Have things been happening that make it difficult to have a positive attitude?  Does the future look fairly bleak with little hope of improving?  Are you being perplexed by a financial problem, poor health, relationship concerns or problems at work?  Or, it could be the mess that is developing in Washington, D.C. with the political chaos.  Take away one’s hope and the future becomes a struggle and unhappiness takes over.

Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

How we live and the decisions we make can be influenced by: “The powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Who would ever have considered that Satan may have deceived you or caused your problem?  Could it have been dating the wrong person, buying a home you could not eventually afford, selecting the wrong occupation or a physical accident leaving you disabled?  If something horrible may have happened to you could you have been duped by unseen spiritual forces of evil?  Living in America, who would ever consider being led astray to make bad decisions or having an accident possibly caused by evil forces?  Doesn’t the Bible teach this is possible?

Most of us have never witnessed real misery. Many of our complaints are minor but at the time they feel like they are major undertakings.  Any time I encounter a problem I think of what the Apostle Paul went through or the Book of Job.

Job 7:17 – 21 – “What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention, that you examine them every morning and test them every moment?  Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant? If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you who sees everything we do? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?  Why do you not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins? For I will soon lie down in the dust; you will search for me, but I will be no more.”

Job was living a blameless life and was beginning to doubt if it was worth it.  He was suggesting that God was not being fair.  Satan is always trying to get us to give up on God.  No matter how great our suffering seems it is never an excuse to reject God.  Have there ever been times that you may have felt that God was your enemy and He was punishing you?  Why is it that some blame God for their troubles when in reality it was coming from the devil? Satan has continually deceived the world and all who live in it.  Any troubles you may encounter and he is there to blame it on God.  Christians realize that thoughts and inspiration come from the Holy Spirit.  Can thoughts not also come the same way from evil spirits even though we cannot explain it?  We must be able to detect the difference and it comes with spiritual maturity.

I believe the Book of Job was to teach us that our advisory was not God but Satan.  It was Satan who was causing all of Job’s problems.  Like most of us, rarely do we blame our troubles on the devil.  We keep wondering why God would allow this tragedy to happen to us.  But the following Scripture tell us.

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose.”

A friend of ours lost a son through suicide and detested this verse.  She often asked: “How could anything good come out of that situation?”  That has been a tough question for me to answer.  Our attitude and our relationship with God leave us either in despair or hope that God has something good planned for us in the future.   Remember the blessings and prosperity that Job later received?

Romans 8:26 & 27 – “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

When the devil is messing with our lives, it helps to know that the Holy Spirit within us is there to help solve any and every situation that occurs.  God says He will never let us have more difficulties than we can take.  Just remember: no matter how bad things get, God knows your limitations.  The worse things get, the more confidence God has in you.

Do not try solving problems on our own as so many of us do.  The Holy Spirit is within to comfort, guide and help through any situation.  But you will not get as much help if you continually ignore Him.  Got a problem?  Ask for help!  You have God, Christ and the Holy Spirit Who love you.  Do you think your problem is too big for them?

Does it seem unusual to you that many famous Rock Stars would all die at the age of 27?  July 23, 2011 Amy Winehouse, the singer, dies at age 27.    Is this a coincidence or is something sinister happening?

On July 11, 2011 I wrote on my site: agodthing.wordpress.com “Are some people evil”?  I told a story that was read to our class when I was in grade school many, many years ago.  This is what was written:

When I was in grade school and you could still pray and read the Bible, our teacher read us a short-story called “The Devil and Daniel Webster”.  The story took place in New England and a farmer was having some very bad luck with his crops and farming in general.  He said it was so bad that he was willing to sell his soul to the devil for better times.  The next day, farmer Stone was visited by a stranger who identified himself as Mr. Scratch.  Mr. Scratch said if you are serious about selling your soul I will give you seven very prosperous years.  They made a binding contract and farmer Stone had seven of the very best years ever.

After seven years he begged Mr. Scratch to give him just three more years.  Again they made a contract and farmer Stone had another three prosperous years.  However, farmer Stone no longer wanted to be controlled every minute by the devil and wanted out of his contract.  He hired an attorney, Mr. Daniel Webster to take Mr. Scratch to court and force the contract to be broken.

The trial is really suspenseful and Daniel Webster won and the devil had to give farmer Stone back his soul.  Ever since I was left believing that some politicians, business people, movie stars and others in general, have sold their souls to the devil for prosperity, power, fame, etc.  If this is true, I wonder how many people would be willing to sell their souls.

When I heard that Amy Winehouse, at age 27 was one of many Rock Stars who died at that same age it alerted me to the article I had just written.    Apparently, she died of drug and alcohol abuse and other self-destructive behaviors as so many others had.

Amy was a well-known British singer who had been nominated for six Grammy Awards, best new artist, the record of the year and song of the year.  She was also best female artist and the awards go on and on.  Do you get the picture?  She wasn’t just your average singer, but a Rock Star.

In no way am I insinuating that Amy Winehouse or any of the others who died at 27 were evil but is it possible they could have sold their soul for stardom?  This is probably a real stretch, but if it is possible for a person to sell their soul to the devil, shouldn’t people looking for fame and recognition be alerted to the eventual negative outcomes?

I previously wrote that it is very rare for a person who had sold their soul to break the contract.  It is possible they allowed themselves to become possessed to gain the lime-light and did so unknowingly.  What would cause a superstar, receiving everything they could have ever dreamed of accomplishing, begin this very self-destructive behavior leading to eventual death?   Could they have been offered a seven year contract at age 20 when they were too young to realize the consequences?

Ephesians 6:12 – “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”   NLT

I realize that the majority of people reading this article would not believe anything written to be authentic.  Most would not even believe there are evil powers seeking to control people.  But if there is the slightest chance what happened to Amy Winehouse was a result of making a contract to become famous and resulted in death, would you make the same contract for fame?  The Bible was written that we might have true joy, happiness and love in our hearts.  Satan is the world’s greatest deceiver, so do not allow yourself to be sold a bill of goods for a few years of power and notoriety.

Instead, the opposite is accepting Christ and the Holy Spirit into your life.  That contract is different.  It is not for just seven years of fame but a contract that is valid for eternity.   During eternity the awards far out weigh anything this world can offer.  Everyone is given a choice.  Are you looking for instant gratification or planning for the future?  I chose the future and hope to see you there!

Congress and the president are at an impasse.  They cannot compromise.  What would happen if President Obama started the session and asked everyone to bow their heads and he lead out in prayer?  Wouldn’t that be a Christian thing to do?  Since he professes to be a Christian would anyone object if he did so?

What if corporate board meetings, school board meetings, city council meets all started with prayer?  Do you think it would change our society?  I realize that attorneys would be so busy they would be unable to comply with all of the requests.  But do you think it might just change what is happening in America today?

I doubt if we will ever see that take place.  What impact have you or I made on others in our lifetime?  Have we been too shy or embarrassed to witness to others?  Have we lived an exemplary life that may have affected others? Just how many people have we helped become converts?  Numbers are not as important as to who we have changed.  What about family, friends or neighbors?  What we say and how we say it makes a difference.  What we do and how we do it also matters as others are watching.

Matthew 5:13 – 16 – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.  ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

If we, as Christians, make little effort to affect the world around us what good are we to God?  Do others see us as being different from the world? Do they see us positive, happy with joy?  Just as salt changes the taste or characteristics of food we are to impart Christian principles to others in order that they too might change.  Light shines and gives direction in darkness.  Do we expose our Christian principles and let them shine out to others or do we live no differently than how the world does?

Matthew 28:19 – 20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I often wonder how many people I may have impacted either for good or negatively.  At the age of 27 I was a supervisor over 250 people.  My entire adult life I have been an employer.  I have had the opportunity to witness to thousands of people.  I would hope that at least 99% recognized that I was a Christian.  Did I set an example that would make non-believers want to become a disciple of Christ?  I hoped I lived by the principles Christ commanded us to live by.

I came from a very legalistic background.  There were more rules as to what a Christian could or could not do to please God.  We were told we could not drink alcohol, smoke, dance or go to shows, hinting that’s how to live if we wanted to go to heaven.  It was similar in the early church when Jewish converts believed Gentiles that became Christians had to accept the 613 Jewish laws to become a true Christian.  Somewhere along the way theologians missed the concept of grace.  It didn’t take long to realize their teaching did not come from the gospel.  It may have been good advice but not Scriptural.

Galatians 1:6 – 9 – “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!  As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”

There are a number of terrific ministers on TV.  There are also some who throw people into confusion and pervert the gospel of Christ.  Do we believe and live a gospel other than what Christ taught?

Chances are we will never be able to get the majority of today’s leaders to accept Christian principles.  I believe it is left entirely up to average Christians if we will ever change the world back to God.  Shouldn’t we begin now by prayer and the examples we set for others?

Who would have ever thought that America could go into default or bankruptcy?  As August 2 approaches, political parties are more concerned about re-election than what is best for the country.  Being a Christian independent conservative I must admit I am bias.  Yet, so many times I have wondered why a reference to the U.S. has never been mentioned in Revelation.  Is it possible that we will be so financially in debt that we will not be able to help in the final count-down to the world’s ending?

Scripture says we will know the signs when the end-times arrive.  What is probably the greatest obstacle that has kept the end-times from occurring?  It perhaps has been the power of the U.S. military and our financially stabilizing the world.  Presently, for many years, America has kept the world from destroying itself or at least becoming a one-world government.  We have not allowed an evil ruler or nation to control the world.  What if America was to become bankrupt from over spending and promised entitlement payments they couldn’t pay?  What then?  Would we be unable to take an active part in the world’s problems?  Are we allowing an opening for a world dictator?

Bond rating agencies are citing that America is headed down a path of being unable to meet its obligations.  Read recent polls and Americans do not seem to be aware of the seriousness of our debt crises.  It is apparent that many in the U.S. believe our politicians are capable of rescuing our government.  For our government to be saved it might take a miracle.  But is it in God’s plan to save America or are we just getting closer to the end times?

It appears in just a matter of time Greece could default, being unable to meet their debt obligations.  Recent headlines state Italy is getting close to a similar situation.  Then there is Spain, Portugal and Ireland.  Christ told us that we will be able to read the signs as we get closer to the end-times.  What are those signs: Wars and rumors of wars, severe earthquakes, starvation and pestilence?  Is normal global climate change part of those signs; severe weather conditions making it impossible to feed the world?  Are we being set up for a one-world government and a one-world religion?

Revelation 13: 7 & 8 – “It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.  All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.

If you believe Scripture, the above verses tell us we are headed for a one-world government.  It could not be any clearer.  The antichrist will dominate the world and there will be a one-world religion and all of the non-Christian people will worship him.  Presently there are four main religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Which do you think the one-world religion might be?  Who is teaching world domination besides the Radical Muslim Brotherhood?  Besides verse 7 tells us the antichrist will wage war against God’s holy people and conquer them.  From which religion are Radicals promoting the killing of Christians?

Is bankrupting America part of the end-times plan?  If you have been reading newspapers or watching TV you are aware of the increased evil that is engulfing the world.  This world has become so “self-centered and “me first” that people will do anything for fame, power and prosperity.

I believe the only thing that will save America and the world is for a spiritual revival.  Read Old Testament history.  The only thing that saved the Jews was giving up their Idols and as a nation again worshipping God.  Only God can change the additive behavior toward evil that the world has accepted.  Are we not behaving the same way of those living in Noah’s pre-flood era?  Have we gotten so anti-God that He has given up on us as He did a number of times with the Jews?

All Christians know the answer is worshipping God through prayer and fasting.  Churches need to become more evangelistic and reach out to a lost world?  Have too many Christians become so self-centered or self-righteous that we are unconcerned about the lost?  We need Christian leadership that promotes “love thy neighbor as thy self” and take an interest in reaching out to those who seemingly have little interest in God and Christian principles.  The Devil and evil has made church leadership fearful of losing their tax-exempt status by taking on the government policy of separation of church and state.  Leaders must become bold to make changes in our mission.  However, it is quite lonely if you are the only one doing so.  Rather than working together and unifying to evangelize the lost, too often churches become so competitive that they refuse to work with each other.

So if we bankrupt American, then what?  How much of the blame will be laid at the feet of Christians for not taking an active part in changing the hearts of Americans?  Whom do you trust the most: Is it Washington’s politicians or God?  It could take politicians years to change things, whereas, God could do it instantaneously.  Ask God, in our prayers, what we can do to be a part of a world-wide spiritual revival.  We must recognize He is our only hope.

The world is looking for happiness in the wrong places.

The entire world is looking for joy and happiness in their lives as defined in Webster’s dictionary.  It is described as an emotional feeling of having good things, living a delightful life and generally having a feeling of gladness.  It may be a state of bliss or continuous enjoyment.  Many come to Las Vegas looking for that kind of joy, happiness, pleasure and a jackpot.  How many find it and how long did it last?

James 1:2 – 4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Do you know anyone who is “not” looking for joy and happiness in their lives?  I suppose if they are human they are.  How many do you know that have found lasting happiness?  Happiness and pleasure is usually a temporary state that we receive from favorable external sources.  When these external circumstances become unfavorable we often find ourselves unhappy.

I recently watched a program on TV that showed a number of couples who had won a huge lottery of millions.  A few years later it showed some having divorced and others being very unhappy with life.  There was such happiness when they won but it didn’t last for very long.  External situations change so often.  Happiness can fade rather rapidly.  Many times the unhappiest people are those seemingly having had everything that most of us only dream of having.

I think we were created with a desire to seek joy and happiness.  The Bible tells us there is only one way that we will ever become truly joyful and happy. It is when we put our total trust in Jesus Christ and live according to His principles.  Satan has deceived us into believing that joy only comes from living the ways of the world.  Scripture tells us it is unreasonable to think we will always be confronted with pleasant circumstances.  But it isn’t unreasonable to expect and to always have joy.  There is joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.  It is a joy that is continuous and is experienced even going through difficult times.  This is an inner spiritual joy that comes only from God.

Show me a Christian who has been given the “fruit of the Spirit” as described in Galatians 5:22 – 23 and you will see a person who is full of Christ, who is non-divisive and lives with a positive attitude.  They have the heart of a servant.  The Apostle Paul says it was this inner joy that encouraged him during his time of imprisonment and his many trials.

I Timothy 6:9 – 11 – “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.   For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Since 1987 I have been an investment advisor.  I have met with hundreds of people and have seen all sorts of financial situations. When it comes to money problems it makes little difference whether a person is a Christ follower or an unbeliever.  Statistics state that 35% of the adult population in America has very little or no savings.

It saddens me to see those 55 and older who have been Christians for years, having done very little in planning for their financial future.  It’s as if they do not understand the principles that the Bible teaches about being good stewards.  Instant gratification and spending on material things that are not needed is a mistake.  Or as one client told me he needed a $60,000 car, who could not afford it.  I asked him why and he said it was more comfortable to drive.

Failing to establish a monthly financial plan that prepares for emergencies and their family’s future leaves many Christians without a safety net.  If you have the belief that you do not have to worry because God or the government will meet all of your needs; again, read Matthew 25:14 – 28 concerning the parable of the talents.  God was angry with the lazy servant unwilling to improve himself financially.

We have a number of average earning couples who have saved small amounts each month over the years.  Today they are in better shape than many of our clients who make two to three times as much and rarely invest. Who do you believe God is most pleased with?  Was it those who lived as the world lives or those who have followed Biblical principles as the parable suggests and had a financial plan?

Over the years we have learned from others that it isn’t how much one makes but how one lives their lives and the amount they spend.  This determines whether they become financially independent.  We have witnessed those living according to God’s plan have prepared adequately.  Those Christians who live as the world lives are often in the 35% category having little or no savings and are now approaching retirement.

The moral of this story is: Do not let Satan, the great deceiver, influence how you live!  Don’t get sucked into the world’s ways and instant gratification.

I would appreciate a reply if you have a strong opinion.  I believe there are some people who are evil and my Bible study group unanimously disagreed with me.  They believe that sinful people do evil things but they are not evil. No matter how many facts I presented they could not be swayed.  What about you?  If there is somewhere in Scripture that says men or women are never evil they only do evil things please point it out. 

When I was in grade school and you could still pray and read the Bible, our teacher read us a short-story called “The Devil and Daniel Webster”.  The story took place in New England and a farmer was having some very bad luck with his crops and farming in general.  He said it was so bad that he was willing to sell his soul to the devil for better times.  The next day, farmer Stone was visited by a stranger who identified himself as Mr. Scratch.  Mr. Scratch said if you are serious about selling your soul I will give you seven very prosperous years.  They made a binding contract and farmer Stone had seven of the very best years ever. 

After seven years he begged Mr. Scratch to give him just three more years.  Again they made a contract and farmer Stone had another three prosperous years.  However, farmer Stone no longer wanted to be controlled every minute by the devil and wanted out of his contract.  He hired an attorney, Mr. Daniel Webster to take Mr. Scratch to court and force the contract to be broken. 

The trial is really suspenseful and Daniel Webster won and the devil had to give farmer Stone back his soul.  Ever since I was left believing that some politicians, business people, movie stars and others in general, have sold their souls to the devil for prosperity, power, fame, etc.  If this is true, I wonder how many people would be willing to sell their souls. I just read a survey that asked a number of people what they would be willing to do for 10 million dollars.  Some answered: “I would be willing to kill”.  Do you believe it is possible that dictators who have killed millions could have sold their souls? Do you know of anyone that would sell their souls or would you even consider such a thing?  When Jesus was tempted by Satan He was offered the position to rule over the world.  What percent of the world’s population would have accepted? 

Ephesians 2:2 – “You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.  He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.”

Matthew 5:30 – “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

Occasionally I will watch on TV the First 48 hours.  People will shoot someone over a $25 drug deal.  Or a person will get into a fight and pull out a gun and kill another.  Not everyone is evil but could some of these people be evil?  If I am right and some people are evil we had better turn the other cheek. 

Matthew 12:34 – “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

What about Bernie Madoff?  He cheated people out of billions of dollars.  He is in jail for life.  We know what he did was evil but is he an evil person?  It is probably not fair to name an individual.  However, he has been in the news and he has devastated a number of older people who had counted on him for their sole retirement. 

Job 18:21 – “Surely such is the dwelling of an evil man; such is the place of one who does not know God.”

Luke 6:45 – “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

II Thessalonians 3:2 – “And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith.

Titus 1:12 – “One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.’”

II Samuel 23:6 – “But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand.”

What about some rapists who murder their victims, child molesters, serial murders and some from the Mexican cartel or the Russian Mafia?  Is it possible some of these people could be evil?  Can you prove to me in the Bible that no one is evil, they only do evil things?  If so, please reply.  Otherwise, I am going to continue thinking some of our past and present politicians are evil people.  They have little or no concern for our country and that includes local governments, only about getting re-elected.  If selling their souls would get them re-elected I believe some would do so.  Consider Illinois! 

Like farmer Stone the Bible indicates that an evil person can be redeemed or the contract broken.  However, I believe this only happens in rare instances but it does happen.  There is always hope for everyone.  We must never forget that, as we witness and pray for others.

Opportunities In A Mega Church

Most of us have standards that we believe everyone should meet if they are going to be a Christian. Who gives us the right to judge?  Yet too often we see Christians living in ways that non-Christians call us hypocrites.   I recently wrote on mega churches.  Large churches are dealing with people that many smaller churches would find difficult to handle.  We believe it is o.k. to not be o.k. and we mean it.  We then say: we don’t want you to stay that way.

When you have thousands of conversions many find it difficult to immediately start living as Christ asked that we live.  We encourage these new Christians to take courses that we offer to help them realize what being a Christian really means.  We assist them in finding small groups that also urge them to study their Bibles and live as Christ requires.  What do you do with those that don’t change as rapidly as we would like?  Do we excommunicate them and if so after how long?

We keep recommending that they get into recovery programs.  We have one of the largest in the nation.   It takes time to work with these, often first time Christians and many smaller churches do not have the staff or the patience to deal with them.  Let me share some of the problems of the mega churches that make traditional Christians think we have become too liberal.

James 4:1 – 3 – “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.”  Message   (James is writing to Christians.)

There were numerous disputes going on in the early churches as described in Acts and it has never stopped over the last 2000 years.  Church people were competing against each other to teach and were suing each other to materially improve themselves.  Those who were wealthy were getting all of the attention and the poor were shunned aside.  They disagreed and argued over Scripture.  They were spreading rumors and gossip and speaking evil against each other and judging one another.  Wars were going on in their hearts.  They were bitter and envious which caused continual division in the church.  You go back and read early church history and you might think it was about some of today’s churches.

Remember reading when Aaron and Miriam complained and were envious of Moses’ authority and God turned Miriam into a leaper?  Or when James and John wanted to sit at the right hand of Jesus and rule over the others?  This is nothing but pride and self-centeredness.  People lust for things they do not have causing many Christians to break all of the commandments.

It doesn’t take long to learn that selfish people find it extremely difficult to find true joy and happiness.  Most will never really live an enjoyable life. They find it hard to get along with other people, especially their mate. They have unrealistic expectations and continually complain.  They might even pray that God will help them win the lottery or strike it big.  Living in Las Vegas we see many Christians addicted to gambling.  It touches ministers and lay people alike.  When confronted with their example they find it difficult to accept corrective criticism and jump to defend their actions.  Being a church board member in a number of churches I have had to help deal with some of these situations in the church.

Selfish Christians tell God what to do and how to do it.  They get angry when He doesn’t answer their prayer the way He is supposed to.  It seems they become frustrated and take it out on God’s people.

James 4:4 – 6 – “You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that ‘he’s a fiercely jealous lover.’ And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that ‘God goes against the willfully proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.’”

Can’t sin be a form of rebellion against God?  It is evident that the world’s ways are anti-Christ and anti-God.  We must be careful that we do not become contented in the world’s ways and use the world’s tactics to get ahead.  Do we do things to get the world’s approval?  Many Christians in the church continue to struggle with pride. It is Satan’s greatest weapon.  God wants us to depend on His grace and the devil wants us to depend on ourselves.

Even long-time Christians find their carnal nature fights against the Holy Spirit and if it were not for the Holy Spirit the flesh would win.  Many Christians are not even aware of the Holy Spirit in their lives.  It takes time to understand and especially recognize when the Spirit is guiding them.  It takes faith to build up a trust factor.  After considerable time many Christians continue to struggle on their own ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Once they learn to surrender and submit, the greater help they will have from the Holy Spirit.  Each person seems to respond differently.  Some never change how they live and continue as they did prior to their conversion.  What do we do with them?  Our mission is not to give up on them.

As a store manager, Las Vegas was my eighth transfer.  I have been a member of twelve churches and on six boards.  It was nice at times to be in a small church where everyone had been a Christian most of their lives.  However, there was very little growth.  It was rare to see someone converted.  They lived very legalistic lives and had little tolerance for worldly living. Many in the early Acts’ churches believed to become a Christian they first had to become a Jew and live by Jewish law.  Some of our churches thought you had to live on probation, as a Christian, before you became one of them.

James, the Apostle Paul and the others had to deal with people coming from pagan religions. The mega churches confront similar people with very worldly backgrounds.  Keep in mind that Christ gives different visions and missions to churches.  If you belong to a church with no problems and everyone loves everyone else, praise the Lord and be thankful.  But are you spreading the gospel and changing people’s lives?  If not, you may not want to criticize churches whose main thrust is evangelizing.

The vision given to Central Christian Church – LV & Henderson, NV

I write as being a member of the board from 1983 to 2010 when our church was then averaging 470 in attendance.  We live in a city that is known around the world as “Sin City”.  In 1981 I read an article describing how a few ladies on the east coast were constantly in prayer for a spiritual revival.  It spread across America in the 1800’s and was one of the largest revivals ever.  It was like God could do that in Las Vegas.  Can anything good come out of “Sin City” I thought?  As I look back it seemed to me that Christ took over.  We had a change of senior ministers and Gene Appel, a young 24 year old, became our senior minster.

Every Tuesday morning at 6:30 a.m. for three years we would meet as a board and pray that God would give us a vision and mission as to what our church should be doing in Las Vegas.  Pastor Gene became acquainted with Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago.  It became our vision and mission to evangelize the Las Vegas area.  We started transitioning from a very traditional church to a church that wanted to make a difference in the lives of those non-Christians working in the gambling business and other areas.  If the church could change the evil city of Corinth in the New Testament, Christ could change Las Vegas.

The ministry’s decision was what must we do to make Sunday’s services comfortable for those who were not going to church or felt uncomfortable when they did come.  Changing from a traditional church to a church wishing to evangelize the community caused many traditional Christians to feel left out. It was clear that not everyone could accept our mission to connect the unconnected to God and help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.  The first Sunday that drums were played in a worship service, some thought the devil had entered the church.  (I am bias; I have two grandsons who play drums for the church.)

It wasn’t long before a number started leaving our church.  However, we were seeing more converted and joining the church than were leaving.  There were many hours in prayer and discussion in how do we meet the needs of both.  We finally recognized we couldn’t, we had to choose.  We had to stay with the mission and vision we believed Christ had given the church’s leadership.

It became apparent that traditional Christians that were not missionary minded did not fit and left.  Yet, we were seeing these people going to smaller churches and really making a difference.  They were becoming lay leaders in those churches and with their tithes and leadership those small churches became stronger and grew into large churches.  Churches started spreading throughout the valley.  We probably have more churches in Las Vegas than most any large city in America.

Many traditional Christians and particularly small church pastors were very critical.  They spoke of us as being so liberal that we were just tickling the ears, what they wanted to hear, of our people.  I do not think most Christians realize the importance of churches that have been given a vision to evangelize and assist in bringing sinners to repentance. We could be considered feeder churches.  This means that we are able to reach those who other churches would never reach spiritually.   Then Christ calls many to smaller churches because Central is not intended to meet the need of every Christian.  Christians must believe that Christ can use both large and small churches.  We are all on the same team having been given different visions and missions.  The early church in Acts had similar problems and missions.

Under the ministries of previous pastor, Gene Appel, and current pastor, Jud Wilhite, Central’s senior pastor, I have to believe that when many thousands have been converted over these past years, our church is doing something right.  Most Christians do not understand the prayers that have been given seeking Christ’s direction that we were doing His will.

Billy Graham was rarely criticized for evangelizing and then leaving town.  Many mega churches are doing the same thing, yet are continually criticized for doing similar to what Dr. Graham did.  Last year 7,242 repented and were converted at Central and many hundreds were baptized.  I have to believe the vision and mission we had in 1986 was from Christ.    We won’t know the answer until we get to heaven.  In the meantime, there is no doubt in my mind that Central’s intent, for the past 25 years, was to execute the vision the Elders believed Christ gave to them.

I say “glory to God” when I see, on special occasions, over 40,000 attend on a given weekend.  (A mega church is any church larger than 2,000.  About 1,300 Protestant churches in America.)

Destroy the family as God intended and immorality results.

We now have six states that, in my opinion, have weakened the family structure.  The more we destroy the family unit, the greater immorality becomes a problem.  The more immoral a nation becomes the less they can expect from God.  (Read Jewish history!)

My blog: “Worst hurricane season in American history could be possible.”  I shared the following:  I was given a book: “As America has done to Israel” by J. P. McTernan and was asked to comment on it.  The theme of the book is that if you curse Israel you will be cursed.  One Scripture that is used is: Genesis 12:3 – “I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”  The book goes on to state that every time an American president has asked Israel to give up their God-given land to the Palestinians for peace we have had a natural disaster occur on the same day or within days.  I write this understanding that most will not accept the evidence presented.  However, I have studied the Bible enough to believe there may be some merit to the author’s presentation.   I ask for you to see what you think?

The book goes back to Bible times and history shows that those cursing Israel ended in extremely bad shape.  So let me start with more current data starting with President George H. W. Bush.  On October 30, 1991 speaking at the Madrid Peace Process he made it very clear that Israel was required to surrender parts of the covenant land for peace.  On October 30 a ferocious storm smashed into New England.  It was called “The Perfect Storm”.  You may have read the book or saw the movie.  It created ocean waves of over 100 feet among the highest ever recorded.  President George H. W. owns a home on the East Coast at Kennebunkport, Maine that was heavily damaged.  Eyewitnesses said that waves as high as thirty feet rose from the ocean and smashed into the President’s seaside home.  What timing!  An extremely rare and powerful storm went one thousand miles in the wrong direction on the day he was speaking.  The book goes on to state that every president who messed with Israel some disaster occurred.

That was about Israel.  Can immorality also cause God to allow disasters to happen because of a nation’s evil practices? 

This weekend as I read about Governor Cuomo and his strong support for gay marriages I wondered just how long will it be before God’s patience with America is overcome with anger as He showed in the Old Testament?  This year we have had devastating tornadoes, flooding like we have not had in centuries and what happens as we enter hurricane season or is a major earthquake not far off?  Could we expect another Sodom and Gomorrah occurrence and God starts destroying cities or nations?  Thank goodness Christ brought us a covenant of grace.  We are told that in most situations punishment for sins of the non-believers are being deferred to the Day of Judgment.  I then came across the following Scripture that tells me that no matter how bad things may get God will protect the righteous.  Therefore, I doubt things will get too bad and out of hand if enough believers continue to live for Christ. 

II Peter 2:4 – 10 – “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;  if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”  Scripture says God knows how to rescue the righteous, not that He will in every circumstance but He will never forsake us.    

We can allow our sinful natures to control us or we can follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Those without Christ are unable to subject themselves to God as God intended.  I Corinthians 2:14 – “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” Our mind-set or attitude not only determines our eternity, but our quality of life on earth.

When I see what politicians, (some who do not believe in God and as the Apostle Paul says are filled with demons and evil spirits because of their disobedience to Him) are doing to our local and national governments financially, their actions that allow the breakdown of the family unit, letting immorality increase exponentially, I wonder what kind of world, in the future, we will be living in.  Will we see more natural disturbances like we had in Haiti and Japan?  Will we see more divisiveness among people?  Will there be more hate and anger causing rioting worldwide?  My hope is in God’s promise: “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for judgment.”   Let’s approach each day with hope that the Lord will rescue the godly from trials, then keep positive and remain connected to the Holy Spirit for our hope and guidance!

Many Americans in the past who lived on farms depended on God for their harvest and kept in Contact with God daily seeking His assistance for survival.  Since many have moved to cities and depend on their employer and the grocery store for survival, they fail to keep in contact with God.  Americans need to get back to spending time on our knees asking God to change the direction our country is headed.  Otherwise our children’s grandchildren will never recognize the country many of us grew up in. There were strong families that taught their children to be God-fearing with Christian values and to live moral lives.  Not only were we taught to love God but also our neighbors too.  People had respect for one another and helped each other when there was a need.

Las Vegas is the worst city in America when it comes to homes being under water or owing more than they are worth.  It isn’t unusual for us to have a Christian couple come in and ask what we think they should do.  Based on our experience of living here for 37 years, it may take at least 20 years before your home gets back to the price you may have paid prior to 2007.  The first 25 years here, our previous home’s value raised 2.97% yearly over those years.  Our present home is now worth what I paid for it in 1999.  So what is a Christian to do?  What we suggest is: It’s a moral decision and no one can make that choice but you.  However, let me tell you what some Christian families are doing.

I have personally known for more than ten years a Christian man who has either directly or indirectly broken every one of the Ten Commandments.  This gentleman became independently wealthy in a business most Christians would never consider being involved.  Had he invested his money wisely he could have retired prior to reaching the age of 50.  For the past 15 years he has completely devoted his life as a solid, committed and totally obedient Christian.  He is, a pillar so to speak, in his church and a person highly respected by other Christians.  A number of years ago he sold his business and has worked in different areas since.  Helping friends and relatives he invested his life savings with them and lost all he had accumulated from the ways of the world.  He recently had to declare bankruptcy and lost everything.  What would you tell someone if they asked: “Why would God allow this to happen?”  Not wanting to be put in a place of one of Job’s friends (Book of Job), I suppose it could be that God wanted to take everything from his past earnings and have him start over completely with money earned God’s way.  God allowed Satan to take away everything Job had been given. However, when Job remained true and committed to God, God replenished him with more than he had originally.

It has been my experience that God will continually stretch us.  He will allow us to go through the most difficult  problems in order to prepare us for what His next plan is for our lives.  No greater example is the life of the Apostle Paul.  Some of the wealthiest Christian business people have had to go through bankruptcy before obtaining their riches.  Sometimes the more spiritually mature we become and the more capable we are, the greater our struggles become.  So how do we handle them?  Do we work more hours as the world does or do we trust that God is in it and the Holy Spirit is there to help us?  Paul’s example is that we must maintain contentment, peace, joy and love regardless. To Paul, problems were challenges and opportunities and not really obstacles.

The question we must ask, did we make a bad decision?  Did someone deceive us into getting into a financially difficult situation and why did God allow it?  When we find ourselves in these situations we must understand how God operates.  Do we know what God promises during these times?  He says the Holy Spirit will take away fear if we turn it over to Him.   Do we realize that God has a purpose for everything that happens?  Why is He dealing with us this way?  Could it be our pride showing us what is important in life or is God just trying to get our attention for another reason?  In sports we always seemed to learn more when we lost than when we were successful and would win.  What is God teaching us and what are we to learn? In making our purchase were we thinking as the world would?  Had we sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance or ignored Him?  First, God knows everything we will go through before it ever happens. He is with us every minute.  He always has a purpose for every situation we enter into.  We know He wants us to conform to His will.  He desires that we become more like Christ.  He wants us to become more dependant and more obedient to Him.   Will our decisions be different in the future?  Will this experience build character and perseverance?  Are we wiser spiritually than before our mistake?  What we have learned, will our experience be able to help others?

Paul writes in II Corinthians 12: 23 – 27 – “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in  the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.” It amazes me when Christians encounter a problem or a conflict and feel like God has forsaken them.

Recently I learned of a Christian couple going through a number of financial problems.  It was creating conflict in their marriage.  The wife says that she is leaving her husband.  She asks for prayer.  Dr. Charles Stanley says: anytime you have a problem or a conflict, “view it” as if the problem were coming from God.  It is not that God is causing it but why is He letting it happen? He then suggests that we pray for a discerning spirit and ask why this problem is happening?  They should pray: we made these financial decisions based on believing it was God’s will.  Rather than blaming the husband she should ask: Lord what is this all about?  What are we to learn from this?  Then ask yourself: do I really trust God to work through this?

It seems each couple we council realize that it is something they must pray about and see what doors God opens.  It appears God gives them clarity in how to deal with their situation.  It is not always a financial decision but a moral decision.  Sometimes it is a decision they chose to make at a later time seeing if time doesn’t change their choice.