It appears we elect many who have never run a business and they make laws for businesses.  There are those elected who have never read the constitution or they ignore it.  We elect people who work for their own good and not for the good of those who elected them.  The direction our country is headed, is not the country that our founding fathers envisioned.  Our elected politicians, in general, are more concerned about their political party and their own re-election than what is best for America.  What I believe is best for America is free market capitalism.  Rather than taking from the rich and sharing with others, give each of us the opportunity to become rich if we are willing to risk and work for it.  For years we had been registered as independents until moving to Nevada. Independents don’t get to vote in primaries, except for independent politicians, which are rare or a wasted vote.

Philippians 2:3 – 5 – “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” NLT

What kind of changes would we see if every individual elected were to legislate using this Scripture as their guide?  They would realize that selfish ambition can ruin a city, state or a nation.  Being humble gives a person a better perspective about who we are.  They would treat others with respect and common courtesy.  They would work to prevent gridlock.  From our city and many other governments we have had some self-serving politicians that end up in jail.  Do you think they had our best interest at heart?

We have so many politicians coming from different life styles and backgrounds that they find it almost impossible to reach simple agreements.  As a result they are unwilling to consider another’s views and beliefs.  The Bible teaches us to refuse to be selfish, prejudice, jealous or anything that would cause dissension.

Christ gave up His divine rights to serve God and man.  We and politicians should strive to have a servant’s heart.  What I see are a lot of politicians who want to be served but who are unwilling to serve.

Having been on a number of church boards, I see the same problem existing there too.  Church members often find it difficult to be on the same page and be unified in Christ.  There are many different disagreements on non-essential Scripture.  Sometimes it becomes so heated that there is a church split.  We have spent many hours in board meetings discussing how to get unity in the church.  There were as many leaving via the back door of the church over disagreements as were coming in the front door.

It seems there are always some who seem conceited about their own opinions, without reason or basis.  They looked down on everyone else who disagreed with them.  There is an absence of any encouragement, comfort, fellowship in the Spirit, or tenderness and compassion.  Humility is a concern for the advancement of others.  True humility is having the proper perspective of ourselves.  A humble person is always seeking the good of other people.  How would you rate the humility of most politicians?

It is hard for many to understand but business today is much different than it was a number of years ago.  When I came to Las Vegas in 1974 as a store manager we had 52 department managers.  Most were sales managers and others non-sales.  Each month we had huge binders and we had to count and order every item listed.  A few years later we went to computerize cash registers and they would keep track of what was sold and reordering was automatic.  When I left in 1987 we were able to run the store with just 14 department managers.  Yet, we had hired many more to provide better sales and customer service.  Things are changing every year yet; politicians do little about out-of-date regulations, policies and laws.

When I started my business most everything was done by phone.  By 1995 most was done by computers.  Previously, it would take me all day to provide statements for 25 people.  Now it can be done in two hours for more than a hundred.  To get where we are today, some 38 years later, it took individuals willing to take risks and develop new ways of doing business. Americans must stay creative and competitive.  And individuals must be encouraged to continue taking risks if we want to further develop ways of doing business or in improving, for example, health practices, pharmaceuticals and equipment.

I believe we were created by God with a desire to help others.  Some become so evil thinking that they are not concerned about anyone but themselves.  I grew up when help came from neighbors and the church.  Many no longer want to accept the responsibility for others yet, they have that desire within that they want the needs of the less fortunate taken care of but they want the government to do it not themselves.  Some older parents had to move in with their children.  How would that work today?  This is not only America, it is globally.   Have we gotten to where we no longer want to share what we have earned?  That internal need to help others within us is there, most just don’t want to share what is theirs.  However, the Bible says we are to treat others as we would want to be treated.  That means we must be willing to give to others.

What were those described in the Bible willing to give up for their beliefs?

What are our armed forces willing to give up for the protection of our country?

What are you willing to give up for the benefit of our city, state or nation and to others?

The attitude of many Americans is that there is nothing they are willing to give up freely.  The government owes me!  Is our nation headed in the right direction? Some will vote based on facts and others on emotions.   Depending on your background, beliefs and whether you are receiving government aid that is who you will probably vote for.  But when you vote take into consideration the government can only do so much.  Don’t expect from them what you can provide for yourself.   Christians, we must stop being self-serving and become Christ-serving.

There was a man who had a dream.  God asked him: “What should I give you”?  The man answered and God made him one of the richest men in the world.  If that happened to you and God asked you that question, would you be prepared to give an answer?  If you are a student of the Bible you know what to ask for.  If not, what would your request to God be?  Do you believe He will answer that prayer?

Why do you suppose God was willing to ask that man what he wanted?  First, God knew what he would ask for and He knew the man’s heart.  The man was very humble.  If God answered your prayer and it changed your whole life would you use it to benefit yourself or to help others?  If God asked you to do a certain thing with what He gave you, would you have the courage and boldness to execute what you were asked to do?

Let’s assume God answered your prayer and you became a well-known person as a result.  Would you want everyone to know what God did?  Would there be a raging battle within you between your self-centered nature and your spirit-filled nature?  Would one nature want to boast while the other nature would be humbly thanking and praising God for His blessing and for having chosen you?  Are you prepared for the attacks that Satan will throw at you if your prayer was answered?  Should you not think about the consequences before you ask God?

I Kings 3:5 & 9 – “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”  Solomon answered: “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  Solomon asked for wisdom!  God gave him wisdom and everything a person would ever want.

It is possible one of the reasons God does not lavish us with prosperity is because most of us would not be able to handle it.  God made Solomon extremely wealthy.  Solomon lived life to the fullest with every pleasure that one could imagine.  There was nothing denied him.  He ended up a wasted man until his wisdom allowed him to realize that this uncontrolled living was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.  None of the pleasures that the world offered ever satisfied him.  His wisdom was used on the wrong things.  It was about himself rather than what God had given him.  His wealth and wisdom turned him from a humble man to a self-centered individual.  God’s blessing was being used for the wrong reason.  It was not about others, it was all about self.

Ecclesiastes 2:18 – 20 – “I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me.  And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless.  So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun.”

What is our legacy, what are we leaving for those who follow?  Is it the material amounts we have accumulated so their lives will be easier?  Or, is it life’s values and Christian principles?  What may we learn from the richest person, of his time, about worldly pleasures?

I learned to ask for Godly wisdom.  The wisdom I received is found in John 8:31b – 32- “Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  My wisdom came from learning the truth.

The truth is that Christ came to set us free from our bondages.   We need not fear or worry, realize we have been forgiven and should no longer feel guilty.  We are not to be angry or bitter, have anxiety, negative stress or jealousy.  We must have a forgiving spirit.  There is no need to feel inadequate or not belonging. There is never a need to lie, steal or cheat.  We are not judged by our works but by our heart.  The greatest thing we can have is love of God and others.  The testimony that I want to leave to those who follow is the truth does set us free and I know from experience it is a promise from God that we can have.  Praise to God I have been set free!

John 10:10 – “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” NLT

Matthew 7:18 – 23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers!’” NIV

There are many in the church who are very religious but have no personal relationship with Christ.  They have never been freed and do not live a rich and satisfying life.  They hear the Word, they know the Word but they are not “doers” of the Word.  They may lack wisdom.  May I suggest you pray for wisdom and when you obtain it, you will learn how to receive what all men seek, freedom and a satisfying life while on this earth and an eternal life to “doers” of the Word which is available regardless of your circumstances.

James 1:5 – 6a – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.”

Most of the world does not believe there is life after death or that Christ died and was resurrected.   Yet He met with hundreds of people as witnesses. In fact the Apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth and told them.  If you doubt it, there are over 500 people, many still alive, who will testify to His death and resurrection.  How easy it is for so many to deny history.  Why?

I Corinthians 15:5 – 8 – “He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve.  After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.  Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.  Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.”  NLT

Everyone knew that Christ was crucified and that the tomb in which they buried Him was empty.  History tells us that they paid money to those guarding the tomb to say that His disciples came and stole the body.  That time in history if a guard let a prisoner escape it was his life.  The guards were told that they would be protected only if they lied about how the tomb became empty.  Matthew 28:6 – “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.” There will always be people who do not believe Jesus was resurrected.  Even Jesus’ own brother James and family did not believe.  This is why Jesus went to His brother James after the resurrection.  James then became a follower and headed the Christian Church in Jerusalem.  He told His disciples that He would be resurrected after three days and three nights.   This was further proof that He was the Son of God.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinth church, pointed out how essential the resurrection of Jesus was. If we did not believe there was life after death, then the world would have no need for any morality.  Imagine what the world would be like.

To emphasize the importance of the resurrection, ten of the remaining eleven Apostles and Paul we believe died violet deaths. John the author of the book of John, the three epistles of John and Revelations was exiled to the mines on a small prison island called Patmos and lived in a cave. John was boiled in oil and lived. Later he was release and died a peaceful death in today’s Turkey.  One of the Apostles, Judas Iscariot, did not believe Jesus was the Son of God, committed suicide and ended up in hell according to history and Scripture.

As for the others the Bible records only the death of James found in Acts 12.2.  He was put to death by the sword.  We believe Peter was crucified upside down on an “X” shaped cross according to Jesus’ prophecy in John 21:18 & 19.  Matthew suffered martyrdom and was killed by a sword in Ethiopia.  Nathanael was beaten to death by whipping.  The apostle Thomas was stabbed to death.  James, not the brother of Jesus but John’s brother, was thrown from the upper part of the temple because he refused to deny his belief that Christ was who He said He was.  Matthew was stoned to death. Andrew was crucified.  Philip was martyred in Turkey. Bartholomew was skinned alive. Jude was martyred.  The apostle Paul was beheaded by Nero.  When we take what we believe are facts that those closest to Jesus were willing to die a martyr’s death it leads us to believe there was no doubt in their mind that Jesus was the Son of God. Would these apostles be willing to die for a lie?

Dr. Raymond Moody who has interviewed many who have had a near death experience stated the following:  “They say they become aware of what’s described as a tunnel, a passageway, a portal, and they go into this tunnel, and when they come out, they come out into a very brilliant, warm, loving and accepting light. People at this point describe such amazing feelings of peace and comfort. In this light they say that relatives or friends of theirs who have already died seem to be there to meet them and to greet them and to help them through this transition. Another thing they’ll often tell us is that at this point they are met by some religious figure — Christians say Christ, Jews say God or an angel. They say in this setting that this being, in effect, asks them a question, and they all say that words can’t convey it — that communication in this position does not take place through words as you and I are now using, but rather in the form of an immediate awareness. The way they summarize this question, or try to put it into words, is they say that he asks, in effect, “What have you done with your life? How have you learned to love?” At this point, they say, they undergo a detailed review of everything they have ever done in their lives. This is displayed around them, they tell us, in the form of a full-color, three-dimensional panorama, and it involves every detail of their life, they say, from the point of their birth right up to the point of this close call with death”.  Eight million Americans have had this experience.

So what do we know happens after death?  Prior to the resurrection of Christ, when a person died under the Old Covenant, both believers and non-believers went to Sheol (Hell or Hades).  It was a temporary dwelling place for the soul.  Luke describes a story that Jesus told in Luke 16:19 -26.  The story concerned a rich man and Lazarus a beggar.  They both died and went to Sheol.  However, one went to Abraham’s bosom or Paradise and the other went to a “place of torment”.  The rich man who was in agony saw Lazarus standing beside Abraham.  He called out to Abraham and asked that he have pity on him and have Lazarus dip the tip of his finger in water and cool the rich man’s tongue.  Abraham stated there was a great chasm between them and that he could not get to the place of torment from Paradise.  Meaning once you are in the place of torment you could not cross over.  Many believe the chasm between them was the Abyss or the Bottomless Pit where the most evil spirits are housed until the end of the thousand year reign Christ has upon this earth.

You have a choice.  Either there is life after death or there is not.  How willing are you to gamble on there not being another life after death?  Or, would you bet there is no hell or place of torment?  There are some so arrogant that they just don’t care.  Instant gratification for them is more beneficial than what happens later.  They feel they can deal with anything that happens in the future.  There are others that Satan has made their hearts harder than shoe leather through constant deception and they are unwilling to accept the truth that there is life after death.

Because the world is full of doubters, I suppose God knew that it would take at least 500 witnesses seeing a person dieing and then three days later coming back to life and then telling others that there is life after death.  How else could you ever convince these many unbelievers?  A miracle of this magnitude could only be accomplished by God to prove that Jesus was the Son of God and He did authenticate, to those with faith, that there is life after death.

After death and when you are shown every detail that happened from your birth until death, will you be pleased or disappointed?  Wouldn’t you want to know that all of your sins have been forgiven as you watch your life pass by?

We live in a world that wants to take care of you.  Young people need not be concerned about getting a job. The government wants to give you free health care via Medicaid, free education through college, free job training should you want it, help pay for a mortgage if you did get a job, potential unemployment checks available and if not working give a housing allowance in a winterized house with solar panels, a welfare check when needed and provide food stamps. Everyone is saying we are leaving a tremendous debt burden for our grandchildren.  Not if none of them ever have to work.  What more could they ask for?  Therefore kids, you don’t need my help, I will just keep paying my taxes and the government will take care of you.

For those who decide to work will have to provide for those unwilling to take any personal responsibility.  If congress does not pass something prior to yearend, those working will have to help pay for the largest tax increase in American history.  It is projected that taxes in 2013 could increase by as much as $650 billion if nothing is done.  For those older, the estate taxes in death could apply to anyone having accumulated over $3.5 million and anything over that the government would get 45%.  The Alternative Minimum Tax could hit millions of tax payers, another added tax.  Then cities, counties and states need their taxes.

Many may not remember when about 40% of those living in America were farmers and they prayed that God would help them have a good crop that would hold them over to the next year.  The only ones they could rely upon were God and their neighbors. My father had a job but we also had a cow, chickens and a large garden.  My mother canned enough to last until next year. The government’s job was to provide defense of our country and a judicial system that provided law and order.   We expected nothing more.

Shouldn’t you ask yourself: What would Christ do if living today?  Don’t you think He would tell us that we need to work hard, take care of our family, have faith in God and help our neighbors?  Don’t you think our government has disregarded Christian principles and values that the Bible teaches?  Is the government trying to take the place of God in our lives?  Can the government financially afford to borrow enough to finance the needs of 50% of our population needing entitlements?  What will happen when they run out of money as they will?  Will we be having rioting and looting in the streets as we are seeing in foreign countries?

Scripture tells Christians to become separated from the world?  What does that mean?  One thing it means is personal responsibility and accountability.  Our allegiance must be to God first and to the Judeo/Christian principles this country was founded upon.  For those who have studied history, tell us what makes a nation great is its culture.  It is what they believe and what they value.  Our country always promoted the need to work hard, to be personally responsible, obtain a good education, be a service to one’s community and be selfless.  This was a nation that put their trust in God and its citizens whole heartedly supported that belief.

I, for one, am concerned that there have been too many changes and too many hateful of America’s purpose in the world.  Americans were missionary minded and tried, unsuccessfully, to spread its principle, beliefs and values around the world.  But the world did not accept it.  They preferred to worship other gods.  The god that they idolized most was a “big government”.  They wanted a government that would accept the responsibility for everyone that was not successful or would not be responsible for their own welfare.

Can a nation sell its soul for safety and prosperity?  I sometimes wonder if there aren’t politicians who would sell their souls to become elected.  The reason I wonder is because that question was asked on TV of politicians running for the first time for congress.  The question: “Do you think you can stand up to party leaders who want you to sell your soul for the good of the party”?  What politician would say:  “No I would have to cave in”?  Then why is it they seem to make decisions based on getting re-elected rather than what seemingly is best for America?

Why are so many people unwilling to ask what God expects from each of us?  Why were we placed on this earth and what is our purpose?   Why are we unwilling to serve and would rather be served?  Why can we be so self-centered instead of being Christ centered?  How often are we grateful for the opportunities that are available?

Are we going to think as the world does or are we go to think as the Bible teaches?  We are told to be courageous and have a positive attitude.  Attitudes 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.

We need to dwell on the positive, rely on God’s help to reject what we are hearing on TV or reading in the paper.  Others need to see us as examples for what is right and not what others are doing.  Don’t consider what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country.  Remember JFK’s statement?  It applies more than ever today!

By Abraham Lincoln

“You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.  You cannot keep out of financial trouble by spending more than you earn.  You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.  You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.  You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred.  You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.  You cannot build character and courage by taking away initiative and independence.”

Deep debt, lavish lifestyles, ill-advised relationships, unwise decisions, foolish talk: These are just a few outgrowths of spiritual heart trouble. And the subject of spiritual health is one that many of my Christian friends don’t want to discuss. But when I am allowed to deal with the true problem, I must undertake the task with some delicacy.

Spiritual heart trouble is every bit as debilitating as physical heart trouble, because it determines the kinds of decisions one makes. One’s true nature—heart—affects all business, career, family, and personal decisions. A healthy spiritual heart usually makes wise decisions, while an unhealthy spiritual heart will often make unwise ones.

First, a healthy spiritual heart, what the Bible calls the “new man,” allows the Holy Spirit free access (see 2 Cor. 5:17). Conversely, an unhealthy spiritual heart follows the worldly nature, or what the Bible calls the “old man,” the sin nature. These two natures are locked in conflict—the worldly nature is self-serving and yielding to temptations; the believers’ redeemed nature is God-serving and capable of overcoming temptations. The spiritual nature desires to bloom and fulfill its need to serve God (see Rom. 7:22). The worldly nature wars against the Spirit to keep it from blooming and instead strives to fulfill its need to serve self (see Rom. 7:23; 1 Peter 2:11). The apostle Paul describes the conflict in his letter to the Romans: “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Rom.8:5–6).

Spiritual health is a prerequisite to securing a Christian’s advantage in how one lives their life and it can be achieved only when one “puts to death” the worldly (self-centered, sin) nature and yields to the spiritual nature. The first step is to make an all-out commitment to serve Christ and yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. That does not mean you shall never yield to temptations but you stand a much better chance of not yielding.

We are born with a worldly nature, which flourishes according to background and influences. Our spiritual natures are alive from birth, but they have little influence beyond quietly yearning for spiritual fulfillment, which only grows and develops when we give our lives to Christ and are subsequently filled with the Holy Spirit.

A good spiritual health is a direct outgrowth of our spiritual natures winning the conflict within us. The apostle Paul wrote, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (Col. 3:5), “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want” (Gal. 5:17), and “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Rom. 7:18). At least on my own without the Holy Spirit’s help.

These two natures within me battle for control of our hearts and minds. The sin nature does not want to “die” and, therefore, will fight (and sometimes fight dirty) to survive. But the spiritual man longs to be led by the Spirit, to obey God’s Word, to fulfill His life’s purpose, for he knows that true happiness and success comes from walking on God’s path and doing God’s “will”. Even knowing this, it can be difficult to give up control to the Spirit.

Making a commitment to serve Christ is often easier than yielding to the Holy Spirit and giving Him control of our lives.  An implication of this conflict between our two natures is evidenced in every facet and level of life.  I am convinced of this, but many of my Christian friends are not. My challenge is to show them that if they appropriate the advantage that is theirs in the workplace and in everyday life, they will have practical, tangible results—wise decisions, insight and understanding beyond normal ability, knowing where the right place is and when the right time is, just to name a few. On the other hand, I must also caution them on the inherent disadvantages for those who are influenced by their worldly natures.

Self-serving people have an inherent disadvantage in life. But a quick rundown of the richest people inAmericaseems to contradict that statement. On the surface it appears as if the arrogant, ruthless, and egotistical prosper, while their compassionate, honest, hardworking counterparts do not. However, on closer inspection, a different picture is visible, but it is one that is often overlooked.

To understand why some self-serving people appear to prosper more than those who serve others, we must, once again, consider the word itself: disadvantage. Like advantage, it must not be confused with the word guarantee. Self-serving people may be less likely to succeed, but this does not mean they don’t succeed. The hard fact is some self-serving people do prosper, at least for a time, in spite of their disadvantages.

When we see self-serving people seem to be extremely successful in life we must realize that most are not at peace with themselves or others.  What price is one willing to sell their souls?  Most of the world will do so for practically nothing.  This is why it is so vital one’s spiritual health is strong and secure enough to refuse  being tempted to do things they know are not acceptable to God.  Living a Christian life isn’t easy and don’t expect the battles will stop, they won’t.  However, we must be spiritually prepared to deal with temptation as we will always be faced with them.    That does not mean we cannot have the pleasures of the world but it does make a difference in why and how we get them.  What is more important: eighty plus years on earth or eternity?

There are a number of things I hope my children and grandchildren have learned but, listening to God has to be one of the most important.

Our life is an example and how we live it can affect others in many ways.  I hope they don’t see a self-centered person, I hope they see Christ in me.  I hope they see a person who constantly relies on the help of the Holy Spirit.  I want them to see a person who expects to see supernatural events from time to time.  Do they see a person who is forgiving, non-judgmental, obedient to the Word, never jealous and living a disciplined life.

I Peter 1:15 – 16 – “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”  Have they seen me living this kind of a life?  Did they see me being totally devoted and dedicated to God and set apart from the world?  Did I make sure they saw that it was not something that I did on my own but it was the Holy Spirit who kept guiding and checking my decisions and actions?  Did they understand, through my life, that the Holy Spirit can give us tremendous power to live a holy life?  Hopefully, they saw a person living a disciplined life for Christ.  Did I just talk about being a Christian or did I walk-the-walk?  Did they see a father with a servant’s heart who was generous to others and financially supporting God’s ministry?

I am sure that they learned that God speaks through the Bible, through situations, from other Christians, in nature, by seeing pictures, hearing sermons and songs.  But I want them to know that they can hear God speaking directly to them.  So this is what I will tell them:

You must first ask yourself: “Why would you want God to speak to you”?  What is your motive?  God is not a “Genie” or Santa Claus.  God doesn’t talk to just anyone audibly.  Normally, it is a person that has a very personal relationship with Jesus.  In fact it may be Jesus that would be the one you would hear.  I have heard a number of stories when Jesus would tell someone to do something.  I suppose if you are a shy person Christ would not audibly ask a person to do something knowing they were not brave enough to be obedient to His direction.  But here are some examples:

From a young lady (Jesus said, “Just go to the club and sit down.” I sat down and a man came and sat down next to us with a beautiful little two-year-old girl. Jesus said, “You need to start witnessing to him.” So we were just talking a bit and I was helping to take care of the little girl. She was eating ice cream and getting it all over her face. As I was taking care of her he started asking questions, “What do you do? What makes it so easy for you to reach out and talk to people? You don’t even know who I am. I’m a complete stranger and you’re here with my daughter. How do you do it?”  I said, “Well, I’m a missionary, but more important than that, I spend time with Jesus every day and He gives me that connection. And as I get filled up with love, then I’m able to pour it out to others.” He said, “Well, I understand that. I have love for my kids, but how do you love a complete stranger?”) 

Another young lady (I’d asked Jesus who I was meant to talk to and Jesus pointed him out. I went and sat next to him. At first he was cussing at me, and then I just sat there and asked him about his life. He said, “Why do you care? Why are you even sitting next to me?” I said, “Because I know that Jesus loves you so much.” He started crying and said that his mom had passed away a month before and that he had nothing left to live for and that he was going to commit suicide. He said, “Before I ended my note to my relatives I said, ‘Look, God, if you’re real, send me someone to tell me that You love me’.”  I said, “I don’t have the answers. I don’t know what will touch someone’s heart and what will give someone the hope and strength to go on, but I know that Jesus does and I know that His love can turn around and touch any heart.”)

There are hundreds of missionaries that will tell you that they hear the voice of Jesus.  It seems if you want to audibly hear the voice of Jesus or God it must be in order to help others or assisting in His ministry.  Those are the stories I hear mostly.  However, God through the Holy Spirit will speak to you daily through our thoughts.  I suppose one thing that has helped me is I have witnessed so many times supernatural events.  Involved in church leadership and helping build four different church structures it is easy to see impossible things become possible and know that it could only happen with God’s intervention.  Every blog I write I sense the inspiration coming from the Holy Spirit.

I hope my children and grandchildren learn that if they want to be inspired by the Holy Spirit it is important to live a holy life.  Then expect that the Holy Spirit wants to work with you and guide you into a better life, an abundant life.  My hope is that their lives will be as spiritually fulfilling as Christ has made mine.  I hope that when I am gone they will remember me for my faith and the spiritual wisdom that I prayed for and God has given me.

John 14:16 – 17 – “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 15:7 – “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

My grandson and I were discussing the difficulty of running five miles every day.  I mentioned that it isn’t the running; it is “why” are you running?  Every year many make New Year’s resolutions but fail to keep them.  I stated it is not setting goals that are the problem, it is setting goals and never defining “why” they were making the resolution.  For example every older male in our family died at an early age because of heart disease.  We would not be running to get in shape.  Our “why” is to give us a better chance of living longer.  That is a good motivator to get up early mornings to run.

When I was a store manager and had 450 employees I never went home at night without having made a “to-do list” for the next day.  Having played sports from grade school thru college you learn to be competitive.   It was very important that the next day at work I got to cross off everything, as they were completed, that had been listed the night before.  As I would make my daily priority list I tried to make sure I had a good “why” it had to be done.  Otherwise, I put it on another list to do when I had the time.  You also must realize that each day you had to have some flexibility.  Sometimes interruptions, a customer complaint or an unplanned meeting, etc. happened that made it necessary to make the list secondary.  Those items that were not completed were first on the list for the next day.

My grandson gives drum lessons.  I asked if he ever asks his students if they have a “why” they want to be a drummer?  If the answer is because it looks like it would be fun, chances are they would never take the needed time practicing to be exceptionally good.  If they said they would like to play in a band that toured the world, chances are they would be motivated to spend a lot of time practicing.  Setting goals without a good “why” could keep you from succeeding.

Having spent two years as a high school coach I learned that those who had set a goal and knew what they wanted, practiced more and prepared harder.  It surprised me how few had any goals and did no more than what we as coaches required.  It confirmed what I had always believed.  Almost anything we do depends more on our attitude than on our physical or mental capabilities.  Most never seemed to have a good “why” they were turning out.  If you had an athlete who wanted to play professionally you never needed to motivate them.  They were self-motivated and extremely involved in becoming better every day no matter what it took.   However, you would rarely have someone that believed they could play professionally.  Therefore, I learned the importance of believing you can do something, then making sure you are prepared and motivated to do so.

Sports kept me in high school as I had considered dropping out after my junior year.  That summer I had worked for Weyerhaeuser as an electrician’s assistant.  The pay was good and it looked like a life-time job.  I completed my final year as a “C” student.  I spent four years in the navy.  I then decided to go to college.  My “why” was I did not want to go back as an enlisted person.  If called back, in case of war, I wanted to go back as an officer.  There was a tremendous difference in how they lived and were treated.  My “why” motivated me to graduate cum laude, with honors.

Fear of failing cause many to not set high goals.  No matter “why” you want to be or do something you must believe it is possible.  Joshua 1:7 – 9 – “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

In the New Testament Christ is telling his followers the same thing.  Christ said to obey the principles and day and night live by them as He taught His disciples. Read and study daily your Bible and pray so that you can develop the mind of Christ.  Be strong and courageous and do not fear.  Never become discouraged because I have given you the Holy Spirit to go with you wherever you go.   You will then become prosperous and successful.  It seems so few Christians can accept this promise.

May I suggest that you set a goal, determine “why” it is important for you to make that goal and then ask the Holy Spirit if this goal is acceptable to the “will” of God.  If you get a confirmation that it is, then accept that you have God’s Spirit to guide and help you make it.   Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  Why wouldn’t God want you to be successful in anything that you would like to do that is morally acceptable?  If we believed it was something the Holy Spirit was going to help us do, shouldn’t that be a motivator?

Luke 17:20 – 21 – “Once Jesus was asked when God’s kingdom would come.  He replied, “The coming of God’s kingdom is not something you can see just by watching for it carefully.  People will not say, ‘Here it is.’ Or, ‘There it is.’ God’s kingdom is within you.”

Is it time to ask yourself “why” did you become a Christian or “why” haven’t you?  Your “why” could determine how you live your life!  Once God’s Spirit is within you He changes a person’s hearts.  Is this your “Why”, to repent and have a changed heart?

My children used to tell me: “Dad, everyone is doing it.”  I would reply: “Does that make it moral or ethical?”  I try not to be political because I have friends who are ultra liberals and others extremely conservative. However, I am watching, as many Americans are doing things I never thought I would ever see.  Yet, everyone seems to being doing it and it is being accepted as the thing to do.  So let’s look at what many are doing that in the past most would never even think of making those decisions.  Before we do, I want to have you consider some Scripture.

Luke 4:5 – 7 – “The devil led him (Christ) up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.  And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.  If you worship me, it will all be yours.’” Do you not know people that we assume would take the devil up in a minute if even a small part was offered to them?  How many Americans is the devil deceiving now?  How many people are demon possessed as we read about the many who were possessed in Bible times?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the civilian labor force decreased by 342,000 workers from where it was 34 months ago when the recession was over.  This past April 2012, 225,000 workers applied for “disability benefits and about 90,000 were approved according to the Social Security Administration.  Over the last three years 1,380,000 ‘disabled’ workers, plus their families, have been added to Social Security. Once enrolled it is almost impossible for them to be taken off.

This past April the labor force was 365,000 less than what it was three years ago.  Normally, after a deep recession the work force increases by millions.  Had the labor force remained the same as it was in 2009 unemployment would be at approximately 11%.  It appears two things are happening: people are applying for disability benefits and workers on unemployment compensation are refusing to accept jobs that are offered to them. Many like being paid for not working.  According to local TV, in Las Vegas there are a number of job openings that haven’t been filled because of workers being on unemployment and would not accept a job.  If proven, it is classified as fraud.  Yet, they are willing to take that risk.

We have an administration that says that banks took advantage of home owners and those underwater need to be bailed out.  It was presidents Carter, Clinton and Bush plus groups like Acorn, NAACP and others threatening to boycott or disrupt financial institutions if they didn’t make loans to people who could not afford them.  It was believed that it was only fair for every American to have and to own their home.

The administration is now implying college students should not have to pay back their student loans.  A college education should be free.  Many others are told they can have food stamps, government housing and welfare checks.  The government is obligated to furnish everything you need and the rich will pay for it.

I have counseled Christians who had to take out bankruptcy, allow their home to be foreclosed or negotiate a reduction in credit card debt.   Do you tell them:  “It’s o.k., everyone is doing it.”  Yet, this is the message I keep hearing.  Have you ever heard an Occupy Wall Street individual interviewed?  They do not expect to work and expect President Obama to take care of everything, including healthcare, housing and income.  What are we doing to this nation?  What are our young children being taught and are learning?   Are we becoming another Greece, Italy, Spain or France?  What is happening to American principles that you must work and earn a living?

II Thessalonians 3:10 – 13 – “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.   We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.   Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.   And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.  Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.  Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.”

Cross references:

1. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 : 1Th 3:4
2. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 : 1Th 4:11
3. 2 Thessalonians 3:11 : ver 6, 7; 1Ti 5:13
4. 2 Thessalonians 3:12 : 1Th 4:1
5. 2 Thessalonians 3:12 : 1Th 4:11; Eph 4:28
6. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 : Gal 6:9
7. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 : ver 6; S Ro 16:17
8. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 : S 1Co 4:14
9. 2 Thessalonians 3:15 : Gal 6:1; 1Th 5:14; Phm 16

There are numerous Scriptures emphasizing responsibility for our actions and our promises.  There is a tremendous difference between being unable to work and taking advantage of a system that gives out other people’s money.  At the pace we are going, there will come a time when there will not be enough workers left to support those unwilling to work.  We may be able to beat the government systems but how much will God allow us to get away with?  Or, doesn’t anyone really care?

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.

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.

To overcome fear one must have confidence, feel worthy enough to be accepted by others and believe in our ability to be capable of overcoming whatever is challenging us.  Most individuals do not meet those criteria.  There are all kinds of reasons we lack confidence, feel unworthy or believe we are incapable of mastering most difficult situations. However, we as Christians are not alone.  Scripture tells us In Isaiah that God has chosen the descendants of Abraham, which Christians are, that He will do the following:

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.”

Step one is to believe and trust that this is what God said and it also applies to every 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 with God.  The Holy Spirit is the same as God is with us.  He says He is our God 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 God promises to give us?  Isn’t the usual circumstance 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.  As a previous high school coach I have always believed we learned more from losing than we ever did from winning.  God knows winning every time does not always make us stronger.

Many times we find our fears come from work.  Workplace fear is not the same as physical fear.  Fear in the workplace hampers people and quite often they are unaware of it.  I have worked with some of the most physically imposing people I have ever met.  They have no physical fear and enjoy hobbies like skydiving, hang gliding and rock climbing.  They thrive on facing the danger inherent in these activities.  Yet strangely enough, in the workplace they are paralyzed by fear—fear to take the initiative and accomplish a needed task that’s beyond their job descriptions, fear to accept promotions, fear to stretch out of their comfort zones.

Workplace fear can be defined as fear of failing and/or fear of the unknown.  I have known a number of men and women who settled into jobs they hated; not only were they bored, but also they endured verbal abuse and humiliation.  Even so, the thought of quitting terrified them.  On the one hand, they stayed put because they were afraid of the unknown—new job, new coworkers and new bosses.  But on the other hand, they refused to take a more challenging position because they were afraid of failing.  When put on the spot, most people, whether Christians or not, can see the absurdity and even the humor of workplace fear.  It is, after all, illogical to be afraid of failing because typically nothing of great importance is at stake.  One who tries something and fails is not injured physically, sent to jail, or subjected to mayhem.  He doesn’t lose his house, her dog doesn’t die and the kids don’t run away from home.  It is easy to see the wisdom of Franklin D. Roosevelt words:  “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Is much of our fear coming from work because we do not take God to work with us?  Is God with us only when we read our Bible, say our prayers or attend church?  Whether our fears come from work, family relationships or finances God’s promise applies to everything.

God says He takes a hold of our right hand so we will not fear.  Do you feel His grip?  Do you sense His help?  If not you may need to look at the three things pointed out.  Do we have confidence that God will help us?  Do we feel accepted by Him?  Do we believe He wants us to do well and be achievers every minute of each day?

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.

John 16:23 – 24 – “In that day (When Jesus has departed) you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” Cross references:

1. John 16:23 : ver 26; Jn 14:20
2. John 16:23 : S Mt 7:7
3. John 16:24 : S Mt 7:7
4. John 16:24 : S Jn 3:29

Hopefully, you now know how to live life without negative fear, with peace, calmness and success.  It takes faith by believing and trusting in what God says He will do and not only in one’s self.  And if you are not a Christian this does not apply.  Wouldn’t you think everyone would want this type of Godly help that will change and better their lives?  Eliminating fear and its stress is better for your health than eating an apple every day.

About 20 years ago there were a number of books published predicting environmental calamity caused by carbon dioxide emissions occurring and within a matter of a very few years the glaciers would melt and New York and Los Angeles would be underwater.  During this time the temperatures have remained constant.

A leading scientist who had initiated and predicted a global warming disaster admits that he was probably wrong.  He now believes that it probably will not occur in the immediate future.  He had claimed that prior to the end of the century billions would die and only those living in the Arctic would survive.  He expected by now the heating of the earth would start to become unbearable.  But he noted there has been little change in the past 12 years and no evidence that CO2 emissions will heat the planet.  At least no one has been able to prove it.

What he believed just 20 years ago has not happened.  Therefore, they had to change the fear of global warming to climate change.  However, He stated that there are just too many things that are responsible for climate change or global warming and are not necessarily man-made.  My research did not allow me to determine how many evangelical Christian scientists believe in man-made climate change.  My interest is how many who have studied Revelations believe any of this is going to happen?  Could Christ come back to rule for 1000 years if the earth was too hot to survive?  Do we have a God Who when creating the earth believed that what He made man could destroy?  If that was the case why did He provide so much coal and oil reserves?  Would He not have given us other means to provide power if man could destroy what He created?

Revelation 20:4b – 5 – “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.”

Many Christians believe there will be a 1000 years of peace in which Christ will rule this earth.  Satan and his followers will be confined to the abyss.  They believe that Christians will be raptured, or taken up to be with Christ prior to that time.  Before then, the world’s conditions will become so bad, because of wars and possible anarchy that if Christ did not return man could destroy all humanity—but not our earth.  Every non-believer since Adam and Eve will not be raised until after that 1000 years.  They will then be judged for all eternity.

Revelation 20:7 – 10 – “When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.  They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.  And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

Does it sound like man-made CO2 emissions are going to destroy the earth and only a few will survive?  You have a choice: You may believe Bible prophecy that there will be no unusual global warming or believe some scientists who many do not trust the accuracy of the Bible making calculations that they have not, to this point, been able to prove.  However, the Bible does say that when we go to a new heaven and a new earth with Christ, more than a 1000 years from now, this planet will be destroyed by fire.