A Gift For All -- Received By Few

Have you ever had a gift you took great pains to save for, locate and gift-wrap, making sure it was perfect for that loved one?  Then, have it either rejected, or casually put aside with a polite "Thanks", that really meant "No thanks"?  If you have, then you know the pain, disappointment, and hurt that brings to you, the giver. 

Would it surprise you to learn that many have done that very thing with the greatest gift of all presented to them by the greatest Giver of Gifts?

While most folks at this time of the year are focused on the Nativity and the birth of Jesus, I'd like to put forward that God's true "gift" was presented on that Christmas morning; but, took just over thirty-three years to unwrap. 

It began, as we celebrate this 25th of December, with Jesus' incarnation...his birth of lowly estate...God choosing to become one with His Creation.  But that was just the gift-wrapping.

The ultimate gift God intended was the gift of the Holy Spirit, which could not be delivered until after Christ had accomplished His Work of Salvation by His death and resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father.

"But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?  But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
Jn 16:5-7

"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men."
Eph 4:7-8

Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."
Acts 2:38-39

While many of us gladly receive Jesus, as Savior, most have tossed out the true gift...the Holy Spirit...with a casual "Thanks, but, no thanks."  In doing so, we reject His Lordship in the form of the Holy Spirit's guidance, direction, teaching, and endowment of power.

Now, its not as if we were putting aside a fruit cake, a tie, or another pair of socks.  We are tossing away the very gift God knew we would need in order to live the lives He called us to, as a testimony of His power, love and glory.  A gift, in fact, He commanded us to receive before we venture out to share His Gospel with others.

"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Acts 1:8

"And, being assembled together with them [Jesus], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
Acts 1:4,5

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
Acts 4:31

"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
Luke 24:49

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God [salvation], they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."
Acts 8:14–17

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God."
Acts 10:44–46

"He [Paul] said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed [since they received salvation]? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
Acts 19:2–6

"...because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man,  in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.  Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace...
Rom 8:2-6

My friend, have you received His "gift" of the Holy Spirit in power?  Or, have you set it aside, like so many socks or ties or fruitcake?  Have you decided you didn't need His Gift of the Holy Spirit?  Have you become wiser now than God?  If so, as Paul has said to the Galatians, I would caution you... 

"Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?"
Gal 3:3

The gift of the Holy Spirit is for more than being born again.  It is His power to live the Holy life He calls us to and is our guarantee and assurance of His grace and favor.

"And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."
1 Jn 3:24

"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge."
2 Cor 1:22

"When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit."
Eph 1:13

It is also the only way we can satisfy Gods commands for a holy life.

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."
Gal 5:16-25
 "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Eph 4:30

My friends, let us not grieve the Holy Spirit, by refusing His gifts.  Lets take another look under that tree...take up that gift again...open it up and open your hearts and lives to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.  Let us allow Him to be Lord and fill us with power, love, wisdom, strength...to truly LIVE the life God has for you, and thus, become the effective and powerful witnesses He calls us to be.

And when we do, let us be sure to give Him much thanks and praise for this eternal gift that keeps on giving.

Merry Christmas, my friend.  And God bless you, mightily with His Gift of the Holy Spirit for the coming New Year and every year following, until His return. Check out the following link for a great bible study on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit... http://www.greatbiblestudy.com/holy_spirit_baptism.php

On Corporal Punishment for Kids (aka: spanking)

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov 22:6

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Prov 13:24

"MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?…Heb 12:5-7

When caught doing something we were instructed not to, my Mom use to make us go outside and pick out a willow switch.  This gave us time to think about what we did to deserve the punishment we were about to receive. I can't recall a single incident where I didn't deserve it. No lasting scars. Only a lasting respect for my parents and their boundaries...boundaries that kept me and my siblings from a worse fate.

We were not (and are not) angels...but, we do know how we're suppose to behave. And when we choose not to behave, we know enough not to blame others for whatever "repercussions" come our way. Our take away from corporal punishment was simply this.....personal responsibility.

Invaluable!!

Thank-you, Mom and Dad, for the courage and LOVE it took for you to make us go get those switches and understand the consequences of our actions. I love you all the more for it.

On Women In The Ministry

I have a friend I work with who is adamant that the majority of the issues we face in our churches today can be traced to denominations permitting women to have positions of leadership over men.  He takes a very paternalistic, almost misogynistic view of Scripture.  He points to the classic passages in the Old Testament, as well as Paul’s admonitions in the New Testament, speaking against women having any form of leadership over men and extols the “weaker vessel” view of women.  It is God’s will, he believes, that women play a lesser role in Church leadership due to the way they are created and because of Eve’s failure in the Garden, being the first to be deceived.

Here’s my take on this matter…

In His Beatitudes, Jesus consistently stated, “You have heard it said…but, I say unto you…”   He took what was popular “religious” requirement and elevated it to the point of absolute simplicity and essential spiritual truth, based on one criteria….love. 

Using the same criteria of simplicity and love, I believe it is clear in Scripture that God would say to us that women have equal place in the Kingdom of God, where there is no longer male or female…but, we shall be as the angels of heaven (Mk 12:25).

In the last days (which I believe we are in) Scripture tells us that God will pour His Spirit out on all flesh, male and female alike, and that our sons and daughters will prophesy (Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28).  If you look at Paul’s writings about the ministry gifts, prophesy is second only to the calling of apostles, and well above pastors/teachers (Eph. 4:11).

Paul, who is often quoted by the misogynists in his writings about women being silent in the church (1 Cor 14:34), is also the same apostle who stated that in the Church there is “…no longer male and female…” (Gal. 3:28).  How do we explain this seeming contradiction?

Just as aspects of the Law were accommodations for the weakness and sinful bent of mankind (see Jesus’ discussion on divorce in Matt. 5), so rules regarding the lowered state of women in the church were, in my view, accommodations for a paternalistic, misogynistic culture of the day; as well as a response to various voices causing disorder in church gatherings (note: Paul also commands “tongue speakers” to be silent in the public gatherings). 

I believe the goal of the Holy Spirit, for the Church, is to elevate it out of this kind of “cultural” view to a spiritual “kingdom” view, that recognizes the equity and impartiality of the Holy Spirit in bestowing, on ALL FLESH, the gifts and offices He deems fit for the Kingdom…not what paternalistic, misogynists would permit.   I believe part of the purification of the Bride (Eph 5:26-27) is the removal of all forms of inequity, including a disparity between the sexes and restrictions on their ability to serve.  And isn't that the more "loving" way?

We are too late in this world to be arguing about the legitimacy of someone’s ministry because of their sex.  This is what Paul would call “carnal thinking” and he warned us specifically against such reasoning (Rom. 8:7; Col. 2:18).  We need to grow up in our view of the Kingdom and learn to see all aspects of church ministry and gifts with spiritual eyes, recognizing that we are all, male and female alike, equally able and equally responsible.

God bless you all, as you seek to be obedient to your call and respecting the gifts and ministries given to others, impartially and without respect to sex, age, station or status and, thus, honoring the Giver of the gifts and calling, humbly submitting to the authority of the Holy Spirit.

The Lords Table: Secret to Living in Power and Love

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”  Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.   This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.   I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”  When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Matt 26:26-30


And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”  And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.

Luke 22:19-20

When was the last time you partook of the Lord’s Table?

Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Greek Orthodox all partake of the “elements” weekly.   But, in many of these cases, the meaning behind it is lost in church tradition and an improper understanding of the point of the Lord’s Table.  If you’re church is a mainline Evangelical denomination, odds are you might partake once a month…some churches celebrate even less often. 

While the meaning of the Lord’s Table may be debated between Catholics and Protestant/Evangelicals, it is my contention that nearly all churches are missing out on the real power and purpose of the Lord’s Table…to produce the conditions that work to bring holiness, unity in love, the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit into the lives of every believer.

In Acts 2 we read that the early church had a habit of coming together daily…

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  And awe^[e] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”      Acts 2:42-47

 I believe it was more than simply having meals together….this was following thru with the command of their Lord Jesus, to “remember” Him thru the breaking of bread and sharing in the cup of wine.  It was also more than just an act of remembrance. 

In 1 Corinthians the Apostle Paul gave us rules of observance regarding the Lords Table. 

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat this is My body which is broke for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood.  This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.  For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.  For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.  But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.  Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.  But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment.”      1 Cor 11:23-33

While on the one hand participating in the Lord’s Table is an act of remembrance…recalling what he suffered for us in his body, the blood he shed for the remission of sin.  It is also more than a simple remembrance.

Paul makes it clear in 1 Cor 11 that the practice of participating in the Lord’s Table is also a time of deep personal introspection and self-examination.  It is a time of discerning and confessing sin, in order to partake of the Lord’s Table in a worthy manner.

In short, no one was to partake of the Lord’s Table unless they had confessed their sins and cleared their hearts of all bitterness and things which acted to separate them from God and their brethren. 

Jealousy, envy, anger, bitterness, un-forgiveness…all these things work to keep us from holiness, unity and love.  Paul gave stern warning that to partake of Jesus’ symbolic “body and blood” with any “unresolved issues” is to bring God’s judgment upon yourself, grieving the Holy Spirit and diminishing the power and testimony of believers.  So grievous is this to the Holy Spirit that it can cause real physical illness…even death!  Recall the sin of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 1) withholding the truth of their giving, resulting in both of them being struck dead by the Holy Spirit.

The proper participation in the Lord’s Table requires careful, honest introspection, prayer and submission to the searching gaze of the Holy Spirit into our hearts.  In this state of humility, God reveals the hidden darkness and sins we may not even be cognizant of.  Thru confession of those sins, privately and publicly where necessary, and thru the ready and immediate application of forgiveness and grace, no root of bitterness can take hold; hearts are kept clean and open to receive God’s provision; faith is increased as the Holy Spirit is free to move; the result being a boldness to step out in powerful witness and ministry. 

Why would we relegate such a beautiful opportunity for grace and mercy, witness and ministry to once a quarter, once a month, or even once a week?   If my reading of Acts 2 and 4 is correct, it is clear that this was a daily part of their lives and a focal point of every occasion to get together. 

It is my belief that because this was a daily occurrence, and a part of every gathering.  As a result, their hearts and lives were far more open to receive the power and prompting of the Holy Spirit.  Lives freed from sins grip were fertile soil for the development of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and ripe for the revelation of God’s presence in power gifts.  

Freed from issues that divide, these believers lives were a powerful testimony of unity in God’s power, love and grace in Christ Jesus.  Conversely, as 1 Cor 11 warns us, those that fail to practice it in a worthy manner suffer physically, emotionally and spiritually.

While serving in the Navy I had opportunity to serve on a six month deployment to Turkey.  While there, I had the privilege of participating in a Christian small group, from a variety of denomination backgrounds, who were committed to meeting together, daily, in the manner of Acts 2 and 1 Cor 11.  The only excuse for not participating was if we were on duty, sick in bed, or away from base. 

Every time we gathered, our first priority was to give account for our day.  We would ask each other if there were unresolved issues, if there were struggles with sinful behavior or thoughts.  We would confess our sins to one another and pray for God’s grace, forgiveness, mercy, lifting each other’s burdens to the throne of God.  After this time of accountability, thru confession and prayer, we would then participate in the Lord’s Table. 

As a result of our commitment to this practice, many hearts were mended, minds were renewed, and lives were changed.  My own life was changed in a dramatic way, healing my heart and restoring my belief in God’s call upon my life in ministry.  

I’m writing this, not only for the reader, but, as a reminder to myself that the power and grace and love I felt then can be experienced once again, if I am willing to commit to sharing in the Lord’s Table as it was meant to be shared. 

Do you want to see God present in your lives?  Do you long to see His displays of power in healing and miracles; prophetic words and revival; love and unity?  Start by instituting the practice of the Lord’s Table into your daily regimen.  As often as you get together, in your Sunday meetings, in your small groups, when guests come by for a visit…take time to celebrate the Lord’s Table…correctly.  Commit yourself to a small group of people you can trust and make this practice a regular and recurrent event, as often as the Holy Spirit prompts you. 

Be transparent with each other and gracious with each other.  The ability to confess ones sins to another requires and combination of humility and obedience on the part of the confessor who has carefully searched and judged their own thoughts, emotions, actions.   It also requires a great deal of grace and loving acceptance on the part of the hearer of the confession.  All of which builds the bonds of trust and a sense of oneness in Jesus.  While there may be need of loving rebuke and teaching to correct error...there is NO judgment of another's sin...there is only the knowledge that we are all sinners saved by grace, thru faith. 

When we are quick to confess sins and even quicker to forgive and apply God's grace, lovingly accepting each other in grace and humility, there is no room for roots of bitterness to grow, for walls to be erected between hearts.  In that unity of love, grace, faith and humility, we are FREE from the sin that had, at one time, so easily entangled us.  And we are FREE to serve God, unhindered and unstoppable.  Then, we can partake of the Lord's Table with gladness and sincerity of heart and we will stand back in awe as God begins to do marvelous things in our midst.

One last item of note...Jesus did not withhold the bread and wine from Judas Iscariot...the very man He knew would betray him.  Nor did he withhold the elements from Peter, who would deny him, three times, in only a few short hours.  What does this say to you?  It says to me, that even if I know someone is about to take advantage of me, betray me, sell me out, I must still be willing to share in the Lord's Table with them and offer forgiveness.   Whether or not they choose to repent, is between them and God. 

Failing to repent, Judas went away and hung himself.  This fact reminds of Paul's warning that... For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.   Pray that you are not found as Judas, eating and drinking in an unworthy manner.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will give you discernment into your own heart and those whom you share this sacred practice with, and keep the Lord’s Table honorable.

This Christian Veteran's View of Veteran's Day

I begin with a heavy heart and a great sigh.  Veterans Day and Memorial Day always tear me up emotionally and leave me with a deep sense of sadness and foreboding about the future of our nation.

I served twenty years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Aviation Med Tech.  Seventeen years of that time was with deployable units.  I've travelled around the globe, taking part in numerous campaigns working to support front line troops in what I believed (for a time) was a worthy cause.  I am proud of the service I gave and prouder still to have worked with some of the finest people on earth.  And I was humbled and honored to have been selected to serve as a Chief Petty Officer and be accepted into the Chief's Mess with some of the best of the best.

I believe it is right and good to offer thanks for those willing to put their lives on the line in time of war.  And to honor those who have fallen.  It takes great courage and commitment, great love and sacrifice to sign up for service and spend months, even years, apart from home and hearth, risking their lives to defend freedom.  It is perhaps an even greater love and commitment on the part of family members, who stay behind, to support and love them from afar...and who must grieve and heal when their loved ones pay the ultimate price.

But, I believe it takes even greater courage, sacrifice and love to look deeply and more honestly at the weight of evidence that suggests that the reasons we thought we were fighting for were, in fact, manufactured, manipulated and outright lies...that we have been lied to by our leaders and the media...that our dedication, honor and commitment have been abused and misused by powers behind our government for profit and control.

On these occasions, what wells up in my heart, is a hope and longing that one day we will celebrate peacemakers and all those who put their reputations on the line to speak out against war and our war machine.  Who risk losing friendships, careers, and security when they bravely speak up and address the facts that point to an over-arching plan on the part of "The Enemy" to keep us in a state of war, for profit, for control, and, ultimately, for the purpose of setting the stage for the an even greater evil to manifest itself.

There is much time and effort spent in this country  properly honoring warriors and their sacrifices made.  But, it is my firm conviction that if we are willing to put equal time and effort into educating ourselves about the truth of what we have become as a nation (the very thing President Eisenhower warned us about in his farewell address) perhaps we'd be closer to that time and place spoken of in Scripture where swords are beaten into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks and men will learn of war no more.

 

If we continue on our present course, ignoring the facts behind our economy of war, we do so at the expense of a lasting peace we could have achieved, had we only been willing to honestly look into the mirror of truth and not walk away forgetting what God has revealed to us.

May God bless you, my friend, with the courage to make the bravest decision you'll ever make....to not only seek the truth, but to then choose to live by it.

My Take On Halloween

I hear many Christians today protesting believers participation in Halloween, denouncing it as a high pagan day where devils and demons rule.  While it is true that those who delve into the satanic rites and rituals of witchcraft and demonology do hold Halloween as a high day and revel in all manner of evil during that time; the fact is, they are that way every day they refuse to bend the knee to Jesus.
Another fact is this...these practitioners of evil and the demons and fallen angels they worship and aspire to rule NOTHING.  Their place is in the abyss…and they know it.  Let’s be clear…satan does NOT own any day!  He is a defeated, powerless enemy of the God who created our days and numbered them.  Satan cannot add to or take away from them.  Why then, do some ascribe to satan powers or possessions he never had and never will?

As a Christian, I do not celebrate the dead or evil spirits on Halloween.  What I celebrate is a day of remembrance of the power of Jesus over death and the grave.  I celebrate life, resurrection, the power of the Holy Spirit within us to command demons to flee.  And like many others, even non-believers, I celebrate a time of harvest and plenty and am thankful for the great and many material blessings I have in this country.

In my home, we’re careful about what our children wear when they head out to collect candy.  We don’t allow costumes that would appear to celebrate horror or evil.  But, a costume of a star wars character?  Sure.   A super-hero?  Why not.    A pro sport character?  OK.  A zombie?  I tell my kids if you want to dress up as a zombie, simply put a sign around your neck that say’s “unsaved”…they’re the only walking dead I know of from scripture.

When kids come to our door for candy, I say “God bless you, be safe”.  And this year, I’m thinking about putting a Christian tract in with the candy I dispense.  I try to have the kids leave feeling welcome and safe…even if I have a plastic pumpkin that moves when they approach, giving them a little start.  I can have fun, too.

I don’t want to imply that there is no evil out there, or that there are no groups out there celebrating unholy mass and attempting to contact demons and practice evil.  There are, and they do.  But, they hold no power over me and my neighborhood.  I pray for my kids, the kids in our neighborhood and I pray for their parents.  Our neighborhood is God’s!!   And I’m not going to let fear determine my actions and what “fun” I choose to have with my kids.

I educate my kids about these matters.  They understand what evil is and to be careful.  But, I don’t put misplaced fear into their hearts by ascribing satan power over a day, or an event.  They understand that whatever power satan has, God has greater power and they have authority over demons  IN JESUS NAME!!

So, my kids dress up, go out with their friends and collect far too much candy.  They have fun and are home by curfew.  They are free to enjoy a fun holiday with their friends, understanding that in Christ, they have nothing to fear from the devil, demons or the pagans that serve them.

Warrior, Pacifist or Conscientious Objector?

If you were to read my blog post, "Red Pills, Rabbit Holes, and the High Cost of Pursuing Truth", you might be left to wonder if I am a pacifist.  Not so.  I understand that God has provided the government a sword for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the evil doers (Rom 13:4)

But, what is a believer to do when the evil doer is your own government?  What is the Christian to do then?

I spent 20 years of my life serving in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, retiring as a Chief from Carrier Air Wing 8.  Initially, I had no issues with wearing the uniform and serving in war.  In fact, I felt it my obligation as a citizen to defend  my country, my constitution and my fellow citizens from all the "bad guys" of the world.  This was highlighted and underscored on 9/11, as you might have read in the aforementioned blog post.

But, in my investigations of that day's events I came to understand something deeper about wars; in particular, about modern warfare and the use of false flag ops to foment and continue conflict for the express purpose of raking in trillions in profits from the war machine.

In my research I came across a pamphlet written by one of the most decorated USMC officers, MajGen Smedley Butler.  It is titled, "War Is A Racket".  In it, Butler, a two-time recipient of the Medal of Honor (he was no coward) describes himself as high paid muscle for American business interests, pacifying the Philippines and S.Amer so American Oil and Corporate Farming companies could insert themselves into their economies and siphon off their resources with cheap labor and few restrictions.  Butler renounced war and his part in it.  As a result a pacifist movement was begun in his name.

Reading Butlers work, I learned of other "false flag" ops such as Pearl Harbor (our government provoked the attack and withheld valuable intel from Hawaiian base commanders, allowing the attack as it would then tip the public in favor of American involvement in WWII);  Gulf of Tonkin (the USS Maddox was never attacked as was stated, but it provided the excuse to enter into the Vietnam conflict);  the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty during the Arab/Israeli conflict (designed to be blamed on the Arabs and give the US the excuse to send troops to the Middle East...a plan foiled by the courage of US sailors, but finally put into effect by 9/11).  And don't get me started on the whole Global War of Terror and the ever-present, ongoing threat of radical terrorism that just happens to pop up whenever public support for never-ending war seems to be waning.

Having my eyes opened to the dark side of nearly every conflict in modern times, I was left with the conclusion that modern warfare is never fought for the reasons publicly stated.  As such, while I am not a pacifist, I conclude that I could never put on the uniform and involve myself to that degree in our armed forces adventures. Today, while I understand the desire to sign-up, I do not encourage anyone to do so today.  It is, to put it mildly, putting effort after foolishness.

So, while I am not a pacifist, I have to say I am a conscientious objector.  And I challenge anyone to show me a modern war that wasn't, in some way shape or form, manipulated to provide the incentive and opportunity for the warmongers and war industrialists to make huge profits off of the sacrifice of those dedicated, but ill-informed masses they care little, if anything, about.

I leave you with one of the best speeches I have ever heard on this topic.  It was given by Martin Luther King Jr back in April of 1967, titled "A Time To Break Silence".  His words can just as easily be applied to today's conflicts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qf6x9_MLD0

The Purpose of Blessings

In my last blog I took a rather hard stance against the purveyors of the prosperity gospel.  Some might ask, and rightly so, if I believe it is wrong to pray for God's blessings.  Of course not.  He desires to hear our petitions for all that we believe we need.  But, my concern is the intent in asking...the reason we pray for those blessings.

It is never wrong to ask for abundance.  But, it can become a stumbling block when that abundance is hoarded or selfishly abused.  Like the fruit tree that will not yield its precious fruit to those in need, the very blessing of its abundance will rot upon the branch and become useless.  Any good farmer that has a fruit tree that will not
yield its fruit knows what to do...it is cut down and cast into the fire (Matt 7:18-20).  It is not enough that we bear fruit...we must learn to share it as the Holy Spirit moves us.

A passage I have heard few sermons on, tells us clearly the purpose of blessing and abundance.  Read 2nd Corinthians 8:1-15...

 "And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they
urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.  So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.  But since
you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you --see that you also excel in this grace of giving.  I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.  And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.   Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your
completion of it, according to your means.   For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.  Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.  At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that
in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: 'The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.'"

God's blessing is to provide us the means of giving to those in greater need...for the purpose of EQUALITY.

In a democratic capitalist society, I can understand why many pastors would have avoided, or glossed over this passage.  It smacks of communism.  But, is that what Paul was urging?  I think not. The book of Acts adds some more color to this sharing lifestyle Paul was calling for among the Corinthians.

"All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."   Acts 2:44-47

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.   With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.  Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means 'Son of Encouragement') sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the
apostles' feet."  Acts 4:32-37

No one in the Acts passages was commanded to give up their possessions.  They all were motivated by the needs they saw and the compassion of Christ that filled their hearts.  Furthermore, in the 2 Cor 8 passage, there is no hint of welfare, as all were gathering, all were working.

A key component of both the 2 Cor 8 and Acts passages is "love of the brethren".  There was a true sense of family and familial care for each other.  This oneness wasn't simply due to their common allegiance to Jesus.  It was enhanced and strengthened by a shared life.  They met from house to house (note: not all sold their homes...they had to meet somewhere) and broke bread together, daily.

The breaking of bread together, daily, is significant.  Not only was this a shared meal for sustenance, it was the sharing of the Lord's Table, the recognition of the reason for their fellowship to begin with...the love and sacrifice of Jesus. 

A major component of the Lord's Table was the careful and considered reflection upon one's life...sin, issues that separate, wrongs against each other (see 1 Cor 11).  By meeting daily and examining their lives and relationship, sin, and the division it brings, was not given a chance to grow.  It was dealt with daily, not once a month as is the custom in many protestant/evangelical circles.  This is, perhaps, the one thing I miss having left the Roman Catholic church.

There is nothing wrong with praying to God for blessings.  So long as you understand His purpose in blessing you.  It was never to spend it upon yourself. (see Eph 5:1-3)

So, how much is too much?   To what extent are we responsible for "gathering" for our own needs?  At what point do the needs of others become our responsibility?

Not easy questions to answer.  In many cases, you and the Lord alone know the answer to that.  My counsel would be to seek Him daily in prayer...in daily fellowship with your brethren...and in the daily practice of sharing the Lord's Table. I am certain that if you are practicing this kind of life, the Holy Spirit will put His finger on your life's blessings and let you know what you need and what you can be free to give...and where the giving might be best served.

God bless you...so you can know His joy in blessing others.

Suffering vs. Prosperity: Another Gospel

“As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!  For, am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?  Or, am I striving to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”    (Gal 1:9-10)

“I just want to encourage every one of us to realize when we obey God, we’re not doing it for God–I mean, that’s one way to look at it–we’re doing it for ourselves, because God takes pleasure when we are happy. . . . That’s the thing that gives Him the greatest joy. . .”      
(Victoria Osteen, Sept/2014)

The words of Paul to the church in Galatia stand in stark contrast to the words of the pastors Osteen, and his warning against the preaching of “another gospel” could just as easily be applied to the proponents of today’s prosperity gospel.

At this very moment, Christians in the Middle-East, China, Eastern Europe and S.E. Asia are “literally” facing the sword of oppressors and the threat of death.  I have it on good authority from friends in the mission field, that whole families of believers are being arrested for their faith; some being forced to renounce Jesus or be beheaded.  Amazingly, they are standing for Christ and many, including young children, have paid the ultimate price.

How do you suppose these persecuted believers view the prosperity teaching of the Osteens and their ilk?  If “our pleasure” is the “thing that gives Him the greatest joy.”; then, their suffering in Europe and the Middle-East must sorely disappoint Him.

Can you imagine the Osteens preaching in Iraq, Somolia, Bejing, Sri Lanka or Russia, the same message they promote here in the U.S.?  Do you honestly believe they would have the same following there as here?  I think not. 

 

I firmly believe that just as Paul admonished the Galatians against the Judaizers, so we, who call ourselves leaders here in N.Amer, should be rightly calling  out these prosperity proponents for what they are…false teachers and deceivers.

Theirs is NOT the gospel of the Apostles and Scripture.  It is half-truth that gives false-hope.  It has no universal application to believers across this globe, most of whom face hardships we in the U.S. cannot begin to fathom. 

 

Have you ever heard a prosperity teacher preach on the following verses…?

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”  

(Rom 8:17)

“As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured…” 

(James 5:10-11)

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  

(Matt 5:10-11)

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened." 

(1 Pet 3:14)

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” 
(James 1:12)

“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 

(2 Cor 12:9-10)

“…and others (of the faithful) experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.…” 

(Heb. 11:36-38)

The gospel of the prosperity-mongers may have an element of truth to it…but, it is half-truth.  And just like the half-truths of Lucifer, in the Garden of Eden, and in the wilderness with Jesus, they only lead to deception, failure and frustration in the face of the persecution and the hardship promised to every believer…

“Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” 

(John 15:20)

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 

(2nd Tim 3:12)

So, my friends, beware those who seek to seduce you with “another gospel” that is not the whole truth.  Who seek to set you up for great disappointment when the suffering and persecution promised to you arrives.

We need to pray for those fellow believers suffering at the hand of evil men across this globe.  We also need to pray that when our time comes, like those of the faith in Hebrews 11, we also will stand for Jesus, no matter the cost.

God bless you and strengthen you for the times you must face.

Comments Welcome

Hi Everyone:

Being new to the blogging world, I did not realize that I had blocked comments on my posts unless you also had a Blogger acct.  I've since removed that block and you should be able to post your comments now.

Sorry if I caused any frustration.  Hope to hear from you.

God bless,
A.J.

Red Pills, Rabbit Holes and the Cost of Pursuing the Truth

Romans 1:18
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE7PKRjrid4

It was early 2005, not quite four years following the 9/11 attacks.  I was a First Class Petty Officer and had just reenlisted under the Redux bonus plan.  I not only guaranteed the Navy another five more years, taking me to twenty; but, I had also signed with the determination to make Master Chief and complete thirty years.  I was committed to my Navy, our cause and the United States of America, which I had become a citizen of in April of 2001.

I was a card-carrying Republican Conservative, with a subscription to National Review and a faithful watcher of FOX news network.  I had sworn an oath to defend the Constitution, against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  I was also a Christian and took my oaths seriously. 

When I was first challenged by friends and family, accusing my government of manufacturing 9/11 as an excuse to go to war in Afghanistan and Iraq, I was insulted and angered.  How dare they challenge the notion that we were under attack by Muslim extremism.  Everyone knew this to be true…didn’t they?  Surprizingly, I learned that many polls indicated that at least half the population did not believe the government's version of the events of that day.

As a Christian, I had an obligation to ensure that my cause was true and worthy of my effort and my blood, in order to receive God’s blessing.  In effort to defend the worthiness of my cause, I would prove their assertions wrong and vindicate my belief in what we, as a nation were engaged in…our Global War on Terror.

Fortunately for me, the 9/11 Commission Report had just been published and made public.  I immediately downloaded the .pdf believing full well that this would provide the answers I needed to counter the questions put to me.  My first reading left me frustrated.  No answers.  I thought, perhaps I’d missed something and re-read the report.  Again, there were no answers.  Instead, I had a gnawing suspicion that the report was less about explaining 9/11 and more about building a case to go to war against Al Quada in Afghanistan.

Puzzled and disturbed, I decided to look into the background of the report…the who, what, when, where why and how of its inception and completion.  I found a documentary, entitled, “Press For Truth”, released in 2006, which documented the efforts on the part of the families of victims of 9/11 to get the government to investigate and find out who was responsible for the attacks and how to prevent them occurring again. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgUFkVG_78g


Lead by the “Jersey Girls”, the documentary was my first realization that the 9/11 Commission was NOT my government’s idea.  It was the families of victims idea and it was their determination and courage in the face of strong opposition, that forced an unwilling and uncooperative government to form and carry out the investigation.  Unfortunately, the families were NOT happy with the commission or its final product.  A fact, rarely, if ever pointed to by the media.

Press For Truth, in turn lead me to Paul Thompson’s “The Terror Timeline”, a complete documentation of the events of 9/11 laid out, in order of occurrence. 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/terror-timeline-paul-thompson/1100150964?ean=9780060783389

Following the timeline, it became apparent to me that the gov’ts story was full of holes, errors and omissions.  It was at this point that a knot began to be developed in the pit of my stomach.  Something fishy was going on here and I did not like where the facts were starting to take me.

Ecclesiastes 1:18
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief."

This was my Matrix moment.  The moment I had to make a decision.  Do I take the red pill and follow the evidence where it leads?  Or, do I take the blue pill, drop the whole thing and go on as if I was not aware of what I’d already learned?  Like Neo, I needed to know…I needed to be certain…and that need drove me to take the red pill and begin my journey down the rabbit hole.

The next piece of the puzzle was discovering a book that refuted the 9/11 Commission.   David R. Griffin’s “The 9/11 Commission Report: Omissions and Distortions”  In it, Dr. Griffin makes some extraordinary observations and points fingers at leadership that was AWOL on 9/11 and his questions leave the reader furious over the obvious effort on the part of the commission to mislead and misdirect the general public.

Eventually, I found the documentary, "Everbody's Gotta' Learn Sometime", which raised questions more than answering them, but in that process raised very, VERY important questions.

Watch Videos Online | Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime - 911 Film | Veoh.com

Eventually, I came to probably the most disturbing and compelling documentary series of all…the ”Loose Change” series.  Three films, written and directed by Dylan Avery and produced by Korey Rowe, Jason Bermas and Matthew Brown.   These films have been viewed over 50 million times and have been credited with setting the 9/11 Truth Movement into overdrive.

Documentary About September 11th, 2001 - Loose Change 9/11 (loosechange911.com)

From this point forward, I began to be awakened to concepts such as “false flags”, the “military-industrial-congressional complex”, “black ops”, “rendition”, “secret governments” and introduced to groups such as “Bilderbergs”, “Bohemian Grove”, “Illuminati”, “Freemasons” and “Skull and Bones”.  I also became familiar with websites such as...

http://www.wanttoknow.info/

http://www.911truth.org/

http://patriotsquestion911.com/

http://www.ae911truth.org/en/home.html

...and authors, filmmakers and journalists such as, Naomi Wolf, John Pilger, Howard Zinn, William Blum, Eugene Jarecki, Michael C. Ruppert, Aaron Russo, Alex Jones, Jesse Ventura, et al.

Suddenly, history began to take on an entirely different color.  Dots that didn’t seem related in the least were suddenly connecting into a vast and over-arching theme….the insidious march to a New World Order and the rule of the antichrist upon the earth.  Dozens of books, documentaries and websites later, I, like Neo in the Matrix, came to a realization that was almost too much to bear.  I was literally sick to my stomach and angry.  At first it nearly paralyzed me.  Then, slowly, the bitter reality began to hit me...I had been sold a lie...I had had the wool pulled over my eyes. 

At about that time I came across Jarecki's documentary, "Why We Fight".  You use to be able to view it online, but it has since been taken down by the owners, for copyright reasons.  The following link shows only a preview...

(12) 2005 Why We Fight Official Trailer 1 Sony Pictures Classics - YouTube

It wasn’t long before I came to the conclusion that my career in the Navy was done.  I would fulfill my obligation of the five years I’d reenlisted for; but, my plans to make Master Chief and fulfill thirty years were crushed.  When I was selected to Chief Petty Officer (a moment that should have been a highlight of my career), it was tarnished and became anti-climactic in the knowledge that I would not be able to continue on in my career...a career I had grown to love, with people I had come to respect greatly. 

What I didn’t count on was how this “awakening” would change my view of scripture and my life as a believer.

With the blinders off and now being aware of the matrix around me, scripture…and particularly, end-times prophesy…began to take on a whole new shape and color.  I became more and more enthralled and excited as I saw the fulfillment of prophetic words in my daily newspaper and podcasts.  It was thrilling to see God’s prophetic visions, from thousands of years ago, taking shape before my very eyes.

In my new found excitement, I began to share what I had learned with my fellow believers.  That’s when the other side of the truth started to appear.  Fellow believers I had once found great fellowship with were giving me sideways looks and worse…some were even accusing me of being a traitor to my country…even a traitor to the church.  My faith was brought into question and in a number of cases, I was actually instructed to cease and desist in my sharing of the truths I’d learned, or I would face the wrath of the elders. 

One of my favorite scenes in the “Lord of The Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring”, is when Gandalf and Frodo are having a conversation about Gollum in the Mines of Moriah.  Frodo, in a moment of frustration over their dire situation states, “I wish the ring had never come to me.  I wish none of this had happened.”  Gandalf replies “So do all who live to see such times.  But, that is not for them to decide.  All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.  There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil.  Bilbo was meant to find the ring.  In which case, you also were meant to have it.  And that is an encouraging thought.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrOqnZdvI6M

Like Frodo, there are many times I wish I had never taken the red pill, never gone down the rabbit hole, never learned the truth.  At times, it has been an extremely lonely endeavor.  Rejection is far more common than finding a receptive ear.  We Truthers have learned to live with the loneliness of our quest.

Again, in the LOTR-Fellowship, there is a scene with Frodo and Lady Galadriel at the mirror of Galadriel.  Frodo says, “I cannot do this alone.”  Galadriel replies, “You are a ring-bearer, Frodo.  To bear a ring of power is to be alone.  This task was appointed to you.  And if you do not find a way, no one will”  Frodo, despairingly, says, “I know what I must do.  It’s just…I’m afraid to do it.”  Galadriel leans in and states, “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI15psli6Rc

The reason J.R.R. Tolkein chose the Hobbits to be the heroes of LOTR, is the same reason God chose Israel and continues to choose the weak , the humble, the base and the least-wise things of the world…that by His power in these “least of creatures” He should reveal His glory.

Like Frodo, I too am afraid at times.  But, resolute, I press on.  As Paul says in Philippians…

“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.…”  (Phil 3:12-13)

Most recently, I have come across a documentary that has dared to look at this over-arching plan of the enemy to bring in the New World Order.  Produced by Leonard Ulrich, it is the first such documentary to take all these intertwined conspiracies and connect them together to find the string, the plan of the enemy and how to view these truths, from a biblical, Christian perspective.  Because its not enough to know about the plans of the enemy.  We also need to speak those truths and help others to awaken as well, no matter how much they resist us and/or persecute us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYZksdzVxic&t=29s

The beginning has a recording of George Carlin, addressing the issue of conspiracies and how the world sees those who attempt to bring up the question.  I don’t hold to all that Carlin says or believes, but, his words here are so very true.

There is also a more recent film that describes something of the transition I went thru in my trip down the rabbit hole...at present, the DVD is not available for viewing online, but you can see excerpts here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f-O-RnCPtE

I hope these words of mine will encourage you to take the red pill and learn the truth about the world you live in…to learn the truth about the matrix that has been pulled over your eyes…and to seek God’s wisdom in His Word; to ask for His gifts in the Holy Spirit to know, understand and discern what is going on around you; and to pray for the courage to do something about it.  As Paul wrote...

Ephesians 5:11
"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

God bless you as you pursue, speak and live, the truth.