week I have been asked by two different believers, "Do you think I am going to heaven?" and "Do you ever question whether or not you are a Christian?"  Maybe you have recently thought something similar.  Maybe you have had your thoughts turned to eternity and forced yourself to refocus due to the uncomfortable feeling that followed a sense of insecurity.  For a person to actually verbalize one of the above questions is a positive step in the right direction.  Too many will not let themselves go that far.

If I may make a general statement (acknowledging beforehand that it does not apply to everyone), Americans have grown complacent.  Is it that we are lazy, ignorant, deceived or just plain indifferent?  The following is a definition of complacency, from Dictionary.com:  "Self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies."

The glove fits many of our hands perfectly!  Many Americans, regardless of the size of their bank accounts, feel fairly self-sufficient.  This past week, I was talking to a minister who is leaving this week to work in Columbia.  He told me that in areas of Colombia, where the people are generally poor and have no financial security, they are praying all of the time.  They do not feel self-sufficient at all.  They openly acknowledge their need and helplessness, accompanied with a dependence upon God.

This scenario seems to fit a situation where Jesus might come up with a parable to make His point, without actually stating the obvious.  Between the poor Colombians who are praying always to God for deliverance and the comparatively rich Americans who rarely pray because they basically have all of their needs met by their own labors or the programs of government, which will be first in the kingdom of God?  To make sure you are not confused, the answer to the parable is not for you to become poor and destitute on purpose. 

In America, most of us who want them, have jobs with decent incomes.  We have the ability to drive to the grocery store and buy what we want for supper.  In fact, we can purchase the food our family will need for the next week and store it in our refrigerators.  In those cases where Americans are unable to buy the groceries for their family, our government will step in and supply free food.  If you lose your job, our government will step up and write you weekly checks.  If you are sick, our government will see to it that you get necessary health care. 

Many within our borders have become worshipers of government and it's welfare programs.  It is Washington D.C. and the politicians who usurped a position where they have become idols in the hearts and minds of many citizens. 

We, as a nation, are complacent, in general.  We are too self-sufficient and self-satisfied.  Why pray for needs when we have none?  This brings up the last part of the above definition, "...unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies."  I am no expert on theology, but from my perspective it would appear that many of us fall into the category of "unknowns" to God.  We sit in our usual seats in churches on Sunday mornings, halfway listening to the sermon and halfway considering where to go for lunch (worried that if the pastor talks too long, the Baptists will get to the restaurants before we can).  We stand and sing along with the songs, maybe even raise a hand while we sing.  The bold ones will say an occasional "amen".  We quickly shake a few hands in the front of the church and head to the parking lot, not to think about any of this again until it is time to set the alarm clock on the next Saturday evening. 

When this pattern becomes our "Christian" experience, do we really believe that we will hear "well done, good and faithful servant..."?  Somehow, I doubt that is in our future.  These "beat-the-Baptists-to-lunch-Christians" would probably all (each and every one) claim to be a believer in Jesus.  They, at some point in their lives, may have "walked the aisle" in response to an "invitation" and repeated "the prayer".  After which, they were assured that they were now Christians, on their way to heaven, "once-saved-always-saved".

Sitting in the same churches, many times, are found those who will hear "well done" and "enter thou into the joy of the Lord".  What is the difference?  Where is the line drawn that divides the two groups?  Theologians could preach a series of sermons on this subject, but let me offer a summary opinion.  When we turn to God and accept Jesus, acknowledging our belief that He is the Son of God who died on the cross in order to offer Himself as the sacrifice for our sins, He comes as a package deal.

The complacent believer accepts Jesus as their personal Saviour and uses Him as their "get out of hell free" card.  On the other side of the line are those who have fallen in love with Jesus the Saviour and welcomed Him as Jesus the Lord.  The trouble is that Jesus is not divisible, you either have Him as Saviour and Lord or you do not have Him at all.

What does it mean for Jesus to be our Lord?  Maybe it would help to think of Him as our King.  If you lived in an earthly kingdom, you would be expected to obey the king and serve him however he commanded.  So, with Jesus our King and Lord, he expects us to follow Him as he leads each of us. 

Two other verses from the same passage as quoted above (one just preceding and one just following) are as follows:  (Mat 7:21 KJV) "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."  (Mat 7:24 KJV) "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock".

If you believe in Jesus and have accepted Him as your Saviour, it is time to accept the rest of Him - LORD!  "All hail King Jesus"!  We will never regret anything that we gave up, lost, or sacrificed in this life in order to be invited to step across the welcome mat into heaven. 

If you are one who has been thinking a question about your place in eternity, good!  That shows that the Holy Spirit is working on you.  Yield to the Spirit of God and submit your life to serve Him.  That is where you will find assurance. 

Brush Fires of Spiritual Freedom

The Christian church in America, for too long, has been anemic. We have taken Sunday services and turned them into social gatherings where the congregation goes home no better informed than when they came. There is no message of urgency to walk close to God. Any mention of sin or disobedience, by a pastor, is weakly expressed and produces no shame or change. 

Church discipline is almost non-existent.  The pews are full of people living in open sin with no fear of confrontation from "spiritual" leaders.  The church members, to a great degree, are very uneducated in the things of the Bible.  Many do not even bring a Bible with them to church and even if they did, would not know where to find the references.

(Heb 5:11-14 KJV) Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Where are the preachers who will proclaim the Word with convicting power?  Where are the Bible teachers who not only know the Word but are skilled in passing on that knowledge to the next generation?   How many "Christians" can adequately explain to a non-believer the message of the Bible and the plan of God? 

We attend churches where "milk" is preached and taught week after week.  It seems the sermons are geared to the weakest link, which always will prohibit the eating of "meat".  There needs to be a revamping of the mission of the church service.  Evangelism is for the Christians to do on a regular basis; on the street, in the homes, at the park, etc.  When the Sunday morning sermon is a message to the "lost", much of the time, the "found" sit there and starve. 

Jesus instructed Peter to "feed my sheep".  Let the preachers proclaim the message of Christ from the rooftops, from the sidewalks, even from the pulpit as a part of the message of offering meat for food; but let the pastors feed the sheep.  What is a pastor?  "Pastor" means shepherd, one who is responsible for the sheep under his care.  It is no wonder that anemia is the norm and "going to church" has become irrelevant.  Why would someone want to give up sleeping in and the early football game on Sunday morning, just so they can say that they attended a church service that was utterly boring?
It does not have to be that way!  Church services do not have to be something that we dread having to attend, but feel obligated to make a showing.  There are many regular people who are hungry for the pure meat of the Word.  Transform the gathering of Christians from a social, milkfest, to a training center for building up the Body of Christ to do the work of the ministry.
 
Is it any wonder that many preachers reach a phase of burnout?  No, they feel all the pressure and weight on their own shoulders and see limited growth in their congregations.  Why?  Because the people are not growing.  Why?  Because they are not being properly fed.
 
There is a hunger in Christianity for meat!  If you are a church leader and are not prepared to feed meat to your sheep, step aside until you are ready.  If you are still drinking milk, you have no business being in a position of leadership.  If you are ready, create the opportunities and give it all you have.  When word gets out that the pure Word is being taught, it will attract those who are hungry.  It is these who will grow and become the next tools of transformation.  If your messages offend no one, they are anemic and worthless.  An unrepentant sinner should take offense to the pure Word. 
 
Sure, there are those in the field who are doing all they can to feed the sheep.  There are congregations that are eating multiple times each week and are growing.  These exceptions are doing what they can to restore a vital sense of life to the Christian church in America. 
 
To those pastors and teachers - you are the voices of church leadership who should be determined to set the brush fires of spiritual freedom in the hearts of men. A few who will be bold, speak the truth without watering it down, demonstrate the unconditional love of God, reveal to the lost Jesus' extended hand of mercy; but, at the same time provide intensive teaching, which will help those who participate as learners, to grow into additional voices of truth.
 
Start the fire and let it spread!  This nation is in desperate need of a revival! 

IRS Section 501(c)(3) vs Freedom of Speech

"Tax-Exempt Organization" - Sounds pretty good and sort of makes you wish you were one, doesn't it?  You must ask, whenever the government (IRS) tells you that you can keep some dollars in your right pocket, what are they taking out of your left pocket? 

When was the last time you heard of a church that was not approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization?  It seems that it is almost automatic that a church is approved by the IRS for this status.  What is the benefit to churches to be classified as a 501(c)(3) organization?  Receiving this status allows individuals who contribute to the church to deduct their contributions as an itemized deduction on their income taxes.  If a church did not meet the requirements of a 501(c)(3) organization, those contributions could not be deducted for income tax purposes. 

Sounds like a win-win situation!  Not so fast, the IRS is not Santa Claus.  It does not give away revenue out of the kindness of its heart.  Be skeptical anytime the government appears to be giving you something for nothing.  We accepted money from Washington for our public schools - now the Department of Education dictates some curriculum and mandates local spending on liberal agenda items.  We accepted highway money from Washington - now we are threatened with the loss of these on-going funds if we do not tow the line in other areas.

Why does the government let us deduct contributions to churches?  What do they get out of it?  When a church is approved as a 501(c)(3) organization, they forfeit part of their freedom of speech rights.  That is the payoff to the government.  From that point on, that church cannot risk being fined and the loss of their tax-exempt status by speaking out on political matters or passing out material for or against any political campaign. 

The government has just silenced organized religion when it comes to the affairs of politicians.  Churches are afraid that the loss of their IRS status would mean the loss of contributions. 

But, aren't all churches required by the IRS to file for 501(c)(3) approval?  No, they are not, based on the IRS tax guide for "Churches and Religious Organizations".  Quoted from page 3, "Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS."  It goes on to say, "Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because such recognition assures church leaders, members, and contributors that the church is recognized as exempt and qualifies for related tax benefits."

So, what are the "requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3)"?  There are several, but two of importance in this discussion are summarized as follows:  first, "no substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation," and, "the organization may not intervene in political campaigns".  They explain that intervening includes speaking out for or against any candidate, raising funds for political activities, passing out literature for or against any candidate, etc.

It was not always the case that the government restricted political speech in churches.  In the early part of this country, preachers speaking about political issues were not uncommon.  Four of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were preachers.  Most of the Founding Fathers were religious. 

The IRS web site has a link to a document, "Election Year Issues".  Within this article is contained some background to IRS 501(c)(3).  Page 336, "Prior to 1954, there was no statutory provision absolutely prohibiting organizations described in the antecedents of IRC 501(c)(3) from engaging in political campaign activities."  The Revenue Act of 1934 had established the lobbying (legislation) restriction of 501(c)(3), but the campaign activity restriction was not included.  In the Revenue Act of 1954, Lyndon Johnson had successfully added an amendment restricting 501(c)(3) organizations from campaign activity. 

As I am not an attorney or an accountant, there are other issues relating to whether or not a church should or should not apply with the IRS for 501(c)(3) status (consult your professional for legal advise).  But, the government has been successful, by offering tax benefits to those who comply, in closing America's pulpits to political speech.  Soon after the Revenue Act of 1954, with the preachers effectively silenced, government became more bold in its attack on religion and America became more lax in its morality.  By the 1960's, we were dealing with the removal of prayer in schools and the "free love" movement.  We also began to see the dismantling of the typical family unit and the "women's lib" movement. 

How has the trade-off worked for better?  The churches may have more contributions from their members, but probably have less members due to the decline in morality and the lack of interest in organized religion. 

How were churches able to generate necessary funds prior to the IRS letting contributions be deductible?  That is easy, the members did not expect special tax benefits and gave out of love of the church or at least obedience to the Word.  If a church were to give up its 501(c)(3) status, gain back the free speech from the pulpit, but lose the tax benefits to the members; what would the members do?  Would they change churches or stop giving to their church?  I would hope not.  I believe that with the proper education the members would understand the importance of not having the preachers censored by the government and would appreciate the stand being taken by the church leaders.  God did not instruct us to give where we gained a financial benefit from the gift, He just told us to give.

Sometimes, the old-fashioned way of doing things was just better!

ARE CHRISTIANS LEAST RELIGIOUS?

Lately, we have been hearing questions about whether Barack Obama is a Christian or a Muslim, or none of the above. A recent poll conducted by Pew Research indicated that approximately one out of four adults in America believe he is a Muslim and one out of three believe he is Christian. The rest have no idea.

This has made me wonder why it is so difficult for average people to be able to discern the religion of the leader of their country. It appears to boil down to the actions or lack thereof where it relates to a specific religion being professed by our president.

What does Barack Obama say concerning his religion? He claims to be a Christian. Evidently, in the minds of 2/3 of Americans, that is not enough to convince them. Why aren’t we taking the man at his word? Even more so, why would so many believe him to be a Muslim when he claims that he is not? The answers lie in his actions. Most of us are familiar with the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” We appear to be applying that truth to President Obama.

A majority of the public is not accepting the word of the president, but is watching his actions. His actions are telling them something different. Our experience has taught us that not everyone who claims to be something is what he claims. The actions of President Obama are leading more and more people to doubt his Christianity. He claims to have the “faith”; but, as we see, that will only take you so far:

(James 2:18-20 KJV) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Why is it so difficult to determine if a person is a Christian, especially a protestant Christian?

The Catholics are fairly open about their religion. They attend mass, many have shrines set up in or at their homes, some carry beads, they openly make the gesture of the cross, etc.

The Jews observe their special holidays, they attend the synagogue, they obey the priest, they cover their heads in prayer, etc.

The Mormans are very faithful concerning church attendance and tithing. They go on two-year missions for the church. They hold special ceremonies and weddings in their temples and work hard at living a life that aligns with their religion.

The Muslims hold prayer time several times each day, bowing toward Mecca. They have a strict set of rules or laws that they live under. The men dominate the society and the women are very restricted in dress and public interaction.

It is not that hard to recognize many followers of any of these religions. So, what is it about Christianity that is different? As Christians, we do not typically have special garments that we wear, there are no hats required, we make no signs when we pray and do not bow to Jerusalem. We do have a couple holidays, but they are basically celebrated as Americans and seem to have lost much of the religious meaning.

Christians attend a variety of denominational churches and do not have one set of doctrines that all follow. There are disagreements among Christians as to many teachings in the Bible and the current application of those concepts.

This is additionally confused by many people calling themselves Christians and having no understanding of what it really means to be such. Some believe that they must be a Christian simply because they are an American or because they attend church, sometimes.

A true Christian is one who has been changed, by the Spirit of God, on the inside. It is not manifest in uniforms and other outward displays, but should be demonstrated by a changed life. One is not a Christian just because they claim to be or even because they state that they believe in Jesus. As shown in the above verses, even the devils believe.

As we encounter those who claim to be a Christian, we are not able to demand to see their “papers” to demonstrate membership. It is prudent to accept their words; but, at the same time watch their lives to see if the life of Christ is being lived out through their daily walk. A real Christian is a follower of Jesus the Christ. We cannot repeat a prayer, live like the devil, and then expect open arms at the gate to heaven.

It is not our responsibility or expectation to just accept that Barack Obama is a Christian when we have difficulty seeing Christian virtues and principles in his life. We are right in doubting and withholding conclusion until we see the works to support the words. It is up to him to live as a Christian in order to be pleasing to God and in order to have those who believe his statement of faith.

So, since it does appear to be more difficult to determine if another person is a real Christian, is it because Christians are less religious? No, I believe it is because Christians are less legalistic. We are defined, not by ceremony or attire or scheduled prayers. We are set apart by a difference in heart and a lifestyle that follows a belief in a risen Savior.

The Color of the Soul

"Red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in His sight."  Most of us know the children's chorus, but doesn't God have favorites?  Wouldn't it just seem "normal" to prefer some above others?  "Normal," yes; Godly, no!  God is not "normal" as defined by man.  (Rom 11:33 KJV) "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" 

As mere mortals, we fall far below the standard set by God.  We see color and we play favorites.  As long as we walk this earth, in these bodies, that will not go away, completely.  There is an old saying, "Beauty is only skin deep."  Well, so is color only skin deep!


(Gal 3:28 KJV) "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."  Could I add to the list, rich nor poor, black nor white, young nor old...  In God's eyes, we do not fall into any categories other than believer and unbeliever.
 
What lies beneath our various skin tones?  Living within these aging bodies are our eternal souls.  The Bible teaches that man's soul needs to be saved.  So, what is the soul?  First of all, it does not have various colors.  Heaven will not be segregated and there will be no discrimination.  It is the soul that will be taken to heaven or damned to hell.  We - you and I, the people who dwell in bodies - are souls.  The individual soul will not be set apart based on race, nationality or gender.  We will have a heavenly society that is colorless as to the distinction between the inhabitants.
 
That is why, in the now-time, we should be seeing our fellow brothers and sisters by their soul color, not their skin color.  Our skin does not make us who we are.  Behind our skin, we are equal souls.  Judge the man by who he is, not what he looks like.  There is no one who can measure up to perfection, physically. 
 
No matter what I look like to you or you look like to me, neither one of us are seeing the real person.  So, it is pretty amazing how much we judge based on appearance.  "You" are not what you look like, "you" are what your soul is, and "you" will live forever apart from your now-time appearance.

Who is a Christian?

It has surprised me over the past months that the Left is attempting to convince Americans that BO is a Christian.  I thought the Left adored BO???  Why would they want us to believe he is a believer, when for decades, they have been ridiculing Christians and portraying them as a bunch of idiots.  They attack any form of Christian expression that they feel is too much in public view.  Now, all of a sudden, they want us to see BO as being a main-stream Christian - and they believe that it would be a good thing for us to accept that description of him. 

When did being a Christian become a popular position for the Left to support?

When BO claims to be a Christian, or when the Left try to convince us of such, what do they mean by "Christian"?  When someone argues that BO is not a Christian or at least doubts whether or not he is, what do they mean? 

The name "Christian" has become the term "christian".  It is similar to the terms "conservative" or "liberal".  They mean different things to different people.  Your background and beliefs affect your understanding of each of these terms.  Being a christian, to some, can mean no more than being an American, or being an occasional attender of church.  But, what does being a Christian, really mean?

BO may be a christian, but if he is a Christian, then I am very confused as to what Christianity really is about.

I am asking each one of you, to please log onto the blog and leave your comments in answer to this question.  What is a Christian?  Please do not hesitate or worry that someone might find fault with what you say, this is an important issue.  We need, very badly, to have a clear understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus the Christ. 

Live THAT Way!

How now should I live?

To break that question down, further:

1. How? How are you living? Does your lifestyle demonstrate what is truly important to you? Would others understand what motivates you based on what they see in your life?

2. Now? Is there a priority for your life that you feel you will get around to, at some time in the future? Are your so-called priorities worth your time, now? Are they important enough to live for, now?

3. Should? Is there something you know you should do, or something you should change in what you are currently doing? What should you be doing now, that you are not?

4. I? Now it is hitting close to home and getting personal. It is not about what others should do and how and when they should do it. It is about you and me. Salvation is personal. Your walk with God and in this world is unique. "No one else can walk it for you, You have to walk it by yourself." from "The Reverend Mister Black".

5. Live? It is not enough to teach or tell others what is important to you. You have to live it! Your life demonstrates what is really important to you. As has been said, "Your life is an open book." Whether or not you realize it, others are reading your pages. What message is being transmitted?

Let me ask the question another way. Is there something or someone you would die for? Not hypothetically, literally! Is there anything that is so important to you that you would be willing to lay down your life in support of or in defense of? If not, I would have to ask, what is the meaning of your life? How have you found yourself in a position where there is nothing and no one worth your life? How has your life become so important and valuable that it should not and cannot be sacrificed for any cause or person? Or, maybe, you feel that it is your life that others should be willing to die for.

Our lives are but a vapor soon to be forgotten. We, physically, will return to where we came; ashes to ashes, dust to dust. In Gen. 18:27, Abraham acknowledges that he is but ashes and dust. If it were true of him, it is true of you and me. What will you do with your life that will survive your death? What difference will your having been here make to the future or to others?

Each day we gather a little closer to eternity. Some day, we will reach that destination. At that point, in the absence of time, how will your time spent on Earth measure up? Did you matter to anyone other than at the time you were here? Did you make a difference in the life of someone? What did you demonstrate, by your life, that will be an example for others to follow?

Will you die with regrets over those things you should have done, but did not? We have but one period of time in which to live to make a difference. That is right now! Tomorrow is not promised to you. The legacy you leave may be determined today.

Mankind has a history full of examples worthy of following. There are countless ones who gave up their lives for a cause or for the sake of others. This is not to say that your goal is to go out and die for something and hope someone notices how noble you were. Sometimes, when someone gives up their lives, death is not involved. They give up their life in order to serve others. Their sacrifice is a living sacrifice. (Rom 12:1 KJV) "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

"Reasonable service"? Giving up my life as a sacrifice to God is a "reasonable" service? If that is reasonable, what would be unreasonable? Not doing that would be unreasonable.

If you do not already know what those things are that you would die for, examine your life and your priorities. If you do have an idea as to what is that important to you, make sure that they are of such that will have a lasting effect. When you are through with that self-examination, take a look at your present life. Are you living in such a way as your life-priorities are evident and effectual?

In other words, figure out what message you want others to read from your life and then live in such a manner that they cannot misconstrue that message. Find it and then live that way!

Have you asked, "What does it mean to follow Jesus?" The answer is one step beyond what is described above. Following Jesus is to make the self-examination to see if your life is reflecting God's priorities, not your own. This is where having a lasting effect makes a difference. Seek the Lord to know Him. Find Him and follow. Live THAT way!

God Bless America?

We had better be praying for God to bless America. Since the 1960's, our government and courts have been enacting an agenda to remove God from the public conscious. What has been revealed by all of this is the neglect of the parents and churches to do their jobs. If parents were fulfilling their responsibility to lead and direct their children in the beliefs that they hold, the government and courts would not have been successful in indoctrinating the last couple of generations of students coming out of public schools.

There appears to be a growing segment of the population who reject the notion of there being a God, the creator of the universe, the supreme ruler over everything and everyone. Christianity is openly mocked. This has not been helped by numerous, nationally known preachers falling from grace and having publicized affairs. It has not been helped by TV evangelists faking miracle services. It has not been helped by some TV preachers constantly appealing for the money of the viewer of their programs.

When the negative side of religion is in the spotlight and the churches are watering down the gospel of Jesus, it becomes even more important for the family setting to be the refuge and educational setting for the establishment of the next generation of strong believers.

We and our children (and grandchildren) are constantly being bombarded with anti-Christian propaganda. A couple nights ago I tuned in a program just to see what it was like. I had heard a lot of negative comments about the show, "Real Time With Bill Maher" on HBO. I saw that it was on and checked it out for myself.

Mr. Maher stated that he is having a contest to determine the "stupidest state in America." He showed a playoff bracket with eight states in the running. Arizona was one of them and he commented, "Arizona is the odds-on winner for the stupidest state in America." I guess he forgot the line in "Forest Gump", "Stupid is as stupid does." Even though his comment grew loud applause, all he really did is show his own stupidity. It was clear that he either had no idea what the law says or he purposely lied about it's contents. Bill also referred to Sarah Palin as "Mrs. Moron". This also drew loud applause and laughter.

But, the main portion of what I watched had to do with Christianity bashing. Bill had a panel of three people on the show, two men and one woman. One man was a politician from New Jersey and stated that he is a Christian and attempted, a couple times, to interject some defense of Christianity into a conversation that was not going to allow a fair dialogue. The other man was from CNN and did not have much to say in this segment. The woman and Bill each claimed to be atheists. As they were proudly discussing their atheism and putting down believers, Bill had these comments to add: "I hope Obama is an atheist." "It is a delusion that religion is under attack in this country." "People who believe in God are deluded." The lady added, "The Bible supports gay marriage." Bill also commented about the Supreme Court and the religious makeup of the court. He said that most of the court is made up of Catholics and Jews. He added that they "believe the same nonsense" as Protestants. As he was making fun of Christians, he said, "To know what will happen when you die is arrogant." His audience, from the sound of the laughter and applause, appeared to be of the same mindset.

(Gal 6:7 KJV) "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."

America, founded on Christian principles, has strayed away. Obama said, "America is not a Christian nation." It once was, but is now heading away from God. Just as Obama likes to say, "Elections have consequences"; well, so does our citizens rejecting God.

(2Ch 7:14 KJV) "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Notice the big "IF" in the room?

(Mat 5:45 KJV) "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

With the widespread rejection of God in America, has God withdrawn His hand of blessing?

Yes, we better be praying! We better be pleading for the Father to bless America again and pull us back from the brink of collapse. I don't know if you would call the U.S. an empire, but the example still holds true. All great empires from the past have fallen from the lofty perch they once enjoyed. Only God knows the answer for America. Until the results are in, God can still turn things around and states that He will "if"... Now, will we? Will we as a nation humble ourselves and pray to the one true God? Will we seek His face and turn from our wicked ways?

Foxhole Conversions

Most of us are familiar with "foxhole conversions". As the phrase implies, these changes in attitude or devotion result from a near-death experience.

When soldiers are "dug-in", sweating and dodging bullets, laying in the mud and blood, looking death in the eye, and facing the enemy on all fronts; there is a tendency to pray. These may be men who never took the time before, even doubted that there was a real God; but, in dire circumstances, are willing to try anything. They put their face in their greasy, muddy hands and cry out, "God, if you are real, save me! If you will get me out of this alive, I will follow you."

These are desperate cries for help from the helpless. They turn to God when there is no one else who can deliver them from certain doom. A cry cracks the darkness and splinters the silence! "Help me, oh God!" They are beyond themselves and any ability, talents or wisdom that they may have relied upon in the past to get them out of this hopelessness. They do not add conditions, other than deliverance. "Save me and I will follow!" Save me, deliver me, help me oh God for I see my helplessness. I realize that I am unable to deliver the salvation I need so desperately.

"Foxhole conversions" - are they real? Do they last? Are they thought of again, once deliverance is granted?

Not all such "conversions", as the term is used, relate to a literal life and death situation. But it is a term that relates to a cry of desperation, a plea for help from a God who never seemed important before. A granted request in exchange for a promise - let's make a deal.

Not all "last minute" cries to a previously unneeded God are the typical "foxhole" type. Some actually do cry out to God, as they are near death, and see the truth in the Savior and their sincere need. Remember the thief on the cross next to Jesus. That is just about as hopeless of a situation as you will find. He did not ask for deliverance from the situation, but for salvation from his spiritual state. He was dead spiritually and would soon be physically. He knew what was just in front of him, but he wanted what was just beside him - Jesus. "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." A cry from the point of helplessness, but no bargain offered. Just a lost man in need of forgiveness, love and deliverance. There was no, "if" and "then" involved.

What happens to the benefactors of deliverance in foxholes? I would expect that with many, since God was not needed in their busy lives before, He was immediately forgotten once the threat subsided and the man realized that he was going to walk away, after all. "Wow, that was a close one! I even prayed, ha ha ha!" I would also imagine that some would lie on their back, look towards heaven and cry and cry and cry. If they let themselves, they would admit that the God of their mothers had heard and answered their feeble prayer. As they walk away, they hold in their heart a gratefulness to a living God. They do not forget and they turn to follow Him and serve him with the days given to them, back there in the mud.

Have you had a "foxhole conversion"? Did it take? Have you had a conversion at all? What does it take to be converted?

You may believe that you have never been in such a position of need as to cry out to God for deliverance. So far, you have made it pretty well on your own. You make a decision to say that prayer if you ever find yourself in a desperate situation that you cannot handle. The "prayer" is your "ace-in-the-hole". You will pull it out if you ever need it and walk away the winner.

You fool! First of all, you do not know the day or hour that death will knock on your door. You may never have the time to reach into your vest pocket and pull your ace. You may be granted just the split second to look up from the cards you have been dealt and realize your adversary is the devil. In the blink of an eye it could be too late and your eternity has been determined. Second of all, God is not mocked! He will not call your name forever. He will not operate on your schedule or be dependant on you finding a time of need.

You fool! God does not need you, you need God! You may not be in a foxhole, or facing physical death in the next hour, but you are in a desperate situation. You may not know it, but you already are helpless and hopeless. If you do not cry out to God, in sincerity, you will face Him one day as the Judge who will condemn you to eternity in hell.

You must be converted - for real! What does this mean? It means to admit your utter helplessness. It means to recognize your need for a Savior who can deliver you from a life of sin. You may respond that you are not all that bad, in fact you have been pretty darn good. God tells us there is none righteous among all the people of the earth - no, not one. No, not even you. There is only one way to heaven and it is through Jesus. You cannot earn it or deserve it. You must come to God according to His plan of salvation, and that is through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.

When you are ready to stop playing Russian roulette, hoping that death is more than a finger-pull away, turn to Jesus. Conversion is not a person turning to God for a "get-out-of-hell-free" card. You are not converted just because you do not want to go to the lake of fire, forever. God offers a package deal. You take it or you leave it. He will be your Savior only if He can also be your Lord. This means that you must surrender your life to God; for Him to direct, guide and use as He sees fit.

"Wow, that is expecting an awful lot from me! Do you mean that I will no longer be running my life according to what I want?" Yes, that is exactly what I mean. God will not share lordship of your life. "If I do this, what will I lose and what will I gain?" The best answer to that is found in the Bible. The Apostle Paul wrote that everything that he lost could not be compared to what he had gained in knowing and following Jesus. I admit, it is a leap of faith. You step out from the crowd and submit your life into the hands of the living God. You profess your trust in Him and you follow on the adventure of a lifetime.

Conversion is through faith, faith in God and the completed work of His Son, Jesus. "Isn't following Jesus, works?" No, following Jesus is obedience. All the works in the world will not get you saved from damnation. You believe and you obey, you follow and you find a love beyond description, a peace beyond understanding and a hope for forever. A walk with God is out of this world!

Are You in the Game? Part Two

This is the second part to "Are You in the Game or on the Sidelines?"

Having given you a day to think about the question, I now ask another; what does it mean, to me, to be in the game?

Is Jesus calling us to live in a cave and eat wild honey, like John the Baptist? Are we on the sidelines if we are not on a course to being killed for our profession of faith? What am I expected to do or how am I expected to live in order to be "in the game"?

The answer is probably different for each of us. For most of us though; no, God is not demanding that you move into a wilderness and wear animal skins for clothing as you stand in a river and shout to those on the sidelines. Most believers and true followers of Jesus will not be martyred for their belief.

Being in "the game" is no game at all. It is a way of living. It is a life change, a shuffling of our priority list. A believer sees the world through different eyes. So, to begin with, who is a believer? This is a person who turns to Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Many who would call themselves believers have only signed up for the Savior part. They have held onto the lordship portion of their lives. Jesus is not divisible! Either you come to Him according to His rules or you have not come to Him at all. When He says, deny yourself, follow me, believe in me; these are not suggestions.

We cannot serve God and idols at the same time. When we want to be "saved" but we want to go on living just as before, we hold ourselves up as our own idol. I cannot put me as my top priority and be serving God at the same time - it does not work that way. I cannot live for my job, hobby, recreation, etc.; spending all my time and energy on these and claim that Jesus is the Lord of my life.

We are told in the Bible that God has assigned various gifts and ministries in the Body of Christ, which we are members. Paul tells us in Corinthians that each believer has a function in the Body and we each need to be performing the duties of that function. If we do not do our part, the Body will not function as well, as a whole. I may just be the skin under the toenail, but if have a splinter in my life, the Body will limp. What Paul is trying to teach us is not just some interesting idea, it is a blueprint of how the Church is supposed to operate in the world. We, each one of us, really does have a part to play and a responsibility to fulfill.

Arrange your priorities according to the instruction God has given us. God must be first. Others must be next. In fact others just might fill up the rest of your list. But where do "I" fit in? Honestly, you may not be on your list. Remember, "deny yourself"? Wow, that is not fair, what about my needs? Believe me, you can stop worrying about your needs because God cares for you. God will make you someone else's "other". When we each function properly, it all works out.

Being "in the game" is a condition of the heart and attitude. Our heart must be set upon pleasing God and our attitude arranges our priorities so that we are no longer selfish-minded. When a believer has these areas in order, he will be pliable in God's hands. God will use us exactly how and where He wants. We will be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and conscious that the words coming out of our mouths are not based on our wisdom. It will be a beautiful thing to behold!

An old saying fits here real well, "Let go and let God!"

Are You in the Game or on the Sidelines?

Have you ever been deeply involved playing in a ball game (for me, this is a hypothetical situation) and happened to notice someone watching, but only half-heartedly? Have you ever been at the scene of an emergency and witnessed others taking a quick look as they go on their way, but not stopping to see if they can help? Or maybe, you have been in the stands for an exciting game but the people right in front of you are more concerned with cotton candy and waving at the TV camera every time someone tells them to on their cell phone.

Maybe for you, the "game" is something serious. It might be your work and a crisis that is engulfing all of your time and emotions. It might be the drama that encircles your family. Maybe it is politics and the current situation in America. Some of us are making choices and drawing lines in multiple situations at the same time, being pulled in opposite directions by uncompromising forces.

Whatever the situation, either you find yourself involved or watching. Either you are participating or you are a casual observer.

What about the spiritual realm? Where do you find yourself? Are you in the game or on the sidelines? Regardless of any emergency, crisis, battle or game that you may find yourself involved in, when it comes to Christianity, are you a casual observer?

I would imagine that most of us would want to respond that we are in the game - not on the sidelines, when it comes to following Jesus. But, are we really? Remember, there is only one set of standards to which we will be measured, and that is God's, not mine or yours. How do we honestly measure up to what Jesus has required of His followers?

Would those who are closest to us and know us the very best - the real part of our lives, testify that we are truly a follower of Jesus? In this calling there is no one who will fake-it into eternity with God. There is no more serious of a situation that we will ever face than what we do towards heaven or hell.

What did Jesus require? We must love him more than our immediate family members. We must forsake ourselves and follow Him. We must take up our cross, daily. If we follow Him, we will suffer persecution.

These are not popular and honestly, they are not very appealing. Who in their right mind would take one step forward and volunteer for this duty?

Remember how Jesus talked about John the Baptist? Jesus said that there was no greater man than John. So, what was John's life like? He lived in a cave in the desert. He ate what he could find. He wasn't married, had no kids, no home, no job, no income, no car, no nice clothes, no soft bed. He was despised by the religious leaders, arrested and had his head cut off.

The disciples who earlier believed that they would be in positions of power when Jesus became the King of Israel, suffered persecution and death.

Why would anyone sign up for this? There is only one reason. They have fallen in love with Jesus and they are willing to follow Him and obey Him. Logically, you would have to be a fool; but this is not based on logic. This is an act of faith. Some will mock you for making a drastic change in your life based on faith. The world will consider you a fool.

So, which is it? Is the follower of Jesus wise or foolish? It depends on the picture you see. If you see this life as the big picture, a follower of Jesus would have to be a fool. But, if you see eternity as the big picture, you would have to be a fool to not follow Jesus. This life is very temporary, it comes and then goes like a gust of wind. As the sun rises at dawn and soon sets at dusk, a life passes by and is over.

We are caught up in making the unimportant, important and ignoring the essential as if there will always be another time to follow and obey. We have life backwards. This present life is not the ultimate experience, something that must be enjoyed to the fullest and an opportunity to get the most out of it while we still can. This life is not something that is so valuable that we must do all that we can to stretch it out as long as possible. This life is "boot camp" or a testing ground. This life is not what is most important. That is what the followers of Jesus learned and what John the Baptist understood.

If we suffer here and now, so be it! We have our eyes set just beyond the horizon. We should be watching and ready for the imminent return of our Lord. We should be living in a manner that we would expect to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". Right now, in your life and responsibilities, what is your priority? Would Jesus say that about you?

In true Christianity, there are no casual observers. You are in the game or on the sidelines. Where are you? It is better to die for something than to live for nothing!

Time Spent Waiting

What are you waiting for?


If you are not waiting, right now, you have been recently. We all seem to find ourselves waiting for something much of the time. So, what are you waiting for, right now?

In a poem by Horace is the latin phrase, "Carpe diem", which means, "Seize the day". There is a Rabbinic phrase, "And if not now, when?"

Some would add the negative connotation of, "Eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." (I Cor. 15:32). Here, Paul, writes as to what our attitude should be if we had no hope of a resurrection and spiritual life after this physical life on earth.

As Christians, we do have a hope of salvation and eternal life in heaven with God. So, with that ahead of us, how should we be redeeming the time? Whenever we spend time waiting on something or someone, minutes and hours and days are lost.


God does tell us to "wait on the Lord". This instruction is relating to God's timing, our patience (or lack thereof), and learning to be led by the Spirit of God. It would be great if God were the only one that we spend time waiting on, but He is not.


We seem to find something to wait on and a reason to postpone action and obedience on a routine basis. Sometimes, waiting is an excuse we use for the fear or intimidation we feel. As long as we can claim we are waiting on someone or something, we have an excuse for inaction. As relates to God and His Word, this inaction can be disobedience, just as not waiting when He leads us to can be disobedience.

What are you waiting for? Is it any of these: love, justice, revenge, miracle, healing, joy, peace, happiness, wealth, work, vacation, children, retirement, acceptance, friendship, approval, forgiveness, help, understanding, ministry, planting, rain, harvest; or are you waiting to cry, mourn, rejoice, sing, be happy? Do you believe you are waiting on life or for death? Are you waiting on any of a thousand things before you take the next step or are you really only waiting on God to provide the direction?


I wonder if we might claim to be waiting on God at times when He has not instructed us to do so. The opposite can also be true, when we cannot sit still when God is wanting us to wait.

How do we know the difference? Is God telling us to wait or move? One thing that we must honestly examine is our heart - our motive for action or inaction. Pray and ask God for clear direction and open eyes to honestly examine if we are using an excuse to not follow the Spirit. Have confidence that God desires that we obey, and thus, that we have a heart sensitive to His leading. When we are honestly seeking His direction, He will provide.


Wait on the Lord, but be careful not to let too many other things cause you to wait and wait and wait. The days are short, make use of the time you have to do good and what is right in the sight of God.

Super Bowl Commercial

During the Super Bowl, this year, CBS is selling 30-second ads for around $2.5 million. Focus on the Family bought a spot to air a pro-life message.

Tim Tebow and his mother Pam will tell a personal story. When she was pregnant with Tim, she was diagnosed with amoebic dysentery and she went into a coma. The treatment she received could damage or kill an unborn baby. The doctors advised her to abort the baby. Her and her husband, being strong Christians and missionaries to the Philippines, chose to keep the baby.

Tim was born as a healthy baby and has grown up to be one of the top college football players of all time. He is the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy, which is an award to the year's best football player.

Though Focus on the Family has not released the details of the message they will air during the game, they did let the word out about doing the spot. This knowledge has sparked an outrage from various left-wing feminist and pro-abortion groups. These groups are demanding that CBS refuse to play the ad. Their reasoning, as quoted from The Arizona Republic newspaper, "which critics say is likely to convey an anti-abortion message." Duh, you think! Why do you think a strong, pro-life group, like Focus on the Family would pay that kind of money?

We all need to support CBS for showing the ad, if the continue their current position.

"Pro-Choice" appears to only be a good thing when the pro-death leftists are deciding your choice for you. To them, CBS should not have a choice. The viewers should not be presented with a Pro-Life choice. Only pro-death or anti-life conclusions are acceptable.

Favorite Apostle

Of the 12 disciples who followed Jesus around and were closest to him, do you have a favorite? If it will make the question any easier, here are their names.

Matthew 10:2-4 lists the twelve apostles. They are:
1-Simon (who Jesus surnamed Peter)
2-Andrew (Peter's brother)
3-James (the son of Zebedee)
4-John (the son of Zebedee - James' brother)
5-Phillip
6-Bartholomew (also called Nathanael)
7-Thomas
8-Matthew (the publican-tax collector)
9-James (son of Alphaeus - also called James the younger or James the less)
10-Lebbaeus (whose surname was Thaddaeus - the brother of James)
11-Simon (the Canaanite - also referred to as Simon the Zealot)
12-Judas (the one who would betray Jesus).

Any surprises there? I have to admit, Lebbaeus was not a name I was familiar with as Thaddaeus is the name usually used for him. It is also interesting that out of 12 men, there were two Simons and two James.

There were three sets of brothers. Jesus surnamed Simon, Peter. Jesus also surnamed James and John, Boarneges (which means sons of thunder).

Judas is mentioned around 22 times in the four Gospels and just about every time his name comes up, it is tied with him being the one who betrayed Jesus. What a legacy! Judas was also the son of another Simon.

Jesus had four half brothers: James, Joses, Simon, and Judas. Are you beginning to get the same picture as me? There appears to be a lack of imagination as to naming boys. I guess naming girls was not much different. How many Marys are there in the New Testament? Although none of Jesus' half brothers were among the 12 apostles, James is the one who wrote the book of James and was a key figure in the early church.

If you notice, two of the Gospels were not written by any of the 12 apostles (Luke and Mark).

Acts 1:13 tells us that all eleven of the apostles were together in the upper room.

So, do you have a favorite? Some of the eleven are rarely mentioned by name and the first four in the list (which were all fishermen) were considered to be Jesus' inner circle.

I would imagine that most would select Peter or John as their favorite. Peter, because we can all relate to him is certain ways. He was brash at times, stubborn, sometimes slow to catch on, and he failed. To me, it is the failure of Peter that grabs my heart. But, it is the forgiveness of Jesus in his statement, "go and tell the disciples and Peter", that I really love. Jesus went out of his way, after the failure of Peter, to make sure Peter knew that he was still one of the closest men to Jesus.

John might be your selection because I believe he is the one of the 12 that we would most have wanted to be. John refers to himself as "the disciple that Jesus loved". Wow, what a relationship to experience! I get the picture of John as being one of the youngest of the 12 but still being very close to Jesus. It was John who Jesus asked to watch over his mother, while he hung on the cross.

You may relate to others on the list. Maybe you are an IRS agent and really like Matthew. Maybe you are politically minded and feel a bond to Simon the Zealot.

There is one other that I think we just might be able to relate to - Thomas. How would you like the nickname of "doubting Thomas" - again, what a legacy. In the book of John (20:19-29), the story is told of Jesus appearing to the disciples in the upper room. The first time he showed up, Thomas was not there. The others told Thomas that they had seen Jesus. His reply, "Unless I see...I will not believe."

Eight days later, when Thomas was with the others, Jesus came back. Jesus singled out Thomas and showed him his hand and side. Thomas responded, "My Lord and My God!" Jesus said, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."

Where do each of us stand on that issue? Do we have to see or personally experience something with our senses in order for us to believe? None of us have personally seen Jesus (you cannot count the movies) and yet many of us do believe in Jesus as the Son of God and Saviour of those who believe in Him. But, what about other things? Where do you stand on miracles or maybe a subject such as casting out demons?

Have you ever, personally, seen a miracle; something that happened, supernaturally, that only God could have done? If you answered, yes, then I would assume that you believe in miracles. What if you answered, no; do you believe that God does miracles, still today? Do you believe that the age of miracles ended centuries ago and that any claim to a modern day miracle either is bogus or has some other logical explanation?

If you fall into the group of "Doubting ________ (insert your name)", are you going to hold to that doctrine until God shows you a miracle? If that is the case, you may have to wait a long time - remember James 1:6-8. "must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts...that man ought not to expect...being doubleminded...unstable..."

I do believe in miracles for today. That is an easy one for me because I have seen miracles. They were not bogus and there was no other logical explanation. It was a work of God. But, I also believed in miracles prior to seeing them firsthand.

God has not changed! He is the same; yesterday, today and forever. He can still move your mountain and calm your rough sea. Do you need the impossible in your life? Go to God! "With God, nothing is impossible."

(Sub-note: This is not to say, by any means, that all claims to modern-day miracles are real. There are those who have hijacked "miracles" as a means to an end. They claim that God is working miracles through them but be careful, many times these are bogus and the key figure is not God, but is the man with his name on the sign hanging over the front door. He will probably also follow up the "miracle service" with a plea for your money. Do not send any!

When God does a miracle, he does not follow it with a collection plate. Real miracles are not tricks or something done "for show" in order to convince you to give to that ministry. A real miracle will leave you in awe of God, not of a man.

Just because there are the fake miracle workers, this does not mean that God has gone out of business.)

A Child is Born

I'll bet you have an idea where this is going. Well, you are half right.

I just received a phone call from Anne. She is at the hospital and preparing to have a baby.

As Christians, we dwell on the amazing birth of Jesus during this holiday season.

You may remember that I wrote about death being the last of many miracles that make up a life. Well, birth is one of the first. I don't know what all of your experiences have been concerning births, but I am sure that each of you have experienced the process first hand - or maybe first foot. I cannot imagine, after having witnessed the process, that anyone could not believe that a birth is a miracle.

This miracle is about to take place in Idaho with Anne and Mark having Cody. Around the country and world, similar miracles are happening while I am writing this. But, right now, I want to concentrate on the reason for the season.

The birth of Jesus was a miracle. In fact, it was a miracle several times over again. As with any birth, it was the miracle of a new life coming into the world. That in itself is an unbelievable event. Second, it was a miracle due to the virgin birth. That in itself is a must-be-believed event. Third, it was a miracle because this baby Jesus was God in the flesh coming to dwell among the people. That in itself changed the course of history for the unbelievers and believers alike.

Setting aside the miracles of a birth, a virgin birth, the appearance of God in the flesh; what was the importance of the birth of Jesus? Why is this such a big deal? I believe the answer is tied to the miracle at the other end of the life. The birth of Jesus became a history changing event due to the life and death that followed.

If the plan of God had not been what it was, then this birth, over 2,000 years ago, would not be noticed today. Even if that birth was still a virgin birth, I do not believe we would take notice. The world takes notice, each year, of the Christmas holiday. They do not all believe that Jesus is or was who He claimed. They do not all believe the Bible, but they almost all do take notice of this day whether it is to celebrate it or deny the reason for the celebration.

The birth was the beginning of the unique life of the God-man. Jesus was all God and all man at the same time. What would we remember and celebrate about the birth of Jesus if the birth and the unique life was all that happened? These two parts, together, may be enough for us to still remember and talk about. Maybe even enough for us who love God to have set aside a holiday in remembrance of that special thing that happened a long time ago.

The celebration of the miracle of the birth of Jesus is directly tied to the miracle of the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is the ending events that make the beginning events so special. The plan of God not only included a virgin birth for the Son of God, but culminated in the three days that changed everything since then. It is the death of the Son of God and what that means for us that is so special. Without Jesus dying in our place we would be without hope.

It is because of the miracle of the death of Jesus that I celebrate the miracle of the birth of Jesus.