Help Us, O Lord!

Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:7-9, 13

Every time something happens in the world--especially in America--we have this inclination to say, "God bless America" without thinking of the implications--we're always seeking God, to do for us.  

We should be offering ourselves to Him and saying, "America Bless God," but we've taken Him out of just about everything.

We've taken Him out of our schools--and then we wonder why not many are learning anything worthwhile and certainly students are not learning to think for themselves, but rather they learn how to take tests and disrespect all in authority. Violence increases while learning decreases.

We've taken Him out of our local government entities--can't pray out loud for fear of offending others who don't believe in Him. And Lord, knows--we don't want to offend anyone by acknowledging Him who is beholden to no one.

We've taken Him out of our homes when we allow government to determine how we raise our children. Not many are willing to risk going to jail in order to discipline an unruly child. And we see the results of that lack of discipline--every day.

We've taken Him out of our churches--even though there are some who have maintained the obligatory picture, statue, or posted creed--God is not welcomed into the building because we have decided that what "man" wants is more important and ignore the basic premises of knowing God--loving all and obeying God. And this is why we still have the greatest racial and ethnic segregation--in the churches.

If we don't want to acknowledge God in the schools, homes, government or churches--what's left? A flag or a song are not important to God, yet we get offended when people don't play the game of honoring them. If we can't say a prayer aloud at a sporting event, why are we honoring a flag--made by the hands of men and machines--or a song written by a man that did not include all mankind? I don't understand!

And for this reason, I know we're in trouble and the only person who can turn things around is God. We're in trouble and until we recognize that no man or woman is going to change things, we're going to stay on the path the enemy has established, not the path of success that God desires for us. I'm waiting on God, not the debate--to see what He will do for all of mankind.

Help us, O Lord! We need You--involved in every area of our lives on a minute-by-minute basis--and I welcome You in my life--guiding all that I do that honors You. My confidence, is in You, O Lord and I know whatever You desire for us, is what the end will be.

Will Your Work Stand The Test?

"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work." (1 Corinthians 3:10-13 NIV)

In a number of places across the country, storms are a challenge to daily living. People end up watching their hard-earned livelihoods, homes, and other property--destroyed by wind and rain. However, even in the midst of the destruction, some buildings remain, untouched, as though it had been moved until the storm finished its destruction.

Companies--who miss laying a solid foundation for functioning and surviving--cease to exist in the midst of economic storms--and people lose their jobs, homes, and families disintegrate as consumer prices rise and many are left standing as though zombies, wondering what just happened.

Families--who try to exist and survive without a firm foundation of love and respect--end up scattered like the wind blowing birdseed--landing where they may, not knowing how to continue for they have no foundation on which to build.

Everything that survives the test of time and trial does so because of having a solid foundation and the church is no different. The foundation in the church is Jesus Christ and if anyone attempts to build on any other foundation--they place themselves in position to be tested and most won't withstand the test. But this test--is not about wind and rain--it is about judgment from on high. If our foundation is Jesus Christ--then everything we do--should be according to The Word and not our own thoughts and desires.

Some people--have taken the above-referenced passage of scripture to mean that buildings used for worship services should not contain costly stone, gold or silver.  But if that were true, they also should not use hay, straw, or wood. The metaphor used is not about what the building is made of, but what's being done within the building. If our bodies are temple where the Holy Spirit dwells, what are we doing to them? All Believers are the Body of Christ--but what are we doing to demonstrate that our foundation is Jesus Christ?

I hate to belabor a point made many times, by many people--but when I see people who proclaim to be Christians and yet live in opposition to God's Word--I question the foundation of their proclamation--it cannot be Jesus Christ.

If we truly belong to Him, then we listen to what He says, understand what He says, and obey what He says. That is--if our foundation is Jesus Christ--we will not allow another to mislead and deceive us by trying to convince us otherwise. God's Word never changes, while man's fickleness is constantly changing--which is why the laws of the land are always changing to pacify those who choose not to live according to God's Word. For if we lived according to God's Word--there would be no need for laws and all would live in peace.

But the key to establishing a solid foundation about anything is in the ability of the leader to inspire and motivate others to build with care--that on which they profess to stand. Will your work stand the test? If not, perhaps, it's time to tear down the existing foundation of beliefs and rebuild on solid ground with faith in Jesus Christ--who never fails or disappoints.

Don't Let Mere Human Beings Trip You Up!

"Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. The have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow." (Colossians 2:16-19 NIV)

Let's see--where do we start with explanation of Paul is saying. Ah ha! He's reiterating what Jesus said about judgment--erroneously,

When people attempt to tell others what they shouldn't eat or judge them by what they do eat--pork and shellfish come to mind, they are attempting to hold others to "their standards" without regard to how a person is being led by God.

There are people who condemn others for having a drink of wine and then use the bible as their justification--when in reality-we can do anything--in moderation--as long as we are not operating out of alignment with God's Word. Having a glass of wine will not send anyone to hell; however, over-indulging in alcoholic beverages and driving could end someone's life. There is no wisdom in drinking and driving, texting and driving, or driving distracted by any means or under the influence of anything that would impair judgment while driving.

With regard to the holidays or other celebrations people observe--they are well within their right to celebrate whatever they want to celebrate--exercising the wisdom God gives and are not going to hell if they celebrate Christmas, Easter, Halloween, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. When celebrations lead to ungodly behaviors, then there is cause to question the celebration.

The continuing debate about "when the Sabbath is" is a matter of a person's relationship with God. Since the calendar we now observe is not the calendar or record of time used over 2000 years, ago, no one has the right to judge another; especially as to when they should observe a day of worship. The Sabbath--was intended to be a day of rest--doing nothing but reflecting upon God's goodness. It was not a day determined to attend religious observations--that is mere man's idea of the Sabbath. To get a better understanding of the day of rest--one need only to revisit Genesis and understand how God did things.

We are reminded by Paul, that all these "aforementioned" things existed because of man's rules before Christ. Now, those of us who are in Christ, have no need for man's rules to guide us since we have Holy Spirit within to direct our steps in all things. At any given time, in any given situation, we have no need to anyone to counsel us about what we should or should not do--if we're listening to Holy Spirit.

There is no need to have dress codes in churches--but many do because they feel the need to control. However, in any given situation, we should not offend others while in their presence. So, if we attend a church that expects people to "dress up," then dress up or don't go.

If we are in the presence of people who believe drinking alcohol is a sin--don't drink while you're with them. The same is true for a number of things, but don't allow their judgment--about anything--to deter you from being obedient to God and pleasing Him. For if we seek Him about all things, hear and obey, we will always please Him, who is the Head of our lives. 

Consider The Cost To Avoid Defeat!

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?" (Luke 14:28-31 NIV)

The word "budget" for many seems to be a dirty word, but unless people are willing to consider the cost--of doing anything--before doing it, the end result could be disastrous. This is true for families, communities, local governments, the federal government and of churches. In order for there to be resources flowing out--there must be incoming resources. When expenses are greater than income--frustration rises and trouble and discord reign. We can see this with our governments all over the land.

Within the church and other non-profit organizations, many people do not realize--unless they are in charge of the finances--just how important a budget is. Since a number of churches are a resource to the communities in which they conduct business, they often expend far more than they receive from the membership of their organization. Whenever there is no policy or criteria by which a person is considered for consideration, the word gets out--and everyone who doesn't want to work for a living or to provide for themselves comes knocking on the door--for a hand-out.

There is a reason for churches and other non-profit organizations obtaining and retaining a tax-exempt status. Most exist because of donations, volunteerism and they benefit more people than they have people contributing to their cause. However, at some point--if they are not careful about spending habits--they will cease to exist. We see this with schools, churches, and other organizations who had a good idea, but it was not a God-idea--because His principles were not used to either establish it or maintain it.

Welfare-mentality--always seeking a hand-out and never contributing to the source has become a way of life for many people and when they can't get what they want, they get angry and start vicious rumors--never understanding they are not entitled to anything to which they have never contributed. This is why I fail to understand why there are some who feel--Social Security Benefits for those who have worked and contributed to the fund--is an entitlement program. Well, in one sense I suppose it is--I contributed to the fund through every job I ever had and now, I'm entitled to receive the benefits of my contribution. The reason the Social Security program is in danger is because of all those people who received the benefits through supplementary income criteria--from the Social Security pool of funds--and they never contributed to the fund! Someone--along the way--never considered the cost and now those who did contribute--are at risk.

"Wisdom is the principal thing and with all of our getting, we need to get understanding." When we learn to exercise Godly principles in every area of our lives, we can avoid being defeated by anything that confronts, but we must always consider the cost--for every decision we make--looking far into the future and determining how a decision made today will impact that future.

Can We Hear?

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:29 NKJV)

This admonition is repeated seven times in this Revelation to John by Holy Spirit--and if we believe that seven is the symbolic representation of completion, it is a finished work--the Revelation--and we must hear in order to get ready for His return.

Why do we need to hear? Because in the revealed work--we are reminded of the seven types of churches--their character traits, their strengths and their weaknesses. Regardless of what denomination we proclaim to have an affiliation with, we all fit into one of these types that persist. God knows from the beginning to the end, what we will do and when we will hear and change, which is why is mercy and compassion is so important to us--He gives us room to repent and turn to Him, time after time, but there will come a day, when we will no longer have time to change, so we must make that change--now!

Throughout this book, we are reminded of all these things that the prophets (and all who God used) have said and as Solomon reminds us Ecclesiastes, there is nothing new under the sun.God has used people, those chosen by Him to remind mankind throughout our history to choose to do right--His right--and forsake all those things that do not honor Him.

Some of us--as in times past--have selective hearing. We have read The Word, we have heard The Word, and many know when Holy Spirit speaks, but yet we do not hear and obey. When we selectively choose which parts of the message we will hear, we put ourselves into position to miss God and eventually, we will enticed to believe that other spirit, rather than Holy Spirit because that other spirit--manipulates and deceives and tries to make things "sound" like God when they are not.

Engage in conversation with The Lord today and hear what Holy Spirit has to say about everything around us and when you hear--obey for "obedience is better than sacrifice."

Going to church--a good thing when The Word is being taught--does not mean a person has a relationship with God. Memorizing scripture--though a good thing--does not mean we have a relationship with God. We need to know what He said, believe that He is and will be, and obey His commands to love. When we do this, we establish a right relationship with Him and then we can praise Him no matter what happens in our lives because we know--in the end, we win!

Stand Firm (Part Three)

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/08/florida-church-cancels-funeral-gay-man/13764107/(Still in Ephesians 6)

Now think about this—membership into any entity means when you join—you agree to abide by the rules and policies. What makes you think a church should operate any differently?  If you’re not a member—don’t expect to sing in the choir, serve on the usher board or to hold any other office or position in a church. If you’re not financially supporting the church “as a member” don’t expect to have any say-so in what the church does with the resources they have. When I read some of the asinine comments people make about “what a church or pastor should do” I know they are not supporting members anywhere. In fact, for those who claim to be Believers—I wonder if they even know what it means to be in relationship with God—not just the church or a religion.

And speaking of “religion” and how every negative comment regards it—get over it. Religious people seldom have a relationship with God. They are religious out of tradition, not knowledge—they don’t have a clue. I can tell from some of the comments being made that there are a number of people who say they have been turned off religion because of the actions of the pastor who cancelled the funeral. Good for them—they didn’t need religion to start with—they need Jesus. If all they’re seeking is religious involvement, they might as well not attend any church and they certainly need not condemn others who do not support their beliefs.

Another point of contention—for me. Why is it that every time a Believer says something is sin—everyone wants to jump down their throats? If you don’t want to believe a certain behavior or lifestyle is sin—whoopee! You don’t have to believe, but stop trying to tell us what we believe is wrong and expecting us to change our beliefs for you. You don’t have a heaven or hell for us, so why should we care what you believe? If you have a right to believe what you want to believe—so do we do—and I’m not suing anyone to make that point. The court systems should be ashamed of themselves for getting caught up in Satan’s web and deliberating promoting ungodliness. You can think what you want of this statement—in the end—God will judge its merits and everything else we do or say.

Finally, I must end this rant. I applaud every pastor and believing Christian who stands firm on the foundational beliefs of the Bible. The bible—regardless of version or translation—as long as the “intent of the Word is not compromised” is our foundation for what we believe. If people want to believe a stone has power—so be it. If people want to believe that a snake has power—so be it. If people want to believe that “any mortal being” has power—so be it. Believe whatever you want, but get off the backs of those who stand firm in their belief that God is right and every man a liar. So pastors—stand your ground and preach The Word—living The Word so all may see The Word come to life and be a standard by which God will judge us all. After all—these people did not call you to lead people to Christ—you owe them nothing, but your allegiance is to God and Him alone.

This message has been brought to you by one who not only understands the Written Word of God, but also has a relationship with Him and is not about to play doormat to those who want to step all over Believing Christians. God and God alone shall judge us all! Hallelujah to our Risen Savior! I approve this message!

Stand Firm (Part Two)

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/08/florida-church-cancels-funeral-gay-man/13764107/(Still in Ephesians 6)

      In spite of what most believe—where there is documentation that supports the foundational belief of a church (statements of faith) those foundational principles trump the opinions of those who know nothing about the bible.

Let’s deal with some facts about “church foundations.” Within the church’s constitution, a plan of action or procedures should be established. Within that plan—the role of the pastor, deacons, trustees, and whoever else is listed should be outlined. If a church “chooses” to make an exception—they are within their rights. And speaking of rights—every church has a right—a spiritual and moral obligation—to exercise biblical principles (unless they are a cult) without being influenced by those who think “being politically correct” is a mandate from God.

The same people who protest church beliefs about “just about anything” and claim justification for their beliefs because “certain words don’t appear” in the bible should be just as prone to censure about “political correctness” since it is a recent phrase used to justify sin and living ungodly by those who want to live ungodly lives.

As much as I’d like to see everyone saved and have the hope of eternal life—I cannot force anyone to believe Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to the world. People can and do believe what they want, but please, please, please—stop trying to get those who do believe to swallow the lies—which we know are influenced by Satan.

Getting back to churches—with membership—like anywhere else—there are privileges. Most churches have established protocols to handle weddings, funerals, baptisms, child dedications, counselling, and just about everything else. For people who are not members of a church—why are they expecting any privileges from the church? Attending a church is not the same as being an active, participating member of the church.

Part Three posted tomorrow!

Read, Expect, Pray!

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/08/florida-church-cancels-funeral-gay-man/13764107/
"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (James 1:19 NLT).

For the next three days, I have scheduled a commentary on a recent event in which a pastor has been "demonized" because of a decision to cancel a funeral in Florida. The deceased--it was discovered--was a gay man, married to another man--which is opposition to the church's beliefs and policies and that information was withheld from the pastor when they originally agreed to allow the funeral to be held in the church. Don't judge a matter so quickly that you forget to get all the information! An opinion--without facts to support or document--is just that, an opinion and we all have one. However, in order to not promote ignorance of the role of the church and its leadership, I encourage everyone who usually reads my blog posts to read them in their entirety, expect to have feelings ignited, but pray before you determine anything about me or what I've said.  Meditate on The Word, Seek God, and know Truth from Him--not me.

If you feel as though I'm ranting, you're probably right--but ranting with the intent to inform and negate all the negativity about pastors who actually attempt to do the right thing according to The Word of God, not political correctness or the influence of those who choose to live ungodly lives.

Just as I am encouraging pastors to stand firm in their belief in The Word and to live according to it, I am standing firm in the belief in The Word and in how God wants me to live. If anyone wants to live contrary to The Word--that's their business and they will have to deal with the consequences--as will I. However, I will not compromise my beliefs simply to make others "feel" better about themselves. I am not a doormat and I will not act like one when it comes to standing on The Word.

Here's a newsflash--God is not interested in our "feelings;" He's interested in whether or not we're living according to His Word and no one, absolutely no one can convince me to live contrary to God's Word. Living for Him--is a choice--like everything else we do and I choose Jesus over all the "warm fuzzies" from being politically correct by people who don't know God.

If there are some who think I'm wrong--they're entitled to think whatever they wish--I'll await God's judgment for being on His side rather than theirs!

Love to love you--but I'll stand firm on The Word!

Planter or Waterer?

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth" (I Corinthians 3:6 NASB).

Within this text we understand that Paul's response to the church at Corinth was a reminder to them about humility. He went on to say that neither the planter or the waterer had anything to brag about because it is God who causes the growth of the church. What does this mean for the 21st Century Church? The exact same thing. None of us should get caught up with thinking we are more than we are simply because of what we say or write to people.

Whenever we do what it is we do, we usually do not know if we are planting the seed of The Gospel or watering the seed that someone else planted. Since this is true, we cannot take credit for anyone acknowledging their coming  into the knowledge of Christ, because it is not what we do, but what God does--creates a change of heart--within the person receiving the Good News.

This is a passage of scripture (the entire chapter) that many should read, over and over again--especially when they start thinking  their church is the only one people should attend. While I believe we certainly don't need more churches, I would be hard pressed to say that any one church is the only one teaching the truth of God's Word. There are many people who attend large churches because it is a status statement. There are some who attend small churches because they love the personal attention. Whatever a reason people attend, someone had to say something to create in them a desire to come. Chances are--it was not those in leadership who shared The Word, but someone else and God spoke to the person's heart and guided them there.

Let's face it--we are nothing without God. We can do nothing great without God. What we can do is our assignment--with His guidance--never knowing which role we are playing--as planter and waterer and leave the final results up to Him.

We have a job to do, so let's get it done. Whether you are planter or waterer, you have a role to play in spreading the Good News. Let's fill up on The Word so we can move out and see the glory of the Lord upon all who are willing to receive.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to better understand our role and create a desire in us to do all things with humility, giving You the glory for all we do.