What if every morning you got out of bed to face a new day and said a prayer being thankful that you were still alive.  If you went to work and daily thought about, this could be your last one; would there be any stress or uneasiness?  This must be how the people of Israel must deal with life.

What if you had neighbors on both sides of your home threatening one day to kill you?  When you solicited support everyone refused to help or do anything about it.  How long would you stay in your home?  What if a “dirty bomb” were exploded in New York City?  Then the CIA reported that there were possibly 20 more located somewhere in the U.S. and possibly more in New York City.  Would you consider moving to New York City or out of the country?

Israel a tiny country that was established in 1948 had a population of 1,174,000 by 1949.  By 2000 the population had grown to 6,289,000.  It is now about 7,836,000 in 2012.  It doesn’t seem rationale that people would move into a situation where such tensions exist daily.  The only explanation is that the Old Testament said the Jews would return to their homeland.  Another prophecy that is being fulfilled.

Ezekiel 39:1 6 – “Son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal.  I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel.  Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand.  On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals.  You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign LORD.  I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the LORD.”

The Old Testament predicts that Israel will be attacked from the north.  They point out that Russia and Iran will lead other nations and God would defeat them and protect Israel.  Were the Iranians to launch a nuclear strike on their own against Israel’s defense, many believe Israel could retaliate and it is possible that Iran could be obliterated.  At least Tehran and most of the major population centers in Iran.   Many believe it would be suicide for Iran, but people with an apocalyptic world view may be willing to take the chance in order to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth.  But why would Israel want to start a war when the Bible tells them that God will directly intervene in their defense by causing severe natural disasters on those coming from the north. 

The above possibilities are affecting the entire world.  A result is the ridiculously high gas prices.  Some believe it could reach prices so high that it would slow the world’s economy and affect stock markets globally.  What would happen to economies and markets if Israel were to attack Iran?  It might delay the expansion of nuclear armament for a short time only because of the limited amount of destruction they would cause.  It is also possible that a strike on targeted nuclear sites would be the thing that the Bible says will draw Iran, Russia and others to attack Israel.

One hope that we see is sanctions on Iran by the United States and the European Union.  Beginning July 1^st the European Union has said they would join in a boycott of Iranian oil.  Many oil shippers have recently refused to sail into Iranian ports.  Other shipping companies have cut back considerably on the amount they are carrying.  The role of oil in the Iranian economy generates 50% of government revenues and over 20% of the Gross Domestic Product.  In addition, U.S. sanctions are being placed on access to international finance requiring them to trade gold and staples with Russia and China.  This is causing consumers to spend less than normal.  An economic crisis could cause President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to be replaced.  He is in major disagreement with Iranian parliament and some of the nations clerical.

There are so many challenges facing the world today that it has had a tendency to slow the global economy.  In addition to what normally happens during an election year, we have a U.S. and a sovereign debt crisis in Europe, tension from Iran’s growing nuclear armament and the oil/gas escalating prices.  We also have a world that has gotten so far away from the Ten Commandments that it makes one wonder what God’s plan for the world really is at this particular time in history.  My biggest concern is that the United States is not referred to in the Bible as coming to the rescue of Israel or whether it will even continue to exist.  It seems like this might be a good time for an American spiritual revival!  Those start with prayer asking God to help us change our lives, worship Him and treat others as we would like to be treated.  Any volunteers?

This time of the year over a billion will participate in Easter and millions will take time to remember the Jewish Passover.  Christians believe God used the Passover as a time for the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of Christ to take the place of the Jewish Passover.  The Passover starts April 6, 2012 and Easter is April 7, 2012.   Therefore, Christ’s Resurrection was to replace the remembrance and celebration paid to the Passover.

I Corinthians 5:7 – “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover was sacrificed for us.”  (NKJ)  Do you think the Crucifixion and Resurrection was a coincidence that just happened at that specific time?

Paul reminds us that Passover commemorated the time God passed over all the Israelites and sent the death angel to kill all first-born in the land of Egypt.  Christians take this time to remember the Crucifixion and Resurrection when Christ willingly shed His blood as a substitute for sinful man so he could be redeemed through the acceptance of Jesus as God’s Son with the ability to forgive sins.   Without the Resurrection and the forgiveness of sins, no one could have escaped the ultimate death of man’s spirit.  So it was Christ who took our place, so man’s sins could be forgiven and sinful man could be redeemed and be judged righteous.

I Peter 1:18 – 21 – “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,  but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.  Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.”  NIV

Peter states that Christ was foreordained to be our redeemer before the foundation of the world.  He did not die on the cross by accident.  The shedding of His blood was God’s plan from the very beginning.  As redeemed we are to live with faith and hope in God.  Our God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and is the same God whom we believe.  Faith is the key word in a Christian’s lifestyle.  “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”  (Hebrews 11:6) – We come to Christ by faith, we are saved by faith and we must live by faith.  Not only are we to live with faith, we are to live a life of hope.  Hope came by the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we may live with God in eternity.

As a result of Adam and Eve being deceived by Satan and having sinned against God, became cursed and separated from God as He had stipulated and promised would happen.  As a result, we all were born with a carnal, self-centered nature separated from God.  No one, no matter how much they worshipped God or lived a Godly life, prior to the Resurrection could become a part of God’s family—they were separated.  Upon death, God’s people went to Seoul, Abraham’s bosom or Paradise until they could be forgiven by Christ.  They then were released to heaven to be with God and a part of His family.   Others who were not God’s people and died, the Bible teaches went to a place of torment.

From the creation of Adam God did not want a robot.  Everyone had to make a choice between what was considered good and what was determined to be bad.  With everything conceivable needed by man being available in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve made the wrong choice.  God had made one thing off limits in order for them to be given a choice.  We have a similar choice today.  We can accept Christ as the Messiah or we can deny and reject Him and/or God.  It is our choice.

For those who question that Christ was God’s Son or that He was not resurrected and spent forty days with His many disciplines, history states that over 500 witnessed Christ being alive after having been crucified on a cross.  The Bible tells that Mary Magdalene was the first, before sunrise on what Christians call Easter Sunday, found the rock rolled away and the tomb empty.  She ran and told Peter and John.  They came and confirmed what she had told them.  The second time that Mary looked into the tomb she saw two angels sitting where Jesus had been laid.

Matthew 28: 1 – 2 – “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.  And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.”  The guards who were posted to make certain no one could remove Christ’s body stood in fear and seemed paralyzed.  The angel told Mary and the others: Matthew 28:5 – 7 – “But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.’”

Now we must ask this question: Has the great deceiver Satan, turned Easter into an Easter egg hunt, bunnies and parades so that we would miss the significance of what Passover and the Resurrection really stood for?  Many will celebrate Easter but most will not understand its significance.  To some it is just another religious holiday.  To children it could be just a fun day to hunt for eggs.  However, to God, it was a time set aside for man to remember Christ’s sacrifice, its purpose and to worship their Creator. Had Christ and the Resurrection never happened the world could be in such a mess that we could end up in the same evil society as Noah knew.  How many will miss Easter’s intended purpose and fail to thank and worship God?

MY GOD TEACHES LOVE

If you do not believe there is a God and life after death you must depend upon yourself and the government for survival.  If you believe in a God, you probably do not need to depend upon government but rely tremendously upon God’s help and your own accountability.  The God we believe in promises, if we do His “will” He will meet our needs.  Based on the fiscal deficit of governments around the world, I would rather have a God I could believe in and trust to give me guidance in living a good life than anyone else.

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?”

I don’t go to bed at night worrying about tomorrow.  I am not stressed out because I don’t drive a Jaguar. I am not concerned about those who predict a reversal of the planet’s magnetic field is going to happen around the time the Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012. I don’t believe in the unimaginable horror coming that all of the nuclear plants will meltdown, volcanoes will erupt and we will have flooding of Biblical proportions caused by global warming.  But, of course, we need to be talking about the same God Who makes these promises that we can depend upon that won’t occur until the Tribulation and no one knows that time or day.  Religious radicals have a God who teaches hate and killing.  My God’s love is unconditional and even inconceivable.

Luke 10:27 – “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  We are told to love God and others as ourselves.  My God teaches not to hate or be revengeful.  We can’t be talking about the same God who is asking for total elimination of everyone not believing as their God teaches.

Love requires obedience.  You are not going to be faithful, committed and obedient to someone you do not love.  The more likely you love God or others, the greater you will be obedient and committed to showing kindness.  You cannot read the Hebrew Bible and not realize in the New Testament Christ, the Son of God, loved His Father God, to the point of dieing willingly to bring a new covenant of grace and love.

Love promotes respect.  A person having problems loving is an individual who will have a difficult time in life and normally a rebellious attitude.  Marriage without a certain amount of unconditional love and respect will struggle. Until we learn to return God’s love, it could be difficult to love one’s neighbor. True love does not concentrate on what not to do but on all we can do to show our love.

If a person struggles with a rebellious attitude it may be because of being unaware of how to love.  A child that has a problem understanding love normally will have a difficult time showing respect to parents and authorities.  Love must be shown and modeled for children to pick up on.  You cannot teach hate and payback and see a person full of God-kind of love.

The Book of Hebrews says one can enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.  There can be temporary benefits from wealth, popularity, status and achievement and be blind to the long-range benefits that God’s kingdom offers.  Believing in a Christian God helps us see beyond the world’s value system to visualize the eternal valves that the Bible promises.

People living without a belief in God may have troublesome times expressing any unconditional love.  I would suspect that the love they know and give requires something in return.  But, of course, that is true of some types of religious people also.  Most people never understand the love God has for them and that He expects us to have that same kind of love.   Just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean you have developed an unconditional love.  I have known a number of Christians who continue to love as the world does.    However, it is a process.  It is something that can be learned and acquired over time.

Having a loving attitude, you don’t take everything personably.  Also the unbearable becomes bearable and in the world’s darkness there is a glimmer of light.  If we believe in Jesus we can accept things that we may not be able to understand and the problems in life that we encounter, we can still remain calm and at peace.  The life we live, to a great degree, depends upon our meaning and understanding of love.  I conclude that those non-believers in the Judeo/Christian God have a different perspective when it comes to love and the treating of others.

There are a number of Jeremy Lin’s and you could be another.

If you are a NBA fan and follow basketball, on radio, in the newspapers and TV sports, they keep talking about Jeremy.  Why didn’t the Golden State Warriors see the potential in him?  Why did they cut him from the squad?  Joe Lacob, one of the Warriors owners, his son played ball with Jeremy in Palo Alto.  He was aware how well Jeremy had done at Harvard.  He knew he was a very smart individual.  But Lin would have made $800,000 and was released to make room on the Warriors’ salary cap.

There are others just like Jeremy Lin having tremendous potential and yet they often get lost in life.  Having worked in nine Montgomery Ward stores and spending 23 of those years as a store manager I have worked with thousands of employees.  Once in a while you find these kinds of people in different organizations.  They often are individuals with innate leadership abilities that just don’t always seem to show.  In fact, they may not realize their own potential.

We hired a thirty year old young lady to work in our shipping-receiving department. She was a little shy and had a somewhat shaky self-image. In spite of this, she was hard working. It was her willingness to chip in wherever needed that caught my attention. I invited her to our weekly sales training meeting. The ball was in her court.  Attending the meeting meant that some of her work would pile up while she was absent, making her job harder. She was not ordered to attend, but by doing so she showed initiative.

She accepted the challenge and began attending the meetings. As she learned, her enthusiasm grew. Then a suppressed personality began to emerge. Instead of being quiet and reserved, she became increasingly outgoing and self-confident. I made her a full-time salesperson and she excelled in the job. Her industriousness had not lessened and now she had become gracious and helpful with customers.

I then asked her to take a commission-selling job, which meant the end of a regular guaranteed paycheck and only minimum pay guaranteed plus commissions. Her initial response was panic! Pushing people too hard or too fast is always risky. Self-confidence can be as fragile as a desert flower—swift to blossom and quick to die. She and her family were in no position to take a financial risk. One week without a normal paycheck could result in a financial catastrophe. As it turned out, the teaching-nurturing training she had gone through was adequate for her to take this next step in her career. She accepted the job. Eighteen months later she was my top commission salesperson. Later she became manager of our furniture department. After I transferred out of that branch, I heard she was managing a large furniture store in Alaska and doing extremely well.

I grew up an only child with little encouragement.  It is possible others didn’t see a lot of potential in me either.  It wasn’t until I began reading and studying the Bible and believing in the promises God was making that my life totally changed. (Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”) Scripture can be the most encouraging information you will ever read.  It was like the Holy Spirit had planned my life and I was following His leading. Positive things just started happening and my confidence grew.  I kept getting promoted and God became more and more important in my life.  I realized that the more I helped others the more they helped me.

Are you one of those individuals with leadership abilities but for some reason have avoided taking risks?  One of the first things I want to find out when arriving in Heaven is to know what my potential was and what could I have accomplished if I had applied myself more.  I did learn that it takes determination, tremendous preparation and hard work to obtain goals.  I also know that most people are unwilling to spend the time or effort to prepare and prefer not having any extraordinary aspirations.  There is little chance of becoming successful in your chosen field if you are not enthusiastic and put forth the effort necessary to become special in what you do.  The first place to start is reading the Bible to understand that the Holy Spirit wants to be your partner and guide you in the direction toward success.

How many Jeremy Lin’s are among us who are extremely capable only needing encouragement and to be discovered?  Parents, you may have a child and with your assistance can make a difference that could become a standout in a career, not necessarily in sports.  Forbes Magazine says there are 1,226 billionaires on the planet.  Think of the potential our young people have today.  Be the one that inspires and puts a spark in the life of others.  That is what Christians are told to do along with spreading the gospel and helping change lives.  Be a fan and find someone to reassure and root for! Maybe that someone could even be you, who knows?

I Corinthians 2:9 – 12 – “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.  The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.  For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”

Ephesians 3:19 – 20 – “and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”

Pat Robertson, TV evangelist and broadcaster, says Tim Tebow was treated “shabbily” by the Denver Broncos when they traded him to the New York Jets for Peyton Manning.  Robertson also said that if Manning suffered a recurrence of the neck injury that sidelined him for a full season, Denver would be without a quarterback and “it would serve them right.”  Robertson had high praise for Tebow, saying Denver was a “nothing team” until Tebow led them into the playoffs last season.

I respect Pat Robertson but I believe he had no business condemning the Denver Broncos for acquiring Peyton Manning and trading Tim Tebow.  Anytime a Christian says something, seemingly negative, the world jumps on it.  It results in a condemnation of Christianity.

My first reaction was: this was possibly “A God Thing”.  When I heard that Tebow was traded to the New York Jets, I thought God wanted another role model in New York along with Jeremy Lin.

I know very little about people from New York City but as a store manager they were the most difficult customers to deal with here in Las Vegas when they had a complaint.  It made no difference whether it was in automotive, appliances, electronics and repair service or elsewhere, it was almost impossible to satisfy them and make reasonable refunds or adjustments and still keep them happy.  So when I heard of the trade, my thought was God hadn’t given up on New Yorkers and wanted them to know how people should treat other people.  No better example would be Jeremy Lin and now Tim Tebow.

I am one of those far out, conservative, nutty Christians that believe God is still in control and continues to divinely intervene in the lives of people.  It may seem like He doesn’t care what happens anymore but I think He is still concerned about everyone of us.  One writer said that New York City would change Tim Tebow and another said that Tebow would change New York.  If he helps change New York as he did Bronco fans, it will give me sufficient evidence that it was God’s intervention in making the trade to the Jets.

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.”  Few may change until people hear and accept the gospel and now more will hear, coming out of New York City.

How does the world really see us as Christians?  Do they see a Christian living a worldly life having little if any influence on others?  Or, are we living as the Bible instructs?  Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our behavior and influence others at home or on the job?  Do we play, maybe an insignificant role as a Christian or are we sharing the gospel with others in hopes of changing their attitude and behavior by sharing how God wants us to treat each other?

I remember America as she was sixty years ago.  Integrity was the highest of priorities.  A hand shake sealed a deal.  Specifics could be written on a paper napkin.  If someone gave you his word you could count on it.  A person now needs a law degree to stay out of trouble and be extra careful in what they say or do, or you may be sued.  So let’s say a prayer for Tim and Jeremy that they help change New Yorkers and Americans and that New York City and the world does not change them.

Is there a difference between being lucky and being blessed and how do you tell the difference?  When does a situation happen and you know it is supernatural?  We may never know for sure and most would believe in a coincidence, luck and not a blessing.  When something unusual happens I always treat it as a blessing or a learning experience.   Let me give you some background to tell my recent story:

I have had some heart problems a few years ago and the doctor told my family I had about a 10% chance of surviving.  Approximately 15 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  I feel blessed to still be healthy and able to work every day since.  I regularly have medical checkups,  exercise and eat right.  For some reason, I believe God has blessed me by extending my life

From 1991 to 1999 I assisted in overseeing the building of a church.  Our attorney and I met with the city council to get zoning and permission to build.  What we were told was impossible to do, yet we were allowed to do.  As we began construction, building roads and preparing the land there were more problems that seemed supernaturally solved than you could ever imagine.  You would have to be blind and a non-believer to realize things were happening that appear to come from Divine intervention.    This may be why I am more aware when something out of the ordinary happens.

Now with the story!  Every since I have been a Christian, having spent many years in retailing, if someone does not give me the correct change I always make sure I am given what I should be and give back when they give me too much.  That is what the Bible teaches and I have no problem giving money I don’t deserve back.

My wife and I went to the bank’s ATM to deposit a check and withdraw some money.  When the cash came out, there were two wadded up twenty dollars that came out in addition to what I had requested.  In my hands was forty dollars more than I had asked for.  The ATM machine had made a mistake.  My first thought was, this must be my day.  The bank can afford it and I used to get more interest in the past than I am now getting and they really owe me.   A minute later, I felt convicted that it was not mine and I needed to go into the bank and give it to them.

I entered the lobby of the bank and at the information booth was a customer on the phone and next to her was a bank employee. I went to the employee and said I just received forty dollars too much out of the ATM. She thanked me and proceeded to hand the money to the customer on the phone and said, “Here is your forty dollars”. Apparently, the
customer was trying to prove to the bank that the ATM shorted her forty dollars… She was right.

As my wife and I got into the car, I asked her if God was testing me.  She said we may never know.  The next day a lady came to our office and said she would like to invest some money.  Our office manager said sure but who referred you?  Our name is outside our office and she thought that we were part of The Boyd Gaming Group, the casino company.  We asked if we could share with her what we do.  After about two hours, we invested a sizeable amount of money.  The benefits of the long-term client/relationship will more than outweigh the forty dollars.  So we ask you—was it a spiritual test?  If I had kept the forty dollars would the woman have come in by mistake?  Was it “A God Thing” or just a coincidence?

These past three years as I have written two blogs per week I have tried to make Christians aware that if they have the Holy Spirit in them, do not ignore the power that He provides.  Be aware and alert to everything that happens each day and you may be surprised at what God wants to show you and do through you.  Seeing unusual, perhaps supernatural situations, should give confidence, peace and a new attitude knowing you are not alone.  Don’t miss out on some of life’s greatest experiences knowing you are being guided by a Divine power within.

I was recently reminded that we went thousands of years believing no one could run a mile in under four minutes.  An athlete from England, Roger Bannister, on May 6, 1954 ran a mile in 3.59 minutes breaking the impossible barrier.  It wasn’t long until 16 runners ran in less than four minutes.  The record is now 3:43.13 minutes.  What made the differences?  Someone believed it could be done. Believing and having faith is very hard for most people.

What made Steve Jobs at Apple or Bill Gates at Microsoft successful?  I believe there may be millions smarter and just as capable.  Attitudes and confidences are not something we can teach.  They must be something we get from something or somebody.  One’s attitude is a personal thing.  It is how we see ourselves.   Do we believe in the impossible? Do we see ourselves as becoming successful? How often do we think outside-the-box?  Are Christians aware of an inner power that is willing and capable of helping them succeed?  You may think that you have the Holy Spirit but He has never helped you.  The Christian who depends upon the Holy Spirit is sensitive to His leading and is like the athlete who listens to an experienced coach.  The coach can’t guarantee an athlete’s induction into the Hall of Fame, nor can he guarantee a gold medal for the athlete, but he can train him and teach him everything he knows, giving him every advantage, allowing him to consistently do his best.  The Christian’s advantage, having the Holy Spirit, does not guarantee presidencies, chairmanships, wealth, achievement awards, fame or recognition, but He will lead the Christian into the direction that fulfills his God-given purpose and with it, success and prosperity.

We are all made differently.  Some were created with certain abilities, some handicapped and most of us average. God didn’t say let’s create another human today and watch them fail.  He had the knowledge and ability to put the universe together; and He knew everyone of us prior to our birth. Then can’t He give each one of us a plan for our lives with the abilities to be successful?   However, Satan is not pleased when Christians do things out of the ordinary.  Have you been told you will not amount to much?   Have you been convinced?

I found the American dream was available to those who realized that it won’t be given to them; it had to be earned. I received a degree in business management. I read many books on the power of positive thinking.  I studied management principles and went to numerous seminars to improve my skills.  The one book that has helped me the most is studying the Bible.  One thing I learned was preparation.  It was one key to success.  I also learned the importance of trusting in God’s promises.  I became aware that the Holy Spirit was given to us that we might have comfort, guidance and a purpose in life.  The Bible taught me to become free from the ways of society and our worldly, self-centered nature and become more Christ minded.

How many people are willing to prepare for success?  It seems there are many that want to dumb-down Americans, give them entitlements and convince them the government will meet their needs.  You may not need an education but you must become knowledgeable.  The same is true if you want to run a mile under four minutes.  It takes more than just thinking you can.  Suppose you would like to be a millionaire.  Is that something you pray for and expect God to give you?  Becoming a millionaire should not be one’s goal.  The goal is doing something that will make society a better place and there is a good chance your byproduct would be wealth.

Did Edison intend to make millions?  Do you suppose Gates and Jobs goal was to make billions?  Probably, they had an idea to change how people do things and do them differently.  Creating and achieving is possibly the most satisfying feeling that one could ever have.

As Christians we are expected to be different from those who live by the world’s rules.  We are told by Scripture to be conscientious and loyal and we are to be positive and encouraging servants.  We are to do our best by being dependable and considerate of others.

Most of us living in America would be considered in the top 8% of the world’s wealthiest people.  Prosperity is having a home, clothing, food and savings in comparison to the world.  Success is setting a goal and achieving it.  Our goals are to be debt free and have sufficient savings to last a life time when I retire. From the world’s view we are successful and prosperous.  I know of a number of people with average incomes just as successful.

I was raised, for a short time, on a small acreage where we raised our own meat and vegetables.  We had no electricity or running water, just a well.  Prosperity to me may be much different from those living in a mansion on a hill.   The Bible promises that if we live by God’s commandments we can become prosperous. That does not mean we will all be millionaires.

No matter what our job is or how much we make; the Apostle Paul says we are not to do our best only when we are being watched but remember God is watching every second through the Holy Spirit that is within us.  As God is watching and the Holy Spirit guiding, why not begin believing and practicing what it takes to be a success in whatever task you have chosen?  Work hard, set obtainable goals and adequately prepare.  Then see where the Holy Spirit leads you.  Never allow the Devil or others to discourage you as they are likely to do.  God promises that we can become successful and prosperous by complying with His teachings, which is available to all believers.

IS THE DEVIL IN THE DETAILS?

 Rep.  Pelosi was right when she said: let’s pass Obama Care so we can find out what is in it. I read about the death panel for people over 70.  Being in that age group I wondered if I would be covered the next time I go to the hospital.  Chances are I will not, once it takes affect.  Even if I were covered by the panel, it’s possible I would have to have a radio frequency transponder chip implanted for identification to obtain the required treatment.  I would refuse to allow an implant.

I began doing research.    “The Obama Health care bill under Class II (Paragraph 1, Section B) specifically includes ‘‘(ii) a class II device that is implantable.” Then on page 1004 it describes what the term “data” means in paragraph 1, section B:”  It goes on to give the information requiring the following:

“Approved by the FDA, a class II implantable device is an ‘implantable radiofrequency transponder system for patient identification and health information.’ The purpose of a class II device is to collect data in medical patients such as claims data, patient survey data, standardized analytic files that allow for the pooling and analysis of data from disparate data environments, electronic health records, and any other data deemed appropriate by the Secretary.”

“This sort of device would be implanted in the majority of people who opt to become covered by the public health care option. With the reform of the private insurance companies, who charge outrageous rates, many people will switch their coverage to a more affordable insurance plan. This means the number of people who choose the public option will increase. This also means the number of people chipped will be plentiful as well. The adults who choose to have a chip implanted are the lucky (yes, lucky) ones in this case. Children who are ‘born in the United States who at the time of birth is not otherwise covered under acceptable coverage’ will be qualified and placed into the CHIP or Children’s Health Insurance Program (what a convenient name). With a name like CHIP it would seem consistent to have the chip implanted into a child. Children conceived by parents who are already covered under the public option will more than likely be implanted with a chip by the consent of the parent. Eventually everyone will be implanted with a chip. And with the price and coverage of the public option being so competitive with the private companies, the private company may not survive.”

Revelation 13:16 – 17 – “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads,  so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.”

Revelation 14:9 – 11 – “A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”

In a recent discussion some young people asked, would God forgive a Christian if they took the “mark of the beast”?  As we get closer to the end-time I am sure this is a question many are asking themselves.  Who among us would be willing to accept death rather than have the mark placed on our forehead or right hand?  What about our children?  What would happen to them if we were killed?  Maybe I should take the mark so that I could feed my family and supply them with their needs.  No mark, no food!  We are told that refusing to take the mark or worshipping the idol one would starve to death or be beheaded.  Refusing will require a Christian truly committed and faithful to God.

At that time in history who would have believed that it was possible to have a radio frequency chip implanted in ones right hand or forehead?  Is this the mark they were talking about?  A person who is seriously ill and needing an operation would have to accept death if unwilling to have the chip implanted.  Once the chip was used for medical reasons, could it not be a requirement to buy and sell also? Finally, everyone would be required to have a chip.  Wouldn’t a loving God forgive us if we accepted?

Revelation 20:4 – 6 – “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”

If we didn’t know better it almost sounds like the “beast” could be the government.  Could it be a government that wants to control their entire population?  Their intention would be to limit one’s freedom and make decisions for them; such as who to worship and what to believe?  Have you made up your mind yet to whether you will accept the implant or not?

We know the progressive leaders of the world want a one-world government.  However, that would never be acceptable to a Christian nation. Therefore, we must change American into a non-religious nation.  We will take the Ten Commandments out of the schools.  We will promote the separation of church and state.  There can no longer be prayers at school functions.  We will teach evolution.  We will bankrupt the world and provide a monetary system for every nation to use.  We will start with the old Roman Empire and call it the European Union.  We will develop a monetary system and use Euro dollars.

Americans must be given entitlements in order to develop a nanny state where the population depends on the government rather than on God.  Once God’s teaching is diminished and people are reprogrammed; when they can no longer buy or sell, because only a few refused the chip, we can unite worldwide.   They then will have complete control and freedom will be for the elite only.  You will worship who you are told to worship.  You will do as commanded and Satan will finally be in complete control. His ultimate goal! The great deceiver wins—up to a point.  For those who can see through the dense fog and are martyred will be greatly rewarded.  Is it possible for America to turn to God and see a change and a repentant nation?  Or, is the end near?  Does the “end” depend upon how we live and who we live for?  Will it be God or government?  Let’s hope it is not too late to choose.

If you go to http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/microchip.asp   This site will tell you it is absolutely not true.  However, it is possible that there was intent from some in congress that a chip was considered for humans just as they have chips for pets.  It is something to think about.  I hope you will be aware that there will be a day when the mark will be a requirement and you may be just as easily deceived by a government.  Is there anything wrong with an implant for health reasons?

This may not happen now, but it will.  We must be aware that any implant or mark mandated must be unacceptable.  What about people who are unbelievers.  It is not too late to accept Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to forewarn you.

Christians should be able to answer this question because it is one asked by many unbelievers.  If you are unable to answer they will try to convince you that there were people on earth prior to Adam and Eve.  If you answer sisters, they will tell you that God forbid marrying close relatives.

Genesis 2:20 – “So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.”  This tells us there were no humans but Adam at that time.  God, taking a rib from Adam, made Eve, the woman.  If there were other women He would not have had to create Eve.  He could have put His Spirit into her if another existed to make a suitable helper.

Genesis 1:28 – “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” God told them to fill the earth with children.  Jewish historians say they had over 30 sons and over 30 daughters.

Genesis 5:3 – “When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth.”  We are told that Adam lived to be 930 years old (Gen 5:5).  God made Adam and Eve with perfect genes.  They were able to live long lives and have children with different genes than humans have today. Abraham married Sarah, who was his half-sister, (Gen. 20:12).  Close relatives could marry without children being born deformed.  It wasn’t until Moses generation did God forbid the marrying of close relatives.  This can be found in Leviticus chapters 18 thru 20.  The human genes had deteriorated from Adam’s time and no longer could people live hundreds of years and marry close relatives.  Usually they had deformed and unhealthy children.

Those first brothers and sisters did not practice birth control.  It would not be unusual to have ten or fifteen children each or as Adam and Eve, 60.  Over a period of 900 years you could have thousands of people living.  By the time Moses lived, there were millions on earth.  There were all kinds of races and religions.  Pagan religions practiced sexual relations with closes relatives, they committed adultery, children were sacrificed and some had sexual relations with animals.  God taught that these were unacceptable abominations or wicked actions and were banned and God dealt with them harshly.    These practices led to disease, deformity, death plus social issues.  Therefore, God instituted laws forbidding the Israelites to participate in this behavior.

Over the past 6,000 years, living under God’s curse and the evil practices of pagan religions, we probably are less intelligent, less healthy and see the world much differently than the early families.  However, we are told that Christ will come to rule for 1,000 years on this earth.  Christians will be given immortal bodies and be able to live as Adam lived, close to a thousand years.  During that time there will be children born and people will have a choice to follow Jesus and some will be deceived by Satan when he is released from the abyss according to the Book of Revelation.

So if anyone asks who were Cain and Abel’s wives you can answer them.  Studying Genesis will give you a picture of how it all started and you can use it to defend the Gospel and those who are unbelievers and question the Bible’s authenticity.

As humans, we have a tendency to focus on ourselves and the world.  Shouldn’t we be concerned if our focus is not on Christ?  If you went to a doctor and discovered that you had cancer and six months to live would your focus change?  Yet too many Christians live as if they were immortal and would live forever. They believe that it will be possible to make the change when they get older.  But for now, they focus on self and their present wants and needs.

The most difficult time to focus on God is when we are extremely healthy and financially prosperous.  The important things in life become career, family and others.  When a person has health issues and/or are struggling financially they have more of a tendency to depend on God.  Study Jewish history and whenever they were prosperous and at peace they would begin turning from God.  When they were at war and struggling to stay alive they became very dependent upon God and worshipped as commanded.

God wants our focus on Him regardless of the situation we are in.  When we do, He promises peace and stability in our lives.  Without focusing on Christ we often do not have the confidence, security and a chance to reach our full potential to achieve and succeed.  The Holy Spirit will give us a purpose and direction in life.  Yet, many Christians have no idea who they are or what this life is all about.

We live in an electronic world.  The world has done everything to distract us from focusing on God.  Today there are cell phones, e-mail, Facebook, TV and numerous other things. Going to work we are listening to the radio or music and forget about praying silently or thinking about God.  We come home and too many turn on the TV.  We are more self-driven than most anytime in history.  Material things, keeping up with others and achieving success push us daily.  We must not be deceived by the Devil and the world.

It took many years before I learned to listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  As I pray and write many thoughts and ideas that I feel God wants me to learn come to mind.  Ask a number of ministers who preach hundreds of sermons and they will confirm that God leads them in preparation.  There are times when we may feel unworthy knowing that we do not have the insight or ability to prepare certain sermons or write Christian blogs.  Thoughts seem to appear all of a sudden.  I believe this guidance is something every Christian, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power, has available to them.

Revelation 12:9 tells us that Satan will deceive and lead the whole world astray.  We realize that Satan continually tries to interrupt God’s ministry but is limited by God as to what he can do.  I Peter 5:8 & 9 tells us that He is actively looking for people to accuse and attack.  He has deceived a lot of people into thinking self comes before everything else.

We are told that satanic forces look for Christians who are weak in faith and lack spiritual knowledge to reject Christ’s teachings.  Satan cannot be everywhere.  It is through his demons that his mission is to hinder in every way what God would like to see happen in the world.  We are told that in the end times we will be confronted by a beast, (Satan) who wants to be God, (the Antichrist) who wants to be Christ and, (a false prophet) who wants the power of the Holy Spirit to spread his religion.  We are warned in the New Testament that there is a powerful, evil spiritual army whose goal is to destroy the Jews and Christians.  We must also be very careful we are listening to the correct Spirit.  There are times when Satan tries to influence us.  It is important we recognize the difference.