Why I need Jesus

I was asked that question awhile back and I am still pondering in my heart the response to this. Why do I need Jesus? Well, I do want to spend eternity in heaven. I do desire to see our youngest child in heaven. I do desire...All of those are great reasons, but I need Jesus because I just can't seem to do right without Him. He loves me and I really believes He needs me too. I think that me and Jesus are a team that works pretty good together. I mess up and He fixes me back up. If I fall down, He is there to help me. Sure, I make mistakes. Who doesn't? I need Jesus because He first loved me. I visualize Him on the cross that day and I see my name being uttered from His lips when He said "Father, forgive Ron, for he doesn't have a clue..." I have met some interesting characters while at Youth camp and one in particular stands out. It is hot and this young man has gloves on his hands. A wool cap on his head and a light jacket. Naturally, I asked how come and he said, "the girls love it." I just smiled and said under my breath that I would have no girl then, but that is a 51 year old speaking. I am pretty sure that when I was 14, I probably did some dumb things to impress some girls. I watched this same young man in the altars last night. He wasn't worrying about girls at that time. He was getting it on with Jesus! How about it beloved, why do you need Jesus?

5 horrible truths about hell

HORRORS OF HELL

This is another one I copied from this website. It is tragic, and let me warn you that when you read it and you are a non-believer, you may be offended by it. If you are offended by it, I pray you will heed to the end of it where it shares how much Jesus loves you. Please come to Jesus my friends. http://www.stormtight.com/horrorsofhell.htm

"For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress,
a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat,
when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall."
{Isaiah 25:4}

1. FIRST REASON HELL WILL BE A HORROR - THE WICKED WILL BE THERE.

"Wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the nations that forget God."
{Psalm 9:17}

Who are the wicked?

"And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, and which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."
{Revelation 19:20}

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
{Revelation 21:8}

• One third of the Angels.

"For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;"
{2 Peter 2:4}

• Satan.

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
{Revelation 20:10}

• Good people. (Those not found in the Lambs Book of Life.)

"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" {Matthew 25:41}

2. SECOND REASON HELL WILL BE A HORROR - TEMPERATURE

• Fire and Brimstone. (Brimstone is similar to what we know as sulphur.)

"And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."
{Revelation 19:20}

• Literal fire.

"And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire."
{Matthew 18:9}

• Fire never quenched.

"Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
{Mark 9:44}

3. THIRD REASON HELL WILL BE A HORROR - ACTIVITIES

• Gnashing of teeth.

"And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
{Matthew 13:42}

• Shame (embarrassment).

"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
{Daniel 12:2}

• Thirst never is quenched.

"And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented."
{Luke 16:24-25}

• Unsuitable sorrow (i.e., "get me out of here!")

"The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow."
{Psalms 116:3}

• No rest.

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name."
{Revelation 14:11}

• Continual torment.

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
{Revelation 20:10}

4. FOURTH REASON HELL WILL BE A HORROR - MEMORY

• Consider the rich man and Lazarus.

"There was a certain rich man, And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, . . . that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
{Luke 16:19-31}

The rich man:

> Was thirsty
> In flames
> Was tormented
> Wanted someone to warn living family members
> Was too late in warning others
> Prayed for his family member's destiny
> Remember God's Love.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
{John 3:16}

• Remember Gospel Sermons.

• Remember Scripture Verses.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world."
{Romans 10:17-18}

• Remember hearing about Jesus Christ, and rejecting Him.

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
{Revelation 22:17}

• Communications with Saints in Paradise.

• Know that all hope is gone.

"Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come."
{John 8:21}

5. FIFTH REASON HELL WILL BE A HORROR - IT IS FOREVER

• Enlarged to hold the multitudes.

"Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it."
{Isaiah 5:14}

• No exit for escape.

"And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."
{Luke 16:26}

• Hell is everlasting, never comes to an end.

"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."
{Matthew 25:46}

• Darkness.

"And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
{Matthew 25:30}

Remember:

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
{Romans 10:9}

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
{Romans 10:13}

The trouble with complaining

June 11, 2010

I got this from this website.

IT IS NOT MY WORDS. I AGREE WITH IT THOUGH.

http://www.stormtight.com/complainers.htm

COMPLAINERS

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
{Ephesians 4:29}

The great danger of the Church lies in those members that seem to look for reasons to complain, to be discontent, or to be ungrateful. Complaining is actually quarrelling with God. By complaining, we are saying that God has not treated us well and that we deserve better from Him. Griping is a grievous offense against a gracious God.

What is the typical reaction when we encounter a friend, co-worker, or even Christian Brother or sister that always seems to be grumbling about something? Do we eventually become weary of their behavior, or get angry? Consider what Scripture says regarding God's feelings about those who murmur and complain.

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, and blasphemies:"
{Matthew 15:18-19}

"Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?"
{Lamentations 3:39}

A dissatisfied spirit thinks it will find pleasure in things it doesn't have.

It prevents enjoyment of blessings God has already given us!

Consider Haman's attitude towards all of his prosperity when he focused solely on the single act of Mordecai's refusal to stand and tremble before him.

"And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king. Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate."
{Esther 5:11-13}

A dissatisfied spirit shows that the mind needs to be regulated.

Grace will put desires or dissatisfactions in proper order. Consider all that God has provided and be content.

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
{Hebrews 13:5}

"Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:"
{Proverbs 30:8}

"And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
{Matthew 26:39}

"My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?"
{Psalms 42:2}

"But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way."
{1 Corinthians 12:31}

Christians are to be examples to the world, and rejoice always.

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
{Philippians 2:12}

"What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
{Philippians 1:18}

" For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me."
{Phil 2:13-18}

I wish he would not preach/teach to me

There will come a time in the life of a child of God that something will happen to them in church. Churches are made up of people and with that in mind, we must realize that people are not perfect. They do make mistakes. This pastor will be the first to say that he makes mistakes. Amen and Amen. However, the actions we make after something has happened are the determining factor as to whether we are saved or not. Dr. Joe McKeever is a Preacher, Cartoonist, and retired Director of Missions for the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans, who said "The pastor who takes a stand on issues will find some disagreeing with him. When he preaches a controversial doctrine or calls for purity in the personal lives of leaders, some will be unhappy. There will come a time when the Pastor or Sunday School teacher or any leader in the church will preach on some topic that is a hot spot towards you and you will be offended. The Bible evens states this is to be true when someone wants to cover up their sin. King David walked out onto his balcony and saw a beautiful woman bathing. He took the second glance and instantly sought this woman out. After they had relations with each other, she became pregnant. In order to cover up his sin, he had her husband come in from battle hoping he would desire to sleep with her. He chose not to do this since his men were away. The King was still not going to have his sins found out, so he had this woman's husband sent to the front lines of the battle and as a result of this, he was killed. Sad isn't it? The King didn't want to make atonement for his own sin, so he had to hurt others to justify his actions.

We are seeing this today in our churches all over the world. The Pastor preaches on a topic and people take offense b/c they are living the life of sin. Check this out. When someone complains that the preacher is preaching about certain sins is due to that person living that type of sin. A great example would be when the Preacher preaches about gambling, or alcohol, or cheating on your spouse, etc. Those people who are not doing those things never say anything about the issue b/c they are not doing those sins. If the Preacher preaches about living a holy life and those who are not living a holy life will complain. Dr. Joe McKeever said this in relationship to people being hurt by other Christians in the church. "Often the biggest problem-makers will be their closest friends, those whom they have given their greatest trust.”And one will say to him, ‘what are these wounds?' Then he will say, those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.'" (Zechariah 13:6)”

It is so sad that when disgruntled church members can't face the music with their own sins, they have to tare down someone else to cover up their sins. How sad is that? It is much easier to blame someone else then say, "You know what, I am living in sin. I need to change." Think of this for just a moment. If you run out of gas and you are stranded on the side of the road, then it is most likely your fault b/c you failed to put gas in your vehicle. That is your fault, not the gas stations fault. If you are living in sin and the prophet Nathan comes to you like he did to King David, then that is your fault, not the Prophets fault. Friends; challenge your heart to live for Jesus in front of your friends, family, and neighbors. They are really watching you and they are absorbing everything you do and say. You friends may have been touched by the sermon or the lesson and your friend decides not to give up their sins. What is your answer to your friend? Are you afraid to tell them the truth or are you adding more fuel to the fire? One more from Dr. McKeever who said "If the pastor is effective at all, someone is always going to be unhappy with him. Mark it down. It's par for the course. Perfectionist pastors who carry an innate drive to please everyone cannot handle this. It drives them berserk, just lying in bed at night thinking someone might be less than thrilled with them. But if they last in the ministry, they have to get over it."

Always know that the Pastor or teacher who is instructing the lesson gets it twice; once when studying or preparing the lesson and the other time is when he/she delivers the message.

Givers and Takers

June 9, 2010

The givers and takers of this world are separated by several unique and interesting characteristics. Let’s talk about the takers first. I wish to associate them with a movie that starred Tim Allen in it. Tim was a Dentist that loved to ride his Motorcycle. He along with three other buddies called themselves the Wild Hogs. They decided one day to take off and explore their surroundings. After one stop they ran into another Motorcycle gang and a fight ensued. During this fight, the leader of the “bad” group called Tim and them posers. Tim responded after almost getting his brains kicked in that Ray Liota and the “bad” gang were the posers. Tim even stated that they wanted to be like them. How does that relate to takers?

Takers are people who drained the life out of someone or something. They are never happy. They are always complaining or griping about the situation that they are in. They never accept responsibility for their actions. It is always someone else’s fault. Takers can’t just fade away privately; they have to take someone else down with them. I associate them with someone who is caught driving drunk. The drunk will say the bartender sold him the booze. The bartender will say the distributor brought him the booze. The distributor will say the brewery made it. No one takes responsibility for their own action. Takers are always looking for a way out of their obligations. They do not put the team first, but their own agenda. In the church world, the church is the team and the individual members are the players. We all want to be the chief, but we can’t all be the chief. There still must be some Indians to follow the chief. When the chief makes them do something they don’t like, then the takers try to overthrow the chief. Takers will argue for their point even at the expense of someone else suffering. Well, enough of the takers. Let’s talk about the givers. Who are the givers?

The givers are Christ followers. They put their brother/sister first. They accept responsibility for their own actions. They feel compassion for their friends and neighbors. They will do whatever it takes in Christ to live peaceably with their neighbors. They will not add trouble when trouble is already happening.

Let's be givers today!

My views

I copied this from another blog: this is the site: http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-godchristianityandchurch/churchdisappointmentsdivisionsandproblems1.php

Are you—or is someone you know—bitter, cynical, angry or depressed because of disappointments or wounds experienced in church? If so, that's not unusual. Here are some common complaints people make about church:

"People aren't friendly there."

"I don't like the sermons."

"It is just like high school, with cliques and in-groups."

"All the church is interested in is my money."

"People gossip about me."

"The pastor said something mean or untrue about me."

"The leaders are hypocrites."

"People snub me."

"I won't tithe because they spend the money wrong."

"The pastor (or a board member) had an affair."

"No one returns my phone calls."

"The people are judgmental."

How do people react to these disappointments? They often:

Become bitter, cynical or depressed.

Stay in church, but complain and gossip.

Lose faith or confidence in Jesus.

Go to a different church.

Stop attending any church.

Start a new church.

How to deal with hurts and disappointments in church

If you have felt wounded by church, don't let those hurts destroy your faith or drive you away from fellowshipping with other believers. Instead, ask God to help you deal with the wounds wisely and press ahead in your walk with him.

God says all Christians collectively are the "body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27). Although he knows that we will face problems as we interact with one another, God tells us to function as a team and to respect each other (Romans 12 3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-31).

May the following insights encourage and strengthen you!

1. Expect problems! Realize that everyone is imperfect.

We expect too much of our pastors, leaders and fellow Christians. We say things such as, "I expect mistreatment from non-Christians, but not Christians." But everyone is imperfect, including your pastor and fellow believers. Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. People won't always be the loving, wise, patient persons you would like.

Look at leaders in the early church. They too were imperfect.

Peter was guilty of hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-12).

Barnabas gave in to peer pressure (Galatians 2:13).

Euodia and Syntyche argued (Philippians 4:2).

Many of Paul's helpers were selfish (Philippians 2:20-21).

Many were fearful (Acts 9:26).

Peter actually said "no" to God (Acts 10:14).

Accepting the fact that everyone is imperfect can make a tremendous difference in your attitude. Ask yourself, "What do you expect from imperfect people?" The answer is obvious: Expect that from time-to-time even the most godly person will blow it. That's just part of life. Plus remember that you too are imperfect, and that sometimes you hurt or disappoint others.

2. Realize there may be more to the picture.

When you disagree with a decision, realize that you may not know all the facts. If you hear gossip about someone, it may not be accurate. Or if the pastor fires a friend of yours, it may be for a good reason, although there may be personal or confidential information that can't be made public.

If you make a suggestion that church leaders don't go along with, don't take it personally. Remember that they hear many points of view, and that whatever decision they make will disappoint someone.

Be aware that someone who ignores or mistreats you may be going through a hard time in life or be exhausted, super-busy or under pressure. (Even if this isn't the case, don't allow yourself to slip into bitterness.)

3. Realize you may be wrong.

There have been times when I disagreed about a decision made by a church I attended, yet I later discovered the church's leadership had been right. This knowledge helps me not get too upset if some things don't go the way I think they should.

Along the same lines, if someone at church criticizes you, don't immediately discount what is said. Even if he or she speaks with a poor attitude, there may be things you can learn.

4. Agree to disagree—courteously.

It's highly unlikely that you will agree with everything that is said or preached in any church!

5. If you are sure you are right about a concern, respond with love.

Remember that people are imperfect! In our human nature, we take disappointments and wounds personally, and we get upset. Yet God shows us an entirely different way to respond:

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).

Ask God to help you feel concern for someone who wounds or disappoints you. Then pray for him or her. Prayer can change things!

Expect problems and disappointments.

Are you bitter, cynical, angry or depressed because of disappointments or wounds experienced in church? If so, don't let those hurts destroy your faith or drive you away from fellowshipping with other believers. Instead, ask God to help you deal with the wounds wisely, and then press ahead in your walk with the Lord.

Let's review the five guidelines in Part 1 of this study. (Click here to read Part 1 of "Burned by Church?")

1. Expect problems! Realize that everyone is imperfect.

2. Realize there may be more to the picture.

3. Realize you may be wrong.

4. Agree to disagree—courteously.

5. If you are sure you are right about a concern, respond with love.

More guidelines on how to deal with church problems and disappointments

6. Look for the good in people. Focus on the positive.

It's easy to slip into a critical mentality and focus on others' faults. Yet people you are upset with undoubtedly do many things well. Don't slip into a condemning or judgmental attitude. See their gifts and strengths.

Honor your leaders, even if you sometimes disagree with them. Be sure to voice appreciation much more often than criticism. Remember that they undoubtedly have thrown much of their lives and energy into serving.

When you go to church, go with the attitude of, "What can I learn today? How can I grow in the Lord? How can I be a blessing to others?"

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

7. Look at insults, disagreements and problems as opportunities to grow in the Lord.

Problems present us with opportunities to grow in love, patience and wisdom. If you are insulted or think you have been mistreated, thank God for the opportunity to stretch and grow in him. Learn to turn to the Lord for your affirmation, not to others.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4).

8. Forgive others.

Even if those who wound us do not apologize, God tells us to forgive. Look at the example of Stephen: He forgave the crowd even as they stoned him to death (Acts 7:60).

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).

9. Be part of the solution.

Pray for those with whom you are upset ... and for your attitude.

... Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you ... (Matthew 5:44).

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).

Identify needs and offer to fill them.

If you see a need in the church, volunteer to help with it. See if there is something concrete you can do to help resolve a problem or meet the need.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).

Talk about problems—respectfully.

Don't bring up everything with which you disagree. However, when a problem comes up, be willing to talk about it with the appropriate person. Do so respectfully and lovingly. Be an instrument of reconciliation.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18).

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29)

Leave the results in God's hands.

Unless you need to take strong action (see below), once you have done what you think God has called you to do, put the results in God's hands. Continue to pray, but don't keep bringing the issue up.

Do not gossip.

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter (Proverbs 11:13).

If you think you need to take strong actions, do so gracefully.

It is appropriate to take action if someone joins a cult, embezzles money, has an affair or engages in other serious sins. But even then, maintain an attitude of concern and prayer. Don't give in to bitterness.

10. If you leave your church, find another one.

It's usually much better not to leave your church. Remember that you are a family, and sometimes families have to work through unpleasant times. However, at times leaving may be the best thing to do.

If you do leave, be sure to seek out and attend another church. We need fellowship, and we need to take advantage of the ministries God provides for our growth.

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).

11. Don't give up on Jesus.

Don't let disappointment in people cause you to be disappointed in Jesus. He loves you and is your best friend.

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).

The Holy Spirit fell

June 6, 2010

Yesterday was something amazing for me for several reasons. The first and, what I feel is a valuable reason was the alone time that Debra and I had driving to Woodston Camp (Kansas Assemblies of God family camp). We had 3.5 hours of nothing but us and the sunshine and the bugs hitting the windshield to keep us company. The second reason was the fellowship with some of our church folks who are trendy campers and other “saints” who were camping that week. The third reason, which is tops is the spiritual aspect of the experience.

We arrived shortly before lunch and we were met by around 30 screaming kids playing some sort of game with the Children’s church pastors attached to the camp. We talked to one of our church folks and he came over and showed us where we needed to drive and set up our lodging. Let me say for next year just one word. Well maybe two words. Na, three. COLD AIR CONDITIONER. I will have one for next year when we spend the night. It was hot!

Debra and I unloaded our stuff and went to the lunch line. It was like standing in line at kids/youth camp. Waiting for camp food is a challenge in itself and a blessing. You get to swat mosquitoes, ants, and bugs while having fellowship with new friends. We ate lunch and then walked the grounds admiring History. We saw where someone had written on the floor in 1948 in the Tabernacle. What a powerful statement. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to sit with some of those Saints and hear the stories of how God moved back then.

We visited with the District Superintendent for about 30 minutes and then back to the shade tree to watch the young kids/teens walk around. So funny. One young lady in 90 plus temps was wearing a wool cap. I just laughed and rubbed my partly cloudy bald head and felt the sunburn and realized I didn’t have my hat on. We went to dinner/supper and had some great food and fellowship. Then it was off to the Tabernacle.

This is the point of my blog today. The Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way that night and I am still feeling the effect of what God did in my life. Now, the rest of the story. Debra got sick, so we had to leave the camp and head back home. For 3.5 hours I played one song on the CD player and it was in Spanish. The power of God moved in our hearts in my truck and we felt like we were riding on air. At any moment I was expecting to see His Angels carrying our truck the rest of the way. The overwhelming feeling that we had in that truck to know that God was with us was breathtaking. Tears of joy were flooding my eyes. The Spirit of God was stirring my soul to pray in tongues for what seemed like an hour while driving. At one time I had to stop just to get out of the truck! It was so awesome to be in His presences my friend.

God spoke to my heart to assure me that He is in control. The scriptures came to me “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” We don’t wrestle against flesh and blood my friends, but against the evil powers of darkness. The enemy is seeking to destroy God’s children, by using people. The devil knows he cannot hurt the child of God! But, he is sure trying to destroy what God is trying to do. When you are attacked by someone who claims to be a child of God, let me encourage you to do two things. Remember that they don’t know what they are doing. If they did know what they were doing, they wouldn’t do it. The other reason is just as simple. Pray for them and love them. I was reminded of that today when a church member called me and they went and shared the Word of God with someone who was doing some things. The Lord showed me James chapter 5, verse 20 that if we help a sinner with their problem, we are saving them and hiding a multitude of sins.

Listen friends and hear this cry. Keep serving Jesus and remember in the last days there will be a great falling away, but also know that His Spirit will also fall!

June 3, 2010 with God

June 3, 2010

I went to my “spot” this morning and while there I had this overwhelming sense that God was there. Now, let’s not get caught up on the clichés that “God is there.” We all know that God is there with us. His Word teaches us that. Nevertheless, I felt so humbled that God was there with me. I opened my Bible to I Kings chapter 22 and began reading my morning devotion. When I read about the King of Israel’s comments concerning a prophet named Micaiah, I was happy, elated, and disturbed all at the same time. This supposedly spiritual leader of a nation hated a prophet b/c this prophet never told him anything good. While the other 400 Prophets said one thing, Micaiah said something different. It made me realize that we will never make everyone happy.

I am ordained through the Assemblies of God in the state of Kansas and in my opinion; I think my denomination is the tops. Am I bragging? Well, duh, sure I am bragging. Is my denomination a perfect denomination? Nope! Not by any means. There is no perfect denom. b/c each denom. is made up of people. I support my denom. b/c I feel their stance on the issues at hand matches up with the Word of God. Does that mean, I think other denominations are bad? Certainly not. I just think mine is the tops. Don’t you think your church, business, school, etc. is the best? If you don’t, then shame on you. If you are supporting something, then you should support it all the way. I have some great friends who are in other denominations and they are just as saved as I am. Some don’t believe the same way I believe and I accept that. But, what I don’t accept is the fact that people are afraid of the truth. I echo the sentiments that a board member told me one day in conversation when we were driving to a lake to fish. “Pastor, I will support you as long as you don’t preach on my sins.” Now, he was joking with me, but we both discussed this at length and what he said was the truth. People will support the Pastor/church as long as the pastor/church doesn’t preach about their sins. Let me elaborate a little further. John the Baptist was doing nothing but telling the truth. He told Herod that he was doing wrong by taking his brother’s wife. Stephen was stoned to death for preaching the truth. Paul was beaten for telling the truth. Peter and John arrested for preaching the truth. John the Revelator banned to the Isle of Patmos for telling the truth. Are we telling the truth? Jesus couldn’t do some works b/c of the people’s unbelief. Listen to me please. This is happening today. We are not seeing people stoned to death in America or beheaded for telling the truth, but what we are seeing today is the use of the tongue to bring destruction to a nation. People who have great intentions are slowly destroying their influence b/c they just don’t know when to shut up. Matthew 12:36-37 says I tell you, on the Day of Judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (ESV). We are destroying the reputation of some great men and women all in the name of madness.

I am not perfect and my congregation will be the first to say that to me. I make mistakes because even though I am a pastor, I am still man. Do I regret my mistakes? There is not a Pastor around with any sense that doesn’t make mistakes and doesn’t regret it when He/she makes those mistakes. I make no qualms about the fact that I preach hard. I still believe in Hell fire and brimstone preaching and will always believe in that. I think the days of watering down the Gospel are over. Preachers have sugar coated the Word of God in hopes of retaining a nice paycheck and in the process they have let down their congregations because of this. I know you have heard it said before, but I believe His return is eminent and we should shout it from the housetops to get prepared. We have got to stop worrying about trying to please each person we minister to and I am not just talking about Pastors. I am talking about every Child of God reading this blog. You preach the truth and if people don’t like it, then tough. Stop trying to please man, and try to please God. If you lose friends, then you lose friends. Jesus was not that popular amongst the church crowd for preaching the truth. I am pretty sure the money changers didn’t like Him that much when he overthrew their tables. The religious crowds despised Him and the Pharisees feelings were just as bad as the religious nuts. I still believe in building relationships with people outside the church and doing what Jesus did by being friends to the sinners. But we should never lower our standards just to build a relationship. My meaning on this is simple. Don’t engage in their activities if they are sinning just to get them in church. The Bible says for us to come apart from that. What we need to do is live a Christ follower life in front of them and that is our best witnessing tool. I still challenge my church each Sunday to live a Christ follower life each day and make sure their families, friends, and neighbors know they are saved. Our actions in the public prove that. Why do church folks get irritated when someone tells them or teaches them or preaches to them that they must live a holy life? We should live a holy life?

Allow me the pleasure to elaborate some more. We can all take the Word of God and twist it around to suit us. We have women who wear pants in the church. The Word of God says for a woman not to wear pants. So, why do they? Now, don’t go saying I am against it. Keep your tongue silent on that. I am giving an example. So, follow me on this. The Bible says for a woman to keep silent in church. Now, how can this be? I am credentialed in an organization that not only allows women to wear pants but allows them to preach and pastor. I am even married to a pants wearing women preacher. I have studied those scriptures toughly and I know the meaning of them. I agree with my denomination in regards to women ministers. My sectional presbyter is a woman and she is doing a great job in a town that was destroyed by a Tornado a few years ago. She hung in there and is doing a great job. She is the woman for the job! Nevertheless, if I wanted to do so, I can take just those two scriptures and mess some new convert up if I get mad and turn those scriptures around. People are doing that each day. Why? B/C they are upset and they have to find some way to turn it back on someone else.

There are three issues in churches that strike a chord with people today and they react at times violently with their tongue. Thank you Jesus they are not reacting with their fists, clubs, knives, guns, etc. as of yet. Money, attendance, servant hood.

Money has destroyed more souls than probably most anything. The Word of God teaches us that the love of money is the root of all evil. Church attendance has dwindled down b/c people are just too busy to come and be with other saints. We are giving God less time today for whatever reason. People get mad and leave a church. They just can’t say, “Well, Jesus led me away to help another church.” They have to blame someone so they can justify their cause to their friends and family. The top three reasons that I have heard my entire life on why people leave is this: Not being fed. Not being used. Too big. Let me share about those for just a moment. My friend, and church member, **(left name out) said to me the other day when he and I went to my spot and prayed. “Pastor, the shepherd leads the sheep to the pasture. The shepherd doesn’t open their mouth or puts the food in their mouth. The sheep must eat what is there.” Then when I dropped him off, he read to me out of the NIV Bible this to me.

I Thessalonians 5:12-15. I was honored. I meditated on this and I agree with that. Grant you there are times that we need to tone it down some, b/c we have new converts in our midst and I could do a better job of that, and what Pastor around couldn’t say that, but we must still eat away from our places of worship. Now, if we are only being fed at church, then we are missing the mark. We must be fed outside the church in our own daily walk with Jesus. We must be fed prior to coming to the church also. If it takes the Praise team to get us excited for Jesus, then once again, we are missing the mark. We must come into the House of God with our stomachs full and ready to devour His Word some more. You will find that a man that devours the Word of God away from Church is a fired up soul for Jesus! We must eat the Word of God through reading, studying, and working with it. We must spend time with God in prayer and fasting. If we only get food when we come to church, then we would all be undernourished. As to the not being used, that is another cop out. There are just too many street corners for a servant to do something for God. You don’t have to work in a Church building in order to do something for God. You can go elsewhere and work for God. The last one is so sad. I have heard that one just as much as the other two. People are so afraid of crowds that they are saying to the community that they don’t care about their friends, families, and neighbors souls if they only want to be in a small church. Servant hood is no more b/c people have lost their need to serve one another.

Back to my original topic before this last paragraph. King David struck down a man for doing what King Saul told him to do; b/c according to David, Saul was still God’s man. That was harsh wasn’t it? Some youth(young men)(crowd of them) made fun of the Man of God in the Old Testament and two bears came out and attack and killed them. That was harsh wasn’t it? Just for talking about his baldness? No, it was more than that. Study deeper and you will see that it was more than a group of young men taunting a Man of God. Listen beloved, when you make fun or ridicule one of God’s servants whether they BE A PREACHER OR DEACON OR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEAHCER OR ANYONE ELSE WHO IS A CHILD OF GOD, you had better be careful, for you are making fun of God Himself. When we do make fun or ridicule or talk about such a person out loud to others; what kind of witness are we showing? We are worse than the one we are talking about. Will that happen today? Well, I don’t know. But, I will say this. I don’t want to find out, do you? Has someone made you mad recently and you lashed out at them? Has someone done something hideous to you and you took vengeance yourself? Is this not the truth what I am about to say. Someone makes you mad. So, what do you do? You start talking about that person to other people in hopes of turning them with you to destroy that person.

I am a big man. I need to lose some weight. That is no one’s fault but mine. I can’t blame a skinny person or even a restaurant owner for making me the way I am. Now, I can throw some verses around to help my cause if I wish, but the reality is; it is my fault. I caused me to get this way. Now, I have to pay for the consequences of my actions.

I think about Moses and what happened to him. He led the children of Israel so far, but yet, never walked over into the Promised Land. Grant you, he went to heaven, but still, he didn’t enter with them b/c of his actions. He could have blamed it on the people for their actions, but it was his action that caused his issue.

When the Ark was being moved and the man touched it, he was smitten down. There were other men carrying the Ark, and they could have been the ones that made the Ark almost fall, but this man touched it to stabilize it. He felt like he was doing something good and this happened to him. He was smitten down. That seems harsh doesn’t it? What is my point? My point is very simple my friends. We can all find fault in someone else or in a church if we really want to do that. My question is why would you? I pastor the greatest church in the Assemblies of God and if I wanted too, I could list a number of faults our church has. I know my folks find faults in me. I can even live with that. But why would I want to bring down someone b/c they are different?

Now, let me get on to Preachers and Pastors and the leaders of the churches. I know some of you want that, so are you ready. There are some bad ones out there! Amen and Amen. The Word of God does say to beware of false preachers, etc. Yes you must watch out for them. Those characters are deceiving the elect each day. They are preaching false doctrine from pulpits every Sunday. In any organization, there are rules to follow. If you’re denomination believes in water baptism one way and you believe it another way, then which one is right? Both groups can use scriptures to justify their actions. Is that Pastor a false teacher then? Be careful of throwing that verse around until you know for sure what you are talking about. Sometimes we throw Bible verses around like we are throwing around candy to kids. We just dump the stuff with hopes of someone getting some. Is every Pastor bad? Well, it all depends on what He is preaching about that day. J

If there is a man/woman in the church having an affair and he/she preaches about that sin, then yepper, he is bad! He/she just stepped on their toes. If he preaches that you should tithe, and if there are people in the church that are not tithers, then yes, he is a bad preacher. If he preaches that alcohol is a sin and you are a casual drinker, then you will think the preacher is bad. If the preacher preaches…It is easier to blame the preacher, teachers, deacons, singers, etc. than it is to confess our faults. Someone say Amen!

So, what are we going to do about it? Are we going to destroy them. Are we going to ridicule them b/c we are have a different opinion than they do? When you as a Child of God shares the Word of God with anyone whether you’re in a building or at work or on the streets, and someone reacts in a negative way and tries to bring destruction to you by gossiping to others in hopes of gaining their side; do nothing! Just love them and pray for them. When someone hates you and let it be known my friends that people will hate you. If they are against you and talks about you, then they hate you. I know you may not like that, but if they are not supporting you b/c you stepped on their toes, then they hate you. Wikipedia says hatred is of intense dislike. Don’t fight fire with fire. Live for Jesus and if they don’t like it, then pray for them.

I was challenged two weeks ago by someone who made this statement concerning a loved one. This person said that the reason there loved one doesn’t come to church is b/c of the people who live a fake life in front of them. Two weeks prior to that, a man in our church said the same thing to me. A person came to him and said that he/she would not go to church b/c of the fake people in the church. Now, both of these people said that person wasn’t talking about our church, but I ask you this very same question I asked my church two Sundays ago. Are you living a Christian life in front of your friends, families, and neighbors? If not, please do.