China is Awesome!!

I was listening to the radio yesterday, and there was a program on, that I can’t recall, which one that it was, and it’s not important, that I do. What they were talking about was what; I thought to be the big issue. Maybe somebody else heard this, because it is probably a syndicated Christian broadcast, on this little country bumpkin, radio station. If those who were talking hadn’t repeated what they were saying, I would have though, that I had misheard, what was being said? 

The news that not only shocked me, but caught me completely off guard, was about the country of China. They were talking about the fact that if things continue on the path that China is on right now. It won’t take but fifty years, and the prominent religion in China, will be Christianity. I sure hope that prediction is correct, and I surely hope, that the measuring stick, that they use to determine what Christianity is in China, is not the same one, that that use, in the United States!!

The polls determine that America is roughly, around eighty-five percent Christian. That number seems a bit extreme, because of the average lifestyle, of the average American. We promote the killing of Father’s little blessings to us, and try to cover it up with a fancy name like legal abortion. Father doesn’t give a big long tail of the rat, because He still sees it as murder. 

Our beloved President stands behind the grand podium blaspheming God, and the next minute, promoting same sex unions.  What kind of fancy word is that?  What happened to the view, and thoughts of our Father?  He used a really fancy word to describe that act, and kept it simple, at the same time saying; abomination!!

My hat goes off the country of China, for making Jesus Christ, the Lord over their lives!! That is the smartest move, that any individual will ever make, in their lives, and yet it doesn’t happen by our choice. It takes the prompting of Holy Spirit. We just don’t one day wake up, and think that we will be a Christian. That would cause, an act of pride to swell up inside, of us declaring, “Look what I did.”

John 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

I know that all true believers have dealt personally, with Holy Spirit. We had to have a personal reaction, to receive a Salvation experience. Here is no other way, which a person can be Saved. Salvation is a personal experience, because we are entirely different people. Each one of us has a work to do in the Kingdom, that nobody else can accomplish. 

There is no reason to get puffed up thinking, how grand that we are, and how much we are needed by Father, to accomplish His will. I know and realize how we can think at times, but there is a catch to all these things. If we are in the will of God, even though we might be doing a great service to the Lord, there will be something in our life to keep us humble. 

The Apostle Paul speaks of what he called, “A thorn in the flesh.” He sought God to take it away from him, but never actually revealed what it was. This is what he was told by our Lord.

 2Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Other than the fact, that I realize that I should have never received my Salvation, because of the evil life, that I was living. I believe my thorn in the flesh is my tender heart. Maybe I am confused. Maybe we all have the same tenderness, of the heart as Christians. The truth is that I tried to harden my own heart, for many years of my life, and this was because of a traumatizing event, that happened in my church, to me at the age of seventeen. 

That one day filled my head full of the deception, that I could no longer trust the Lord. I know how that must sound to the great readers of this blog, but it is true. That thirty minute, or less event made me turn tail, and run into the darkness, trying to get so far from the Father, that He couldn’t find me. It has taken me a long time, and a lot of forgiveness to work thru this event.

My heart simply breaks at times when I see the blindness of people, and their reluctance to trust God. Even though, it is the same God, that I hardened my heart toward, for so many years.      How can I being so guilty of the same crime, urge those to turn back?   All I have to offer is experience, without a reward worth holding on to. As Christians Christ is our reward, and with Jesus comes, the fullness of God!! There is no greater reward, that one could ever hope to have. 

Getting back to the first verse that I posted, you might be saying, “Why should I even spread the good news, if it takes the drawing of Holy Spirit?” I find few things more frustrating to me, that sharing the Gospel to a stone wall. In the same sense flipped, there is no greater joy, than talking with a fertile heart, that is hungry, for the things of the Lord. However, if we don’t share our knowledge of the Lord that Saves we do a wrong. The word says, “Quench not the Spirit,”(1 Thessalonians 5:19) and we do even worse than the quenching of the Spirit when we don’t share. We stop the very possibility, of allowing Him to work.

 John 3:8  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Enuff said?     Ain’t God Simply Awesome?

        ….Much Love  

P.O.G.

I have a friend, that lives in the same area, that I do. We have spoken to each other, for a few months now, and I can tell that Father is, closing in on him. Most of us know that Father always gets what He is seeking, and it couldn’t happen to a better guy. He shared with me this evening, that he packed up his one eyed monster (TV), because it was affecting him. He didn’t care for what he was seeing, and what he was hearing, wasn’t any better.

Television has come a long way, from the way, that it originally was, in the beginning. It used to have family oriented programming, and the news. However, in the short time that it has been in existence, the bottom of the septic tank has risen to the top, choking out any real use for learning, or educational value, which might have ever been in place. The truth was during this time of great change I couldn’t have been more happy. I loved the sex, drugs, violence, and rock music!!  I was a card carrying, hedonistic kind of a person. 

I know now, that the television, Hollywood, and all other forms, of so called entertainment were nothing, but a plant for Satan to draw, from those the illuminate. The elite, and the rich and powerful, that made a deal with their father, the devil. You might be getting mad about what I am saying, but I thought that I was talking, to believing Christians. I am really not asking anybody to ever believe, anything that I say, but I do expect those that are doubtful, to do their own research.

 2Corinthians 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

James, where do you get these things, and how do you come up with them?  Now, that is a really good question, and seeing how, I am nothing, but a mere mortal man, the solution has to be God. I spend more time, each and every day focusing, on the things of Holy Spirit. The more time that I spent, the more the things of the Lord are revealed. This is nothing new for anybody but myself, because there has always been those appointed to bring to light, the Word of God.

Right now in the world there are several, and I don’t think that several is the right word, because there are folks teaching all over this planet, the Word of God. We can take anything that we hear for the gospel truth, because we are all prone to make mistakes. Worse than mistakes, some of these teachers teach pure heresy. The way that they do this is that they will twist the truth just slightly, because their father taught them that.  There are two verses, in the Bible, that I want to show you.

Proverbs 23:12  Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

2Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth

Ok, there is a problem with adhering, to these two verses. The first thing is that they just don’t automatically happen. We must set time aside, from our already over-laden schedules to make time for God. Both parents usually work, in the modern home of today, and that does nothing but add more stress, on top of the already over-stressed pile. Then we need to add our small gifts (kids), from the Father into this equation, and all the time is taken, along with the most of the money. 

Geeze Louise!!  I really feel for the modern day family!!   Can you see how Satan has caused all this to go awry over the years? It’s is all part of his master plan, for world corruption. Most children are taught by people other than their parent now, so whatever teaching they get about Jesus, has to take place at home.  That is exactly why, there is no more Bible reading, and prayer in the public school system today. 

All this is a part of Satan’s grand scheme, for world domination. I can almost feel sorry for him, because he is deceiving himself. He really thinks that his plan will come to fruition.   Has he been blinded to the fact, that he is a created being, created by the Creator?  Father had a plan before He ever created Satan, and Father’s plan was the cross!!   Amen?

The cross of Calvary was the solution, for a sin soaked society, but it only works when we personally, access the mercy, that was provided. The blood of God Himself was used, for our atonement, from sin so that, we could go into a relationship, with a Holy God. I don’t understand why our Father wanted to have fellowship, with a bunch of people like we are, but I am sure happy that He did!!  Amen.

It is awesome when we consider, all that was done for our benefit, by the One who created us. As we look around wherever that we live, and see all the other things, which were created, for our pleasure. That bird that sings every morning, located just outside your bedroom, is singing its praises to God, for you to follow its lead. All creation worships the Creator except one creation, and that one is the pride, and joy of its Creator. The one that was made in the image of God is the only part of creation, that is rebellious to its Creator. 

We all rebel against the things of the Lord. Often times it is in the small matters, that we don’t even pay attention to what we are really doing. We don’t consciously mean to rebel but still it happens. That is why the cross, and what has taken place thereon, is so very important, in the lives, of us Christians.

1Corinthians 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

As Christians we have access to the power of God.   Think about that.     “THE POWER OF GOD!!”  Ain’t God Awesome?

          ….Much Love        

Chewing the Fat

I don’t think that, I will ever get over Jesus telling me to write, this blog. I am assuming that I went through the normal scenarios, of why I couldn’t do it. Those are two of the most dangerous words, that I ever try to fit into my vocabulary; assume, and normal. I really am not sure why other than, the fact that neither fit, into my life. What other folks call normal in their lives, I can’t relate to it in that manner. The only things, that are normal in my life today is the things, that I have control over, so you know that that is not much.

Have you ever seen the movie, “The field of dreams?” Kevin Costner was the actor that kept hearing a voice say; “If you build it, they will come.”  Well, Jesus told me that if I would write this blog, that they would read it. Naturally, I got really excited, because I realized that, I was going to be famous.  How many of you know that God has a sense of humor?

I think that I have given it a few months, and I hadn’t gathered a large crowd around me. Nobody had contacted me to do speaking engagements, or to set up for an interview. I decided to talk to Jesus, about what the real deal was, because I should have been more popular by now.

  (Jesus Me)

Jesus we need to talk about this blog issue. I, myself though that it was going well. What is wrong?  You said that I would get really popular if I would write this blog.  Didn’t I say that, if you write it, that they would read it?    Yes, but they are not reading it, because my numbers are down. James, My child, those that need to read this blog, are reading it.    Where did you get the idea that this would make you popular?   Do you really want to be popular, or had you rather make Me popular? 

It didn’t take long for me to confess, that the Lord’s popularity should rise above my own. Actually, I am very shy, and never have cared anything about speaking in public. I would not be good in an interview, because I simply speak my mind. Here lately that would be the mind of Christ. Just my luck, I would be talking about the love of Jesus, then a cuss word pop out.  Yeah, I am much better speaking behind this keyboard at home. 

I never have quite understood when, most Christians talk. It seems that one minute they were evil, and haven’t sinned, another sin since. Some of them will speak of having issues before they got Saved, but it is rare to hear, them speak of having issues, after Salvation.

I went through several years, of wondering why the Lord, wouldn’t Save me?  I have actually prayed for Salvation, for so many times, that I do know which time took hold. I will assume that it was the first time, at the age of seven.  But my conversion, didn’t come until much later in my life. I might be using a big word there to describe the time, that I knew that I had been Saved. 

One of the main reasons, that Jesus wanted me to write this blog is the fact, that I am a real man with real issues. My life has been one issue, after the other issue, and I survived it by the help of Jesus. There is no way, that the credit for my life can go elsewhere. I was always destruction in motion, until something changed a few years ago. 

 I continually write, as if Jesus is going to return tomorrow, however I actually don’t have a clue to when it will be. All I know are the signs are lining up, for His return. I would honestly feel that it won’t be for a few more years, and still I don’t know. I have come to the conclusion, by reading of the Word, that the Christians, which are here before that wonderful day, will have to suffer for their belief in Jesus.

Living in the American culture I believe that our entire culture has been desensitized to the Word of God. We don’t put enough emphasis, or urgency to what we read, and even less to what we hear preached. We have been preached to death, and few are concerned. It all about us, and what we want to accomplish today. We don’t have any time, for the Lord, in our daily walk, and those whom attend church on Sunday are a joke. Not because of low numbers with attendance, but high numbers in the lowest quality of church’s.

I have never known anything other, than the American way of life. It seems like I blinked one day, and everything has changed, for the worst. I know that it didn’t happen that quickly, but it has taken me by surprise. One day I was standing in “One nation under God,” and the next day I was standing, in a godless nation. Did I suddenly wake up, or does anybody else feel this way?

I believe that all Christians have their favorite men of God, preaching the Word. Most of us have more than one, like I do. When it comes to the preaching, on the rapture of the church, there are to different schools of thought. If you have noticed, that is one subject, which I dare not touch.  Why? Because my Bible does not give a clear enough understand, of the true time. Off the record, I will say that, I don’t believe personally, that we will be taken, out before the tribulation.

I really don’t know why we would, because Christians around the world are, and have, been people suffering, for their belief in Christ. Not that I know for sure, but to be taken away, before the tribulation sounds like an Americanized thinking process. Jesus talk’s way too much about suffering for His sake, to even consider being let off the hook. If Jesus died for us, shouldn’t we be willing, to give our life for Him?

I never have hoped to die a violent death mainly, because I am really a wimp, and don’t care to suffer pain. Can I get a bit dramatic?    Just think about this. We are in the midst of the tribulation, and you are standing in line, for your turn at the guillotine. The place you on your knees, which should be a position, that we have crown comfortable with, over the years.  They place you head in the stock, and secure it.   What is next?

The next thing that you know is, there is the noise of many shouts, and as you look around, all of Heaven is cheering for you!! You are home, and in the front stand Jesus, holding out His arms, to welcome you home!! Now, I know that I have a very vivid imagination. However, I don’t think that I would mind losing my head, with this being the results. 

Hebrews 12:1-2  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Thanks for allowing me to babble, a bit today!!  Ain’t God Awesome?

               ….Much Love 

Time to Forgive Again

I guess today will be a good day to write, on the needfulness of forgiveness. Not only this day, but this moment, because I am still stewing over something, which happened a couple hours ago. I am not the kind of person, who can afford the luxury, of holding a grudge. In times past, if I were to hold onto something, it would cause me to implode.   Have you ever imploded?     Worst than that, have you ever saw a Christian who imploded? 

I think that we need to look at a forgiveness specialist, and hear some of the things, that He has to say about forgiveness. The reason that Jesus qualifies, as a forgiveness specialist is because, He has forgiven more people, than anyone else. I personally have been forgiven for quite a few things, and still can’t acknowledge the extremity, of the bottom of Jesus forgiveness list, and those are just my wrongs!!   That is a serious thought, don’t you think?

On day Jesus had healed those who were sick of the palsy in the presence of certain Scribes, and they started to hate on Jesus, in their hearts.       Ain’t Jesus cool?  He knew what they were thinking, because He said to the man;

Mark 2:5  When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

After Jesus shared a few choice words with the Scribes, these words were His bottom line of speech.

Mark 2:10  But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

I always like to qualify the power of Jesus Christ, because I can never know, when someone who has not came to the saving knowledge of Christ, might be dropping by, for a visit. Although, I do aim mostly, for those that has had a relationship, even though it may be a bit strained, at the moment. The great thing is that Jesus can forgive, our part of the separation, and it is all our part!! 

One day Peter asks Jesus, a question about forgiveness. He asks Him how many times, that he should forgive a brother who has trespassed against him? Then Peter tried to answer his own question, by saying seven times.  Then Jesus simply blows Peters little finite mind by saying:

Matthew 18:22  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

I don’t think that Peter ever saw that one coming, nor the story that Jesus told him next. It is a familiar story, about the king, that started looking at the debt, that was owed him. There was this one guy who owed a lot of money, and when the king confronted the man, he begged for mercy. The king had compassion, and forgave this man his debt. 

This man found another man who owed him just a few dollars, and had this man cast into prison. The king eventually heard of these actions, and had the man brought back, before the king. The king ask this man, should he not have had mercy, on the other man the same, as the king had on him? Then he got very angry, and had the man delivered, to the tormentors, until he could pay back, all of the money. (Matthew 18:23-35)

I want to draw your attention to this last verse, in this passage, where Jesus is telling this story. There are several really good verses in the Word of God why that we should forgive, with positive results. However, this is the best one that I have found with a negative result. 

Matthew 18:35  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

I don’t think I am either bold, defiant, or stupid enough, to cross Father on this reality. I might would have tried it before I had seen it laid out, before my eyes, in red and white. If that is really not bad enough, I need to show you something else, which simply seals that deal.

How many times do we think, that we have recited the Lord’s Prayer? It was probably one, of the first repetitive forms of speech, that I learned, after I started putting sentences together. I am sorry, because when I was a child, we still praised God, in the American public. I know that I am getting older.

Matthew 6:9-13  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11  Give us this day our daily bread. 12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Although, I believe this a model prayer, often times we do quote it, word for word. If you will take note, of verse number twelve, because it says; forgive us as we forgive others. That sounds pretty conditional to me.   What do you think?      Not only does it sound conditional, immediately after Jesus said this prayer, he affirms that it is conditional, in the next two verses that He says.

Matthew 6:14-15  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Well once again, the Word of God has convinced me to simply forgive, in this situation.      Ain’t God Awesome?  

             ….Much Love