Seven Important Words

Here we are in the year 2008 and I can hardly believe the holidays are just around the corner. Fall is in the air and this is my favorite time of the year! Such a relief from the long, hot summer and high electric bills. I like the sudden and crisp coolness of the air. I love to pick a bushel of apples and spend my time cooking up a homemade apple pie!
Thinking today about the changes which have no doubt occurred in all of our lives this past year, I stopped to think about those things which will never change. What will never sway while the seasons and years roll by? As the leaves turn from summer green to fall yellow and red with the changing of the season, those beautiful fall colored leaves will soon drop to the ground because winter is on its way and we better be ready to bundle up! Then comes the precious springtime when everything becomes new again. Thinking on these things, I wanted to write on what we can count on in a world where much changes for us throughout the year (sometimes for the worst) and it can happen to us at the drop of the hat. There is one thing I can think of and it's below, written in red:
The Word of God. Isn't it comforting to know in a world where change is a sure bet, we have a constant when we look at God's truth as it is recorded in the bible?

Do you remember when God spoke from the cloud and told Peter, James, and John,
"This Is my beloved son, Hear Him"?

Mark 9 2-9: And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

Friends, I am convinced these seven words are for our benefit today just as they were beneficial for Peter, James and John on that mountain. God would tug on our hearts today and tell us these very same words that he told Peter, James, and John so long ago.

Jesus was the word of God made flesh:
John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

How do we hear God's son?
By delving into the word of God. By pouring over his truth. God's word contains everything we need to live a whole and victorious life. Why do we spend so much time looking for new words from the Lord? If God gives you a word or a vision or dream, there is nothing wrong with this just so it jives with his word and it is wonderful if the Holy Spirit chooses to do this, but we simply must give priority to "Hearing Him", Jesus Christ, through the Word of God. We must give this the preeminence in our lives.
I have heard this year of so many tragedies people have had to endure. It seems at times the very foundations of our lives can be shaken and we can be caught in the most dire situations right out of the blue! Well, these things we deal with on this earth are never easy and seldom are we ever able to meet the distress with a calmness. I have never been tranquil when it seems the rug is being pulled out from under me. What do I do? How do I react? First I am shocked, then perhaps I feel anger rising in me. Then I maybe take a few hours and ponder the mess I've been dealt, then after a while I realize that God sees my mess and he is the strong one and I am the weak one.

Then this process (if I allow it to and I don't get a case of the stubborns) will strengthen my faith and my life in the long run. Notice I said in the "long run". But in the present it really irks me :) And aren't we all pretty much the same? We don't want to have to put up with grief and troubles, trials and temptations, but remember what Jesus said:
John 16:33
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Death: No Fear

When I exit life on earth I know I will not have ceased to exist. I will still be alive when my physical body has given up and is buried because everyone who has ever walked this earth including myself have "eternal life". So the question becomes where will each of us spend this eternal life of ours? There is a confidence in a person who quietly trusts in the Lord for their salvation. They don't fear death because death doesn't exist for them. Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave when he became sin for us. This sinless God/man, Christ Jesus, who endured the pain, anguish and separation from his heavenly father paid the high price to keep those of us who believe in him from having to taste "death".

• Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Dear friends, please take God's words to the bank, this is truth. When the devil attempts to torment you by doubting God's word with regards to fear of death you should rebuke those fears and doubts and cast them aside at once.

We are all souls and spirits kept (stored) in these physical bodies which deteriorate over time. Given time and circumstances, these bodies of ours break down and give up on us. And what do they "give up" when they stop working? they give up spirit and mind. We are told in the bible that as God's children, we are going to be given new heavenly (spiritual) bodies someday:
1 Corinthians 15:

• 42 Thus also the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruptibility.
• 43 It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
• 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body: if there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one.
• 45 Thus also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul; the last Adam a quickening spirit.
• 46 But that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual: 47 the first man out of the earth, made of dust; the second man, out of heaven.
• 48 Such as he made of dust, such also those made of dust; and such as the heavenly, such also the heavenly ones.
• 49 And as we have borne the image of the one made of dust, we shall bear also the image of the heavenly one.

These new spiritual bodies won't break down on us such as our physical bodies do which we presently have. The pain we have to endure in these present bodies will never trouble us again once we have been given our heavenly bodies from God. Funerals are sad for us. We miss our loved ones who have walked this earth with us. But just know this: You will walk again with your loved one who has passed from this earth. You will get that chance to walk with them and the next time, you will be walking on streets of gold.

Forgiving others is easier if we remember these things

Forgiving others is saying "I was once like you", and because of this, I can relate and have compassion upon you. I can forgive you because I have been forgiven. In forgiving you, I will give what I have received. We don't always have to know the reasons why people do the things they do but we always know the one who teaches us forgiveness - The Lord Jesus Christ.

The facts are: We have all done things that we are ashamed of and regret. We have all at one time or another gotten off the right path in life and have been led astray. If we say we have not, we are deceived. To say that we have not done this, we lie, because if this were true, if our lives have always been spotless, this would make us equal with Jesus, the spotless and sinless lamb who was slain for our sins.

Too much of the time, we Christians have selective memory. We forget those times in our life before we came to Christ. I know we do this, because we are much too hypocritical towards those that are out of the way - the unsaved.

The Apostle Paul was a very humble person. He talked of his life and what it was like before coming to Christ.

Galatians 1: 13For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Some more on Paul's conversion:

Acts 9:

1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them (christians) bound unto Jerusalem.

3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Paul persecuted the church of God and caused trouble and pain to Christians in many ways, yet God brought him out of this.

This enabled Paul to extend compassion and forgiveness to others in his life. This is the way it should be with us as well. I don't want to forget what Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit has brought me out of. If I forget, I will lose my compassion and mercy that I should be showing others I meet in this life.

What is wrong with hypocritical and judgmental Christians today? They suffer from forgetting what Christ pulled them out of. How can you truly be thankful for your life, salvation and truth that God gives if you don't remember where you came from?

I know Christians who say we are to forget all of our past, forget about everything that went on with us before we came to Christ, but I tend to disagree.

I believe that God allows us to remember our past for these very important reasons:

1. So we won't go back to what he brought us out of.

2. To keep us humble.

3. To teach us about forgiveness

4. To give HIM the glory for what we've come out of.

During your life walk, don't neglect to remember what God has brought you out of. His mercy and forgiveness is rich toward us, so let's extend that mercy and forgiveness toward others. Let's all give what we have received from him.

Confused by Denominations? You’re not alone

What a powerful hold denominations have on some who claim them.
Which denominations believe in miracles and healings and are they correct to do so?
Which ones believe you must be baptized in order to be saved?
Which ones do not allow the use of musical instruments during worship?

If you are confused on these issues, you are not alone. I don’t hold to any denomination. I stick to the bible. I believe that everything we are to understand about ourselves, God, and our savior, his son Jesus Christ, can be understood by only taking up that book. God's word tends to bring us together while denominations have the tendency to divide us. This is no surprise, as they are tools of the flesh and not of the spirit. Denominations remind us that man got in the mix of God's holy word and suited it to satisfy himself. The rest is history.
Denomination - a group of religious congregations having its own organization and a distinctive faith.

A Baptist does not believe as the Pentecostal does. Charismatics are not Pentecostals although they share some similarities in their beliefs. Some denominations believe in healings and miracles. Others believe that these things were done away with the early apostles and prophets. The confusion is compounded when you realize that there are also a growing number of offshoots from many denominations. As if we didn't have enough confusion.

Think about all of the Christian denominations and the unique church doctrine they subscribe to. On the particular issue of healings and miracles and us continuing the works of Jesus, we can see by the following scripture what Jesus had to say on the issue of carrying on his works:

John 14:12-14

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

The above portion of scripture proves that preaching, healings, casting out demons and miracles were not done away with. These and more were the works that Jesus did. They are still for today friends. These are only a few issues that separate us through denominationalism in the Christian church. Isn’t it something that all we must do is pick up our bibles to find out the answers when we have questions of what God expects of us?

I remember as a young teenager, visiting a church nearby my home. A person from the church I was visiting came up to me to shake my hand. This person asked me to come back and they would be pleased to have me attend their church regularly. I thanked them and casually mentioned that I had a home church. Their response was: Yes, but you’re not at our church. That said it all. This is what denominations do to people.

For the Christian, there is but one church and it is a spiritual one not contained within four walls. It is the body of Christ and it is made up of all those who have become Christ’s children through salvation offered to them by Jesus Christ. We all will choose to attend different places of worship, the buildings with four walls and made up of fellow Christians, and have our own style. Some of us want to remain silent in church and be left alone while others may express their faith by clapping or raising their hands. But these are minor issues that express our own uniqueness and personality, there is no right or wrong in them, so they make no difference. We are all God’s children when the rubber meets the road.

The sin of pride even reaches the church

The problem with denominations is that there will always be those who hold firm to one and look down on the those who belong to other ones. This is sin my friends. It is the sin of pride and haughtiness and those who commit it have done much harm to the body and the cause of Christ.

As I mentioned before, denominations started when man thought to improve or correct some issues in the Christian church. This led to the flood of denominations we witness today. They have been increasing in number ever since.

The answer to the problems and the division that denominations create has always been the Word of God, the bible . To resolve our questions and differences, all we need to do is dig into the truths that it holds. But this is the problem you see because many won’t do this. They will believe the words of a man who preaches to them and neglect the words of the one who created them.

The Lord desires us to be united and not divided

John 17:11

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one, as we are.

Denominations divide rather than unite us

When we can all agree that the bible is truth, and is the final word on church issues, it is a major accomplishment.

When we can all strive to do the things and act in the way that God directs us to as laid out in the word, we are doing well.

When we can understand that not one denomination is above the other, in addition to the previous two cited we are at our best!

When we see the bible as God's final word and not what some man tells us, we will have arrived at the place in which none of these issues and divisions will pester us.

When God is in our lives and his spirit is within us, a change will take place in us and in time, others will recognize this change. This is known as “letting our light so shine” before others that they see Christ in our lives. This will then lead them to give God all the glory for these changes that are evident in us.

Matthew 5:16

The Words of Jesus: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Keep it simple

It is amazing the measures many Christian denominations go to in order to get people to darken their doors.

They will put on skits and dramas and have a visitor’s day.
Listen, when people get desperate enough because they are sick and tired of the way their life has gone, they will turn to God. This is a fact my friends. It happened to me and many people I know. It’s the same way for the drug addict as it is for the unsaved. Until they reach the end of their rope and get far enough down in the gutter, they will not listen. Until then, we need to know that all of our schemes and grand ideas to pull them in are not likely to come to much. When we repent of the sin which we ourselves have committed and pray for others fervently, we are doing more for them than all of our schemes and tactics ever could.

I believe that the reason why many don’t come to God is because they don’t need him enough yet. They still have much self confidence and self trust. This is the way of human nature. So don’t wear yourself out trying to figure them out. Don’t get mad at them. Most of them already know the bad direction their life is headed. Would Jesus get mad at them? Of course he wouldn’t. His anger was directed at the hypocritical Pharisees.

Denominations will always be around. But we would all do well to read John 17 and get the words of Jesus into our spirits so that they might hold more sway in us than any particular man-made creed of a denomination ever could.

1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.

8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

The Origin of Evil in this World

A healthy conscience and a spirit which gains faith, strength, and direction from the truth of God will keep you from doing things that harm others. We are astounded by news reports of a mother or father killing their own child. Where do these horrible acts originate from? What could drive one to murder their child? The origin of such an act comes from Satan himself.

The following are Jesus words taken from the Gospel of John 8:

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

The above scripture lets us know that both murderous acts and lies originate from Satan himself.

Satan became filled with pride. He was all consumed with "self" as the below scriptures reveal:

Isaiah 14:12-16

12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

Evil in the World
We get caught up in all of the mental illness we see and are told about that is prevalent in today’s society. There is an overabundance of those suffering from various mental and personality disorders. But let me tell you, there is not so much mental illness going on as there is plain old evil that is being poured out upon many innocent bystanders, the victims of those without conscience. And the reason why this evil is so prevalent today? Many more today are walking around with consciences that have been seared and they feel no guilt whatsoever over the evil they do. To them, they are just being themselves! They don’t concern themselves with how others may feel about their selfish actions. They lack empathy and don’t feel compassion for their fellow man. They have no concern over what their selfish acts will bring upon the innocent. These people are raising children that follow in their parent's footsteps.

The God of this world has blinded the minds of many

2 Corinthians 4:3&4

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Satan is still the god of this world. If this were not true we would not have the natural disasters, murders, greed, and all of the other sad occurrences that make up our everyday lives and brings much sadness and despair to all of us. These things that bring untold grief and pain and suffering to humanity today were initiated when Adam and Eve turned aside from obeying God and listened to the serpent in the Garden of Eden. This is when the fall of mankind first started. Ever since that time, Satan has been the God of this world. Remember what Jesus said about the prince of this world?

John 14:30

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

Satan will be the God of this world until Jesus Christ returns. Remember when Satan offered all of the kingdoms and glory of the world to Jesus when they were both on the mountain? Those kingdoms, along with the glory of them were surely Satan’s to offer.

Matthew 4:8-11

8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Satan needs people to work through

Satan works through people just as God works through people. The only difference is that when God works through people, he brings goodness and wholeness to their lives. When Satan works through people, he brings chaos and grief to their lives.Those who don’t believe that there is a literal devil need to wake up. They need to open their eyes and open their hearts and recognize the damage being done by the ever increasing numbers of those who suffer from a lack of conscience. People open themselves up to Satan when they turn away from God. One thing is certain, you will do the works of your father. Is your father the God of the bible or is your father the God of this world?

John 8:44-45

Listen to Jesus words to the Pharisees:

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

Just as walking with God for years and becoming closer to him makes one more like him, walking with the devil for years and becoming closer to him will make one more like him as well. This is what it all comes down to. Have you been born again of the spirit? Have you committed your life to the God of the bible or the waster of this world, Satan himself? Who rules and reigns over you? Do you listen and strive to do the works of the Lord by loving and helping your fellow man? Do you listen and strive to do anything that feels good to you because you have no conscience and your primary concern is that of self?

The darkness that has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe

We are told in the bible that evil actions come from an evil heart.

Matthew 15:19&20:

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

We read in the bible that giving our hearts to the Lord changes them. This is so true. Our hearts before we are born again are only concerned with the selfish desires we have. This selfish nature is the sin nature that has been passed down to all who are born into this earth. This is the reason why Jesus proclaimed, “Ye must be born again ”. The second birth is one of a spiritual nature and not of the physical. Our Spirits are made alive in Christ. This happens when we give our hearts and lives to Christ and it is called being born again. Our hearts once we are born again are changed. God takes out our heart of stone and selfishness and places within us a new heart of love and concern for others. This is what being a Christian is about. It is not about paying tithes, being in church every time the doors open, volunteering until we drop in things concerning a church or denomination. These things are totally irrelevant. And if our hearts are not in the right place, if there is no love, all other things are useless:

1 Corinthians 13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.

What is a Christian?

A Christian is one who follows Christ, agrees with what he taught, and who chooses to live in the way he reveals in his word, the bible. They are “in” Christ. The Holy Spirit comes into their lives and influences them and teaches them through the word of God all things pertaining to them concerning Jesus Christ and the things of this life and the next. Jesus told the disciples before leaving this earth about the comforter that would come and would abide with them forever and teach them all things: John 14:

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Jesus also said that this comforter would testify of him:

John 15:26

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

He said that he would not leave them comfort less. The Holy Spirit now lives and works through the believers and followers of Christ. The Christian yields himself or herself to the encouragement and urgings of the Holy Spirit. A Christian lives by faith in the word of God. They have a childlike faith, the type of faith a small child has in their parents. Jesus himself told us that unless we were to become as little children, we would not enter the kingdom of heaven:

Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Do some Christians believe they are better than others?
Yes. There are in fact many Christians who have a high and mighty attitude and feel as though they are better than those who are unsaved and other Christians. This attitude is not one they should have. This is in direct opposition to everything that Christ taught. We are taught in the bible that we are not to have respect of persons.

James 2:8&9

8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:

9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Unfortunately, many Christians don’t live out this admonishment we were given by the Lord. There are many hypocritical Christians that would do well to examine themselves and stop picking apart every little area of other’s lives.

How is a Christian to live?
A Christian is to be content with food and clothing.

1 Timothy 6:

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

They don’t have to have anything more than these things. In the current days we live, it is sometimes hard to keep this admonishment, but we still must do so nonetheless.

We are not to concern ourselves with the finer things of life.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Our focus is not to be on money or prosperity either. There are many prosperity teachers who have been led astray because of their love and fondness of money:

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

We are given warning from Jesus about making money an idol in our hearts:

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Is a Christian supposed to push their beliefs upon others?

No, they are not. A Christian is to live their life in such a way that their true love and concern for others and their faith in God catches the attention of those they are around and because of this, others who are unsaved want to have what those Christians possess. If there is love in the life of those who profess to be Christians, others will recognize it easy enough. If there is a Christian who professes, yet the love and compassion for others in their life is non existent, this will be recognizable as well.

What makes a Christian different from others?

Christians do not live for themselves. They live their lives with concern and compassion for others along with a strong faith in Jesus Christ. Just as Christ said he had come to serve others and to be a servant, we who are Christians hold the same view. And Jesus told us the importance of this when he said:

John 13:34 & 35

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

This is the main difference my friends. A Christian will be known by his love for others and concern for others.

Do Christians sin?

Yes Christians sin. A Christian is not immune from sin. Christians do sin but the difference is that we who have grown in our relationship with god and have pressed on toward the deeper things spiritually speaking have adopted humbleness and subjection toward god so that when we do sin, we repent and learn from our sins. We realize our weakness and god’s strength. We see our lack and his abundance. Those who are not saved don’t feel that they need to repent for their sins. This is the major difference in Christians who sin and those who sin who are not born again. What are Christians to do when they sin?
1 John 2:1

1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

We learn that our stubbornness cannot gain us anything and will take us toward a dead end road very quickly. Humbleness is a key in the life of a Christian and is one that is sorely lacking in the lives of many who profess to be Christians.

Sickness, Healing and Christianity

I hope none of you believe that Christians do not get sick and suffer health problems. I bring this up because back in the days when I would occasionally watch Christian television, a well known preacher was bragging that he had not been sick in many years. I’m not saying his claim wasn’t true, I'm saying that I was stunned by this proclamation. And what was it supposed to mean by him making such a claim? I don’t know. All I know is that I get sick probably just as much as anyone else does. Does this mean I am not living right? Does it mean that God is using sickness as a chastisement for me? No, I don't believe any of these things.

Sickness happens to all of us who live in this earth. This earth is full of sick people, various bugs, chemicals and numerous other hazards that find their way into our systems from time to time. We are not living in a perfect earth, we’re not even close to it. Once Adam and Eve sinned, there was no more perfection to this earth. We are not going to live forever on this earth. We are all going to live forever in either heaven or hell, but we won't spend eternity on this earth. Our lives here will be touched at times with both good and bad health. And if we have more healthy days than sick days, this in itself is another reason to thank God.

Faith Healers

I am well aware of the faith healers who hold services for those who desire to be healed from all manner of disease. I believe some people have been healed while attending these meetings. Did the faith healers heal these sick people? No, it is always the Lord who heals, this is done through our faith and his spirit. Knowing that God meets you and listens to your prayers and pleas for help no matter where you are is very important. You can be healed in your kitchen or in a church meeting. The main thing to know is your surroundings doesn't matter, because God is everywhere, he is omnipotent.

My own experience with healing

I have been healed before by calling out to God when I was alone, in my own home. God heard my plea and healed me when I was at my most desperate, and I had finally had enough and decided to cry out to him. There were no mega preachers holding service at 10,000 seat auditoriums when I was healed. There were no thunderbolts or grand revelations when I was healed. It was a simple “healing”. And I was thankful for it.

Paul's Thorn In The Flesh

There have been other times when I, like Paul the Apostle cried out to God to "take this thing from me" as he did his thorn in the flesh. But it was not done. Did I lose faith in God because of this? Did I doubt that God is who he says he is because I did not get healed? No, not for a moment.

Many believe that Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was a disease. The bible clues us in to the fact that this thorn in Paul's flesh was allowed because of his abundance of revelations : 2 Corinthians 7-10

Paul speaking: 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted (puffed up with pride) above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

A Word About Doctors and Medicine

I know there are some Christians who frown on the sick taking medicine or visiting the doctor. I believe that God gives the doctors to us for our benefit. I am thankful for doctors and their knowledge. Doctors and medicine are things to be thankful for and I view them both as a gift from God.

Why me Lord?

Like many of you who have struggled, I have asked God before, “Why is this happening to me”? What I failed to understand is that sickness and disease happens to ALL of us in this earth, whether we are saved or unsaved. It’s just like the scripture from the bible:

Matthew 5:4 and 5 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust.

Diseases and plagues will only get worse as time marches on. It is indeed one of the signs of the end times, the time just before Jesus Christ’s return. Here is some of the scripture to which I am referring:

Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Our bodies, though they are marvelously put together by God, are nonetheless fragile when it comes to harmful pestilence and other strong bugs that we are introduced to. The long list of diseases that we are subjected to are numerous. We need to understand that while this is innescapable, God is still with us. And he hears us when we are at our most desperate. Do not beat yourself up and listen to silly so-called men of God who tell you that you are not healed because your faith wasn't present or strong enough. Many times I KNOW I have had faith, yet I did not get well when I prayed.

Why are some healed while others are not?

When I don't know the answer to something, I say so. If anyone has the answer to this question, please email me at once. I am open to discussion. The fact is, there are questions that all of us have that will only be answered when we get our chance to ask them of our creator. There is one thing I can tell you concerning this, it is not always that our faith falters. Our lack of faith is not always the reason we don’t get healed. I know this because it’s happened with me and with others I know. I suppose if we got EVERY prayer answered that we requested, we perhaps wouldn't need God as much as we should. We wouldn’t tend to lean on him in tough and dark times, would we? This is the way of human nature, when we have things go our way and don’t go through trials, tribulations and yes, even sicknesses, we get puffed up with pride and the next thing you know, we don’t acknowledge God our Savior as we did previously. How changeable human nature is. It has always been this way and will remain so until we are in God’s presence.

God's Concern For Us

God is concerned for our wellbeing and doesn't want us to be sick. But as I stated before, we have our habitation in this fallen earth and because of that, we are subjected to illness. I have often thought that God's concern for us when we are sick is similar to our concern when our own child is sick, only God cares much more for us than we could ever care for our own.

Sickness reminds us that we are not God and that we are but flesh, made of dust, yet carrying around the very spirit of God in earthen vessels.

Does God Expect Perfection?

I have heard some preachers and other teachers of Christianity say that God expects perfection from us in regards to our walk with him. The first thought that comes to my mind upon hearing this is, "If God expects our perfection, then why did Jesus die for our sinfulness"? If these preachers are right, it makes me wonder why our Lord's sinless blood had to flow for our salvation.
We have all went our own way which was apart and separated from God and his love. I love God very much, but even though I do, I have strayed from him in my past. I think if we were all entirely honest, we would admit to the same.

Christianity is a walk. It is us changing our minds about everything we were so sure of in life and then changing the direction that our lives will take, with the help of the comforter, the Holy Spirit and the Bible: the word of God. It is an admittance and an acceptance that what God said in the bible is true and that it is to be applied to us personally.

Where does our perfection fit in to all of these revelations? I am not so sure what those preachers mean when they say we are to be "perfect". I could be perfect according to my own standards, but that may not mean that I would be perfect according to theirs. And even if I were able to live up to another's standards, would those even be the standards that God requires of me? I don't think so.

Does being perfect mean being sinless? It cannot involve being sinless because all of us, even those who share the closest relationship with God and Jesus Christ still do sin on occasion. The bible reminds us that if we say we have no sin, we are liars and do not tell the truth. We live in this world that is stretched beyond measure with it's darkness and sinfulness. We are still in this world by the way. Even though we are not to allow this world to mold and shape our minds and spirits.

The Christian Walk

As Christians, I believe that we are to walk it out. On this walk called the "Christian walk" we will surely meet up with good times and bad. We will see and experience overwhelming temptations and other bad situations that will make us stumble as well as beautiful things and things that edify and make us stronger and strengthen our faith. We are overwhelmed at times and brought low with the struggles of living in this world and other times we are made stronger.

God's son and our Savior, Jesus Christ was and is perfect. He never sinned, yet he was tempted to sin in all areas, just as we are tempted to sin, yet the temptations that surrounded our Lord did not lead to his sin as our temptations many times do lead us to sin.

This is the reason that he is the supreme sacrifice for sin. The lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is truly worthy in every way to be that sacrifice for our sin. Even though we desire with everything in us to "be perfect", we are not going to get there until we are finally in his presence in heaven where we will stand before him in all his glory. There will always be some life matter that we will struggle to overcome and to gain victory over. When I was younger, I would overcome a particular temptation or weakness and think that I had finally come to the point in which I was "almost perfect". I had much to learn :)

For no sooner had I conquered that particular sin but what would you know? I would have another to face soon after. And this is what I meant by Christianity being a "walk". You pace yourself in this walk with the Lord. You don't go full steam ahead at 100 mph or you will burn out quickly. Spiritual burn out is something that happens to many Christians and leads to discouragement in their walk with the Lord. God has mercy and patience with us. This is what many Christians do not fully understand. He knows that we are but dust. But with his spirit living inside of us, we are mighty. We should never come to expect more from ourselves than God does.

Just as a good parent knows that their children will make mistakes and do the wrong things, those parents are never ok with the children learning nothing from their negative experiences, they expect those kids to learn from their mistakes. And yes, there will be sins that we struggle with in life. We are expected to learn from them and go on to overcome them, all with the Lord's help. He is there for us. He knows we are not perfect. But thanks be to God for sending Jesus to this dark world and giving us the gift that none of us deserve.

When we overcome a particular weakness or sin, God rejoices with us! But we should not neglect to remember that there will surely be other temptations and trials during our Christian walk. We will be perfected when we are in his presence at last and look upon his beautiful face and behold his glory.

Demon Possession and Oppression

Demonic oppression and possession is still around today. We don't hear much of it because a good majority of the ones who are being tormented by evil forces are those who are:

1. Narcissistic

2. Diagnosed with various personality disorders and other related disorders

3. Sociopaths

Matthew 7:17:

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

James 3:12

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Evil :
1. Anything which impairs the happiness of a being or deprives a being of any good;

anything which causes suffering of any kind to sentient beings; injury;

mischief; harm; -- opposed to {good}.

Evils which our own misdeeds have wrought. --Milton.

The evil that men do lives after them. --Shak.

2. Moral badness, or the deviation of a moral being from the principles of virtue imposed by conscience, or by the will of the
Supreme Being, or by the principles of a lawful human authority; disposition to do wrong; moral offence; wickedness; depravity.
The heart of the sons of men is full of evil.
--Eccl. ix. 3.

Oppression

3. A feeling of being heavily weighed down in mind or body.

Possession

2. Something owned or possessed.

7. The state of being dominated by or as if by evil spirits or by an obsession.

Oppression and Possession:

The way I see it, those who are oppressed by demonic forces are continually being "harassed" by them but they have not yet been possessed (totally taken over) by them.

As the definition above describes, someone who is oppressed feels heavily weighted down in body and mind.

The perfect definition of depression wouldn't you say? Now I am not saying everyone who is suffering from depression is oppressed by the devil.

All of those who do evil are not demon possessed. But there is a danger in labeling all of those who practice evil as suffering from some mental or character disorder as many psychologists do today.

Are those who continually practice evil spiritually sick?
I believe that they are.

We have all done evil things in our lives.

Are you sorry for the evil you have done?

Or

Are you unconcerned about the harm your evil actions has brought upon others?

If you are sorry for the evil you have done, this shows that you have a conscience and that it has not been seared and this is a good thing. Your sorrow over the evil you have done shows that your conscience is working.

But there are those in this world who do evil continuously and show no regret or remorse for the evil deeds they do to others. To act in this manner is a sure sign of a defective or seared conscience.

To do continuous evil to others and have no regrets is the hallmark of an evil person.

Do you intentionally harm others? Do you not think twice about what your selfish acts might bring upon others? Someone who does these things are practicing evil. In order for someone to practice doing evil to others, they must have evil in their hearts.

Jesus said what is in your heart will come out of your mouth. Our words tend to signify the content of what we carry around within.

Matthew 18:

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defileth not a man.

Possession

Before a person can be possessed, that person must YIELD themselves to continually practice evil.

Repeatedly giving ourselves over to evil will assuredly pay us back by way of being overtaken by that evil. Unless one yields him or herself to evil, they cannot be possessed.

1. Narcissism and the demonic:

It is my belief that some of those who are narcissists are possessed by demons. I have known narcissistic people and there is something inherently evil about them. They only think of themselves with no regard for their fellow man. They view human beings as tools to be used or discarded. For a person to do this, make no mistake, he has welcomed evil into his life.

To think that a narcissist could live their entire life without giving thought to what they do to others with their evil acts is mind boggling. But this is what happens. Narcissists believe that they do no wrong. They will not admit to being at fault in any fashion. They are deceived but they don't see it. You can read more about narcissists by clicking here .

2. The personality disordered:

It is my personal belief that some percentage of these people are possessed by demons.

It is no surprise that none of us want to accept this. We would rather categorize these people as "sick" or as suffering from a severe character flaw that holds them in its clutches and in which they are helpless to get free from.

But in truth, the reason these people cannot get free from the clutches that evil has upon them is because they refuse to acknowledge the truth and face what they have allowed into their lives and what they have become.

In truth, a majority of these people are spoiled, selfish brats. Selfishness is a sin. In their particular situation, the sin or selfishness has overtaken them and is now reigning in their lives. The same holds true for narcissists.

The sad fact is that these people are being harassed and in some cases, controlled by demonic spirits that have been given sanctuary within them.

3. Psychopaths

A psychopath is one who has a seared conscience. The evil they do doesn't bother them. They are cold, calculating and aloof. They caring nothing about anyone but themselves.

What about the will of the person?

Notice that I say the person has GIVEN sanctuary to the evil forces. I have always believed that no power in heaven or on earth is able to go all out against the will of a person and overtake them UNLESS that person YIELDS to that force or power.

Entertaining demons:

There are some people who have reported hearing "voices" that they enjoy listening to.

One time I heard of a person going to a church meeting and coming forward to be freed from demonic forces they had allowed into their lives. This person told the pastor that they didn't want to be rid of the voices they heard. Some of these people have reported that the "voices" have told them to kill or to do other evil deeds to people. These are evil spirits that are doing this folks.

But when the person starts LISTENING and giving credence and to these evil forces, this is when the evil forces gain strength in the person's life.

Demonic possession in the bible

Jesus cast out demons often. There was one particular incident in which his disciples could not cast a demon out. Jesus response was, " this kind cometh forth not except by fasting and prayer". So we see that we cannot lump all cases of demonic possession into one neat category.

The longer a person is possessed by a demonic force, the harder they will be to cast out. And the harder it will be for those who are taken over by one to get free.

What brings them out?

The truth always sets people free and demonic possession is no exception.

The person who is oppressed or possessed is the one who must face and accept the truth. The person who is oppressed or possessed needs very much to acknowledge that they have allowed hate, anger, and maliciousness to rule in their lives and as a result of this, they have been oppressed by demonic/ evil forces. People should have the desire to be free from these evil forces. They must want rid of them and desire to live by the power of GODS spirit, the Holy Spirit.

If Jesus was here with us today in the flesh, he would no doubt tell us to cast out devils just as he did 2000 years ago to his disciples.

Jesus cast out the demonic through the Holy Spirit in those times. And when we are called on to intercede for a possessed person today, we will only be able to cast out the demonic by way of the truth and the Holy spirit. Nothing has changed friends.

Questions about Demon Possession:

For one thing, when Jesus cast out demons, he approached the person, knew by the spirit that the person was possessed, didn't ASK the person if they wanted to be free of the demons and cast them out of that person. In order for us to live anywhere near that level of spiritual maturity, we must have discernment.

In our day and age, we feel that we must ASK and find out if the possessed person wants to be delivered, yet Jesus didn't do this. He asked a demon that was inside a person what his name was - the demon replied, "LEGION, for we are many".

During the times I have been present when people were possessed, the person just started acting out. That is, they started screaming and thrashing around. There were no verbal exchanges between the preacher and the possessed person that began and enabled the deliverance to take place.

I have both prayed for and been present in cases where people were possessed. I have been by their side when they were battling the very forces of hell. This is not a light thing.

Calling evil by it's name:

Why can we not bring ourselves to call evil what it is? We dismiss the actions of those who routinely do evil and wreak havoc in the lives of others by turning away or remaining silent and dismissing it altogether. We should call evil what it is.

No healing and wholeness will ever come from lying or covering up the truth.

Some bible scriptures that deal with demon possession:

Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

Acts 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

Mark 9:28 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Satan and Self

When we think less about other people and more about what's in our own best interests, we are said to be "self-centered". This was Satan's sin. In the beginning, God created him beautiful. He was the anointed cherub. But Satan eventually switched his concern from God to self.

Satan was cast out of heaven when iniquity was found in him. Here we read of the change that took place in him and how his separation from God and his "self" rule was initiated:

Isaiah 14:13 &14:

"I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High"

Satan didn't care what God would think of his lofty desires. God had ceased being a factor to him. Instead, he now proclaimed what he would accomplish apart from God, his creator. And so, as if by some awesome transformation that God had no part of, Satan now was one with self.

There was no room for God in Satan's habitat of self rule. Those who have felt a slight sympathy for Satan are the ones who give him the most pleasure. Sympathy is the last emotion Satan deserves. He knew the glory and brightness that was and is God, he experienced this firsthand, yet he shunned and scorned it and departed from it for selfish reasons. Satan didn't want the spotlight on the creator. He wanted to be both the spotlight and the one it shone upon.

Man is beloved and cared for by God. Thus, mankind is Satan's sworn enemy. Man has the ability to accept and give God's love. The ultimate achievement I suppose Satan could hope to accomplish in his short time left on earth is to get man to deprive God the rule over his life and to treat other humans as beasts and not like the men they are, created in God's image. In essence, to treat man "inhumanly". Satan wants man to believe that they can be as "god's", that they are capable of "self" rule. That they don't need a savior to rescue them from death, hell and the grave. That they don't need God to direct their steps.

Adolph Hitler treated men as animals.
From the concentration camps to the gas chambers, he saw the job through until he departed this life. Hitler sometimes touted Christianity and spoke fondly of Jesus. The most blatant evil imaginable comes often cloaked or paraded with light. Hitler was one of Satan's most willing ambassadors to have ever walked the earth. He marched to Satan's drumbeat and bathed himself in the darkness of "self". The hatred for mankind, Satan's key feature, found a home in Hitler's heart and power in his hands. But Hitler is only one man. Even though the atrocities he committed were staggering, there are men and women who will never go that far, yet they treat fellow humans as beasts just the same. Whether Satan influences a Hitler or a next door neighbor, the outcome is still disastrous.

From the Garden of Eden to this present time, Satan has sought to bring man low. His chief way is to set up obstacles and stumbling blocks between man and his God. Jesus said, "apart from me, you can do nothing". He meant what he said and Satan knows this as well. Why do you think he pushes "self" rule as he does? Why did he tell Eve if she would eat of the forbidden fruit she would "be as God"? He tempted her to eat so she would sin against God, but also to promote "self-rule" in her and Adam's life. To deceive her to believe in the biggest lie since that time to the present: "You must direct your own steps - take charge of your own life" apart from the one who made you.

As I see it, our lack of knowledge when it comes to Satan has proven to be the key factor in our downfall and rejection of God since the fall of man. We are given insights into Satan's nature from the bible and we would do well if we were to ponder and study those truths. I don't believe it is enough for us to only "know God" our creator, father and friend. We must go on and know our enemy as well. He is the destroyer of men's lives who will not be satisfied until he has taken a vast unknown number of souls with him to his eternal fiery home that he will in the end inhabit for all eternity. Know your enemy - His name is Satan. Don't make his eternity your own.

Loving your brother and loving God

There are those who say they love God, yet they don't love those he created. This issue is a most serious one in regards to Christianity.

To clear up any misconceptions about Christianity, let's get one key issue resolved right now:

Those who say they love God, yet hate their brother, are living in a deception they must be delivered from by way of the truth - The word of God:

1 John 4:20

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1 John 2:9

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother is in darkness even until now.

1 John 2:11

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

The longer you have anger and malice toward someone, the more callous your heart gets. That malice, if allowed to continue will fester and eventually reach a level that you now hate your brother.

Who is my brother?

I came to the conclusion years ago that my "brother" includes everyone in this world. From scripture you can easily conclude this.

Whether it is a stranger off the street or your blood relative, they are all our brothers.

It matters not their age, skin color or language. All are equal in God's eyes and we are never to raise one above the other in regards to stature. The wealthy of this world are not above the poor, even though that's the idea we get from listening to the media and the movers and shakers of this world. As a matter of fact, the rich of this world have more of a responsibility to help those less fortunate because they have the ability to do so where others do not.

Those of this world who are not God's people believe that a man's financial soundness makes him of more worth than those who are less financially sound. This is respect of persons. If we are Christians, We are not to have respect of persons:

James 2:1-9

1My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:

9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

If you cannot love those who you SEE, how can you say you love God who you CANNOT see. Jesus said to us:

The Greatest Commandment:

Mark 12:

28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

John 13:34:

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

1 John 4:21

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Let this thought burn deep into your heart: Those who love God will also love those he created.

The Bible, Our Playbook for Life

Just as a football team has a playbook filled with strategic plays for games, we must utilize our playbook for life - The bible.

God always intended that we reach out for his word, the Bible, in order to know how to live this life. There are play books in football and the entire team depends on the plays inside that book in order to help them win games. If we want to be victorious and win at the game of life, we must depend on God's playbook to do it.

What you will find

God's book, the Bible, is filled with wisdom and light and you won't find foolishness within it's pages. Inside of this playbook you can find answers to all manner of obstacles and dead ends you may encounter in life. If you lack love and compassion, this book will tell you why. If you wish your faith to be strengthened, the bible will tell you how to get a strong and unshakable faith. If you have the feeling that you haven't a friend or family member on earth that understands the pain and grief you're going through, we are told in the bible that there is indeed a "friend who sticks closer than a brother". It is he who can see you through these problems, even when there may be nobody else who cares what becomes of you.

At the most make or break times in my life, I have reached for his word and have never been let down.

Do you wish to find someone who understands what you're going through with all the struggles and sorrows that have been heaped on you by others in this world? You will find a man named Jesus and his story within the pages of this playbook's text. You will find that he can truly understand your grief and pain.

Do you feel persecuted and treated unjustly by those who are to care the most for you - your family?

We read in the bible that even a man's own dear family and friends may turn against him. This is a sad fact of life. But we do not have to allow the pain of even this to have power and reign over us. We do not have to allow anger and bitterness to rule over us and control our actions and our lives. We do not have to allow sin to have dominion over us.

While we go about living this life and learning from the struggles we endure, we can come out of a trial either stronger or weaker than when we first experienced the pain of it. We will have pain and struggles and we will most likely be angry, hurt, humiliated and betrayed but in all of these things, we can know by reaching for his playbook that he has never left our side and that he will see us through these things as well.

From the Book of Psalms more than any other, I have found the words that have offered me the comfort that was needed to see me through some truly devastating times. In these pages I have read where God say's that he will settle the matters that have caused me pain and suffering. He not only wants to do this for me, he wants to do this for all who would call upon him. It is he and not me who will set all things straight and will judge a matter in which I have been wronged or hurt by another. We are not able to judge matters rightly as he can. No matter what we say, do or think, God knows what is in the heart of man. Therefore, it is only he who is able to judge and not we ourselves.

The playbook can and will direct our steps we take on our journey in this life.

We read in the bible that it is not in man to direct his steps and to plot his own course in life. We are to be directed by God's spirit and by his Holy word.

Our eyes and senses divert our attention away from God, his word and his truth. This world is filled with powerful attention getters. We have television, movies, sports, money, shopping, politics, religion, all competing for our attention and time in this life. Time is one commodity that is truly worth it's weight in gold. We waste precious time on things that will ultimately dry up and wither away. But what of the things that will last forever like our souls? What about our spirit that God has given us? What will happen to us once we have lost our life in this world and go on to our life in the hereafter?

These are all questions that many want answers to.

God would have us to be concerned over these questions and the answers to them. God would have us ponder the afterlife. He would have us to ask questions of him, for he desires to give us answers.

The answers to these questions are all in the playbook for life, the Bible.

May we all strive to give more attention to this playbook. It is in our best interest to do so. God would not have us be blinded to his truth and to understanding that truth. We are bombarded on all sides by lies and deceit because we live in this world which grows darker by the day. But you will find no lies and deceit within the pages of the bible. Only truth and light.

The Protective Hand of God

We in America have taken the protective hand of God for granted. How many potential hurricanes have been diverted from their path at precisely the right time so as to not intrude near our shores?
The Story of Job and the Great Destroying Wind

In the book of Job, God said, "Behold, all is in your (Satan's) hands. Satan left from the presence of God and the great wind ensued. This happened because Satan told God that the only reason Job is faithful to him is because of God's hedge of protection upon Job.

Read carefully:

9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for naught?

10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy (satan's) power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord

At that moment God lifted that hedge of protection from Job.

Afterward, the great wind caused the death of Job's children:

19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Even though Job lost everything he had and later, even his own body suffered, still he kept his faith and did not charge God foolishly for the things he suffered.

Losing Everything

I can hardly imagine what it would be like to lose everything. The only sure thing I do know is that if I suffered the loss of all things, I would still have God with me. That is a small consolation for some, but it is the biggest consolation I can think of for me.

We in America believe that if we don't have a well paying job, luxurious home or other earthly needs met, our life is over. Surely our life consists of more than these things. Many early Christians were nomads, wandering around with only the clothes on their backs and no big dreams and goals to sustain them. They wandered around preaching and teaching and helping their fellow man. Their chief objective and desire was telling all of the Good News of Christ. How far this description is from our preachers and teachers of today. The wealthy preachers of today cannot be satisfied with four walls and a roof. They build their mansions and have three cars packed in a garage that's the size of many people's homes.

A Question of Repentance

We in America think we have seen the worst of disasters in Katrina. But if we choose to harden our necks and remain unrepentant towards God, there are future things we may witness that could make Katrina look tame.

We as a nation have decided to toss God out of our personal lives, courts, schools and even a majority of our churches on a grand scale.

We have enjoyed God's protective hand and been at ease in the land of freedom for far too long. It is entirely possible that his hand of protection has been lifted from us. God will not stay where he is not welcome nor even acknowledged.

After 9-11, there was a grand opportunity for all of us in America to repent of our sins and welcome God back into our hearts and lives. Now that this hurricane has caused death and destruction, we again have opportunity to repent.

Those in the Christian Church who call God by name and profess to know him must repent of their greed and gluttony and desire for earthly things. Money and other possessions have been idols in our hearts for far too long.

All of us in America must recognize the Iraq invasion for what it is, an unjust war, and repent of it

Our military must leave Iraq and our Administration must make restitution for the wrongs that have been done there.

Any deceit and misinformation that has been allowed to grow and fester in our Administration must be dealt with and repented of.

The sin of pride, greed and haughtiness by those in America must be repented of and must cease.

Judgment upon the earth Isaiah 4

4 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.

11 There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

12 In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.

I believe that America, and not any isolated city or state will be humbled and brought low from God Almighty. Last week we witnessed the destruction of New Orleans and Mississippi, next week it could very well be the west coast in peril and lamentations. I am well aware of the sin and depravity that Mardi Gras has hosted for many years, make no mistake, God is not pleased by it, but I happen to believe that the entire nation will be judged and no area on the map will be safe from his wrath if we do not repent.

When a horrible calamity such as hurricane Katrina strikes, many in our nation ask "Why has God allowed this"?

Why would these people who turn their backs to God continuously choose to bring up his name now? Many of these people do not bring up his name in thanksgiving for all the good he brings to their lives. They never acknowledge his existence, yet they hold him accountable for destruction and suffering when it strikes. This way of thinking is misguided and foolish.

Those affected by this destructive hurricane looked to the government for help and were disappointed.

As I type this, it is being announced that Michael Brown has been removed from overseeing the Katrina Hurricane disaster. What a debacle that was. Where is the accountability for who put him in charge in the first place, President Bush?

Many were angry and felt betrayed by their elected officials and Federal Government because of their slow response to the tremendous needs of the people. The Federal Government knew how bad this hurricane would be. These situations are monitored and everyone from the President to the head of FEMA are alerted and kept well informed. There was just no way they "didn't know" of the possible horrific outcome Katrina could leave in it's path.

America's Decay

America is the nation that repeatedly calls the name of God and claims to know him better than any other. Yet many of these who call him "Lord" have his name on their lips, but he is far from their hearts.

People have replaced God with every useless idol imaginable. Here in America, many think more of their favorite automobile or sport than they do of their creator God.

America is currently engaged in bombings and killings of innocent Iraqi citizens and has been since 2003. We in America have not spoken out about this travesty as we should have. We have remained silent on this issue. Many could care less since we are not the ones getting bombed or invaded. We are lazy and complacent. Yet who cares to open their hearts and eyes to these facts? Who cries out to God and repents for these sins? While we remain comfortable and at ease, gazing at our big screen televisions, our nation is falling apart at it's seams. Our nation is slowly decaying and crumbling before our eyes and we do not even recognize it.

Hope for America

This is a time of trial for us as Americans. I believe that there are many God fearing people in America who are drawing nearer to God an he is doing likewise. There is nothing like a tragedy of this magnitude to show us where our treasures truly lie. Are your treasures invested in heaven or are they invested in this earth where dust can corrupt them and they can be taken away at a moments notice? Nothing in this life is permanent. Dear souls, everything that this life consists of is temporary. Tomorrow I could be both homeless and penniless. But even so, I would not be Godless. For no one can take away from me who I am, not to mention the God I love and serve.

What Compels us? Force and Fear or Our Weakness and God's Love?

What compels you to do anything in life? Does forcefulness persuade you?

It may for a time, but in the long run, you will grow to resent the use of force aimed at you.

If someone tries to manipulate you with fear, will that compel you to do anything?

Again, for a time it may. But some time afterwards, resentment and bitterness will take over and stop you from doing the very thing that fear motivated you to do in the beginning.

There are many people who have turned their backs on God. Some of these people chose to because they were at some point in their lives forced to go to church or to take part in other religious actions that they wanted no part of.

Christianity is not a religion of force but many misguided Christians have demonstrated it as such.

You cannot force your views upon another and go against the very will that was given to them by God and expect any good to come from it.

I was never forced to attend church and I never felt forced to live for God.

I consider myself very fortunate that I was not forced to do these things by my parents or by anyone.

I had some friends who were forced to go to church and they were not happy and they did not feel the freedom in their lives that I did. I recall one friend of mine who had fights with her parents and grandparents practically every other Sunday over the issue of going to church.

I felt sorry for her for having to go through this.

I thought it was too bad that a parent would force their child to go to church. Her parents were very devout Christians and my parents were not living for God and therefore not pushing their beliefs upon me, their child. Of course I felt freedom where my friend felt only pressure. I felt at the time that there were other issues between my friend and her parents. There is also another thing I remember. It was the way I felt, knowing that it must have been hard on her to understand my desire to go to church and live for God and her not having that same desire.

I understand why she didn't. She was Forced and I was not. God does not force any of us to do anything we do not want to do.

I'm sure there are many of us who felt forced to act in a certain way or to agree with a certain view held by church members. I can recall that pressure I felt from church members to agree with their views, etc.

But I did not agree with them on issues that went against what I knew to be the truth as outlined in the Bible. This has caused me to not be very popular with many Christians.

Why must anyone try to sway others to believe something that only they themselves feel so strongly about? This is on line with manipulation.

We should not ever seek to control anyone on any issue. We should seek to get the truth of God out to the multitudes of people who are lost. That should be our desire and objective.

I believe that if we as Christians would just live our lives the way God tells us to live, love others and truly seek to help those in need, those actions alone would show the love of Christ and there would be no need for anything else. It is our actions and our words that are supposed to express who we serve. Not what we say absent of good fruits

The pressure, petty manipulations, and the lack of total faith in God to preserve those who are his.

These are some of the key reasons why I seldom attend church now. Things have not changed since I was a teenager with the exception of an increase in deception and merchandising. Many church members and those in authority in the Christian churches still attempt to force their will upon others around them. It's all about control. Jesus was not about control, he was about teaching the truth along with faith, love, mercy and compassion. A free will is a horrible thing to lose. If you lose your free will, you are no better than a mindless robot.

From the Parents to the Children

I have never forced my children to go to church. They either go or they don't. Now on this subject, I have Christian friends who disagree with me. That doesn't bother me, and I am not hostile toward different views. I believe that my decisions about how I raise my children comes from my upbringing somewhat.

I was not forced to attend church by my parents, so I did not feel that particular pressure. All of us are affected to some degree by how we were raised and what we learned earlier in our lives. What I have tried to do in my life is to teach my children the principles of Christianity at home first and not to rely on the church to indoctrinate them.

The church does not need to do for my children what I was told by God to do myself. I think that many Christians are too content with forcing their children to go to church and learn through the leaders there instead of teaching them at home. The problem is compounded for many of these kids because as the parents are sending the kids on their way to church, the parents never attend and that is wrong. It's a double standard. The parents in many instances forcing their kids to do what they are not willing to do themselves.

Children always pick up on this and will rebel accordingly. I feel as though I was given a gift in not having Christianity forced on me in my younger years and am sure now that I am older that this had much to do with my endearing faith later in life.

Fear as a Motivator and Spiritual Burnout

A spiritual relationship with God based upon force and fear will go nowhere. I can hear many Christians out in cyberspace right now who are disagreeing with me. But let me ask you a question.

Do you find it comforting and uplifting to have a relationship with another person that you fear or who attempts to force their personal beliefs on you? I personally do not. Why should we then find it acceptable to have a relationship with God based upon fear or force or both?

When anyone forces religion upon another based upon fear, the end result is not good.

I had friends that made the decision to accept Christ as their Savior simply because they were fearful that if they didn't, they would go to hell. At that time in my own life I was learning much and caught up with my own new relationship with God and so I didn't have the time nor knowledge that I do now to discuss the subject of force and fear in relation to Christianity. But I remember that the majority of preaching by their pastors and parents was geared toward the fear issue in regards to salvation and living a godly life. Many of those friends of mine did not last long in church and suffered spiritual burnout as a result. Spiritual burnout happens when you are working at a fevered pace to live the Christian life. You grow tired and weary and give up. It is at this point that some completely turn their backs on God and decide that they will no longer serve him. But others find that spiritual burnout is a positive turning point for them. In reality, suffering from spiritual burnout is the best thing that could happen to a person caught up in the cross hairs of religion. We are not able to live a life dedicated to God in our own power. It is only by the Spirit that we are able to live a life that is fulfilling and that brings glory to God. We have a responsibility to turn over our lives to him, we alone must make that choice, but it is HE and not we ourselves who keeps us all the while we are submitted to him as his obedient children.

I should know because I suffered from spiritual burnout. And when I was finally spent and had nothing left in myself that I could cling to in order to live the life God and others expected me to live, that is when I gave up and told God, "I cannot live this life, I cannot do anything without you God". In my own power I have nothing to offer, nothing to give anyone. Take me and use me for your glory, with all of my weaknesses, you're welcome to them as well and see if you can do anything about them. Just take them and allow me to have strength through you. I had to realize how truly weak I was while at the same time recognizing God as my tower of strength.

That is coming clean with God, that is what leading the Christian life is truly all about. It is not about attempting to be something you are not. It is not about putting up false appearances. It is not about forcing our beliefs upon others, it is about each one of us personally making a decision based upon the truth of the Gospel and allowing God to be God in our own lives.

Who Keeps Us?

Anyone with eyes and understanding can read the bible for themselves and conclude that Jesus was not about FORCE or FEAR. So where does this twisted thinking come from?

During my years of being a Christian as well as listening to other Christians,
I am convinced that it comes from a lack of faith on the part of those who are supposed to be teaching and leading us.

They believe that if they do not instill fear in us, mixed in with a dab of force and crack that spiritual whip that we will not live a life that is centered upon God given morality.

What they neglect to understand is that it is God himself who keeps us and has patience with us during our walk with Him.

They neglect to understand that it is not by might, nor by power, but it is by his Spirit that we are kept in his care.

So whether it be pastors or parents, they feel it is their responsibility to BRING US INTO the kingdom of God and then to KEEP us in a position of submission and control and in order to accomplish this, they use Fear and Force. They will do or say what they feel they must in order to assure themselves that we are living for God and that we stay on the right and holy path. I have seen this my friends. I have seen this type of fear and force in action.

I am not saying this is right, but it does happen this way much of the time. I've seen it at work. This is why many have felt negatively toward Christianity for years.

We must learn that it is God who keeps us by his Spirit, but we have a hand in making the wise choices that lead to our submission to him. Nobody can force you to submit to God. But it isn't for lack of them trying. Man likes to believe that he has control of things, even if it is just a little control, that is better than none at all. But submission to God is entirely in each of our hands and a choice that we must make individually every day of our lives. Only we have the power and the choice to submit to God, keep ourselves humble with God's help and to follow him. These choices will lead us toward our own spiritual progress. Another person's spiritual progress we have nothing to do with apart from building up one another instead of tearing each other down, and being willing to help one another. When it comes to telling people what to do and how to manage their lives, we have no business being caught up in another's spiritual life.

We should be there when they ask for help, prayer and our opinions based upon the word of God. But aside from these things, we should never allow force to take up residence in our hearts and lives in any manner.

Preventing the Pressure

I have found some things helpful. I tend to stay away from a majority of churches and I stick to studying what the Word of God says and applying it to my own life. In addition to these I pray a prayer almost daily that God by his Spirit would keep me humble. I feel the world very desperately needs God's people to love them and to care for them. If our light is supposed to shine in the darkness, then what are we doing keeping to ourselves in the churches? I never understood that.

But isn't it ironic that nowadays, there are many in the churches that are in darkness?

I have seen much foolishness in the Body of Christ spanning over 30 years. This has helped me to know a scheme from the real thing and the truth from error. I don't claim to know a lot. There are many more out there that are more knowledgeable than me. There is still much I do not know and I am on a journey just like everyone else in this life. I do not expect to be perfect when I am taken out of this world and into the next. If I know more next year than I did the year before, I am quite content. I don't struggle to gain much knowledge. I take life as it comes at me. Leaning on and trusting in the God that made me. Living life tends to make all of us more resilient and knowledgeable as every day and year passes.

I find that many Christians do not want to admit it if they don't know an answer to a question put to them by unbelievers. Why can't people just admit that there are some things that they don't know? Whether you are a Christian or an unbeliever, not any one of us can claim to know all things. The only one who does know all things is God himself. But many Christians fear that if they do not know "all the answers", it will make God look bad. This is ridiculous thinking. It does not make God look bad if we don't know all the answers. We are his people, we are humans and he is God. If someone asks me about something I don't have a clue about, I will tell them that I don't know. God has given us what he wanted us to know in the Bible, and the rest will be answered by him at a time of his own choosing. Who are we to demand all answers to all things anyway?

A Time to Fear God

In conclusion, there is a time to fear God

Those who have totally rejected God and cast him and his truth aside based upon the adequate knowledge they have had of him should fear him. These should indeed fear the judgment of God because those who knew the truth openly defied God's truth and they chose instead to discard his love and count it as nothing. They also counted the sacrifice of his Son as nothing, those who do these things should fear God. Sadly, many are too far along in deception and darkness for it to matter to them that they have rejected the one who made them.

Only God knows if you have come to the point in your life in which you've had chance after chance to turn to him and have decided to stay in your pride, stubbornness and rebelliousness.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But here again, God gives us the choice to believe in him, to serve him or not. While it is so very wrong for anyone to try to force their beliefs upon another, ultimately you are all responsible to pick up the bible and gain knowledge that God and not man has provided for you. There will be no excuse for those who do not do this. Nobody will be able to say in that day when standing before God at the judgment, "Well, I was taught wrong by preacher such and such and that is the reason why I rejected Jesus Christ". Although it may be true that preacher such and such was teaching you contrary to the Word of God, you KNEW to go to the source which is the Word of God. Some do not know to go to the source instead of trusting in man to tell them the truth. Well, now I have cleared that up for a number of people and I stand on record as having told you.

Maybe I will be the only one you will come across that has told you this.

Go to the source and trust not in man! Go to his Word that he has provided for you.

God is angry if you have been given the truth, have understanding based upon that truth and you still choose to reject him. He does have long patience with us, it's true, but it is a dangerous line you are crossing each day you spend in rebellion towards God. But even that rebellion is yours and has not been forced upon you, it is chosen by you and you alone.

Has the Holy Spirit spoken to your heart? Have you been turning a deaf ear and heart to him? These are the reasons to fear God.

It is only through our brokenness, admitted weakness and desire for a way out of our shattered lives that compels us to give up and trust in God. This is why pride is a killer. This is why pride is one of the seven deadly sins. Our pride blinds us to these truths.

We must see God's strength and power as greater than our own because it truly is. We must realize our own frailties and weaknesses. We have no need to rely upon God if we believe ourselves to be strong and fully capable of managing our own lives and directing our own steps.