Read Old Testament Scripture and God tells us what he expects from every nation. Then see how Americans are living and what they believe and it causes one to be concerned. How long will God allow America to deny Him before He does what He promises? The reason I bring this to your attention is there is one thing we could do to change everything and that is to have a Christian revival. First, let’s read what God said to the nation of Israel:

Ezekiel 7:4–9 – “I will turn my eyes away and show no pity. I will repay you for all your detestable sins.
Then you will know that I am the LORD. “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Disaster after disaster
is coming your way! The end has come. It has finally arrived. Your final doom is waiting! O people of Israel, the day of your destruction is dawning. The time has come; the day of trouble is near. Shouts of anguish will be heard on the mountains, not shouts of joy. Soon I will pour out my fury on you and unleash my anger against you. I will call you to account for all your detestable sins. I will turn my eyes away and show no pity. I will repay you for all your detestable sins. Then you will know that it is I, the LORD, who is striking the blow.” (NLT)

As you study the Bible’s Old Testament, what He was telling the Israelites He was telling the other nations. Do you believe He did not have America, in mind, when He made these same demands? If you continue to commit detestable sins and deny God, there will be punishment. In the past fifty years our Supreme Court and our many political leaders have denied God’s existence.

Study history and you will find that many nations have been completely destroyed because of their denial of God and the committing of detestable sins. However, a number of times, Israel, as a nation, repented of their sins and worshipped God and prospered. America could do the same. However, it would require different political leaders. We need to discontinue political correctness and get back to having religious freedom. We need born-again pastors to preach the Bible and teach the gospel. We also need people who call themselves Christians live according to God’s ways and Jesus’ teaching. We need to bring back the teaching of living by the ‘GOLDEN RULE’. It can be done, because it was that way when I was a child.

In case you may have never heard of the Golden Rule, it is located in Matthew 22:37–39 – “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

How do people treat their neighbors now? What percent are living the Golden Rule? I am concerned that if America does not repent and accept Christ as their Savior, we may be headed for God’s punishment. Has the average American been prosperous these past few years? Is America losing it leadership position in the world? Are we headed in the right direction as a nation?

I spent four years in the Navy and hate seeing where we are headed as a nation, defensively.

O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand. If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would.” Jeremiah 18:6–10 NLT)

Will America become prosperous and confident again or will it lead to the end times as predicted by Scripture? Matthew 24:7–11 – “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. (NLT)

Every year, hundreds of books are published covering witchcraft, magic, demons, spiritualism, ghosts and prophecy. They are laying the foundation for an enormous increase in demonic influence and activity that will soon appear on earth. They are trying to precondition people to reject Biblical truths and to accept the cult doctrine. Some with Biblical knowledge have a chance to understand what is happening and accept Christ. Many more have absolutely been taught to deny that there is a God or a Heaven or Hell. Many false teachers are preparing Americans to become more like the European Union and a one-world government as the Bible states.

It is hard to imagine what the world will be like if the church is removed and God turns the demons loose. One author described it as: picture all prison gates are opened and every inmate is turned loose and the administration dismisses all police forces. Have you been noticing how many are being freed from jail? You must be aware how many are against the police.

In Matthew, Jesus warns that sin will be so rampant everywhere and people will lose their love for others. Jesus does not promise immunity from persecution and death but He does tell us to preserve and face what will happen and those who do will be saved. Revelation 2:10 – “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.”

Mark 13:9–23 – “For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days. “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!” (NLT)

Jesus warned His disciples that prior to coming persecution, they would be betrayed by their children, other family members and friends, religious and civil leaders. Christians in every age have had to face this possibility. Sometimes hatred of the gospel has caused betrayal.

Scripture promises that if we are forced to defend ourselves, the Holy Spirit will give us God’s peace and the words to say. Because there will be numerous false prophets claiming to receive messages from God. They will preach what people want to hear. They will teach that God wants you to become rich and there is no Hell. God will give you anything you ask for or they will promise complete healing if you have enough faith. They will be so persuasive that even the elect will be led astray. Of course, there are still Miracle healings.

Doing research, I have found that in countries having depression, deep recession, civil wars or lack of job opportunities that when a president or leader has been a weak leader, in the next election, the strongest person running has always been elected. This is why Trump has done as well as he has. However, in nations that have moved toward Socialism or Communism as the USSR did, went bankrupt in 1999. Boris Yeltsin was a weak Russian leader. The next election, a man, very few had ever heard of, Vladimir Putin, decided to run for president and Yeltsin promoted him, a former KGB agent, to prime minister. The first poll, he received 5% approval. Five months later, showing his strong leadership, he received 50% of the poll. He was elected president in 2004 and remains as a dictator with great approval from the people, because he is a strong take-charge person.

This has happened in so many nations in South America, Asia and Europe. The electorate, when in a crises, votes for whoever appears to be the strongest leader, wins. God is in control and will He let the Devil blind the eyes and the thinking of people. If so, are we at the end of time and things will become unbearable with terrorists and murder in our streets? Will God allow the next president to bring us back to our Christian/Judeo principles and a prosperous nation? Christians, pray that God will allow the right person to become president and we are not at the end of the church age as Jesus predicted was coming.

To give you an example of prayer: October 1746, 90 French ships were gathered off the coast of Massachusetts with 13,000 army troops on board with plans to destroy cities from Massachusetts to Georgia. New Englanders began to prepare for a potential invasion by the French. The Governor mandated that everyone hold a day of prayer and fasting and go to their churches to pray that God would protect them. It was a very sunny day. As they began praying for God’s protection, the skies began to cloud up and rain started to pour down. It stormed so badly that many of the ships were sunk, over 12,000 French army lost their lives and the admiral decided to return to France. The bells in the church tower began to ring but no one was there to ring them. But the praying Christians knew that it was God’s way of telling them He had answered their prayer. Couldn’t Americans turn back to God and seek God’s protection from the crime and terrorism that has seemed to change our country? Wouldn’t that possibly extend the end of time according to Scripture? This would allow our children a long life.

The first great spiritual revival took place in the 1730s and 40s which changed the original thirteen colonies with a belief that God had the power and authority to either bless or curse them. This resulted in our governmental structure, Constitution and the Bill of Rights that founded America. As we approach the 2016 election, what is needed is a similar spiritual revival that will awaken Americans to realize that God never meant for America to become a Socialistic nation. Do you realize free college education to everyone in a certain financial position would keep many religious colleges and universities from being competitive? Would you send you child to a public school that is free or pay $17,000 to send them to a Christian college? They want children education under socialistic teaching and a one-world government. Because of government, ITT just closed 130 schools. Do presidents matter?

One last comment:  Capitalism is the greatest but for it to work well, people need to follow the Golden Rule.  Capitalism worked best when most everyone believe there was a God and they followed His rules in business.

Repeat of a previous blog but felt it was needed prior to November 8th election.

I realize, most of my almost 1200 friends on Facebook will not read my Christian blogs. You may wonder why I even continue having written 781 blogs over the past 7 1/2 years. Statistics show they are being read regularly in 102 nations around the world. I am surprised that there are readers in Russia and China and countries I have never heard of before. This is one blog I wish more American voters would read.

The last election, four million Christians failed to vote. Over these past four years we continue to lose our freedom to worship as we have in the past. The progressives want to not allow hate speech. Hate speech can be almost anything the left does not agree with. That could be what we believe and what is preached. They want to continue to divide the separation between church and state. This stops all prayers in public places, education institutes and in the workplace. If you were to do anything religious you could have a lawsuit against you.

If you disagree with those on the left, we are accused of being intolerant, bigots or racists. The IRS has harassed many conservative groups. Companies must provide insurance that allows abortion-causing drugs even if they object due to religious or moral grounds. Nurses in some state-funded hospitals can be threatened with termination if they refuse to participate in abortions. In some states, Catholic Charities and others can no longer participate in adoptions because they will only put children in homes with a father and a mother.

What if all Christians eligible to vote were to pray and fast before voting. Should they not vote for a person who is pro-life, pro-Israel and believe in people being able to live with religious freedom? Should we not be concerned who is placed on the Supreme Court? They are more capable of taking away religious freedom, individual liberty, freedom of speech and self-governance based on Scripture than almost anyone.

WE should understand what many Americans problems are: Romans 5:10 – “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (NLT) The average American neglects the Bible and spends little or no time in prayer.

If a person has not been saved by the grace of God, they are enemies of God. This is what Christians have to deal with. If we really understand Scripture, we should be the most positive people in the world. Christ did not die that we could go through life moaning and groaning. We must ignore the negative prophets of doom.

You would think that history would teach us not to repeat the same mistakes that we have been making. You may want the government to give you everything free. However, they never tell you how they will pay for it. Look at every large country that has changed to socialism and you will see financial failure. Not one time has it ever worked.

I John 5:4 and 5 – “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Who will you vote for?

Many do not want to read about the end times because it is too scary. Israel ignored God’s prophecies and suffered as a nation. Most will never hear in church what is predicted and many will not read the Bible prophecies.

Evil seems to be taking over the world. Iran and their terrorist groups, all are filled with hate for others, especially the U.S. and Israel. Jews and Christians are being killed on a regular bases. Political leaders in a number of countries seem to be demonic influenced. Scripture says: a time will come when God will allow Satan to blind the eyes of people and they will be deceived. I believe that time is NOW. You may not agree with the following information but it comes from Scripture.

God gave us prophecies so that we could believe that He was our God and He had created the universe and everything in it. In the Old Testament, there were 1,239 prophecies and 578 in the New Testament. We were also told the exact day that Jesus would ride into Jerusalem on a colt and let people know that He was the Messiah and it would be on a Palm Sunday. He then predicted the following: “But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. ‘How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.’” Luke 19:41–47 (NLT) As we know, this actually happened in 70 A.D.

Scripture tells us to be ready because we are the last generation in history that has met all the conditions Scripture described for the last generation. It is very evident our leaders want open borders, so we can have a one-world government headed by the Antichrist. The world is so far in debt that any financial crises could cause a one-world financial system where no one could buy or sale without the “MARK”. Many Christians are becoming so tolerant that they believe there are many ways to Heaven. This is the beginning of a one-world religious system.

Have you noticed Middle-eastern nations wanting to destroy all Americans and Jews? Even many Americans have become anti Semitic. Iran calls America the great Satan. The events taking place in the Middle-East will continue to lead to wars that are predicted. Do you know where man-made global warming originated? It was Satan who read Revelation 8:7 “The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were thrown down on the earth. One-third of the earth was set on fire, one-third of the trees were burned, and all the green grass was burned.” This could possibly be a portion of the sun blasting heat to earth. The magnetic field that once protected us has weakened.

If this is not a probability, why have a number of governments, over the past few years, built over 1000 under earth vaults. They are even carving small cities into mountains and underground for our elite leaders protection.

John, writing Revelations, tells of a great mountain burning with fire that is in the sea. Is it possible to have a huge underground volcano coming from the ocean floor? It says it would kill all sea life it came into contact with. Volcanoes, when erupting, produce lava, poison and pollute the environment. It has been estimated that there are possibly one million volcanoes on the ocean’s floors.

Why isn’t the United States specifically mentioned in the Book of Revelation or is it? Is it because we will no longer be a superpower? If we are in the last days, as many theologians believe, isn’t America supposed to become less powerful? Don’t we have the current political leaders to allow this to happen? Are we not becoming less significant in the world today? Who our next president is, could continue the demise of America’s position in the world. Or, if the right president is elected it could mean America will protect Israel. Revelation 12:14 “The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach.” The woman is Israel and a great eagle could stand for America. We must watch who becomes our leader.

The Bible says that no one, but Christ, will protect Israel in the war that is prophesized in Scripture. Up to this time, the U.S. has always protected Israel against her many enemies. The Bible says that God will draw the nations north of Israel to attack them. In the latter days, Isaiah 45:3 says Israel will become wealthy. “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” We believe the hidden treasure is the enormous discovery of oil in the Golan Heights that was captured from Syria in the War of 1967. This was discovered in October 2015. We also believe this is what God will use to bring the many nations to attack Israel. God will not allow America to protect Israel. WHY?

What we are seeing in the streets of America presently, is anarchy. It is only going to get worse according to Scripture. There are many difficult times ahead of us and as Christians there will be times when there will be many who are antichristian. This is when the Bible tells us we must trust God. He will give believers a faith to trust Him more than many other times in life, because He is directing all things for His purpose.

Not only does God predict the future but He tells believers how we should be living. He knows exactly what we need to do to have a happy and abundant life. He says we must have faith in Him, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Scripture then describes the kind of life we are to live to worship Him and live as He says.

Can you see why a person should be ready spiritually as we are possibly members of the last generation according to our interpretation of the signs?

I am old enough to remember when America was the greatest nation ever. What we are being told will make America great again is not a guarantee. There is only one way that we can guarantee that America will become great again. It is found in Scripture.

Mark 12:29–31 “Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (NLT) (HEART, SOUL, MIND, STRENGTH)

The Jewish people had 613 commandments that they were required to follow, but none were as important as this one. I remember when many Americas lived by the Golden Rule. Many may remember when J. C. Penny used to use the Golden Rule as their model. The emphasis was on treat your neighbor as you would yourself. This is what made America great because people were kind to others and never took advantage of them. There were always exceptions as the world has always been filed with evil.

Years ago many lived on farms or at least they had a garden and produced much of what they ate. In the summer, most everyone would can vegetables that would last until the following year. People seemed to be more peaceful and their needs were being met without government help. There were jobs for everyone and I started working summers when I was in the fifth grade. As a teenager, there were always jobs available for anyone who wanted to work.

Living by the Golden Rule made a difference in my life. We were taught the following Scripture: Philippians 2:4 – “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Romans 15:2 – “We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” I Corinthians 10:24 – “Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.”

My first summer in college, I tried to use these Scriptures as how I would work with others. The second summer I was promoted to assistant production foreman for Birds Eye Frozen Foods. The third summer I was promoted to night production foreman over 250 employees. The similar thing happened after I graduated and went to work for Montgomery Ward. After six years, I was promoted to store manager and did that for twenty-three years. I then started my own business as an investment advisor and using the Golden Rule, we have about 500 clients without any advertisement.

Intellectually, I am just an average person. The moral of this above information is that if everyone would get back to practicing the Golden Rule and do for others as you would do for yourself, America would become great again.

Can you imagine any political leader stressing that is how to make America great again? The ACLU and every atheistic person would revolt. They would tar and feather them and run them out of America. This is why we are no longer the nation we originally were.

Young people, if you want to live at peace and become prosperous try living by the Golden Rule. You do not have to tell anyone. However, management will see that you stand out over others because of hard work and how you treat others. You will not find everyone you work with having pleasing personalities but you treat them like you would want to be treated. Having had over 4,000 employees, over 29 years in nine different stores, I can tell you what it takes to become successful. Work with a passion because you are working to please God and live His commandment that we treat others as we would want to be treated, unconditionally. That means NEVER take advantage of anyone.

It WORKS and that’s a guarantee!

For those living outside Nevada and those readers from foreign countries, may wonder what Las Vegas, Nevada is like. There are a number of parts of the city and one part could be compared to the above two cities.

Christ, in chapter two of Revelation asked John to write to the church at Pergamum. Rev. 2:13a “I know where you live—where Satan has his throne.” Pergamum was the most famous city in Asia. History tells us the people worshipped power and authority. The people of Pergamum didn’t care about right or wrong only about themselves.

During John’s time it was believed by the people that Satan’s throne actually existed in Pergamum and it seems Christ is confirming this belief. The city was surrounded by a society that was non-Christian and its values, standards and lack of morals permeated the population. Satan can be in only one place and in Revelation we are told he can be in a human body. But he has an efficient organization of millions of fallen angels and demons that are against Christianity and the world. They are everywhere.

Las Vegas, like Pergamum, can be the most difficult place for a Christian to live because of the tremendous Satanic and sinful influences. Las Vegas, as in Pergamum, many Christians have stayed true and faithful to the teachings of Christ. However, Las Vegas like Pergamum, believers can be easily deceived. Christians believe they can co-exist with the world and believe that living as the world does is acceptable. Christians have been taught political correctness that all should be tolerated.

Las Vegas is known as Sin City. Having lived here since 1974 I have either seen or heard of about any despicable thing a person could do. As a store manager, we had five security people that reported every crime that occurred in our parking lot, in our store and what was happening in the city. When you read Scripture it tells of cities that were absolutely sinful. Two other cities stand out: Corinth and Nineveh. They sound like these cities were similar to Las Vegas and what we hear from our police department.

In the Old Testament God had destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their immorality. Genesis 18:20 and 23–33 “So the Lord told Abraham, ‘I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.’” 23 Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” And the Lord replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.” Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes. Suppose there are only forty-five righteous people rather than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And the Lord said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five righteous people there.” Then Abraham pressed his request further. “Suppose there are only forty?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the forty.” “Please don’t be angry, my Lord,” Abraham pleaded. “Let me speak—suppose only thirty righteous people are found?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it if I find thirty.” Then Abraham said, “Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue—suppose there are only twenty?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.” Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.” When the Lord had finished his conversation with Abraham, he went on his way, and Abraham returned to his tent.”

You may wonder why Las Vegas has grown to over two million people and is a very prosperous city. I thought about the number of times over the past 41 years when we spent vacation time with family and friends from out of town we have known over the years. The typical question they used to ask was: “Are there any churches in Las Vegas”? In 1981 I remember reading what John Wesley wrote: “Give me 100 men who will surrender to Christ and we will change the world”. I thought: “How many would it take to change Las Vegas”?

Today, Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing Christian communities in America. But it is not without its problems. I have been blessed to have been on the church board for 20 years from 1983 to retirement. We have seen so many supernatural events that we just finally started saying: “It’s a God thing!” For example, it took our church approximately 30 some years to have a church attendance of 4,000 on a weekend. Last Christmas we reached over 70,000 and have had over 50,000 conversions. Just last week 347 Christians were baptized. Many times there are more than 500 on a weekend. A person would have to be blind not to realize that Christ has used Central Christian to spread the Gospel. I use to sit in “awe” at board meetings when we are told of all the opportunities that are becoming available to spread the Gospel throughout the world. From a city in Las Vegas called “sin city”. Where evil abounds God’s grace is ever greater. There are other churches with attendance over 1000 on a weekend.
There are many parts to Las Vegas. Much of the city lives normal Christian lives like many other cities. To those of us in the Christian community, we are glad to say we live in Las Vegas because it is not exactly the city many of you think it must be.

Fear is one of the most stressful emotions we can have. If you want to get stressed out and develop an unhealthy body, let fear control you constantly. Are you worried about your finances, loss of a job, family problems, what disaster will happen next? Fear comes from ignoring the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. We are people too busy living in a fast-paced world with too little time and attention on spiritual things.

Fear can be so devastating that the Bible addresses it a number of times. 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Fear many times keeps us from taking risks because we may be afraid of failing.

Fear is real and it can debilitate. Though fear is real, we need not give in to it or allow it to misdirect our decisions. Fear can inhibit us from not only using our talents and abilities, but also from reaching our full-potential. And worse, we will be robbed of our peace and joy. Once we identify fear in our lives, we can relegate it to its proper place: under the control of the Holy Spirit. God does not want us to unreasonably fear: rather, He wants us to trust Him for everything we need. Then we are free to pursue and fulfill our God-ordained purpose in life.

Having experienced life without negative fear gives peace, calmness and a sense of success that makes each day an enjoyable experience and a feeling of accomplishment. We were created with emotions to be able to love and to fear. Faced with a roaring lion hopefully, your reaction would be fear. But facing a serious problem does not need to be feared. Where did fear come from?

Genesis 3:9–10 “But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” This was the first time we heard a person could be fearful. It was a result of sin and rebellion against God. How often is your fear caused by not putting God first or listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit?

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Do you believe in God’s promises? How capable are you being able to trust Him? Are you able to recognize that a person filled with the Holy Spirit, God says He will be with you always? Can you believe that God will take your right hand and tell you “Do not fear? Can you visualize what this would do to fear?

Step one is to believe and trust that this is what God said and it also applies to every Spirit filled Christian. Assuming you have accepted the above premise, what can we draw from it? God is with us. He places the Holy Spirit into our lives as a direct contact to God. The Holy Spirit is the same as Christ being with us. He says He is our Lord and will have a personal relationship with us. He tells us that He is capable of giving us power to deal with every situation in life. He does not imply that we will win every time. Yet, we can deal with anything while being calm and with peace. It is only when we focus on the problem that we become distraught, when we should be focusing on how God is going to help us solve this situation. While dealing with whatever is confronting us, are we asking for that power that Scripture promises to give us? Aren’t the usual circumstances we face, I will deal with everything by myself? This is the mistake many of us make.

Step two is to think of every fear you may have. Do you know what caused it? Do you know how to eliminate it from being a fear? Have you accepted that you are a member of God’s family and that He wants to help you? (You must feel accepted.) Do you have the confidence that anything can be handled with God’s power? (I accept God’s promise that He will give me strength and help me.) Finally you must believe that no matter what happens God knew it was going to happen and He did not intervene to stop it. Therefore, it must be a learning experience.

Read the first chapter of the Book of Daniel. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego put their lives in jeopardy by putting God first and refusing to eat the royal food. Daniel 1:17 – Scripture said to these four “God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds”. We are told, as Daniel and the others, we must put God first in everything and see what happens. But do we? It is most difficult to subdue our carnal nature of self-centeredness.

Luke 12:24–26 “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.” Is it too difficult to accept the promises that Christ made when telling us not to worry or be enslaved by fear?

We may understand that we have no reason to fear and accept liberation from it, but we may not instantly be “cured” of fearing. God, in His love and wisdom, may allow all sorts of problems to enter our lives. But we’re not left on our own to deal with them; He helps us through our struggles and disasters. He continually stretches our trust so we can break through the “wall of fear” and rely on Him, trusting Him more and more. Unless we see God bailing us out of tough or even terrifying trials, we may find it difficult to lean on Him and trust Him to be with us during our times of need.

Many Christians seldom realize that God allows failure to lead them in a different direction. A number of lessons can be learned from failure. For one thing, it strengthens us spiritually. For another, failure not only teaches us to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit, but also it opens up unlimited possibilities. Every circumstance in life, including failure, can become an eventual blessing according to Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” So how do we overcome fear? We place absolute trust in God.

What I have learned. Think negative thoughts and negative things happen. Think positive thoughts and positive things happen. As you think, you will see those results. Is this God’s answer to our thoughts?

Over the years we have seen hundreds of people leaving the church whenever a problem exists. Many become very negative towards the church and find it hard to move on. Many do not realize, but sometimes it takes a specific situation for God to get one to move.

I belonged for 28 years to a denominational church. Graduated from their college and became a member of nine different churches because of transfers. I Always took an active part and on a number of church boards. My last denominational church where our family spent seven years, a problem existed in the church that I could no longer attend there. Being on the board, things were happening that I believed should not have occurred.

We began to attend a non-denominational church that was very traditional. There was not a lot of difference between our previous denominational church and our new church. After one and a half years I was voted on to the church board. Living in Las Vegas, NV it seemed everyone was concerned about the sin that occurred in the city. The board prayed weekly for three years that God would give us a vision on how we might win the unchurched to Jesus Christ. We visited a number of large churches to ask what they did differently to reach out to the un-saved.

We believe God gave us the commission to spread the gospel to the Las Vegas area and beyond. In order to do so, we had to change our music and the sermons were more geared to those who were not Christians. We began by promoting that it was okay to not be okay, just come as you are and let Christ change you. This was hard for some members to accept.

Many traditional members believed the board stole the church from them. They began to leave by the dozens. Many left with very negative attitudes toward the church. Having been one who felt the church was no longer what we traditionals thought it should be I know how one feels. However, after time and seeing the results of growing from a Sunday attendance of 270 to now reaching on special occasions 70,000 I learned that this was where God wanted me to be. He knew what it would take to get me to move.

God tells us to have a forgiving heart. Most do not realize that in many cases God needed you somewhere else. Those who have left our church, because of disagreements, went to different churches in town and even started new churches in the Las Vegas area. Those traditional churches really needed these people and they too have grown exponentially. Scripture says that God has a plan for every one of us. Only He knows what it will take for you to make a change.

If that has happened to you did you leave with a bad attitude? Do you realize God just meant for you to be somewhere else where you can serve Him better?

After 29 years working for a company, a situation occurred at work that caused me to quit. I started a business and it has been the best thing that could have happened. I have been in my business for 29 years also and work with my son and daughter. I no longer have to worry about 450 employees and have recently sold my business to my son. Officially, I am now a consultant for the business. I thank God that He loved me enough to allow a situation to occur that let me become a business owner. So I suggest to everyone who feels someone stole their church from them, that they understand, that “someone” may have been God. He wanted you to serve Him elsewhere. I write this from personal experience. I hope it will help you to understand that you may be blaming the wrong people. Would your attitude change and be more positive if you believed it was God that allowed what happened?

Isaiah 55:8 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.” (NIV)
2 John 5 – “I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning.” (NLT)

If you do not believe there is a God or that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, you will undoubtedly commit the unpardonable sin. If you do not believe there is a Heaven or a Hell, chances are you will not do enough research to find the truth. Scripture says these people will miss Heaven. There are people who are demon possessed or demonic influenced and there are some who are just evil. Scripture says these people’s hearts are so hard that they will never understand or accept the truth from God. You can not commit the unpardonable sin and live in eternity with God. There are others who live a very moral life and are decent people, but they too could miss eternity with God.

God created man to worship Him. Within each individual we have been programmed for worship. We will either worship the Creator or someone or something. If we fail to worship Him there will be a void to fulfill and a longing that we must find something material or an individual to fill that empty spot. We have heard of young girls going to concerts and fainting over their idol who is singing. We have heard of young athletic boys idolizing a professional athlete. Many adults make money or material things their idol. If not God we are worshipping, then the innate urge moves us to find someone or something to worship. Many times this inner urge causes addictions to drugs or alcohol if we find nothing to satisfy our need to worship.

Mark 12:30 – “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.”

Rejecting to be obedient to this commandment is to sin. There is no greater sin than rejecting and failing to worship God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Prior to my conversion there were people I wanted to be like. This is why the Bible tells us to focus upon Christ as our model. Many who have been raised without the teaching of God or a single family parent find older youths as their example. Many are lured into drugs or illegal practices. This inner need drives them to often idolize others.

It wasn’t until I understood that this feeling, emotion, discernment or consciousness of my need to worship God did I find the peace and joy the Bible describes that comes to a person living a holy life. Holy living requires God being our highest priority prior to anything or anyone. This does not happen normally overnight. It is a process that comes from the renewing of one’s mind.

You may have been taught that the greatest and unpardonable sin is the rejection of the Holy Spirit. Without the assistance of the Holy Spirit’s conviction, one cannot be saved. Rejection of the Holy Spirit is also rejection of God and Christ and an unwillingness to worship God.

Today we find many Christians just attend church and act as the following Scripture.

Revelation 3:14 – 17 – “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

Too many Christians fail to heed Christ’s warning. Hearts are not changing and are growing cold. Churches seem to be losing influence in their communities. Revelation 3:20 – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Mark 3:28–29 – “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

You cannot enter Heaven without having in you the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13–14 – “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

When we are saved our proof is being sealed by the Holy Spirit. It is our guarantee that we have been forgiven, redeemed and have become adopted into the family of God. If we do not have the Spirit of God within us we do not belong to Christ. The Spirit is the guarantee of coming immortality, a guarantee of our inheritance and the pledge given to believers by God to assure them that the glory of the life to come, promised in the gospel, will actually happen. Anyone who dies without the Holy Spirit will miss Heaven.

Having been a member of Satan’s family for the first 22 years of my life, you live like most of the world lives. Having spent four years in the Navy, member of Satan’s family live a completely different life from those who belong to God’s family. Non-believers have a different concept of what life is all about.

While serving in the Navy, I spent time on Kwajalein, Pearl Harbor, on different ships patrolling off the coast of South Korea during the Korean War. I spent a few months in Japan as a radio instructor. I have seen all aspects of human behavior. Anything was permissible; as long as you did not get caught doing what was unlawful. There was a seeming lack of any morality. People were envious of others and no matter how much they had it was never enough. It was mostly about the “me” attitude and what gave most the greatest pleasure? It seemed almost impossible to keep everyone happy and pleased. There was always something they were looking for to satisfy whatever they didn’t have.

As I have studied the Old Testament women and children were treated as property. King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Nations raided each others for whatever they needed. The King then writes later in life, that life was meaningless, like chasing after the wind. Nothing seemed to fill the void in one’s life. (Ecclesiastes 1:14) His life was meaningless.

When I became a Christian and found the difference between Hell and Heaven, I knew that Heaven is where I wanted to live out eternity. I began reading the Bible and what Heaven was like; I began to make sure I knew what was necessary to get to Heaven. I read what God promises.

Revelation 21:1–4 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

The old world and all of its evil are gone forever. A new kind of heaven and a new kind of earth is created. It must be different to allow a person’s body to last through eternity. Our diets will be different as we eat fruit from the Tree of Life. The same tree that Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat. It is believed that many things on earth will be similar to the old earth but the main differences are: There will be no sun, Satan is defeated, sin is banished, people live with God, the curse is removed, and all sin, tears and sorrows are gone. The main thing is, death is defeated and believers live with God forever. We are back at the beginning of the cycle when God had a relationship with Adam and Eve. As God provided everything for them, the same will be provided for believers.

I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. Christ promised to go and prepare a place with many mansions and He has. John gives a description of the city. We have to believe this is a literal city and not something symbolic having another meaning.

In the Garden of Eden God walked with Adam and Eve. He will do the same with believers by walking among them. (Leviticus 26:11 and 12). This same relationship will occur in the new earth as it did with Adam and Eve. With the great physician available, death would be rare to impossible and sickness would come from a cursed world. To have no stress or pain, to live a life of peace, joy and opportunity will be different from the old world. Verse 21:4 says there will be no more death. There will be death during the 1000 years but not on the new earth. Keep in mind; this is the new earth that is being talked about. Heaven is not necessarily paved with streets of gold. In heaven, it doesn’t talk about eating or describe how we will live. Rev. 2:3 says there “No longer will there be any curse.”

I then read about those who were not accepted into God’s family. Revelation 20:11–13 “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.” John 5:25 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”

All who were not raised in the first resurrection, the non-believers, will be raised in the second one to stand at the Great White Throne Judgment and any who died sinners during the 1000 years will be there also. Jesus will judge them and this includes everyone from Cain to the 1000-year end. They will be judged and if their names are not in the Book of Life, they will be cast into the ‘Lake of Fire’. “Earth and sky fled” could mean the end of heaven and earth. Many Scriptures relate that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Matthew 24:35 – Heaven and earth will pass away. Isaiah 51:6 – “Heaven will vanish like smoke and the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants will die like flies.” 2 Peter 3:7 – God commanded that the heavens and the earth would be consumed by fire on the Day of Judgment when ungodly people will perish. Every unrighteous person will stand before the Great White Throne when Christ is there to judge the sinner.

Saved believers will have their names in two books. They will stand in Judgment before Christ to receive a reward for their works, deeds or service. (I Corinthians 3 and II Corinthians 5:10) In the Book of Life it has only believer’s names. The Book of Deeds, Scriptures say your deeds are being kept tract of and there is continual writing going on.

As the books are opened, every righteous believer will be judged by their deeds. Works do not save us but our works indicate our relationship with Christ. There is no indication that anyone standing before Christ’s Judgment, having their name in both books, will be cast into the ‘Lake of Fire’. Believers will be rewarded by how they handled their gifts, opportunities and responsibilities. God’s gracious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirement of faithful obedience and service. We must live each day knowing that God’s book is open. (Rev. 20:12) “The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. Verse 13 says: “Each person was judged according to what he had done.”