In the name of Jesus - the Name above all names

This was originally written on Sunday, September 17, 2006 at approximately 11:00 p.m.

Wake up, America. We are in trouble.

When one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty & justice for all decides to tell its personnel that they are no longer to pray in the Name of the only name that saves; the only Name that lights every man that enters the world; the only Name that gives Life; the only Name that paid the price for yours, theirs, and my sin; the only Name that can reveal the Father; the only Name that can heal the sick; the only Name that can cast out demons; the only Name that can cause a leper to be made whole; the only Name that can give sight to the blind;

the Name above all names,

Jesus Christ, the son of God,
then we, as a nation, are no longer under God, we are definitely divisible, we have lost liberty & there is no such thing as justice anymore.

Men are not given power on earth unless it is first given to them from heaven.

I don't care if a man thinks otherwise; that's only his heart deceiving him -- which allows him to continue in that line of deceitful thinking: "I earned this." "I got mySELF here." "I worked hard to get to where I'm at." "I have worked all my life to get to this point." "I am more qualified than anyone else in the world to be in this position."

I don't care who you are -- you're where you're at because of two things: God's longsuffering & your heart's choices.

I am the Lord: that is my name: & my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Ever see a man slowly wither away because cancer is eating him up from the inside? Spreading through his body, through his bloodstream, into other parts of his body? A healthy, strong, robust, jovial man with pink skin turned into a shriveled, frail, pallid skeleton? Where once there was laughter & joking & conversation, it was replaced with silent fears & painful looks & ...waiting for the inevitable? The whole time they are still alive, it's just a waiting game. Waiting, but hoping. Hoping for what? For restoration. How? I don't care how it comes, just bring it. But what if that person doesn't want it? Or they don't believe it can happen? Or it's too late? And you're the only one left believing in miracles... all the way to the end?

That is the state of the United States of America. It is sick from the head to the foot. By "sick", I mean ill.

Ever know someone who broke a bone or injured their self in a game, but kept on playing the game anyway? They acted all tough like they could "tough it out" & so instead of stopping the game & getting help right away, they continued to push through the injury. Then when they finally submitted to the help, they discovered that they had worsened the injury. When the injury first occurred, they should have went for help right then & stopped the injury from getting any worse. But by playing through it & "toughing it out", they instead caused more damage which resulted in extensive reparation & longer recuperation time.

That is the state of the United States of America. This nation is in serious need of getting help. And now, it has gone over the edge & become anti-Christ.

America? We are in trouble.

Did you think 9/11 was bad? Did you think Hurricane Katrina was bad? Those were just warnings. It is time to REPENT. Forget camping out in front of the nation's capitol and going on public tv or public anything and petitioning or going on hunger-strikes. (Of course, the media & mockers will call fasting a "hunger strike".)

If you are reading this & you are following Jesus Christ & he leads you to, then FAST & PRAY. Don't do it publicly. Do it in private. Repent for our nation.

If you cannot fast for whatever reason, then WATCH & PRAY. Why? Because this nation has been opened to destruction as a result of the ignorance of the armed services of the United States - more particularly, the U.S. Navy - by denying its very own clergyman -- who is in that position to serve the LORD, not man, not the U.S. NAVY, but the LORD -- to pray in THE VERY NAME THAT SAVES - the very name of Jesus Christ who is the only mediator between GOD & man.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, & is safe.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou are my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, & he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him.

...made himself of no reputation, & took upon him the form of a servant, & was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, & became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, & given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, & things in earth, & things under the earth; & that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of GOD the Father.

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, & set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, & power, & might, & dominion, & every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, & gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Fast & pray - for God's mercy, for God's grace, for repentance on behalf of this nation's leadership. Fast & pray that God's judgment will not be hard. Fast & pray to tear down the strongholds, the powers of darkness, the principalities of darkness that are warring to cover this nation with darkness. We have seen the anti-Christ spirit manifest publicly in the U.S. Navy. If it has gotten its foul foot into the door of our government's defenses, then it will

• spread through our nation &
• open the door for other princes of darkness to come into our nation, under our nose & in front of our very blinded eyes.

Already I read a transcript where Scott McClellan dodged a question by a reporter at a press conference regarding this issue. Mr. McClellan's answer was basically: "I am not aware of that report" & then he just totally ignored reporter, Les, to move onto the next question. The President is not aware of that report? Newspapers from around the world were reporting on it, keeping careful watch on it to see what this nation would do in response - and the very President of this nation, or his cabinet, is not aware of that report?! His cabinet is so in-the-know that they can tell him where & when to strike in the world for the U.S.'s advantage, but they can't even tell him that his best strategy for defense is to become friends with God? He should have advisors surrounding him who tell him that to be friends with GOD is to be strong in power, to have the best advantage, and to have incredible might. When GOD is on your side, who can be against you?

It is GOD who puts men into power. If the people do not like that the leader worships GOD & has a heart after GOD, then let them! The most they can do is kill the man of GOD. But at least the man of GOD died faithful to GOD. Those who killed him will be in a worse position than they were before they laid hands on him, heaping GOD's wrath upon themselves.

But now our United States Navy have dissed GOD's son: "Don't pray in the name of Jesus when you are in uniform." *tsk *tsk *tsk - shame on the U.S. Navy. And shame on the Commander-In-Chief for letting this door become wide open for the spiritual darkness that has been eager to invade & destroy this country. It is just as important to ensure the defenses in the spirit realm as it is to ensure the defenses of this physical realm. A true follower of Christ would have discerned that.

Who came up with that man-made, religious piece of corrupted & perverse garbage, "Don't pray in the name of Jesus when you are in uniform"?
What the heck kind of system would put a man in a position to mediate for the people to GOD -- in whatever capacity, at whatever location, for whatever cause -- and then tell him, "Don't pray in the name of Jesus when you are in uniform"?

The "religious tolerance" ideal in this nation is hypocritical. As a nation, we can protect mosques from sabotage. We can have a whole state pretty much dedicated to a religion with their own laws. We can shelter religious leaders from years in prison upon proving that they are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for molesting children (unless, of course -- to go along with this hypocritical theme -- that religious leader is a Christian leader who hooks up with a prostitute). But we cannot permit Christians to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. All of these observations within this nation tell me what season this nation is in. The same way I observe the termination dust on the mountains to determine when the snow will fall so I can put the snow tires on before then. Christians always profess the name of Jesus Christ because of the power associated with His name. When the Roman soldiers came with Judas Iscariot to escort him to begin his crucifixion, there was such power in just His name that when they referred to his name, "Jesus", as being the one they were coming out to get... all he breathed out for an answer was "I am" and the force of his words caused them to fall backwards. That is just a small demonstration of the power of his name.

I AM.
The U.S. Navy just dissed I Am. We're in trouble now, folks.

For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, & we will walk in the name of the Lord our GOD for ever & ever.

The U.S. Navy is not GOD. The President of the United States is not GOD. The Supreme Court & all the judicial branches in this nation & those who preside in the court systems - are not GOD.

I would rather obey GOD than man. Our U.S. Navy has just weakened itself & this nation with this arrogant action. By exalting themselves above the name of the LORD in ordering someone not to pray in Jesus' name, they have just become the weakest link in our defense system to this country. As a nation, we will see the truth of this saying when our enemies penetrate the U.S. Navy's setup & get past them to strike at us. But even more - they will get past all our defenses. This is why we need to watch & pray. Pride goeth before a fall. Watch & pray to plead that we do not fall hard, that God would save many, that judgment would not be so hard, that God would give grace & mercy & remember His people who call Him by name & spare many.

Watch & pray.

Unfortunately, the U.S. Navy's action has a direct reflection upon the President of the United States & his governing body. So - the head is sick and the whole body is affected.

I know thy works, & where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, & hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, & to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, & will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, & will give him a white stone, & in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

America - wake up. We are in trouble.


...thy name is as ointment poured forth...
We could really use a good dosage of that ointment poured on us. Help us Lord GOD Almighty, we are a sinful nation & we have sinned against You. Forgive our sins, heal our wounds, Lord. Do not let your wrath be so strong upon us, for who can bear it? Remember mercy in judgment, Lord GOD. Have mercy upon us. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.

Superstitious minds...

...cannot fully embrace the Word of GOD as truth, nothing but the truth, the end; That the Word of GOD is final in matters; That the Word of GOD is stable, real, and will not fail. Everything needed to embrace Christ is explained in the Word of God.

It seems people are more willing to accept a superstition into their lives rather than the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are more willing to believe that money is going to come into their hands because their palms are itching. Or that someone is talking about them because their ear is ringing. Or that a message is coming their way because a magpie is sitting on a wall. Or that if you squash a bug, you could be squashing a relative who was brought back to this world in that form as punishment. (Perhaps part of that superstitious punishment is that they are to be squashed? Eh? Ever think of that? Hmmm.)

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a sure thing. It is founded. It is real. It is not created as a fable or as a way of calming the fears of those who do not want to face the torment of bad events or tormentors on earth (this physical plane), followed by eternal damnation in hell (the 1st death) & later cast into the lake of fire to be snuffed out of existence forever (the 2nd death). (Although, that is the consequence of not believing, let's be honest.)

By the way, isn't it just like the Lord GOD to have two deaths to compliment two births? The first birth is when we are born of our mother from her womb into this world. The second birth is when we are born of the Spirit into the kingdom of God. Nicodemus couldn't even fathom being born a second time. But we are born-again when we accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God. It is so simple that it baffles the educated & intellectual. (Two is the number of "witness".)

Have you stepped on any cracks? Did your mom break her back as you did? If you answered yes, then I tell you truthfully that the two events were not related. And I add: "That is very misfortunate for your mom, I wish her restored and in good health."

This part could just be read by those educated & intellectual types:
I searched the bible for the word "superstition" and found it in Acts 25:19. It reads,

But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

I discovered that the original Greek word used for superstition in this passage is deisidaimonia (dice-ee-dahee-mon-ee'-ah) meaning "religion: - superstition" & is from the word deisidaimonesteros (dice-ee-dahee-mon-es'-ter-os) meaning "more religious than others: - too superstitious." The word deisidaimonesteros is a compound of the words deilos (di-los') from deos (dread) which means "timid (implying faithless), fearful" and the word daimō n (dah'ee-mown) from daiō (to distribute fortunes) which means "a demon or super natural spirit (of a bad nature): - devil."

When we are timid, we cannot embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will not be able to experience Hebrews 13:6,

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, & I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

Nor will we be able to experience Hebrews 4:16,

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, & find grace to help in time of need."

I don't know about you, but I need those things: grace, mercy, & help in time of need.
Yet, rather than accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, it seems people are willing to accept other belief systems that soon become their [false] religion. (I wonder if those who claim to be agnostic or atheist hold superstitions. If so, then they cannot be truly agnostic or atheist. Hmmm.)

And what does the bible say about religion? Well, there are five verses that mention "religion": Acts 26:5, Galatians 1:13-14, James 1:26-27.
In Acts & in James, the root word is thrēskeia (thrace-ki'-ah) & means "ceremonial observance". In Galatians, the root word is Ioudaismos (ee-oo-dah-is-mos') & means “judaism”. Essentially, we learn the most about "the practice" of religion from the book of James. We are told to bridle our tongue (curb our speech) so we do not deceive our own heart & to visit the fatherless & widows in their affliction, & to keep our self unspotted (unblemished, unsoiled, unstained, undefiled - physically & morally) from the world.

So that's biblical "religion". Well then, what is this thing we have with Jesus Christ? Isn't that a religion? No. It is not.

We are not to "ceremoniously" observe him. Do you know what it means to ceremoniously observe something? It means you perform a ritual or two. It's formal. There may be even pomp in the situation. Yes, we are to observe Christ - we are to make note of the spirit behind which he did and said things (the Spirit of the Lord) & refer to the Word & the Holy Spirit to further teach us so we too can be led of the Spirit (have ears to hear) to do the same things (obey) with a clear understanding.
Does the Holy Spirit need a ceremony everytime we are to learn from Him? Does the Word of God need a ceremony everytime it is to be spoken to teach, to correct, to edify, to reprove in righteousness? When did informal gatherings to share what Christ has done in our lives & to hear the Word become a ritualistic practice?

Please - I challenge you, dear reader: Show me in the Word where Jesus Christ ever sent out a message to all that He would be holding assemblies where He would teach GOD's word on certain days of the week at certain times when he walked on this earth.

The joy of calling others in Christ to come assemble together & worship the Lord together compels them to come from a willing heart. Those who do not come, making excuses, will be revealed. Those who are willing will overcome obstacles to make it because they joy to be in His presence with those who love & worship Him in spirit & in truth. We should be ready to assemble anytime, in season & out of season. Not when we're ready, but when GOD says "now is the time".
Do you think the Israelites were ready to cross the desert to get to their promised land after being freed from bondage in Egypt? Do you think Noah was ready to have it rain buckets on the world & be the only family remaining in existence? Do you think Abraham was ready to let go of Ishmael?
When GOD speaks, now is the time. And we don't go based on our feelings; we don't worship Him because we "feel like it". We obey Him, we worship Him because we LOVE Him, we ADORE Him, we REVERE Him, we cannot live without Him, & we know we are nothing without Him. Does that mean we are forced? No - we are compelled. Especially when, as we are changed from glory to glory, we look back & see the hunk of junk we once were & the miserable, sorry circumstances we lived in because we thought we could "do it on our own" without God. When we look back at our struggle without Him & remember His great love that removed us from that struggle - we cannot help but shout praises to Him with a thankful heart. We cannot help but dance before Him in such joy. We cannot help but sing & make up songs to Him & about Him to share the joy in our hearts.

If you try to worship Jesus Christ because of religion, then you're failing to grasp the relationship.

Mankind creates ways of "fitting in" somehow by putting labels on groups & forming memberships. The Lord GOD never commanded us to do this. He told us that we would know who were His by the spirit. He told us to test the spirit & to judge the fruit. Those are the methods that He uses. Instead, mankind forms groups of people and name them under an umbrella membership. My experience with memberships is that I have to pay to get in and at anytime I can choose to get out. But my experience with relationships is that I have to do some work to keep in touch & those relationships can prove to be invaluable networking connections later down the road.

Ever hear that phrase: It's not what you know, but WHO you know?

Mankind always tries to fit GOD into our lives rather than take care to fit into His abundant life.

And if mankind cannot determine whether GOD is real or not or in what form He takes, then mankind creates superstitious beliefs which become seeds of false religion.

Yes, there is a fear of the Lord to observe. But it is not the sort of fear that accompanies superstition (which is usually that of retribution). It is a reverent fear - an awed respect of His incredible awesomeness. It is a deep & profound awe of His holiness, of His character, of His great fame. To stand in the realization that this is the One who set the sun & the moon in the heavens to give light to the earth; who set His bow (rainbow) in the cloud as a token of a covenant between Him & the earth; who set the dominion of the ordinances of heaven in the earth. (Read Job chapter 38!!!! GOD IS AWESOME!!)

Jesus Christ is not a superstition. In the beginning was the Word, & the Word was with God, & the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; & without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; & the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; & the darkness comprehends it not. ...That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world. He was in the world, & the world was made by him, & the world knew him not. 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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, & dwelt among us, (& we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace & truth. ...For the law was given by Moses, but grace & truth came by Jesus Christ. No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

If you want to embrace a superstition because "it's better to be safe than sorry"; then truthfully you are better off putting away the superstition and putting on Christ. However, do not come to Christ because of fears of retribution. Come to Christ because He is the giver of abundant life. Come to Christ because He knows your every care, your every need, & He desires to give you good things & to prosper you. Come to Christ because He forgives the worst of sinners & He wants to give love to those who have been without love; He wants to heal your heart from the deep wounds, the bitter hurts, the unforgiving actions that were performed on you by others whom you trusted (or not). Repent & let Him into your life. You too will stand in reverent awe of God's mercy & grace. His love causes us to look inward at our own heart rather than at others. And as we look at our own heart, we see how much cleaning was done & still needs to be done. We cannot then look at others and judge them, for He has forgiven us of much sin. His love compels us then to forgive & love others in that light. For none of us are able to cast the first stone.

Where in the world is Eritrea?

Go to maps.google.com and type in "Eritrea". You will be taken to the continent of Africa & discover that Eritrea is on the Red Sea coast surrounded by Sudan, Ethiopia, & Djibouti. It's capital is Asmara (Asmera). It has been a country in struggle throughout it's entire existance. With such deep scars & bitter wounds, it is no wonder the country lashes out at others.

ERITREA: RELIGIOUS PRISONER COUNT TOPS 1,900

September 8 (Compass Direct News) – Newly compiled statistics smuggled out of Eritrea indicate that at least 1,918 Eritrean citizens are imprisoned and being subjected to torture and forced labor because of their religious beliefs.

According to a detailed list obtained by Compass last month, 95 percent of these known religious prisoners of conscience are Christians.

A total of 35 pastors, priests and church elders are confirmed under arrest in Asmara’s Wongel Mermera investigation center. An additional 1,758 Christians of both evangelical Protestant and Orthodox confessions are jailed in 14 other cities and towns.

According to reports compiled by Compass, 163 of these Christian prisoners have been put under arrest since the beginning of 2006. As many as a fourth of all those jailed are believed to have been incarcerated for two years or more.

Read More...

A clear picture of life

The other day, I was fussing with my indoor antenna in an attempt to get a clear picture on my TV. I have since signed up for DTV. But while I was trying to get a picture, the Holy Spirit took the opportunity to teach me something about my heart & my eyes. He showed me that in order for me to see through my eyes clearly, my heart has to be in direct alignment with God.

There were some scriptures He brought to my rememberance. One was that from the heart comes forth the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23) Another was that the heart of man is prepared by God. (Proverbs 16:1) Another was that man judges by the outward appearance rather than by the spirit. (1 Samuel 16:7, Judges 3:10, Isaiah 11:3, Micah 3:8)

He showed me that if my heart is in direct alignment with God, then I would know God's heart in matters. I would see through His eyes. I would have an accurate & clear picture of the situation. Whereas, if I relied on my own understanding of the situations before me, then I would be prone to error which usually leads to suspicion, misunderstanding, assumption, and misperception. Only God can tell us what is really going on. He knows the heart of men - we don't even know our own hearts. He has to show us what is inside our hearts. Our heart is the seat of our emotions (thoughts & feelings) - it is in the realm of our soul. Our soul must come into submission to God's will. Only then can we truly be surrendered & obey Him whole-heartedly.

Only when God is finished with a man

This comment is in reference to this story:

You can chase a man to the ends of the earth in order to capture him or perform some sort of punishable action on him; but unless God is in your chase, then it will be to no avail. Only when God is finished with a man will he end that man's career. Until then, that man serves a purpose to God's work.

Would you like biblical support to this comment? Read the story of King Saul. Read the story of Elijah. Read the story of Jesus. The end of a man, the end of his authority, the end of his reign or rule, the end of his life is only determined by One. Until He determines that the man has served His purpose on earth, that man shall remain.

One Way

How do you know that that's the only way to get to heaven? All religions lead to heaven, don't they?

No, they don't. Buddha never died for me. The dali lama never gave his life for mine. No other pagan god sent their son or someone else to take my place by dying for my sins, thus cleansing me so that I may have favor with or be in right standing with God.

Becoming Christian is an "attack" on Islam?

Afghan Man Faces Death for Allegedly Converting to Christian

"We are not against any particular religion in the world. But in Afghanistan, this sort of thing is against the law," the judge said. "It is an attack on Islam. ... The prosecutor is asking for the death penalty."

The last time I checked,

the people who are strapping bombs to their bodies and killing others were practicing Islam.

the people who are full of hate & go to other places in the world to kill people were practicing Islam.

the people who wanted a "Holy War" were practicing Islam.

The last time I checked,

God is love.

we are all descendants of Abraham.

Christians do not wield guns, shooting at people who practice Islam.

Christians do not strap bombs to their bodies and walk into mosques and public places to see how many Islams or Middle Easterners they could kill to secure a place in heaven.

the God of the Christians -- whose name is I Am, Jehovah, El Eliyon, El Shaddai, Elohim, Abba -- sent His only begotten son, Jesus, to teach us how to love as the Father loves.

The fact that converting to Christianity would be deemed an "attack on Islam" reveals the manner of thinking in those who practice Islam. It sounds like a fearful statement. An offended statement. A statement of defense. The statement declares much with just the six words: "It is an attack on Islam."

If you truly walk with God... the *real* God... the God who created the heavens and earth, who gave breath of life to men fashioned by His hands from dirt, who has all manner of good things in mind for us as long as we obey His commandments to love Him with all our heart soul and strength and love ONE ANOTHER even as He loves us...
If you truly walk with such a God, follow after such a God, then

the last thing you would be is offended that someone converted to another religion... instead YOU WOULD CRY OUT TO GOD FOR THEIR SALVATION. Not kill them.
the last thing you would be is afraid that many are converting to another religion... instead YOU WOULD CRY OUT TO GOD FOR THEIR SALVATION. Not kill them.
the last thing you would do is kill someone who converted to another religion... or make up laws that say You can't convert to another religion... instead YOU WOULD CRY OUT TO GOD FOR THEIR SALVATION...
Because that is what love does.

This way of thinking... this law... is backwards that would kill someone for such a reason.

If people are upset because of a few cartoons and would go up in arms all over the world, causing revolts, destruction, killings because someone supposedly "blasphemed" some prophet (which, by the way, you would not find Christians doing if someone said something evil about Elijah, Hezekiah, Obadiah, Haggai, John, Jeremiah, and other prophets... heck not even if they said something evil about Christ -- because God would take care of them, vengeance belongs to Him, not us)... then people should be upset about the fact that this stupid law exists!

BACKWARDS THINKING. Anybody else see it? Or am I the only one who escaped the box??

A Habitation of dragons? or of the Holy Spirit?

Observe some of today's churches. Is God in those places? Or is there only a pretense of God in those places?

Believers in Christ, we understand that the church is the body of Christ. It is the group of people that gather (assemble themselves together) in His name. Usually we hold church in a house of God. 1 Timothy 3:15 describes the house of God as "the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."

Not every church is fortunate enough to build - or acquire a building to be used as - a house of God. I knew of one church that gathered at different believers' houses until the day they were able to acquire a building. Today, I have learned of a church that gathers at a high school.

In the former instance, the believers of that church were devout men & women of God. They strived to keep themselves holy in all things. What does this mean? It means that they considered, "If Jesus were to visit my home, would he approve or disapprove of it?" Would He find stacks of distasteful reading material (i.e. pornography, horoscopes, how to read palms/tarot cards, gambling)? Would he approve of the television programs I watch?

Does this seem extreme? Of course it should to the carnal mind. This extreme way of life is one lived by those who are called and wish to be chosen. Those who strive to be called "faithful" and be found in the remnant. It is an extreme way of life which path can only be found by the guidance and instruction of the Holy Spirit. So at these believers' homes, there generally was not another spirit at work when church was held.

In the latter instance, I am not familiar with the hearts of the believers who gather at the high school so I do not touch them in any way here. I bring up this instance only because of a further story that was told to me. The two pastors of this church wish to purchase a certain commercial building that is zoned in an industrial section. The details of the purchase were sketchy, but I can relay only what I was told: In order to purchase the building, they have to purchase it with the assistance of a gentleman out-of-state due to this reason: as a church, they cannot buy the building. I'm not certain why as far as what laws are involved. Then, I was told the building would be used as their church for certain days of the week (i.e. Saturday, Sunday), but they will lease it out during the rest of the week to others. It was stressed to me that the City would be able to lease it out. Upon hearing this, I imagined that the pastors were going to achieve buying the building by asking for a federal grant which would then explain why they couldn't purchase it under the guise of a church, but rather under the guise of a community center. I was told this was not the case (the federal grant) & that is where the out-of-state gentleman came in... where money was concerned. Apparently, this building costs $25 million to purchase. Incredible. And the closing costs alone were $3 million.

Already, I've got a figurative red flag urgently flapping in some unseen forceful wind right in front of my eyes. I'm certain it has something to do with the sketchy reasons in the purchase process. But then, a second figurative red flag pops up next to the first one and waves about in like manner. Why? I'm told that the church is going to lease out the building to the City - and anyone else - to hold events there. And it was told to me like this, "So if someone wants to hold a KISS concert there, then KISS can play there. And if they want to serve alcohol, then that is acceptable by us. We may put a limit on how much alcohol can be served."

WOAH WOAH WOAH! Back up. Wait a minute. I need to clean my ears. I don't think I heard correctly. Did I?

Yes I did.

I do a big "Hmmm" right about here.

So then I ask, "Wait. The church is going to permit unGodly concerts and actions to be displayed inside their place of worship?"

And the answer I'm given, "It's just a building."

So I ask, "But isn't it your church?"

And I'm told, "See, you're saying the church is made of stone & steel...that it's a building. The church is the group of believers."

I didn't want to contend with a brother in Christ. But I felt we were already at odds in our ways of thinking.

I asked, "But then, what happens if these people go to their KISS concert and drink their alcohol. Then later, they find out the concert was held in a church...?"

I didn't get to finish my question - I was being told, "So? So? Hey - it's just a building."

I forced my question in, "Won't they be confused? They'd wonder why a church would permit that sort of behavior."

I was told this "tactic" (that's what it sounded like to me) would get them to come to church then.

I said, "But wait - last I recall, God is not an author of confusion. And I would think people would be a little confused about the whole thing. And you know the enemy is only going to use it and say you deceived them into going to church."

I was basically told that the reason they were going to allow the leasing of the building to the City with such liberty was because it would... and I'll paraphrase this... it would draw hell-bound people to the church.

I was then told a story about how some preachers in the past would say that if they could set up a church, they'd set it one step away from Hell's Gate. The reason being, they could save people who were on their way.

I had to point out the immediate flaw in that response, which was: "But setting up church at Hell's Gate is different than inviting Hell into the church. You could save people on the way to Hell's Gate, but permitting Hell to have free reign in the church is a-whole-nother story."

Every point that was made to me, I contested with the Scriptures. I was sad at what I was hearing. I repeatedly said, "That sounds too extreme to me. Where in the Scriptures does Jesus teach that practice? I'm going to have to pray and ask God about that concept."

As with everything I am taught regarding the things of the Lord, I refer to the Scriptures. Here are some Scriptures that back up my cringing at such tactics:

1 Corinthians 8:10 - For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

2 Corinthians 6:16 - And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 4:17 - For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

I also thought of the story in Matthew 12 about the unclean spirits being swept from the man. Now I know Jesus is talking about a man, but He has likened our bodies to the temple of God. Teaching us not to defile it. I cannot help but consider that any building that is used for the worship of God - which worship must be done in Spirit and in Truth - should not also house other spirits in the off-days that the Holy Spirit is invited. To me, that sounds like a double-standard. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

Matthew 12:25 - And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

Matthew 12:29 - Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

These are the thoughts that come to me. This church will of course do what they want. It saddens me to think of a couple things: 1) a person in a position of authority would be listened to and considered as giving sound advice or Godly wisdom simply because of their position; 2) the church is not asked to pray about the matter to determine whether it is God's will and the wisdom comes from Him; 3) nobody would ask the person placed in a position to watch over them whether or not God gave this advice; 4) The church is becoming a den of dragons.

Twenty-five million is a lot of deniro. I could understand leasing out the building simply to pay off that kind of debt. The conditions that were explained to me, however, are not ones I would agree to Scripturally. But - the fruit of it will be seen in time.

It is said twice:
Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 16:25 - There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

The heart of God is love

Each day it appears the world is getting darker. My post prior to this was about love. Let me tell you some stories about this love. It comes from God. "It" being the love...as well as the stories.

Once upon a time, there was God. The semites called him Yahweh or Jehovah. The semites were descendants of Shem, the son of Noah. (You can begin reading that story here). From the lineage of Shem came forth the Father of Nations: Abram, whose name - as it pleased God - was changed to Abraham.

Abram had a wife named Sarai whose name - as it pleased God - was later changed to Sarah. From Abraham and Hagar, the servant of Sarah, came forth Ishmael who was not the promised seed that God spoke about to him when He referred to Abraham's 'seed' in Genesis 13:15 (chapter 13 verse 15), "For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever."

Nope - Ishmael was a product of man's doing. The wife, Sarah, couldn't see how both of them in their old age could have a son (they were past 80 years old) so she encouraged her husband, Abraham, to sleep with Hagar to have this "promised son/seed".

Well, God had a plan already, but they went and tried to do what only God can do so then this here boy, Ishmael, was brought into the picture. When Sarah got jealous of Hagar (because Hagar was prancing around like she was the wife, all because she bore a son to Abraham), Hagar ran away and was by a fountain out in the desert. The angel of the Lord said this to her:

"I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude."
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, "Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren."

So Hagar goes back to the camp and submits herself. Later, God does what he promised and gives Abraham and his wife, Sarah, their child: Isaac.

Hagar couldn't resist mocking Sarah & Sarah caught her doing it. So she had the slave woman cast out of the camp with her son to let her know that Ishmael was not the true heir of Abraham. The father's heart was grieved because of it - I mean Ishmael was the little son he played with for the 13 years. A father doesn't teach a son, play with a son, love a son for 13 years and then easily discard him like that. But God promised Abraham that he would make a nation from Ishmael because Ishmael was of Abraham's seed (sperm). After Abraham set Hagar out with Ishmael, she tried to turn away and let her son die under a bush because the water bottle that Abraham gave them was empty. God heard the voice of Ishmael. Whether Ishmael was crying or praying or what, the Bible does not say. Simply that God heard the voice of the lad. So the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, asking her what was making her sad...and then re-assured her that God heard the boy and would make a great nation out of him. Then God opened her eyes to see the water that she used to fill the water bottle up with. God was with Ishmael. He grew and lived in the desert & became an archer. And Hagar got him a wife from Egypt.

From the seed of Abraham came two nations: Ishmael and Isaac.
Isaac was the promised seed. But since Ishmael was also of his seed, the Lord followed through with His promise of blessing his seed and giving his seed the land that Abraham had seen. The Lord said all the families in the earth would be blessed because of Abraham and whomever blessed him would be blessed, but whomever cursed him would be cursed. The end. for now.

That's a bit of history to be reminded of there.
Now let's talk about God and love.

John chapter 1 verse 1:In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
verse 14: and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us...

The Word was Christ. Notice the capitalization showing personification of the Word. The Word was the person of Jesus, the fullness of Christ. The Son of God.

1 John 1: 7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

The minute a group of people who profess to "know God" or "worship God" begin to riot, get upset, get angry, demonstrate, act in rebellion, act in hatred, damage, destroy, kill, maim.... in the name of God... I have to question what sort of "god" do they serve?

For the God of Heaven and Earth - the Alpha & Omega - the King of Kings & Lord of Lords ... He does not need man to tell Him what is in man's heart. For He knows all that is in the heart of men/women. His arm is not too short that He cannot spare, heal, bless... nor is it too short that He cannot strike, pluck up, wipe out. He is God and that's just the way it is. He does not need mere mortal men of flesh and blood to "act on His behalf" EXCEPT IN ONE FASHION: To demonstrate His love.

TO DEMONSTRATE HIS LOVE - one to another.

Men, children, women killing others because they don't believe like they do... they don't have the same skin color they do... they aren't of the same bloodline as them... they don't come from the same race... This is murder and it's an abomination to God.

Believing that God would bless us with fleshly lusts, desires, and other things of the flesh when we "go to be with Him" or when "that day comes" is a false teaching.
God does not tolerate sin. He would not have a harem waiting in heaven for any man for any reason.

God does not tolerate murder. He demonstrated the greatest love of all: Even though we did not know Him, He sent His son to demonstrate His love to us...and in our arrogant ignorance we killed His son. By "we" I mean "the world". But more importantly, His son Jesus the Christ, knew that this was going to happen and HE OBEYED THE FATHER ALL THE WAY UNTO DEATH.

Because He loved you.

Before you were ever fashioned in your mother's womb, before you were even a thought, even while there were plans set out to destroy your life prior to your being birthed...and even thereafter, GOD knew your name.

God knew your name.

God does not forget us. We forget Him.
He gave us Jesus to demonstrate who He is, what He is about, how deep He loves us, and to show us how we can become sons of God.

1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Jesus Christ is the Resurrection and the Life. By his own power - which God gave him - he raised himself from the grave. He was clothed in a new body. His blood was presented to the Father for the purification of our sins. Thomas the doubter could stick his finger in the holes in his hands, but he could not see nor touch blood because there was no blood. The blood washed away our sins. One final scapegoat to take away the sins of the men.

All we have to do is believe. All we have to do is confess that Christ Jesus is the son of God and believe on His name. Couple that with faith and obey the Word. The Word was made flesh. The Word was uttered, "Let there be light" and it was good. God's word remains forever. The Word was written in the pages we call the Bible because the Spirit of God was obeyed by men who loved God. The Word gives us life, instructs us, gives us wisdom, dispels myths and fabels, teaches us truth, and shows us the Father.

Any who do not profess that Christ came in the flesh from the Father have the spirit of anti-Christ.

1 John 4:2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

I think as we watch the news concerning certain peoples, we can see there is much hatred toward their neighbors near and far. I think many of us find such behavior pretty wild. But God did say that he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. And I did just remind you that every jot and tittle shall come to pass that the Word of God has said. We're watching prophecy come true before our very eyes. I don't know how many of you are awake and aware of the changes in the spirit realm... nor of the prophetic fulfillments that are coming to pass in these days. It's amazing to behold.

Do you have His love in you?
Do you love others? Even when they hate you? Or when they spitefully use you?
Do you bless those who curse you?

Ultimately - in posing those questions, the main question is:
Do you have the heart of the Father?

1 Corinthians 13:13And now abideth faith, hope, [love], these three; but the greatest of these is [love].

Read the Bible - choose your language