Where Do You Stand?

Let me relate a few incidents in the Bible.

Joseph was a God fearing young man; while growing up, he was hated by his brothers. They even sold him into slavery. But, his God was favorable to him and he rose in the ranks and became in favor of his owner, Potiphar. Undoubtedly he was also favored by Potiphar's wife. She tried to get him compromise his faith and have an affair with her. He refused and eventually he was thrown in jail. Joseph did not forsake God, and God did not forsake Joseph! Joseph eventually became the second most powerful man in Egypt. (Genesis 39-41)

There were three Hebrew boys that were faithful to Jehovah God and worshiped Him each day and prayed three times a day on a regular basis. Their Babylonian name were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar had a golden statue of enormous size and ordered all the kingdom, at a certain time and sound of a trumpet, to bow and worship the statue. Those that would not were to be cast into a fiery furnace. These three refused to bow before the idol, and Nebuchadnezzar was furious. He told the boys that if they would just act as if they were praying to the idol he would spare them. They even went as far as to tell the king that they didn't even have to think about their decision, they would not deny their God even in pretense, even if God did not spare them. God did not forsake them. (Daniel 3)

Daniel was a young, good looking man, and in good shape, when he was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel and several others were singled out to serve the king, and although they were in prison, were given good accommodation's, meals from the king's table etc. They were encouraged to forget their religious beliefs. Daniel and others refused and fared better than all others. After Nebuchadnezzar died, Darius became king. Daniel found favor with Darius and became one of the governors of a section of the kingdom.

A decree went out from Darius that no one was to pray to any other god except him. This was to encourage Godly people to forsake their convictions that only God was God. Daniel kept his vigil and prayed three times a day to Jehovah God. For this act, he was cast into the lion's den. God delivered Daniel by closing the mouths of the lions. God did not forsake Daniel. (Daniel 6)

Throughout history, Satan has tried to get God's people to deny God and to worship him. I have read and heard of many in our generation being tortured and encouraged to deny Christ. Just a few examples: Hitler, Lenin, and Stalin.

Just recently I read an article that said President Obama stated that the progressives in society needs to 'help' those with deeply held religious beliefs overcome their convictions. To overcome our convictions, as Christians, would mean to deny Christ and His Word.

Matthew 10:33 "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." After the death and resurrection of Christ the disciples went out preaching and teaching the Word, their motto was we ought to obey God rather than man. There is a time coming when we are going to face this very thing.

WHERE DO YOU STAND?

There's Good News Ahead!!

Does the picture above offer a hope of living a positive life. There are many ways of being positive, sometime I make statement about how something will not work, my wife will say, "be positive". I reply. "I am positive, I'm positive it won't work". This is of course a sarcastic remark. The way things are going in our world and our country it would be obvious that we can be pretty positive that things are going to get worse.

Christians around the world are being persecuted, I heard a preacher say that every four to five minutes a Christian is put to death. Christians are being put in prison and tortured every day. We don't have to worry about that in America, or do we? It seems that everyday bring another assault on our rights as Christians. We don't have a right to pray in our schools, we don't have the right to bring a Bible into a school room, we can't pray or preach on a streets. Christian business can not refuse to bake a same-sex wedding cake. We are in jeopardy if we refuse to marry a same-sex couple, although we can refuse for others. If we quote the Bible for our beliefs, we are judging. We are being attacked from all sides. 

How can I say "There's Good News Ahead"? We are being attacked from all sides, but, the Bible has good news for those that are followers of God. In Matthew 5, Jesus is speaking to a crowd of people and gives us what we call the Beatitudes. He gives a list of things that we will receive a blessing for possessing, poor in Spirit, those that mourn, the meek, etc., one on the list that we might wonder about is "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which serve before you..". Did you get the words rejoice and be glad? Rejoice and be glad that we are persecuted? Yes, there is a reward that is not temporary, but everlasting!

Read what else He has to say: "If the world hate you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." He goes on to say that if we were of this world they would love us, but since He called us out of the world they hate us, John 15. The Bible says in John 1, that He came into the world to bring light and the world knew Him not because they love darkness. This is the reason that they world is against the Christian and the Bible is because we shine the light on their sin.

Paul admonishes us to rejoice and again rejoice. We can do this because some day Jesus is coming to bring us unto Himself where we will be with Him for an eternity. He comes with His reward with Him. A few years ago, I had problems with my back, and I was in constant pain. Surgery was the only solution, and this was going to cause more pain. What a blessing when the pain went away. So it is with the pains we suffer for Christ, what a relief when Christ comes and relieves the pain for ever.

THERE IS GOOD NEWS AHEAD! JESUS IS COMING AGAIN FOR HIS REDEEMED! BE ONE OF THEM!

Even so Lord, come soon!

Thou Shalt Not Judge....

  To Judge or Not to Judge

     With the ruling of the Supreme Court ruling on the same sex marriages, we have been deluged with all kinds of comments. Some in favor, others against the ruling. Of course each of us are entitled to our opinions on this subject.

On my facebook page, I receive mostly those that are against the ruling, since I am a Bible believing Christian. As I read these posts, I am greatly amazed at the post in the comment section. Some agree whole heartily with the author, then there are those that disagree. I have no problem with a gentle discussion on the subject. I often add my thoughts concerning this ruling, in a non-hateful manner (hopefully). But, I read a lot of remarks that are very agitated and seemingly angry. The most aggravated posts quote the Bible stating that we should not judge, let man marry man or woman marry woman. It is not our place to judge.

What most people don't realize is, that they are actually judging me for judging others. Being a judge is what all of us do. How often have you heard someone say, "I am a good judge of character"? We look, feel, and smell fruit and veggies and judge the quality. We judge each other to determine if they are friendly or not. We judge whether or not it is safe to enter an activity. The list goes on and on, we can't make a decision about anything or anyone with out making a judgement.

The passage they are quoting is Matthew 7:1, which reads; "Judge not , that ye not judged". It never ceases to amaze me how people use the the Bible to reinforce their arguments without considering the context. 2 Timothy 2, Paul the Apostle exhorts Timothy, a young preacher, to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Study to be diligent in showing ourselves to be approved of God, in order to no be ashamed as a worker of the Gospel of The Lord. In order to do this we need to correctly understand and teach the Word of God. In my younger days in the ministry, I was given some great advice. One of these was in studying the Word, there are several things we need to take into consideration; 1. Who is speaking, 2. to whom speaking to, 3. what did they say, and 4. why they said it. In other words know the context and we can correctly understand what is intended by verse or verses.

Matthew 7:1-5, is a part of Jesus' sermon on the mount; it begins with chapter five and ends with chapter 7. In this part of the sermon, Jesus is dealing primarily hypocrites. He is telling them that they are judging others while they are engaged in the same things. Don't be judging unless you are ready to be judged with the same judgement. He is not saying that we are not to judge at all, but to be discerning. We cannot bring a brother or sister to a saving knowledge of Christ unless we first discern or judge that they need it. I think that we are seeing the word "judge", we are thinking "condemnation", and I nor anyone other than God has the right to condemn.

Many refer to the woman brought before Jesus to be stoned for adultery, and when all dropped their rock and left, Jesus said that he did not condemn her but that she should go her way and sin no more. Jesus said that He did not come to condemn but those that refused to obey the commands of God was condemned already. He says in this chapter that not all that say Lord, Lord will enter into God's kingdom. He encourages us to beware of false prophets in sheep's clothing. How can we do this without judging? Paul, in 1 Corinthians reminds the church to judge the members actions. This is not to condemn but that they might be set back on course.

I say these things in because I love you and want God's blessing for your life. He says in several passages, in the New Testament, that He give them up to their reprobate minds and those that give their approval also. I am praying that God's people will quit supporting Satan's lie and seek God's face and turn from their wicked ways and then He will heal our nation, otherwise we will fall!

I would ask that if you agree or disagree with this blog, you would make a comment and share it on facebook, twitter, g+1, or by word of mouth. I really have a concern for America and my family!

Trans-Spiritual

I learned a new phrase just the other day. I received an email from Family Life. This is an organization that focuses on bringing Biblical stability to families. This particular email was written by Dennis Rainey.  He used a phrase that was new to me. The phrase is "trans-spiritual Christian". He states that a trans-spiritual Christian is one that has a spiritual identity or expression of faith that doesn't match that of one that God created for him.

I found this thought very interesting. He says that these Christians have changed their spiritual thoughts from Godly to worldly. They are confused as to who they are and what they believe etc. They want to blend into the world. Some of these are even referring to evangelical Christians as anti-this or anti-that. They refer to us, (I consider myself to be an evangelical Christian), as right-wing political fanatics.

Let me address the idea of an evangelical Christian. To be a Christian, is to be a follower of the Lord Jesus. One who reads the word and tries (notice I said tries) to follow Him. The word Christian was first introduced as a derogatory remark saying that these people were "little Christs". In my early years, a person that tried to live a clean Christian life were sometimes called "holy Joes". I count it a compliment if someone thinks my life mimics that of Jesus, although I am aware that I do not.

To be evangelical means to follow the command of Jesus, to go into all the world spreading the gospel, and teaching the truth of Jesus. If this makes me an object of ridicule then so be it.

To put the two definitions together, you have a follower of Christ that proclaims the word of God, no matter of the issue or popularity. This is what God has created the Christian to do. I say created the Christian because the Bible says that when we become a Christian we become a new creation. We are born anew in the Spirit. Contrary to the belief that we are all God's children, you are only His if you a:re born again and received His Spirit. "...If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he none of His" Romans 8:9

This brings me to the phrase of trans-spiritual Christian, if there is such a thing. When we review the idea of a trans-gender, we think of some one who is of one sex and changes to another. Through surgery, and medical pills, they become something different (so to speak). Can a Christian deny his new birth and relationship to Christ and become a true citizen of the world, or did they just allow Satan distort their views, or are they really Christian?

I am amazed at the number of people that call themselves Christians, and I am sure some are, that say that we are not to judge. These people condemn us for being judgmental while they are passing judgment on us. It may be just the fact that they simply do not know what the Bible says or do not care. Sometimes we simply want to believe that God does not really mean what He says, or we just don't care. I remember during a Bible study, that a young person said to me that they did not care what the Bible says, they were going to do what they wanted anyway. Another, after we read what the Bible had to say about a subject, said to me, "you believe what you want and I'll believe what I want."

Can you be a trans-spiritual? All I know is that the Bible speaks on these things. Romans 1:32 says that even those who approve of those who practice them are in danger of the judgment of God. That's God's judgment, not mine. There are those who just don't know any better and then there are those that don't care.

Remember Sodom and Gomorrah! America is headed down the same path! I ask all of you followers of Christ Jesus, PRAY FOR AMERICA

I say this with love because I love our country and what it was and can be!

Things are Not Always What They Seem...

I am sure that at some time or other, you have seen a mirage. Driving along a highway on a hot sunny day, you can look down the road and see water in front of you.  When you arrive at the spot of the water, it's not there; it has moved further down the road. The fact of the matter is that it never was there, it just seemed to be. Things are not always what they seem to be.

While playing outside one day, I saw a stick and I thought would make a great sword. I walked over to pick it up. To my surprise, it moved and slithered away. Things are not always what they seem.

My parents left me in the car after we got home, I was asleep in the back seat. When I awoke, the ugliest and most frighting thing I had ever seen was looking in the window at me. Needless to say I was scared pretty bad. It turned out to be my Uncle George with a nylon hose over his face. Things are not always what they seem.

When I was in junior high school, a group of us boys were walking down the street and noticed this girl in front of us. One of the guys whistled and she turned around, and she had a beard. (This was when the guys just began to have long hair). Things are not always what they seem to be.

With this theme in mind, think of the changes in the world. The news have made a big deal of the courage of Bruce Jenner and his gender change. With a few hormones and a lot of plastic surgery he, changed his appearance. What was a man now appears to be a woman. He wants to be thought of as a woman. Many do. But, I have talked to some medical people and they assure me that if he were to be in an accident, unreconizable, his DNA would determine that the body would be male. In this case, if it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck, and looks like a duck, its a duck in not a true statement! Things are not always what they seem to be!

As for the courage part, it takes more courage for a Christian to stand publicly for Jesus Christ. They get more ridicule and judgement that the transgender.

Please comment and share if you agree or not.

Father's Day

Father's day means different things to different people. Some, sad to say, do not have fond thoughts of their father's. I have known a few that were abusive, alcoholics, etc. spending their wages for booze rather than family needs.

Some of us were fortunate enough to have fathers that were loving and kind.

This is a picture of my father and mother. I was fortunate to have a Christian family, so my recollections are pleasant.

 No matter what your experience with your earthly father, I want you to know you can have a Father that loves you, with a love that is more than you have ever experienced.

Romans 8:15 "...The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. and by Him we cry Abba Father". To be adopted as a son to God the Father, with full legal standing.

Alan Jackson has a song that says "here comes a Baptist, here comes a Jew, there goes a Mormon, there goes a Muslim too...we're all God's children...".

The Bible says that in order to be the child of God, we must first receive Jesus Christ the Son of God. "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name."

I am reminded of a story I heard some years ago. Many years ago two boys were playing in the country side and they had been there for most of the afternoon. One of the boys stated that he was thirsty and getting hungry, the other boy suggested they get a snack and a drink.

Walking together they came to the king's castle. As they approached, the first boy became concerned that his friend intended to go there and expressed his concern. The other assured him that he had been here before. Hesitantly the first walked with his friend. As they neared the castle they could see the guards standing by the door keeping out the unwanted and invited. They walked past as if the guards could not see them. So far so good, we can go to the kitchen and get a snack and drink and sneak out;

But, oh no, they were headed to the throne room. Now the first boy was sure they were in trouble. The guards looked big and fierce, but they seemed not to see them. What a wonder this was. As they entered in
the king looked up and smiled. The first boy said, "Hi daddy"

You to can have this kind of relationship when we walk into the throne room of God with Jesus Christ. There is no other name whereby we can be saved.

                                                     -----------------------

Thank you for visiting my page, if you liked it would you please comment and share.

God of All

Have you heard or maybe have said yourself, "he's not my president", or something of this sort. I remember as a young junior boy, we had a Jewish Sunday School teacher. He told of his conversion experience, I have to confess I don't remember much of this story. I can't tell you how he came to know Jesus, but the following has remained with me for over sixty years.

He told us that when he found Jesus, he was so excited that he wanted his family to know Jesus as well. When he went to see his father and mother and related his experience, they became very angry. They tried very aggressively to change his mind about his decision to follow this man who claimed to be the Messiah!

They called him many names and a traitor to the Jewish faith. He was truly, in their eyes, am infidel. His father stood before him and his family and informed him that he was no longer his father, and he was no longer his son.

The worst part was when he told us that his family gathered all things pertaining to him, pictures, clothing, childhood toys, and any thing else that was in the home that belonged to him, put them in a casket. They took it to the cemetery and had his funeral. I remember the sadness he expressed as he told us that he went to his own funeral.

I tell you this story, because as much as the family denied him, he was still their son, brother, nephew, cousin etc., he still had their DNA.

Just as people may deny that God is not their god, it does not alter the fact that God is God of all and there is no other. God created all and all belong to Him. One day every knee will bow before Him and confess Him as God.