Knowing Our Place In This World

I've neglected my blog for a while now. I partially blame this on Facebook, because I can make instant "posts" to what is affecting me in this world at any particular time. That one thing has severely hindered my will to write blog posts for a couple of years now. It's not that I don't have anything to say, I just say it multiple times a day, through a different outlet.

Saying that - some things require a different outlet, as a small comment window on Facebook, filled with blog post worthy ramblings will often go by unread, even if the content is spot on. People are just too lazy to read. But, that doesn't mean that God will not draw the attention and focus from those who He would have read the post, even if it is only one or two people.

I made such a rambling just now and knew that I had to put it in blog form, as my Facebook feed will go largely unseen. So here is my post, copied and pasted for the whole World Wide Web to possibly see, instead of my current 563 friends on Facebook alone. This is my heart right now, in light of the recent things happening in my world, in our world.

Sinners are going to sin. Period. It's not our "job" to call them out on it, it's our "job" to continue loving them. Period. This is the same as Christ's example of dining with tax collectors and prostitutes, because it was so radical in His day to do so.

I have friends who are sinners. I enjoy their company. I enjoy talking to them and building friendships with them. I may not have the bond with them as I do with a brother or sister in Christ, but there are bonds there.They do not agree with me on everything, and they still love me (like, some may call it because the term "love" is strong for some folks). I do not agree with them on everything and I still love them.

The world is our mission field. Our command is to "go, make disciples", not "go, tell people that they are sinners", although that topic will come up from time to time. God has placed each Christian within their very own, personal mission field no one else has your scope of influence, no one knows everyone in your circle, do not take it for granted.

The recent events in Kentucky have given me new perspectives. I am firm on my definition of marriage, because I know from God's Word what marriage is to Him- It is the earthly picture of Christ's love for His Bride, the Church and anything contrary to husband and wife is a distortion of that picture. But, the world is going to be the world. Those who do not know God are not going to follow God. That does not mean we cave or bend to the world, it means that we continue to stand on God's Word and show the world Christ's example. We do not say "yes, you're correct and we need to re-examine our stance in this time and understanding place in time" - We continue to say "This is what God says and even though I disagree with you I still love you, I still call you my friend, my brother, my sister, my mother, my co-worker, my son, my daughter, my boss, my server at the restaurant, my check out person at the grocery store, my tax collector, my banker, my ........".

We are salt and light to this world. We are to show how God has made us different. I have seen this example in others and have learned (discipled, if you will) into a better understanding of what Christ meant when He said those words. This doesn't mean that I condone any sinful lifestyle, this means I love my friends regardless, even when everyone else turns their back on them. This means that I extend my hand any time they fall and not say "I told you so". It doesn't matter the particular application, we are to simply be Christ to this world. Period. How that looks to each member of the Body will vary, but all will have the same goal - To glorify the Father through Christ.

I always stand on God's Word as authority, even in these dark days, with major issues in opposition to God here in the USA; especially in these days. I will not bend, I will not waver, but I will continue to love my neighbor just as Christ did.

I could go into the implications of standing firm for God, being called a "hater" a "bigot" ,etc. but nothing could be further from the truth. The reaction from the world should not deter or make us waver. Continue to love. Continue to extend your hand. Continue to be Christ, even to death if that is the final outcome, with the words of Jesus ringing true from your mouth, in hopes that some will be saved "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they do".

Of Gungor And Scripture And Discernment And...

I am perplexed. Baffled. Puzzled. Bewildered. Confounded. Utterly confused. I can’t seem to figure something out that is taking place in perceived Christianity.

I have been a champion for always being wary of what you are consuming, especially when it comes to the entertainment that you allow to enter your mind and affect you to the core. (See Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here and here. I have been aware of the namesake for the band Gungor’s recent remarks about his views against Biblical accuracy. I did not, however, look into exactly what his remarks were until today.

I first starting reading an article about Ken Ham, of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum, which he was addressing Gungor’s stance against Biblical accounts of creation and publicly calling Gungor to repent. I stopped reading shortly into the article because I wanted to read Michael Gungor’s actual words first, without having an opinion formed about what Gungor said, without reading what Gungor said. (Here is a post directly from Ken Ham)

Having never listened to Gungor, the only opinion I had formed about Gungor was based on people expressing how “great” the music was that the band had been producing. I have never heard a Gungor song, I have never heard Gungor talk even. I had a fresh slate, no kind of preconceived notions of what this man believes. As I read Michael Gungor’s words I began getting the feeling that the term “fundamentalist” was being used derogatorily and that Mr. Gungor harbored some animosity for those that might actually believe what the Bible says.

Gungor’s arguments seemed to match up with the world outside of perceived Christianity. From belittling those that believe the Biblical accounts of creation and Adam and Eve to be factual to likening the Bible’s account of Noah and the ark to an episode of Star Trek I was seeing that Gungor has been heavily influenced by this world’s lack of understanding of Scripture. (Original Gungor post - Followup post)

I will stop short of calling Michael Gungor a non-Christian, but I think that may be a real likely thing. Why is that? Can’t someone believe science trumps scripture and still be a Christian? Sure they can. How is that? Because there are a lot of Baby Christians out there who do not have the proper understanding of scripture and do not understand the Bible’s true nature. It is The Word of God. Period. The Bible is not simply a narrative of events, a collection of nifty stories or an outdated list of rules as Gungor and others would try to persuade. It is a reflection of the Nature of God. And with that statement I end up firmly on Gungor’s naughty list of Biblical Fundies.

I am praying that the Gungors take Ken Ham up on his invitation to visit the Creation Museum and to learn what the Biblical narrative really is. The scientists at the Creation Museum have volunteered to meet with the Gungors and show them how a ship could fit all of the animals that scripture says it did. They will be able to see where the water came from, the paths that it carved as it receded, the fossil beds that its aftermath left. If Michael Gungor visits the museum and is a Christian he certainly must change his understanding of what the Bible says and change his perceptions of Scripture as true and stop ridiculing those that actually believe what the Bible says.

Saying all of this I come to the real point of this post, the reason I am confused. Many a true believer have held the wrong understanding of the Biblical accounts as Michael Gungor holds. I would even venture to say that there are probably other mainstream CCM musicians that hold the same beliefs. What I find perplexing is the castigation of Gungor in light of this, the night and day perception of Gungor without actually trying to have a straight forward and heart to heart discussion with and to Michael Gungor. Michael Gungor has been accursed by a lot of people for his views and his words (rightfully so?). So why is that perplexing to me? Because other musical groups that blatantly and obviously believe and teach heretical doctrine are openly welcomed in Christian circles.

It is a sad state that a wrong view of the Bible, maybe caused by a lack of study or discipleship, sets someone outside the camp with folks washing their hands clean of Gungor while groups like Philips, Craig and Dean are defended, praised and lifted up as “brothers” when their view of God is blatantly heretical. PC&D not only believe heresy they also teach the heresy of Modalism with a kicker of a Prosperity gospel in the “churches” that they “pastor”.

Discernment is a rare commodity these days. False teachers/ prophets abound in our world today, smiling and telling you that your best life is now, that you can speak things into existence. False religions are being held as acceptable simply because the popular adherents hold the same political views as most Conservative Christians do (Glenn Beck, Mitt Romney). The ones that must be named get a free pass, while Gungor gets tied to the stake in mainstream circles. Rather ironic, I must say.

So, what to do? My suggestion is to see how Michael Gungor reacts to Ken Ham’s invitation. No preconceived narratives from me on what “might” happen or what Mr. Gungor “might” say or do with the invitation. I am fairly confident though, that if Michael Gungor accepts the invitation, sees the Christian view of Creation, with the scientific backing of Christian scientists, with PHDs, that he will change his view of Scripture and become a radical fundie, just like me.

What this boils down to, in my view, is that people are too heavily influenced by the musicians they like. Entertainment, music, musicians, movies, etc. are all chosen with what the flesh seems to enjoy. That is an alright thing, but that definitely doesn't trump Biblical accuracy and doing a little research into a band that catches your ear. We are to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and I am really certain that music, which impacts your mind and spirit, must be investigated before "liking" it and adding it to your MP3 player. Christians must be diligent to always look beyond what their foot taps to and see what theology has laid the foundation for what you are consuming. If you know a band or singer has some questionable theology then you would be wise to avoid them at all costs. If the TV preacher teaches contrary to scripture then you must mark them as anathema and avoid them, not "chew up the meat and spit out the bones". 

Discernment is lacking greatly in all areas of Christianity. How is that remedied? By knowing what the Bible says, by studying scripture, by taking God at His Word and applying it to your life and letting it shape you (Romans 12:2, Philippians 2:5). Simply follow Christ and God's Word. Let God be your guide and not what is popular in the world or within Christian circles.

What Is Discernment?

Discernment. That word, these days, causes much strife and grief, especially among church folk. The question is then: "Should it?" As I begin this series I have my own opinion, but I am going to practice a little discernment off the bat and not interject my opinion at this point.

This series will reflect the biblical definition(s) of discernment, when we should practice it, when we shouldn't, how to practice it and other aspects. My plan is to have this be an ongoing lesson, hopefully with input from anyone who may happen onto this series. I have become increasingly frustrated with a call to not practice discernment, to just accept everything that adds the name "Jesus" or "Christian" to it as being orthodox. So many these days get upset, angry, that someone or something is pointed out as being in opposition to God's Word. That just shouldn't be. Why? We shall find out together.

I have no definite timetable or definite path that this series will run, only to be as biblically focused as possible. I cannot say that my personal viewpoints will not be seen and I actually think that they will be seen in detail. I have some very stern views, at this point, on discernment, but with the exploration within the series I am praying that I will be led of God to accurately divide what His Word says and apply it to myself and learn.

You are cordially invited to come along on this journey with me. To a destination of understanding and a pursuit of what God says about this topic.

Who better to start the series off with than Charles Spurgeon:

Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right.

To The Breaking Point

I've seen it firsthand. Actually I am seeing it more readily now. The bending of morality to the point of breaking. Once a person's morals are weakened then it makes it easier for them to bend and break in other areas. So, what is the reason for this? Let's explore it together.

Any number of "bendings" may start the slide down the slippery slope, which is then followed by any other "bending". All are rooted in either personal gratification or an skewed view of humanity and the Aleister Crowley view of "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law". In other words, "If it feels good to you then no one else can say anything about it". You may also have heard this, seemingly harmless, put as "Live and let live". It does sound quite cushy and respective of others, but it can and is very damaging. Of course, this way of thinking is built around the post-modern thinks of "all truths are valid", which is self-contradictory and refutes itself in those 4 words.

Truth is a "static" thing; it doesn't move, it doesn't waver and it is fixed. Nothing can change a truth, nothing can prove a truth incorrect or invalid. Some people today would have you believe that "truth" is whatever you perceive as reality. This could go as far as saying 2+2=5 can be correct to you. Of course, anyone with a 1st grade education knows that 2+2=4 and that there is no wavering and no other correct answer. In that same vein, we know that reproduction of life is by one male and one female, that is a law of nature. Some would have you believe that it is perfectly "natural" for those of the same sex to have "relations" and to have the same relationship that heterosexuals do. In scripture it is called sin and an abomination to God, since He created man and woman to be one, not a perversion for sexual desires between same sex people. But some, even some that call themselves Christians, would say that the Word of God is incorrect, even try to make a mockery of God's Word by pulling in archaic verses out of context while saying, "If you think being gay is a sin, then so is eating shrimp or cutting your hair". Of course this is proof that this person doesn't know the Word of God and that they hold human desires above scripture. This is a very dangerous place to be for a person. It would be better if that person would just deny being a Christian, as their portrayal of being a follower of Jesus is actually blasphemous when they try to speak contrary to the Word of God.

So, the perception that lying is normal is one of the things that some people bend on. Others may be drunkenness, drugs, theft, hatred, gambling, sex outside of marriage, speeding, slothfulness, abortion and any number of other things that go against the Truths of God. Once you have bent and broken one, it is not hard to bend and break another, then another, then another and then end up in the mind state of "Live and let live. To each his own. Who am I to say something is wrong?" That is exactly why we, as the human race, need a solid foundation in which to put our trust - Jesus Christ.

God is unchanging (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17, Hebrews 13:8), very unlike our human existence. Look at the rise and fall of societies, look at the short life of the U.S.A. for example. See how morality has declined in just the past 40 years. This may be due to the lack of reverence for God or the lack of reverence may just be an evidence of the human quest for independence from God, the view that "we" are god and "we" choose our path. Thing is that "path" is a path to destruction without God. Wavering on just one single fact that is plainly laid out in scripture will always lead to other errors. Laying aside known Truth will always end in destruction, which is where our country and our world is headed.

In 1973 Roe V Wade set the path for infanticide, which  has now led to a President and government that wants to force Christians to pay for this murdering of babies. This one court case, set into motion a series of events, a decline over 40 years that has culminated in 1.5 million baby murders per year, in the U.S.A alone. Our government not only allows these murders, but they promote and provide these murders.  Show me in scripture where killing babies is a "good thing". Show me where telling a lie is acceptable or there is room given to make excuses for telling a lie to try and change the outcome of something. Where in the Bible does it say that "all truths are valid"? None of that is in there and Scripture condemns all of that. So we can only conclude that anyone who promotes the things that God condemns cannot be a Christian at all, they are trying to make a mockery of God and His Word.

The breaking point is always within our reach. This is why we must always rely on and go to God's Word for EVERYTHING. While it may not lay out, in detail, the particular issues you may be facing, the principles are there. Do not try to bend God's Word to fit your stinkin' thinkin'. Turn your heart to the Word and allow your mind to be transformed by the Word

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Weighty Matters

Last year, here on my blog,  I chronicled my journey on my way to losing 60+ pounds. Over a 10 month (+/-) time frame I had many people telling me how good I looked, asking me how I was losing the weight and just over all being a cheerleader for me. I appreciated those comments, but when my new “look” had become old news the support dwindled.

It was October or so of last year, while on a business trip, that I decided that I was going to “splurge” for the trip. That set off a chain reaction that had me gaining back a lot of the weight I lost. How much? I have no idea, because I refuse to weigh myself. I’m disgusted that I allowed the weight to come back and I’m disgusted that I lost the will to jump back on the wagon and keep the weight dropping. I succumbed to food again and had dove full force into the old eating habits that I once had.

What was different during the time that I had begun to gain the weight back was that others never mentioned my weight gain, as they had my weight loss. I’m sure it was because they thought I would be embarrassed by the comments or didn’t want to hurt my feelings, so I don’t fault anyone, but I do wonder why I only had a couple of people ever mention my weight gaining.

I do think that it may have made some difference in my perceptions. If I had known that others were noticing, then I may have stepped back and reevaluated what I was doing. During the time I have gained the weight back I was not being held accountable by anyone. I depended on myself to “saddle up” and muster up the will power to stop eating the food that held me captive, but always put it off. “What’s another Swiss Roll going to do?” or “What is one more trip to the Pizza Inn buffet going to add?” Which I determined wouldn’t be a lot. And that is probably true, a single Swiss Roll or a single dinner at Pizza Inn would not have made much of an impact, but it was deeper than that. It was sin.

Reflecting on the roller coaster of weight loss (this time), I have seen how it does parallel sin. I see that I need support, both while I am doing “good” and winning the battle. But, more importantly I need the support when the battle is beating me. I need to be held accountable for the sins in my life. I need people to point out that I treat my wife lousy some times, that I raise my voice to often at the kids, that lust runs rampant, food becomes an idol and laziness just breeds more laziness and excuses. I believe this is part of bearing our brothers sins/ burdens (Galatians 6:1-2, Romans 15:1, Proverbs 27:17, James 5:13-20, Ephesians 4:25)

We are weak creatures. We often times act from the flesh rather than from the spirit. We forget that these bodies are dying and that we are just passing through this world, en route to our true home. We tend to think “now” is time to feed this flesh of our selfish desires, to sin and sin big. We push God to the side and say, “Let me take it from here, I’ve got it under control now”. This is why we need each other. We need to lovingly come beside our brothers and sisters in Christ, our wives and husbands, or children and parents and help carry them, help them see points of sin that they may not even realize is there or may be saying as I did about eating, “I’ll do better tomorrow”. Sad thing is that tomorrow usually does not come and sin is not dealt with and things get worse. The weight piles on and the sin kills.

I just ask that we each look at our motives. Look inward and ask yourself why we do not lovingly tell someone that you have noticed sin in their life. It is actually one of the most loving things you can do for a Christian. I am not saying to become a fruit checker and try to be someone’s Holy Spirit, but allow God to use you and work through you for the sanctification of others and also for yourself. Confess to one another, become accountable to one another, be open for rebuke and be open to give rebuke. I do not hold anyone other than myself at fault for my sins or my weight gain, but I do know that if someone would have lovingly told me that they noticed the pounds coming back, or the snack cakes in my lunch or the PB&J’s that I ate on a regular basis, I probably would have heeded their words and snapped out of my self deception. The same goes for my sin. If someone confronts me and says, “ I have noticed ……., let’s pray together about this and allow me to help carry this load with you” it would make me step back and actually see things I have allowed to blind me.

Just a little food for thought….. Pun intended.

God's Amazing Grace

If I were to have started this blog today, instead of years ago I would probably have titled it “That Grace May Abound”. Not that I wasn't aware of God's grace(s) at that time, but He was showing me so much truth from His Word and about what I had been living for the bulk of my life. Today, my 44^th Birthday, as I reflect back over the past years of my life I see the signs and evidences of God's grace throughout. Yes, even when I was lost and in rebellion to my Lord, He was still pouring His grace and His love out in my life. Grace is often attributed as "unmerited favor" or a reprieve of guilt and with those I totally agree with, but it is also the natural extension of God's love to His children. 

I think about my childhood, about how He put me in a church, to learn the bible stories that showed His power and how He worked in people's lives like David, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Noah, Moses and many others in the Bible. I never really learned, though, why these stories were in the bible, that they all actually pointed to Christ, but nonetheless, they were laying groundwork in my life to point me to Him later in life. I think of my “rebellious” years, which were actually all my years until He saved me. But the ones that stick out are when I openly flung my fist in the air and said, “I'm doing this my way, I'll do what I want – when I want”. All the time thinking that I was saved because of a profession as an 8 year old in that same church's youth group.

The years passed and I can honestly only think of only a single night that, as I lay down to sleep, I did not pray to the god I had created in my own mind. The reason? I dozed off drunk. I would always pray for forgiveness, for the same sins, for the life that I lived and for the multitude of sins I committed each day. God was still graceful to me, He kept me safe, He kept those around me safe, He still allowed me the days until I would finally and truly know Him.

I see the signs of God working my life through the years. Even though, at the time, I didn't realize it was Him. The things I prayed for that never came to pass, the things I did pray for that actually did. The staying of His wrath against me as I defiled His Name by professing to know Him, all the while living in open sin to and with those I was making the profession to. I know first hand the deception of a false convert, which is again by His grace. I attribute this to my “zeal” for truth. I just so greatly want others that live in deception to be awakened from their slumber and meet the One True God.

I have in my recent past, since God saved me, seen His grace in many ways. Today He has shown me that a lot of times His grace is shown through people He has put in my life. I think about people that for many different reasons should have had their anger heightened toward me, in my zeal (misdirected zeal) said and did things that I should have actually stopped to think about beforehand. But God in His richness of Grace allowed these people to react with the grace that I lacked. These occurrences have made a huge impact on me and I now see that these, too, were an act of God's grace in my life. God has used these people in many ways and without that grace shown I would not be where I am today. I still have the “zeal” for His truth, but also have a fresh zeal for His Grace. It is through His grace that I have a better understanding of how to interact with others better. Not perfectly by a long shot, but better.

In 2010, on my birthday, I set out on a year long journey on this blog titled “A Year In MY Life ThroughPictures”. It seemed like a good idea at first, but soon became somewhat tedious. I do not regret doing the series, but it did leave a sense of antipathy ($2 word alert) to me, I just didn't want to write any longer. I was burned out and I was spent. I needed a break. So, since finishing the year long series in 2011, on my birthday, I have been sporadic, at best, with my postings. A few things here and there have sparked me to bang something out, but no real inspiration. Until now. Why? I have no idea, but I feel the need to start posting again.

Let me say something again that I have said from the get-go on this blog. I AM NOT A WRITER. I hated English class in high school. I hated diagramming sentences. I can't spell. I do not properly punctuate. I make up words. I ramble on and on. I lack sentence structure. I lack any sense of writing ability that would characterize someone that anyone else would want to read. But I think of Moses, who had a speech impediment, whom God used anyway. I think of Jeremiah who tried to talk God into not using him:

Jeremiah 1:4-9 

4 The word of the Lord came to me: 5 I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations. 6 But I protested, “Oh no, Lord, God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth.” 

7 Then the Lord said to me:

Do not say, “I am only a youth,”

for you will go to everyone I send you to

and speak whatever I tell you.

8 Do not be afraid of anyone,

for I will be with you to deliver you.

This is the Lord’s declaration.

9 Then the Lord reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and told me:

I have now filled your mouth with My words.

Not that I should be compared to Moses or Jeremiah, but God is still God and I am still feeble. Moses and Jeremiah tried to talk God out of using them and I have done that too. But I see that God can use whoever He pleases, however He pleases, whenever He pleases and I don't want to miss that. I want to be aware when He is using me and actually, willingly and openly be used of Him in whatever capacity that is. I don't want to miss God like I did 38 years of my life.

So I ask anyone who ventures upon this blog site to be graceful of my mistakes, I make them often. Please do not hesitate to correct me grammatically or if I have something wrong spiritually. I would actually prefer that you correct me, so I do not continue in error. But some things you may be in error in as well and I ask that you seek correction too. God is still graceful to the humble, but not the prideful. I have learned that the hard way, through my stubbornness and through my lack of grace to others. God has been very good to me and has corrected me through His grace and through His grace through others.

What better way to describe grace than this:

Ephesians 2:4-9

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Becoming More Like The World

I want to start out saying what this blog post is NOT. I am sure there will be some offended by this post and think I am speaking of them, or about their own personal choices. While I do not participate in the activities I am going to write about I am not going to point a finger of legality and tell someone to stop doing something. The closest I will get is to highly recommend searching scripture and seeing what your actions represent - this world or the Holy God if the Universe.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

I know many people that celebrate Halloween. Out of them I will assume that the majority are either admitting to not be Christians, some professing to be Christians and then a small percentage true believers of Christ. I say that fearfully, because the subject of this "holiday" has its roots in the occult and pagan rituals. And yes, I know that Christmas also had its start way back as an alternative to pagan rituals. I do not condone the worldly celebrations of Christmas either, just as I do not condone anything that is not focused on Jesus Christ Himself.

I do not want to go into pointing fingers, throwing accusations or causing division because we don't agree on celebrating Halloween or not, that is not my intent not my mindset. I just want to address something that was really brought to the forefront of my mind this morning, while hearing a conversation that a few of my coworkers were having about "trick-or-treaters" last night. The usual "did you have fun" kind of small talk went on for a few moments, then the subject of how many little goblins and ghouls showed up wanting their little bags filled with sugary snacks. It seemed that these folks were disappointed that not many had stopped by their doors looking for a treat. The next words are what really exposed what this "holiday" is becoming; "Yeah, I don't think as many kids are trick or treating because all of the churches are doing the trunk or treats". Wow, that just really hit home to me at that moment.

To hear these people talk about how "churches" are taking over this "holiday" really disturbed me. Of course most do not use the name "Halloween" in their titles. Most use "Harvest Party", "Fall Festival" or the popular "Trunk Or Treat", all of which still are just celebrating Halloween. The same things take place, the same exchanges take place, ask any kid what they are doing and they know, but the parents seem to just want to call it an "alternative" to Halloween, when it is actually becoming the popular and preferred mode of celebrating Halloween..... at a church.

Is this really what Christ died for? Are churches really supposed to be conforming to the world like this? Actually becoming the world, sprucing up the title and "Christianizing" a pagan holiday? I think not. I think the church is supposed to be doing the opposite and being a beacon of light to this dark world. How can the light shine if it is dressed up like the world? That brings a mental picture of Luke 11:33-36 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” Instead the churches seem to really enjoy delving into this dark holiday.

I will stop right there, so I do not start getting personal. I want this to stay focused on churches that are to be shining the Light of Christ to this world, not gleefully embracing darkness. Of course it is individuals that make up the body/ congregation. At best this practice is pragmatic, but extremely dangerous to those that participate and shows a mixed message to the kids that they are trying to protect and offer an "safe" alternative to trick or treating. I would say that their spiritual well being would be more important than a sack full of candy. Use this day (October 31) to teach of Martin Luther's nailing of the 95 Thesis to the church door. After all, "Reformation Day" seems to be the best "alternative" to Halloween..... Just sayin'

Occupy Wall Street And Christianity Are A Match?

I'm sitting here in my hotel room, 800 miles from home and my loved ones, fending off sleep since I woke up at 3:15 this morning for the red-eye out of Paducah. So, what is a guy to do? Well, this guy decided to check out the broo-ha over the Occupy Wall Street movement going on across the U.S.
I've heard about this “movement” for a couple of weeks now, but admittedly haven't paid it much attention. Downtime away from home seems to allow for things done that I normally do not do, like search for information on “movements” of a worldly nature. “Why?” You may ask. Because I wanted to make an informed decision on my thoughts of what this is all about.

After looking at a few websites, even those that say they are “part” of the movement, I still don't know a lot about what these folks are trying to accomplish. Well, that is not exactly true, as they seem to be “for” being against a lot of things with “corporate greed” as a main focus. The first web-page I encountered was a demonstration that happened to have a video embedded within the page, so I indulged and watched it. I soon discovered what a “People's Microphone” is and also quickly discovered that the majority (99%) of those that I saw in the video and in several photos appeared to be modern hippies. I also saw that the “majority” in their open voting at the location liked to silence anyone that was outside of their “99%” mentality.

Let me explain the “99%” mentality. It is simply their assumption that 1% of America's richest run everything, while the other 99% have to deal with the repercussions. Alright, sounds good on the surface, but what about the meat of what this movement stands for. What exactly are the people involved in this trying to accomplish/ what are they against? Let me take a deep breath and list a few things for you:
Raise taxes on the rich
Raise taxes on corporations
End “corporate welfare”
Support of trade unions
“Protection” of Social Security/ Medicare in their current forms
Audit or elimination of the Federal Reserve
Affordable health care
Ending all wars
Elimination of student loan repayment
Peace (?)
And a unlimited number of other “issues”

Now, while I do agree with some of those demands, I do not agree with their thinking behind them. It appears to me, and many others, that this movement is made up of liberal freeloaders that want the government to be a socialized mess taking care of them indefinitely. Really? The way I see it is that the majority of those that I saw on the news sites, videos and pictures are of the younger age bracket that has been raised with entitlements ingrained into them. This is nothing new, but we are now seeing how the past several decades of government welfare has molded upcoming generations. I would say that it is no stretch to say that the majority of those involved are part of the 50% of Americans that pay 0 in income taxes and actually receive back more than they have paid in, thanks to our faulty tax codes (that is another issue).

One ironic side of this whole debacle is endorsements by the likes of Kanye West, Michael Moore, Roseanne Barr, Susan Surandon and Russel Simmons. All of these are multi-millionaires, by the way, with Simmons owning a debit card company that is one of the major industries behind “corporate greed”. Hmm.

So, what does this have to do with me? Why am I writing about this on this Christian blog? Because it seems that a group called “The Protest Chaplains” has jumped into the fray, claiming to be Christians and thereby saying that they represent the Body of Christ. With this I take offense and if you are a Christian so should you. I invite you to check out their website and to read their “What We've Learned So Far” list. This list is actually a set of guidelines for people to participate as “chaplains”, but as acting as chaplains they are to totally set aside their Christian faith and stand opposed to Jesus Christ and the Bible. Among these guidelines are; Interfaith “spirituality”, learn from the Occupy Wall Street movement instead of the movement learning from Christianity, Don't defend your religion because it is not your job to, practice nonviolent communication and active listening, do not proselytize (evangelize because it is obnoxious and detrimental to the movement), be a resource (do, do, do, work, work, work), encourage YOGA, meditation, Muslim prayers and let what happens happen and the ever popular “uncreate division”.

Whew, that sounds an awful lot like Christianity, huh? Not! It is the exact polar opposite and stands contrary to everything in scripture. So, yeah! I am offended because this group of “chaplains” that claim faith in Christ, trying to pass themselves off as members of His Body, want Christians to endorse other religions, learn from a worldly movement and totally ignore the great commission and shun evangelizing these lost and perverted members of society. Why must groups like this bring Christ into this ungodly movement centered in worldliness? Why try to say that Jesus would want us to accept what is going on?

What I see with these misguided people, is that they do not understand Christianity and do not truly know Jesus Christ. They have a very distorted view of the Word of God and sadly have fallen into an ecumenical mindset that believes all roads lead to God. Why take principles of scripture and try to relate them to this mammon driven movement? Why take the “golden calf” of Wall Street and use it to say that Jesus has compassion on these people that are actually guilty of idolatry as well, saying how much they deserve the money over Wall Street and Corporate America. Just “spread the wealth” instead of it going to the companies that are making the money. I can't stand the entitlement/ victim mentality that seems to have attached itself to all those involved in this movement.

I am not part of what they call the 99%. I am not part of the 1% that they say runs the U.S. I am a middle class American that works hard, pays my taxes, pays my bills, loves Jesus and wants everyone else to come to a saving faith in Christ. That all flows from my relationship with Jesus and I will not compromise any of that because of any movement. Scripture paints it clear that if you deny Christ that He will deny you. If you compromise the Gospel, enter into interfaith communion and think Christians can learn from a misguided movement of liberals then you are very far gone and need to seriously examine your faith. I will say, without a doubt, that if you are following the guidelines of the “Protest Chaplains” you are not a true Christian. If you disagree show me scripture that supports the things I quoted from their website. If you can I will give a humble apology and write a retraction. I am 100% certain you can not find anything, in context to support the things they stand for/ against. But I am always willing to be proven wrong.

FYI – Saying that I am a left-wing, conservative, Fox News watching, Rush Limbaugh listening Pharisee is not proving anything except you are childish.

Winding Down

Day 338 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Well, the old blog series is in it's last month. The countdown is on. I have decided that it will not extend past the one year mark and a lot of you are probably saying, "Thank goodness it's over. Now maybe he will actually pick a topic and write about one thing". Admittedly I kind of waned in my regular postings because of the daily picture posts, but I did have a few "regular" topic posts over the year as well.

I am hoping that this series got me in the habit of writing more, maybe not better, but just more. I would like to become a better writer, but unfortunately my writing skills were never there to begin with. During my school days I did terrible in English and writing and never really cared to get any better. Now, looking back, I know I should have paid more attention and actually did the work I was supposed to do.

Who knows, maybe I will break down and actually take a few classes. We have a few area colleges that would be excellent. Thing is it would be like starting high school over again as I do not remember much. I don't know if they have refresher classes, but if so they would really be beneficial. One school, which happens to be a Christian college, offers a single night a week over 2 years to get a degree. That may be the way for me to go, if I go that is.

I still get a fairly good hit count on this blog. Most hits are from web searches for a few of he topics I have written about. The top 3 are probably "Gray areas in Christianity", "Are the members of U2 Christians" and "Craig Groeschel/ The Christian Atheist". Maybe I can add a few new hit makers to the mix. I don't think it is a priority to add something to bump counts, but I do think it helps to spread the Gospel. I try to fit in the Gospel to almost every post I do and/ or tell my testimony of how God saved me. If not for the Gospel and God's Grace on me I would be a very different person. I would still be looking at my "decision" at 8 years old and pointing to it as why I was saved. I would probably be divorced and who knows what I would be doing right this moment. I know that God loves me for some reason which I don't know why. I am unworthy of His mercy and grace, but he gives them both to me freely every moment of every day. I sin against Him constantly and yet He showers me in love.

If not by the grace of God.

Day Skipper

Day 318 in my "Yer In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

It happened. I missed a day in this series. After 317 days, I missed yesterday. I have an excuse though, or rather a reason, as I don't want to put blame anywhere but on me. I got wrapped up in working on the sermon jam I have been working on for a while now. I was having rendering issues and stayed up to 1:30 this morning trying to figure it out.

Turns out that I had a few other issues with the video too. I changed the parameters on a couple of the elements within the video and messed up a section of the video. So, I changed that back and added credits at the end of the video. Really I added them at the beginning and the end, but somehow the beginning got cut off, so I'll have to get that fixed again.

Seems like this has turned into a really good lesson for me on some basics of After Effects. Hopefully I will not make some of these mistakes going forward and will know how to adjust the settings properly. I just have to keep in mind why I am doing this in the first place and not dwell on my mistakes. If God is in this, then God will take control of it. I pray that I am not wasting my time and efforts in this if it is not within His will to do so. I must always seek Him through this process and give the results to Him.

I do think that the newer version of After Effects, Premier Pro and Photoshop would be a major plus to have. I believe the process would not have as many hiccups and headaches as I have now. The newer technology is really mind blowing and the intuitive programs that Adobe puts out is really impressive. I have been trying to find out if Adobe offers a similar discount for non-profits organizations as it does for education, but come up short. So, if anyone happens to read this that knows please let me know. Also, if you feel the need to purchase the CS5.5 Production Premium suite for me I would be more than happy to let you :).

Old Man River - Flood Of 2011

Day 298 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

We drove down to the river this evening to see history being made for our area. The flood of 2011 has been predicted to be "catastrophic" and "epic" by national news outlets. As of right now I would guess that the level is still pre-1997 magnitude, but it is raining right now and raining hard at times. We are also being predicted to receive more rain in the coming days. I'm sure the timing means a lot to flooding vs. adequate time to drain and I am praying that there is enough time between rain and drain to keep the waters at bay at my moms house and several friends houses.

In my pictures you will see the concrete flood wall that protects our fair city from the Ohio River. This flood wall was put into place after the 1937 Flood that ravaged many communities and did over $22,000,000 worth of damage to Paducah, which in 21st Century dollars would be in the billions. You can read about the 12.2 mile system here. I also failed to mention that some of the system is earthen and actually starts right down the street from our house. I think the natural topography of this area serves as a barrier also because we are kind of up on a small hill. Our house is actually a little over 100 ft higher than my workplace is, according to my wife's new GPS unit that tell your elevation.

Seeing this much water this close to the flood wall system is truly amazing. I see the river and its raw power and it amazes me. The same water that gives life to us can also take that same life away in an instant. I never underestimate any of God's creation and the power that He puts behind it. If, when you look at His creation, you are not awestruck. Think of the power that a lot of people cower to like storms and catastrophes, but yet never acknowledge the God that created these forces and the laws that govern them. So many people fear nature more than they do our God. How is that? How can you fear something that at most can kill your physical body, but yet not fear the One that can destroy both body and soul in hell? Matthew 10:28

So many people are deceived these days and it shows through their lifestyle. Many people profess to know God, but how can they if they live like they do not know Him? Titus 1:16 lays this out for us, rather bluntly. This single verse reputes 90% of the folks that claim to be Christians in this world (my guesstimation, not scientific). These people are the same ones that are mentioned in Matthew 7:23 when Jesus tells the false professing Christians to depart from Him on Judgment Day. Notice too that these same people cast out demons and healed people. How many people have you healed and how many demons have you cast out? For me that would be a big zero.

I pray that many are awakened to the Truth of Scripture and repent of their self centered religion that is dragging them to hell. Millions of people will end up in hell because of false teachers. This is one of the reasons we must stand up against the heresy that comes forth in the Name of Christ. Be diligent, fight the good fight and keep praying for these poor souls.

Thanks For The Memory

Day 293 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Here's a blast from the past - a 3 1/2" floppy disc. Yes, that can hold a whopping 1.44mb of information. Whew! That's a ton of information, well, it used to be about 15 years ago.

So, 15 years ago was around the time I purchased my first PC. Honestly, I paid a ton for it and my cell phone has twice the memory and probably 100 times the computing power that the PC had. The hard drive in my first PC was 3.1gb. Yep, a monster then, but virtually worthless these days.

Over the years as technology has progressed, file sizes have gotten much larger. A photo from almost any digital camera today could not even fit on one of these floppy discs that I pictured, but back in the day I could fit a hundred or so on there. As a matter of fact, my first digital camera used floppy discs as their storage device. It was a Sony Digital Mavica and cost as much as a used car. Thankfully I realized I had gone off the deep end when I bought it and sold it quickly on ebay for what I gave for it.

Actually, these floppy discs are probably so obsolete that I would have a hard time even finding a drive to read them with. I should probably check into that, because I'm sure there is a file or picture on one of these that I really need to have, but don't remember.

I thank God for technology. Many people believe it's a curse, but I believe it can be used as good or as evil. I have been greatly edified and have resources at my fingertips that one would have to, in days gone by, have attended seminary to have available to them. I can sit in front of my computer and have a face to face chat with anyone in the world in real time, that is if I had a webcam. No other time in history could people hear the Word without the advancements in technology that God has blessed us with. But like most things, the enemy also wants to partake and corrupt the gift. Because of that corruption many people want to steer really clear of any temptations that may arise with that technology. That's fine and I will respect their convictions, but they are really missing out on the wealth of resources available.

I just wonder what the Lord has in store for us in another 15 years.

Have A Drink On Me?

Day 286 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

One of the biggest questions that resounds through out Christendom is, "Is it okay for a Christian to drink alcohol?" Even though it doesn't matter what I say, I'm going to say it anyway. I believe it does align with scripture though, so that's my qualifier.

The first miracle of Jesus that's recorded? Yep, turning water into wine. This is where the questions arise. "Was the wine Jesus produced alcoholic in nature or was it just grape juice?" I have no idea and since I do not have the original text in front of me, nor would I know how to rad and interpret it anyway, I'll just say that it doesn't really matter. I don't think that Jesus turning water into wine is there for us to dissect and try to form some religious dogma around. So many people want to throw this into your face and say, "See! That's the ultimate proof that Jesus said it was ok to drink alcohol". Is that so? I don't read that.

I do, however, believe that drinking alcoholic beverages is perfectly fine for a Christian. Now, I will be called a heretic by some, but wait just a minute. Jesus always addressed the heart issue with everything, so where is your heart in this? Just because the Bible doesn't say "Thou shalt not drink beer" does not give you free reign to get sauced every day. It is one of those "gray areas" of scripture that really is a heart issue to the core.

What is your reason for drinking? Is it to loosen up, to give you a little more freedom with your words, to help you sleep better? If yes to any of those then you are probably sinning. Why? Because you getting drunk, even if it's what you call "a buzz". This is spoken of in scripture in a few places. Ephesians 5:18 tells us point blank to not be drunk. Acts 2:13 when the Holy Spirit descended and signs wee given of that event some said they were drunk, which was derogatory in that they were babbling. Proverbs 20:1 says whoever gets drunk isn't wise. Proverbs 21:17 says wine is a mocker and strong drink a brawler and if you go astray by them you're not wise (you're dumb). Bishops in 1 Timothy 3 are disqualified if they are "given" to wine and deacons "not given to much wine". Titus 1:7 speaks also of overseers of the body and are disqualified if they are drunkards. Continuing in Titus 2 older men are told to be sober and older woman to not be "given to much wine". Rev. 14:8, 10; 16:19; 17:2; 18:3 are all used as analogies about God's wrath, immorality, etc. Luke 7:33-34 records that John the Baptist didn't drink wine, presumably to not taint his image and therefore disqualify him a a speaker for God.

I think, however, that this is actually a Romans 14 issue. Some Christians are perfectly within their right to drink a little wine here and there, it doesn't violate their conscience and therefore is not sin. Others may be heavily burdened by alcohol and therefore it would be sin to them if they drank wine, they would violate their conscience. Where this gets to be the bigger issue is when some flaunt their "freedom" to drink wine and cause strife between "weaker" brothers. Some like to actually say to those that area against drinking that they are sinning for not drinking wine, that it is a "gift" from God and that to not partake of this "gift" is sin. It is almost a bade of honor, "Look, I have total freedom to drink all of this wine and I am not sinning. You are just weak in your faith, weaker than I and this proves it". Now, that is sin. That type of attitude springs forth from the heart as pride, which is sin through and through.

But I only mentioned wine in my comments here. What about the "strong drink"? I gather that whiskey and such were not made at the time scripture was penned, so it is not even mentioned, but the spirit of the message is there. Also, "strong drink" is mentioned almost (if not every time) in a negative tone. Through a little research I found that the "strong drink" mentioned in scripture was probably beer or ale that had a higher alcohol content than wine did.

It all comes back to the heart. What is your motivation for drinking? Why do you desire alcoholic beverages? Can you function without alcohol? Are you defined by your alcoholic beverage? This is not to even mention where you drink alcohol. Do you go to bars or nightclubs? If so, then you have other issues that you might need to self examine about. Do you think yourself more spiritual because you feel free to drink wine or beer? Do you trust your heart to tell you that it's alright to drink beer or wine? Do you or have you scour(ed) scripture to justify the drinking of alcohol? If a "weaker" brother comes over will you flaunt your drink in front of him or will you put it away so it is not even an issue? Wold you drink in front of non-believers and not be convicted that it might hurt their path to salvation as John the Baptist showed?

So, it comes down to more than just being not weak or having "liberty". It always comes back to your motives, which flow from your heart. That is Jesus' point in everything, to point us to how depraved we are and how much we need Him for everything, even our choice of beverages. I'll not condemn someone for drinking a beer every now and then or having a glass of wine with their dinner, but I do think it is not one of those things to be flaunted or bragged about. Do it in your home so it doesn't hinder a brother, your testimony or the Gospel.

This does remind me of joke though:
Q: What's the difference between a Baptist and a Presbyterian?
A: The Presbyterian will say hi to you in the liquor store.
You are now free to laugh.

Hi - Ho Silver

Day 284 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I'm sure this coin is worth a few dollars and increasing daily. After all, everything seems to be going up right now, but especially gold and silver. This is due to inflation and the continued decline of the "worth" of the dollar. Many people are turning to precious metals to have something tangible "just in case" in the future.

I was talking this over with a friend at work yesterday and I mentioned that if I had some extra money I would definitely be investing it in gold or silver. He made a very good point that I hope comes out right, because it was great. He said that even gold and silver will not be worth much if and when a financial collapse happens in this country. He gave an example that he would much rather have a chicken than a bar of gold, because no one will really want a bar of gold, but everyone would want a chicken because it is usable. Very good point and put things into a little better perspective for me on the "value" placed on certain things by us humans.

I do for-see a very big financial meltdown, soon. I do have money invested in a 401K that will probably be wiped out and the little bit I earn at work will be worthless then as well. It is a scary thought if you think about how you will learn to survive without relying on money as your means of obtaining goods and services. If/ when our currency collapses what will we use? Gold? Silver? Gas? Anything else that someone puts a value on? All I've got to say is, "I'm not really worried about it".

Not being worried about something as serious as a total change of life for everyone does sound kind of flippant and arrogant, but I know my Source. I know that my Father will supply my needs as He sees fit for what condition He wants to place me in. I may have a totally different lifestyle then, but I will still be resting in the knowledge that God is in full control and nothing is taking Him by surprise.

Too many people want to place their hope and life in the money that is in their bank account. The more money they make the happier they are, or seemingly happy they are. I'm sure someone that strives for more money is really feeling down about now. They are putting their hope in an inanimate object that scripture calls the love of as the root of all kinds of evil. The large bank account they have worked so hard for, given up valuable time with their family for will be wiped out and they will be devastated. Their reason for living will be lost, to amass as much money as possible. Where will they turn then? Maybe a some will see the error in their ways and repent and turn to God as their supply, but I would chance to say that most will be shaking their fist at God and telling Him that He allowed them to go broke. Some may even resort to suicide because their whole reason for living will be gone.

We have to watch in our lives for the idols that seem to sneak in. This can be any number of things from people, jobs, a hobby, TV, the internet, your children or anything else that is elevated above God. We must be constantly aware of how depraved we are and how easily we turn our gaze from Christ. We have the greatest Treasure and we often times want to trade Him for temporal things that hold no eternal value and will be gone one day. We must cling to our Savior and resist our flesh to build idols in our life that distracts us. Focus is the key. Focus on Christ. Gaze upon Him every waking moment and commune with Him constantly. Do not give room for anything to wedge in between you and Him even a little. Call out to God to strengthen you for this and to burden your conscience if something does creep in unnoticed,

God alone is worthy of our praise.

Lost In Translation

Day 280 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Seems that I have finally figured out what the unpardonable sin is. It's not homosexuality as many would have it these days, murder or being a thief - it is not using the King James Version of the Bible or better said, using a translation of the Bible other than the KJV.

Today I was not only "unfriended" on Facebook for making a remark on a KJV onlyist's wall posting but he blocked me as well. He had stated something about the differences in the KJV and the ASV, I simply stated that I had a love for the KJV, but also believe that other translations also hold the fullness of God's Word. I wasn't snarky and I wasn't rude and BAM! less than a minute later I was blocked. I can't say that I am not bothered by it. Well, actually being blocked doesn't bother me, but folks that say others will go to Hell for using the ESV translation will really does bother me.

As I said, I love the KJV translation, I was brought up with it and only found out there were other versions later in life. That's all that anyone used or even mentioned at my church during my youth. When God actually saved me I really wanted to understand His Word so I started discovering other translations and actually did research to find one that is accurate as possible. I still have an affinity for the KJV, but do not ascribe to it as the "only" translation acceptable by God. I happen to have more KJV in my home than any others combined, so I am far from a KJV exclusionist (if there is such a thing). I do not hold disdain for anyone that chooses to use the KJV exclusively either. What I do find offense to is when someone says that it is the ONLY translation that can be used and all others are trash.

The mindset of the actual KJV onlyists is very law focused. You "must' use this version or you are damned. That is a added doctrine by these folks. This in effect changes the Gospel into another gospel that we are warned about in Galatians 1:8-9. Adding any conditions to salvation makes it us who are the reason for salvation. "I said the prayer", I walked the aisle", "I read and study the King James translation and will go to hell if I don't" are all adding to the Grace of God bestowed through the work of Christ and His Gospel. We cannot do anything to gain salvation, especially ascribing to "musts" in translations.

I will agree that there are some "translations" that are heretical, to say the least. The first that comes to mind is "The Message" and all of its incarnations. This "version" is nothing more than someone's rendition in "modern" words that really twists the meanings of the True Word of God. Others that are not good are the RSV, NRSV, New Jerusalem Bible, NWT and the latest version of the NIV and the TNIV.

On the other side are the actually good translations, which include the KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESv and the "Way of the Master's" Evidence Bible, which is actually the KJV with newer words replacing all of the thee, thou, thine and so on. Any of these I recommend. Some of them use earlier texts than the KJV did for translating.

Let's look at a single verse in different translations. The verse is 2 Corinthians 5:21, which I like to call the Gospel in a single verse. God could use this one short verse to bring about repentance in a person, it is His Word that has the power to save. So let's look and see what different translations have this verse to say and see if any of them are heresy:

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (KJV)

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.(NKJV)

2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV)

2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be (B)sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NASB)

2 Corinthians 5:21 He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (HCSB)

So, within those versions was the Gospel compromised? Were they all true to the Word? Did they all convey the Gospel, simply and truthfully? A yes to all of those questions.

So, if you are a KJV onlyist, please reconsider your unbiblical stance on saying people will go to Hell because they use a different translation. Keep using the KJV by all means, it is great, but do not condemn others because they want a Bible translation that they can actually understand. Also, one more question - where is the Spanish speaking KJV bible? Are all of those that use a different translation in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German or Swahili going to hell because they don't read the only "Authorized" version of the KJV? Please take this false doctrine out of your vocabulary.

P.S.
I am very open to comments and will approve any except those with cursing or those that are blasphemous. I welcome the views of those that have a different take on things than I do. I am not too proud to say I am wrong on any topic and feel that dialog is beneficial to all of God's children. I believe that the children of God bare witness to one another through the Spirit and therefore will come to a agreement at some point, especially on the essential doctrines of scripture. The non-essentials is usually where the arguments get started and folks get mad, because they defend their customs and practices instead of weighing everything against scripture. May God help us all to seek the Truth of His Word together and in love for each other and especially for our Lord.

Beware Of Falling Temperatures

Day 276 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

The main topic of conversation the past couple of days has been the weather. A week or so ago it was the above average temperatures, yesterday it was the high winds and today was some fairly dangerous thunderstorms. Tonight, however, will be the cold temperatures.

As you can see by my screen capture of our weather forecast, they are calling for it to be 37 tonight. That is cold for here this time of year. I believe our normal lows hover around the mid 50s this time of April and highs in the upper 60s to lower 70s. The cold front that came racing through today brought a large dip in temps almost immediately. It went from 75 to 55 in about 30 minutes. Don't get me wrong, I do like the cooler temps, but I do think it needs to warm up to about 70 and stay there for a while. That is my ideal temperature, not too hot and not too cool.

Once again I am reminded of how people like to complain about the weather and other forces of nature that God controls. I am fine with the temps where they are now, but I do long for a little warmer, but I am not complaining. I am in no position to complain about anything (well, except bad doctrine and the heresy that permeates "church" buildings today). As far as complaining, what do I have to complain about? My diet that I am on to lose weight? Because I am eating salads now instead of Reese's Cups? Give me a break, people across this globe would think it a feast to have what I have for a "normal" meal.

God has blessed me richly in many ways. Birthing me into the USA is one of many blessings that a lot of people take for granted. We live in a relatively free society and still some complain. I don't like taxes, but I like them a lot more than I do living in an impoverished nation. Should I complain about the electric bill? That God has blessed me with a job to pay? How about waiting in line at a grocery store for over 5 minutes? Is that grounds to complain or should I be singing for joy that the Lord allows me to pick whatever my taste-buds want off of a shelf?

God has shown me lately that I am very blessed in every aspect of my life. I can honestly say that I would not trade anything with anyone. I am 100% content and happy to be content with the blessings that God has bestowed to me. My contentedness does wane in an area that comes to mind though, making myself available for God to use and actually using my time to further the Kingdom. I tend to put things on the back-burner for whatever reason, usually because of frustration in myself. I set lofty goals instead of trusting in God to use me how, when and where He sees fit. I try to do too much at once and usually feel inadequate.

I need to trust in the Lord more for my shortcomings and stop trying to make things happen. I try to depend on me and need to hand my life totally over to God and stop trying to take it back, even in the areas that are focused on Him. I depend on me and that is wrong. The good thing in this is I see my faults, God has allowed me to see my short comings and allows me to seek Him for strength to accomplish what He would have me to do. How freeing to know that God gives whatever is needed to accomplish the tasks that He initiates. He has promised to direct our paths and I think that means "he will direct our paths". I just have to stop taking my shortcuts and start taking the correct paths.

The Winds Of Change

Day 275 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Today is the 3rd of April. It is supposed to be getting warmer, but today's temperatures made it up to summer time levels, 83 to be exact. That is a record high for this day, but spells some drastic changes for tomorrow.

We have a cold front making its way from the Northeast and is expected to collide with this warm air in the late morning/ early afternoon and cause some major thunderstorms to develop. Hail, damaging winds, flooding and tornadoes are being spoken about by weather forecasters. All I know is that God is in control and if we receive damaging storms then it is within His plan. My faith and confidence is in Him and not in any weather man.

Of course Al Gore and his cronies say this weather is caused by Global Warming. Then again they said that the drastic winter weather we just had was caused by Global Warming as well. So, above average temperatures and thunderstorms are the result of GW and below average temperatures and more snow are both the results of GW? In the words of Sylvester Stallone's character Angelo Provolone in the movie Oscar, "That ain't proper". How can both extremes be caused by warming of the global temperature? Then again I do not have the qualification as ex-governor and ex-vice president to lean on either.

I say the weather does what God wants it to. If Romans 8:28 is correct (and it is) then all things will work together for our good. Those that are His children, that is. Even if God decides He thinks our house needs to be moved by a tornado, then it is for our good. We may not understand it at the time, we will probably be upset at the time and we will more than likely be at wits end through that time, but we can also rest in the knowledge that God allowed it to happen to work in us in some way. Who knows the repercussions of something like that? Look at the book of Job, which most people reference when "bad" things happen. God used the things that He allowed to happen to glorify Himself and show that He will keep His children, well, His children. Job did not waver because Job knew his Source. He knew where the gifts came from and He knew Who was in control.

I am not saying I could have the patience of Job or even have the faith of Job in the least. I will say that God has proven Himself over and over again in my life and I have no reason not to trust in Him. I just hope that I can show Him glory through any and all trials. He is worthy. He is awesome. He is God.

P.S.
The picture is from a local business that had a few banners hanging outside. They were being blown and damaged today as winds exceeded 50MPH at times.