Paradox Principles

Another Gospel

2012-02-08T23:57:00.001-08:00

I marvel that you are so soon removed
from Him that called you into the grace of Christ,

to Another Gospel.

... but there be some that trouble you,
and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel to you
than that which we have preached to you,
let him be accursed.

As we said before, so say I now again,
if any man preach any other gospel to you
than that you have received,
let him be accursed. Galatians 1:6-9

Here is the problem we face today: Religions have corrupted the Truth of God.
Thousands of religions and denominations are teaching Another Gospel.

Have you been misguided by Religions created by men; or is your belief system centered in the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Paul confronted this problem nineteen hundred years ago, and the deception has now grown to hundreds of potentially false religions and thousands of denominations. These other gospels keep followers busy following man-made rules, rites, rituals, and false teachings. But the Truth, according to the Gospel of Christ is that men can do NOTHING in order to be worthy of salvation, and eternal life. It is the free gift of God: “that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

These teachers of another gospel were challenging the truth of Paul’s teaching and so first, he clarifies his apostleship to the gentiles, and points out that he was called directly by Jesus Christ; transformed by the renewing of his mind; and then sent out by Christ to proclaim the gospel. This was his ministry to the lost gentiles. Paul had a divine appointment and was not merely a teacher appointed by men, and he was not stating his personal opinions. Christ was speaking through Him. Paul was carrying out the mission Christ had given him.

Paul then explains in verses 6-9 that men were preaching another gospel and he made it clear that if any man was preaching a gospel contrary to salvation by grace alone … let him be accursed. This false teaching was a step backwards to the false teaching Christ has delivered us from; and even some of the church leaders including Peter were being influenced.

For emphasis, Paul repeats: let him be accursed. The Greek word anathema used here for accursed means: estrangement from Christ and His salvation, and being given over to a divine condemnation. To take the stand Paul took back then would be like standing up in church and telling those who are perverting the Truth of Christianity: you are anti-Christ; or you are teaching doctrines of demons. Can you imagine the reaction a Christian would get in response to those words today?

So much for left's call for tolerance and political correctness.

Now can you understand why those promoting another gospel in today's world ...
would also be so totally devoted to the doctrines of tolerance and political correctness?

We should always be respectful and loving to others and support everyone's right to freedom of religion;
but all religions are not truth, and are surely not equal, and false Christianity absolutely deserves: NO RESPECT.

Don’t be confused here though. Once a person believes on the name of the Son of God, he may "know" that he has eternal life. This salvation is past tense. The danger is for someone to believe on the gospel of Christ … and then add any other conditions. "and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Galatians 2:20-21

For Jewish Christians this meant adding circumcision. A common teaching of men today would be that a Christian would need to believe in Jesus ... plus also follow the Ten Commandments in order to receive eternal life. This is also another gospel. The Ten Commandments are God's eternal truth and we are to follow them to become the righteousness of Christ in Him; but they are not conditions to salvation.

The point is that Jesus death on the cross releases us from the curse of the law. To add any part of the law to the good news is the same as adding circumcision to the gospel. Let that man be accursed.

Well, does this mean that I am saying we don't need to follow the Ten Commandments? Never!
That would be the path of a hypocrite. For one to follow that path diminishes the mission, and witness that Christ has given each of us.

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God. For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

What was different about this other gospel? They were teaching that in order to be a true believer, the new gentile converts needed to be circumcised. Now how does this translate to our society today? Answer: in a thousand different ways. Some say you must go to church on Sunday to be saved, and others might say Saturday. Some give testimony of another prophet or an angel. Others believe you must continually be forgiven of your sins by their minister or priest. Others teach that you must be a member of a certain denomination, and agree to religiously follow their teachings. Others may say we just practice loving other people. Some say you must be baptized to be saved. It really doesn’t matter what new condition a religion or denomination adds to their belief system … according to Paul they are all the same when they do it: accursed.

Paul pointed out that we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law. Adding any works of the law changed the gospel of grace since by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live to God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:18-20

A key point that many believers have yet to understand is that when we trusted Christ as Savior … at that moment, we are one with him eternally. We are saved eternally. He sacrifice has paid the price for our sins. We are forgiven. It is finished. We are still here in our earthly bodies but He is now living through us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We are justified on the basis of his payment for our sins ... past, present, and future for eternity.
Nothing can ever separate us from His Love. He bought us for an enormous price at Calvary.

This Truth is clarified further here:
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:17-19

God Bless you my friends, Bob
Talavera.bob@gmail.com

Core Values 2

2012-02-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

Then said Jesus
to those Jews which believed on him,

if you continue in my word,
then are you my disciples indeed;

and you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32

A Christian Worldview

A couple of days ago I got a call from an out of town visiting friend asking me if I would like to join him for a free round of golf. I explained that I don’t play golf much anymore and my game has suffered greatly; but the chance to spend the day with him, and talk all about the good old days would be a thrill for me.

We had a great time, and I actually hit a few good shots. For the most part we talked about basically everything except Christianity. My friend has made it clear that he is Jewish and has no desire to discuss religion. I am sensitive to this; but after a couple of hours he began talking about Palm Desert and retiring here. I told my friend that we are planning to move back to Orange County. Why would you do that he asked … just when I am planning on retiring here. I explained we want to be close to our family, and then I explained that I can’t find a church here that I am encouraged about.

He asked; “well aren’t there a lot of Christian churches here?” And I replied; “yes, but most of them are committed to teaching that I can't help but find exception with. Personally, I would rather listen to sound teaching online; but we miss the fellowship with other like-minded Christians here.” He then asked; “what is the difference?” I then explained that many of the churches were following a seeker friendly, or Saddleback Church model. My friend lives a few miles from Saddleback Church and this talk raised his curiosity, and he asked me to explain.

I simply said; “you are a conservative, how would you describe Arnold Swartzenneger?” “He is a liberal was his quick reply.” “Yes I said; but worse yet, he pretended to be a conservative to get elected ... and this is the same problem that has infected the church.” “They have dumbed the teaching down to be politically correct and tolerant and the result is like a Swartzenegger.” My friend clearly understood.

Next I explained; “The new gimmick is called the emerging church which they are also calling the new reformation.” The idea is that believers are divided over men’s various religions and views; and that now they think we can solve all of the world’s major problems by bringing the religions together around good principles that good people can all agree upon.”

“That will never happen,” my friend quickly replied. “And more importantly, it is contrary to the clear teachings of Christianity,” I said.

Nowhere in the Bible are we instructed to join together with false religions, and nowhere in the Bible are Christians encouraged to replace the gospel of salvation with a ministry of solving all of the major problems of the world. The mission Jesus gave all Christians is clear and simple.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, all power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

This was as far as we talked about religion but I clearly made a point with my friend. All Christians do not believe the same, and I reinforced a point he already knew; I have very little tolerance for hypocrisy, regardless of the good intentions. But don’t these churches have good intentions, you ask? Well I imagine they do but they have allowed the teachings of men and their religions to become more important than God’s eternal truth, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. A totally worthy goal for a politician can easily be the worst kind of hypocrisy for a Christian and especially a teacher or pastor of others.

So what should the worldview of Christians be? What should be the most important things that Christians should be focused upon? That is why I intend to spend the majority of this year on core values. These are truths Jesus and His Holy Word teach us that are not negotiable. If we believe the truth that God is the Word; and the Word is Truth; and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us then you understand three core values.

Now our Lord and Savior has given us a promise: This is also a primary core value that I will focus on here briefly. It is foretold in the Old Testament and promised again in the New Testament.

What is it; you ask?

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

God will Rapture all believers in Christ.

This is a most important Truth that is at the heart of a Biblical Christian Worldview. It is a Core Value... Christians need to be reminded of it continually so that they are better able to keep their thinking and priorities in context. Our life here is only a momentary stop on an eternal journey as children of the Creator of the universe. He has a mission for each of us while we are here, these are core values.

Be honest about this. When was the last time you heard teaching in your church about the rapture or the mission Christ has for you here on earth? Well that explains my frustration with organized religion.

Some would have us think that we need to have a new reformation, and that Protestants and Catholics, and many other false beliefs should join together for the good of all. That is heresy. This would only work if all converted to become followers of Christ and humbled their religions to the Truth of God’s Word. And that will never happen, as my agnostic Jewish friend stated. But, there is one key exception to my friend’s statement, that God's Word makes clear.

“For it is written; As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:11

Let’s talk briefly about the Rapture.

The Rapture is a moment in time when the Church (The Body of Christ) will be instantly removed or transported from the earth to heaven sometime before the Great Tribulation is brought upon the earth.

Why is it important for Christians to have an understanding of and strong belief that Jesus will rapture the church? When you have an understanding of the rapture and believe that it will and can happen at any moment, everything of this world is humbled to the context of this coming reality. This anticipation should enter every area of life. Even death is humbled to this teaching. Those who don’t believe in Christ or the Truth of His Words think it is foolish; and therefore Christians will have a foolish and ineffective witness if they do not believe.

You are called to share the gospel. Your witness would greatly lose its power without understanding and faith here.

The Rapture of The Church will be the next big event on God's Calendar? Those who have not believed on Jesus Christ and been born again spiritually ... will be left behind. Therefore, those of us who have Christ’s love for others in our heart would surely want for all to know the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be saved, rather than lost.

Some would say ... how can you be so sure? I say, how can we be born again and not be sure. Either Jesus Christ is the Truth or He lied. If he lied, my faith is destroyed, plain and simple. Jesus is eternal Truth and therefore can never lie. Everything he teaches is Truth. Eternal Truth is never changing.

The Rapture will include all living Christians regardless of their spiritual temperament. The test on whether a believer will be raptured is not in the believer’s present behavior ... it is solely in the finished work of the Savior at the cross. It is not one's spiritual condition ... but their spiritual position in Christ that assures their inclusion in the rapture of the Church.

When was the last time you shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with an unbeliever? There may be only one person or a thousand that God wants to speak to through you. Sometimes the conversation comes easy and at other times, there could be a closed mind, like my friend. But God spoke to my friend while we were golfing; make no mistake about that. Without my unwavering conviction and stand against false teaching and hypocrisy, my words would have had no credibility with him whatsoever.

Jesus Christ is coming! The Rapture of the Church will happen in the twinkling of an eye. This truth is critical when sharing the gospel to the world in which we live with a greater sense of urgency. Biblical Christians are not here to focus on the cares of the world, we are here as ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation, and the two different sets of priorities will always conflict with one another. We are to: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2.

We are to abide above.

When will the rapture happen? It is imminent. This means it could happen at any moment. Everything that needs to occur prior to the Rapture of the church has already occurred.

Who will be caught up in the Rapture? First the dead in Christ, and then the living in Christ will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. These believers are the church. This church is not subject to the various organized religions and their teachings. All religions are subject to Christ and His Word.

Who will be left behind? All who rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So what are we Christians to do now until the Rapture occurs?

“You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep; sleep in the night; and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”
1 Thessalonians 5:5-10

First we must understand who we are. As children of light, we must know God’s Truth. We are not of this world or "the night." We must not be asleep regarding the gospel and his imminent Rapture of the church.

“The word rapture is an old English word which means to be caught away. The word itself is not in our King James Bible, but the definition of the word is there. “and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain SHALL BE CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds”

To fall asleep to this promise, leads to apathy, which compromises our faith, and our witness. Disillusionment sets in as we focus on the affairs of the world and strive for personal accomplishment. The Doctrine of the Rapture sets our mind on the things above and helps reorders our priorities.

The question we must all answer is this: Do you want to be characterized by the deeds of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit? The Rapture of the church is not just a minor doctrine. It is at the heart of a Christian’s belief system. If proven untrue, my faith would be destroyed. When we allow for our focus to drift … unconsciously our priorities easily become compromised and our faith weakened. The next thing you know, one is following a well-meaning … but a doctrine of demons, nonetheless.

Is your mind set on the things of the world or on the things above? The rapture is our supernatural entry into the eternal things above. For now our mind is to be transformed by renewing it with God’s Truth by the power and leading of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

God bless you my friends, Bob

Reference: College of the Open Bible; Dr. Arthur Belanger

A Spiritual Dilemma

2012-01-29T21:39:00.011-08:00

Then said Jesus
to those Jews which believed on him,

if you continue in my word,
then are you my disciples indeed;

and you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32

LEGALISM OR HYPOCRISY?

FREEDOM: THE PROMISE IN THE VERSE ABOVE … How can I follow Christ and still do all of the things I want to do?
Well if you become transformed by a renewed mind: your values, desires, feeling, priorities, friends, and goals and plans will surely change.
This is the dilemma we are faced with when we decide to follow Christ as our Lord and Savior.

I wanted to pause here in the middle my previous post on Core Values … lest some might be concerned that I am in danger of falling into legalism. Whenever we work at becoming disciplined, we are in danger of becoming legalistic.

So what is the better way … hypocrisy? That is the path often taken by many professing Christians.

Being transformed is being faithful to the one who died on the cross for me. I choose neither legalism or hypocrisy …

I chose Christ … eternally; just as he chose me. It is finished.

And He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
2 Corinthians 5:15

This is not a new dilemma as Paul clarifies here:
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:1-2

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15

Don't be confused here. Salvation and discipleship are two different questions. One is about being born again, and the other is about growing in the Spirit. Although many try, no man has ever been good enough to be saved on his own. Our eternal justification comes as a result of Christ's death on the cross for us, not on the basis of our works or good deeds. But we are born again to do good works. This is why Christ came to earth. This salvation is by His grace, it is a free gift ... there is nothing we can do to increase or improve it ... and we can never lose it.

Jesus said "it is finished" on the cross, and He meant it. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
His sacrifice for us is the anchor of our soul. We are heirs to his promise and it is impossible for Him to lie.
Our sins past, present, and future were forgiven the day we received Him as our eternal Savior.

The freedom Jesus promises above ... comes to those who believe on Him, and those who continue in His Word. These are conditions. Then, you are His disciples and then you have His freedom. What freedom, you ask ... the freedom to know the eternal Truth. And to be His Ambassador and minister of reconciliation. What could possibly be more valuable than that. The Creator of all things has given each of us a mission. Teaching or living otherwise is hypocrisy. And I am afraid this hypocrisy includes many of today’s most widely followed religions and Christian leaders.

Are millions of committed believers worldwide following false or heretical teachers? You tell me.
Many would say; "we are not to question our church." The Truth is to the contrary.
We are encouraged to be Bereans and to test our teachers by the Truth.
Have you carefully considered the doctrines being taught in your church?

I have visited supposedly the biggest and most successful churches in the world.
Are they really leading their followers in the way of Christ, or in the ways of men?
Every Christian and every church should be asking this question continually.

Would Christ praise your church? Then you should be on your knees with thanksgiving daily.
If not, then you should be on your knees praying for direction from the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.
We should be both challenging and encouraging our leaders.

Okay now, back to Core Values. How do we become transformed by the renewing of our minds without becoming legalistic? First, Jesus teaches us we must all be born again. I realize this sounds elementary to some, but it is the first step. I'll never forget the woman named Terry who had been faithfully attending her church for over thirty years who asked me; "why hasn't my church ever explained this to me?" as I read the Words of Jesus where He explains to Nicodemus that we must be born again.

Next, please note ... all those with other beliefs, religions, philosophies, and corruptions of Christianity are lost for eternity without Christ … condemned to hell.

We cannot mix these other beliefs with Christianity without being a hypocrite and promoting false religion.
Men's ideas have no bearing on the eternal Truth. We can understand it, but we can never alter it.

This is Truth ... stop twisting the truth. Does this bother you?

Why do you think Americans are so confused ... lies and manipulations have become commonplace.
Men's opinions are accepted in place of God's Word and guide one's life.
Here is an example: recently a Christian told me;
"I don't know how you can be a Christian without believing the teachings of environmentalism."

And our politicians seldom seem to stop to utter the truth. They just make it up.

Oops … I know some of you will say (including some who are Christians) that I am being legalistic and judgmental, that I lack tolerance.

Well, can you please explain these words of Christ to me.

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said to him, truly, truly, I say to you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, truly, truly, I say to you, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said to you; you must be born again.” John 3:1-7

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18

Now Jesus was speaking here to a religious leader of His chosen people, and he is telling him that he knows nothing about spiritual things. He is lost. The blind leading the blind. Where does that leave those who are not Jews, and those following other gods? How can Christians stand on this Truth, and then in the next moment reject it? Now, do you still think my statement is judgmental? Well no ... you might say? Jesus says; “we must be born again, and that he that believes not is condemned already” and therefore ... I am not being judgmental … right?

Then why is this not being taught in many churches? I could give you ten pathetic examples of world renowned Christians trying to blend in with the teachings of the world and be tolerant. This Truth was the first thing Jesus told the first religious leader that came to Him for counsel. Well these words are not politically correct. We need to be tolerant, you say? But I ask you; “is it “loving our neighbor” to not tell him the truth ... to smile and say nothing, as he accepts teachings that lead to hell? Is it “loving our neighbor” to not question another’s false religion? Is it "loving our neighbors" to give a man food or medical care without explaining the gospel because we don't want to make waves? Is it “loving our neighbor” to not confront heresy or false teachings ... and to sit quietly in church and allow others to be led astray, by Christian pastors?

Is it loving our neighbors to remain silent as a million babies a year are legally murdered in America?
Why don't Christians have as much compassion for unborn babies as PETA has for chickens or pigs?

How can one become free if he is a slave to the teachings of the Bible you might ask? Isn't this a form of bondage? A slave to a life of sin is never free. True freedom is a victory over one’s pride and lusts … the ability to Abide Above here and now provides victory over all things through Christ who gives us strength.

Those who accept Christ and then go on about their lives ignoring God’s revealed Truth are hypocrites, and a disgrace the cause of Christ.
Merely attending a church on Sunday will not change this reality.

Responsibleness is a key to freedom. Legalism is trying to hold others accountable to your beliefs. Legalism is strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than the Spirit. God's way of love is different than legalism.

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. For this, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10

When we are eternally in heaven with Christ, there will be no evil, no sin, and no lies … there will only be life, truth, goodness, peace, joy, and love. We also are told that for the remainder of our life here on earth that the love of Christ is to control us; we are new; that the old ways have passed away, and new ways have come; we are to be ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation; “He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-21.

That’s too hard for me you say? No problem, Jesus has an answer for that challenge too.

If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. John 15:15-17

You are free to choose … who will be the god of your life; you or Christ?
True freedom is a victory over one’s pride and lusts … the ability to Abide Above here and now. He provides the victory ---
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Abide Above

Peace and Joy to you my friends, Bob

Core Values

2012-01-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

Then said Jesus
to those Jews which believed on him,

If you continue in my word,
then are you my disciples indeed;

And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31-32

What are your Core Values?

Who are you at your core?

Yesterday, I read an article describing President Obama as: “a man of peerless eloquence … who if re-elected, will be recapitalized; and what he has already done will become entrenched and made irreversible.”

Although I think much of that is absurd, I guess what the writer is saying is that Obama’s political capital would be reconfirmed, and that he then would have a mandate to do whatever he decides is best for all of us; regardless of the truth, regardless of the constitution, and regardless of that which is actually best for us all. Now the little of that which is true … is truly frightening.

The ignorant majority vote on the basis of false promises, and all suffer the consequences of their foolishness.

“He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20

When President Obama was elected three years ago, many people had an excuse … they really didn’t know who he was or what he stood for.
Hope and change sounded good but actually this catchy slogan could mean just about anything. But they can’t claim that once again.

Now ... we all know what Obama stands for. His appointments and his actions have made that perfectly clear.

We must consider his actions rather than his words. For example, does Obama care about putting Americans back to work? His rejection of the Canadian pipeline clearly says: NO. He cares much more about the views of the environmentalists and the donations of his union supporters.

Actions speak louder than words.

President Obama’s core values are apparent to all. His decisions are filtered through the doctrines of union leaders, environmentalism, Marxism, socialism, and many other views that are contrary to the teachings of God’s Word.

Unless we take a stand ...
these opposing views will become our children's and grand-children's core values ...
and will to a large degree … rule their lives.

If those in power were to have their way; I am convinced that in the near future,
it will be against the law if one does not follow their doctrines of tolerance and political correctness.
To use an incandescent light-bulb; or to own an unregistered gun will be a crime.
The future will most likely regulate eating, parental, and birth control rights.

This is why it is so important to understand what a leader believes. Extreme views bring extreme results.
The fact that someone claims to be a Christian could mean many things … many of which are the opposite of what the Bible teaches.
God wants us now more than ever, to look into his word for guidance. Our leaders are lost … we cannot look to them.

The idea of the liberal view of religious tolerance is a perfect example. Liberals would somehow define religious tolerance as a rule to give validation to all religious beliefs; rather than simply having tolerance for everyone’s right to believe or practice whatever religion or philosophy they choose.

On the one hand, I can have tolerance for a religion that rejects Jesus Christ and believes otherwise; but at the same time, I have no tolerance for those calling clearly anti-Christian beliefs: Christianity. Liberals of course have no tolerance whatsoever for those of us that reject their definition of tolerance as babble and hypocrisy.

In response to this liberal foolishness I ask ...
Should Jews be tolerant to Muslims calling themselves Jews or visa verse?
Should Christians be tolerant of Atheists calling themselves Christians?
I know this sounds crazy but some are now calling themselves Christian atheists.
We should be true to our beliefs.
We cannot say we are a Christian and believe in evolution without being a hypocrite.

What are your Core Values?

So let’s get to the point.
What should a true Christian’s Core Values be?
What values should we use to measure first ourselves ...
and then those who teach our children,
and lead our churches, as well as our political leaders?

Our options in the coming presidential election are clearly lacking.
But in any event, we should all be considering each persons core values as we search for the one most qualified.

Question: As a true Christian, what should your Core Values be?

Answer: Only God’s Word can truly answer this question. God’s Truth is true regardless of our beliefs, feelings, or religious training. We are all qualified to look into God’s Word and listen to the Holy Spirit. And we are all free to our opinions, but our feelings and personal opinions are of minimal importance when compared to God’s eternal Word.

The Truths listed below are meant to be a list of key verses that all true Christians should know and stand upon. Though clearly not complete, this list can be used as a chain reference to explain what you believe, and why you believe it. In the coming months, I will use these verses one by one as topics for future individual blog posts. Here are the Core Values that the Holy Spirit and God’s Word have led me to present to you:
1. We have the Truth! Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth. John 17:17 God’s Word is used to sanctify us, to purify us, to consecrate us. God’s Word is Holy. We are to be sanctified or set us apart for sacred use. As Christians, His Word is our basis that everything we believe and our beliefs must be measured up against the eternal truth. God’s eternal Truth is our source of all knowledge, wisdom and understanding. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. God is all, God created all! In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:1-4
3. The Evil one is clever and present! Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, Yes, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Genesis 3:1
4. Lust and Pride! And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband with her; and he did eat.
5. The fall and the Curse! To the woman God said, I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children; and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you. And to Adam he said, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it: cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow shall you eat of it all the days of your life; Genesis 3:16-17
6. The Covenant! And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be you perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made you. I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come out of you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you, and to your seed after you.
7. The Law! And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD your God … You shall have no other gods before me … You shall not make to you any graven image … You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; … Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy …Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long … You shall not kill … You shall not commit adultery … You shall not steal … You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor … You shall not covet any thing that is your neighbor's.
8. Visions, Dreams, Angels! Yes, while I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give you skill and understanding. At the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show you; for you are greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. Daniel 9:21-23
9. The Coming King! Yet have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD has said to me, You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I shall give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
Psalms 2: 6-8
10. The Prince of Peace! For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it has lighted on Israel.
11. The Miracle Birth! behold, the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take to you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:20-23
12. The Living Truth! And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
13. We Must Be Born Again! Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3.
14. His Sacrifice for Men! And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:14-17
15. Only One Way To Heaven! He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18
16. Miraculous Healings! And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years … Jesus said to him, Rise, take up your bed, and walk. John 5:5-8. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. John 6:2
17. Jesus and God Are One! Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. John 5:18
18. The Promise Of Christ! Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life. John 5:24
19. Eternal Life! Truly, truly, I say to you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. John 5:25
20. Hypocrites Condemned! Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And you will not come to me, that you might have life. I receive not honor from men. But I know you, that you have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and you receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive. John 5:39-43

These coming months are going to be fun for me.
There are clearly thousands of verses that could be added. I am listing verses that focus on important Bible teachings that explain God’s plan for our lives here and in eternity. This list is to be used as a reference. Many more could be included. I am now only at the beginning of the New Testament and part 2 of this core values list will follow. Don’t hesitate to email me your favorites for addition to the list.

God bless you my friends, Bob

Be An Encourager

2012-01-06T13:36:00.000-08:00

If you then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sits on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth.

For you are dead,
and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3

Are you feeling down? Then you only need to think up!

I must admit … this past month has been most discouraging for me. My answer to these feelings was to study the things of Heaven, God’s Word, and the miracles of Christ. He lifted me up. This is the only way that we can defeat the devil’s plan of discouragement.

Abide Above.

Praise God ... my encouragement has been restored.

Most will agree that these are discouraging times. There is so much going on all around us that will bring us down, if we allow it.
The news coming in from all directions is one big downer.

But is that really true? No, No, NO! That is the lie that our enemy wants us to us focus on. That’s it: keep us focused on the news of the day … this is always his strategy to bring us down. His plan is to rob us of our peace, joy, and encouragement. But, to the contrary, there is also good news … that never ends!!!

So, what are we Americans to do, if we are to win against our enemy?

Think about it.
How do others react to a person who is an encourager in times of discouragement?

Well that’s easy; don’t you think?
People are naturally drawn to those who lift them up when they are down.

When their mind is focused on their problems which appear to be hopeless, they are brought down further, and they become negative.

On the other hand, everyone wants to see the light in the darkness.

Everyone wants to be encouraged.

People are drawn to encouraging words like a magnet.

That is the news for our politicians who are looking for the way to rally the people around them.

When you are an encourager, you give others hope, you give others courage to stand against the problems of the day.

The people want to rally around the good, the clean, the pure, the powerful, and the positive message of an encouraging leader.

But they don’t want false promises from a phony politician.

So, why can’t these politicians seem to capture the minds of the people, the way Churchill did; or Reagan did; or Obama did, three years ago? Why can’t people today unite and stand behind one person and move forward to victory for America? There is a big difference between false hopes (hope and change) and the eternal truth. And the people are wary of lies and political rhetoric.

When a leader puts a positive spin on a message that lacks substance ... to support his words, this will not work the second time around, with intelligent people … not after three years of lies and manipulations. The people want substance.

So the question today is: what are we Christians to do if we are to win against our enemies and be the encouragers God wants us to be?

Abide Above!

So … how do we Abide Above?

First we must seek those things which are Above, and set our affection on those things that are Above … not on the things of the earth.

This can only be found in God’s Word and accomplished through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

This is confusing because most of us don’t have any idea regarding those things which are above, from a human perspective.
And our natural tendency is to approach everything from a natural or human perspective rather than spiritual.

So as a result, what are we most likely to do?
We focus on the things of the earth. We are likely to turn on the TV; or go surfing on Facebook.

This past month, I have been reading a book about heaven. I have learned much that I never knew about the things of heaven.

This is how we seek those things which are above. We read about what God’s Word says about them, we meditate on these things, we pray about them, and we set our affection on those things; rather than the things of the world.

The world would convince us of the opposite; that we need to buy things we cannot afford, with money we do not have. Then, we will have something to get stressed out over, and to worry about.

Where is your mind focused, most of the time?
Would you like to be encouraged?
Would you like to be an encourager to everyone that you come into contact with?

That’s easy … change your focus.

Let your mind dwell on these things:
whatever is true …
whatever is honorable …
whatever is right …
whatever is pure …
whatever is lovely …
whatever is of good repute …
if there is any excellence …
and if anything worthy of praise …
dwell on these things …
the things you have learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me …
practice these things …
and the God of peace will be with you.

This is it my friends: Abide Above!

All of these the things are from above.

When you meditate on these things or let your mind dwell or focus on these things … you will be encouraged, and you will be and encourager, and a source of encouragement to everyone you come into contact with.

Others will be drawn to you like a magnet. Why?
God’s Grace, Hope, Peace and Joy are what everyone wants and needs.

Christ and His Word and the things above are one and the same. If we want to seek those things which are above, we must meditate, focus, and set our affections on Christ and His Word, not on the things or problems of this world.

For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
This is where we find hope and change and encouragement.
Meditate on the good news of Christ.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Everything else is dissipation.

God bless you my friends, Bob
Recommended reading: Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Immanuel: God With Us

2011-12-20T16:17:00.001-08:00

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translates, “GOD WITH US.” Matthew 1:18-23

Miracle of miracles … how can we even comprehend this story to be true? I really can understand how some of my more skeptical friends say … no way. The Bible is just fairy tale, they say ... another spiritualized version of the Santa Claus story; or as one of my best friends for life recently replied to me; “when I die, all that’s left is dirt.” The great thing about Christianity and living in America is that we can strongly disagree and still love and respect each other. Respect and love for the other person has nothing to do with political correctness or pretending that we respect or consider the other person's beliefs as true or of value. We tolerate each other, but on this subject, each of us believes the other to have believed a foolish teaching. I really can understand why we have irreconcilable differences. Our beliefs and loyalties are committed to rulers of opposing views. One true, one a lie. Good versus evil. Both can never be true.

Think about it. Meditate on it. A recently engaged virgin woman; from a very religious family; impregnated by the Holy Spirit; the child in her womb is God, the Creator of the universe coming to earth in the form of a man; for what purpose … to die on the cross for the sins of mankind; the prospective husband who had not touched his future bride gets a visit from an angel that tells him, “don’t worry about the fact that your fiancé is pregnant … God is inside of her.” Jesus is born and lives a perfect sinless life, performs many miracles, walks on water, raises the dead, and teaches a gospel of peace, love, forgiveness, and repentance; the Messiah will be killed by His own people, whose prophets clearly foretold His coming, but they did not recognize Him; He freely delivers Himself up to suffer the worst of deaths imaginable; buried under guard for three days only to be resurrected from the dead; victoriously ascends into the clouds; and this Savior now waits at the right hand of the Father interceding for His followers who do not deserve forgiveness … but are forgiven, justified, and redeemed and receive eternal life in heaven because He … Jesus Christ , Immanuel, the Messiah, God with us, the Savior of the world paid the penalty for all of the sins of man … once for all.

Are we all part of God’s plan created before time began? Did this all knowing, all powerful, ever present, Creator God, consider my innermost parts before the beginning of time? Am I important to God? ---------------------- Or am I just an accident … dirt, as my friend from childhood believes and contends?
And are we actually no more important than the bait we would put on a fishing hook, or a leaf blowing in the wind?

Can you see how those unbelievers see all of this as fiction? The source of the problem is clear to me: "Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4

A few days ago, I was in a discussion with a “Christian” friend online who tries to reconclie these opposing beliefs. This is clearly impossible. I asked him the following question: “Hundreds of millions of fossils have been discovered ... but none of them are transitional organism fossils. Fish are fish, birds are birds, cattle are cattle, and T-Rexes are T-Rexes ... in the fossil record. There are no fossils that reflect the gradual change from one animal kind into another." Darwinian evolution is a big lie being taught to our children and grandchildren; and any scientists who question this forced system are singled out, and their career is destroyed. Doesn't this injustice bother you? I asked. He responded with drawings of supposed transitional animals. When I rejected this fantasy as obvious drawings of science fiction … he sent me a series of pictures of human skulls. Obviously they were clearly not transitional fossils and there was no evidence of any linkage other than that they all appeared to be human. I responded with the following: “This shows me nothing --- slug to man is a fantasy. For you to contend otherwise is heretical. Birds are not men ... there is no connection ... period.” He responded; “So you believe all of the fossil remains of early man are fake? “I replied: “nope ... I just don't believe that what they have tried to do with them ... to make them fit into their false theory; but in any event they do not and cannot take you or me; or any other animate thing, for that matter ... from a slug to anything else. I'm surprised you would ask me such a silly question. Creating a hypothesis and then arranging things to try to fit these preconceived notions is not science. It is atheistic wishful thinking.” It is also a violation of true science, and legitimate scientists call this unscientific practice: "circular reasoning." He ended with; “Okie, Dokie” … in other words: “you are foolish, Bob.”

Of course my position is that I have accepted Jesus Christ and all of the other Truths of the Bible by faith ... it is not necessary for me to be able to explain all of that which is beyond anyone's human comprehension ... I am not God.

My final questions to him which he did not answer were: “who do you say Jesus Is? Are Jesus and the Creator one and the same? Or do you think there was no creator? Apparently his answer would be: No Creator ... but I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior. Do you see the disconnect and contradiction? The next question for him would be: how then can you (a Christian) accept these false teachings of men that are contrary to the Truth of God which is your basis for salvation?

“So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.”

Jesus said; “truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am” … and the Jewish leaders tried to stone Him and plotted his death from that point on. Why was what Jesus said so inflammatory to the Jews? Because, in their culture, this was the same as saying; “I am God.” Actually, God called himself “I Am” when He said to Moses; “tell Pharaoh … "I Am" sent you.”

I doubt this Christian will even bother to answer my questions. Similar to the scientists who are rejected because they question Darwinism; he has disregarded me. It is so much easier for unbelievers to write people like me off as foolish. Isn't that also what they did to Noah when he began building the ark? The obvious problem is that if someone does not believe in a creator, then the entire Bible is nothing more than just another fairy tale. Think about it … is it harder to believe God created the universe, the world, and man, and everything in it, as well as the story of Jesus Christ outlined above; or is it harder to believe that man evolved from a mistake in the mud and then trillions of more mistakes happened with the end result: being a slug, and that after a trillion more mistakes it became a crawling or flying creature, and that after a trillion more mistakes it became an ape, and that after a trillion more transitions it became a man?

In a recent post, I mentioned where Bill Maher called Christians ignorant and hypocritical while using the story of Noah and the Ark as evidence. Maher’s logic was that people who believed the Noah story are either ignorant; or that those who say that they are Christians, and that God’s Word is truth, and then disregard the hard to believe Biblical stories ... such as Noah and creation are hypocritical. Maher, an atheist is clearly right. If we say that we do not believe in creation or the story of Noah … then how can we say we believe the (equally hard to believe)story of the virgin birth above, or more specifically … the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ?

Immanuel means: “God with us” … Jesus is not just another Jewish prophet or good teacher here. It is hypocritical to say we trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but at the same time accept only those parts of His Truth that make sense from a human perspective. Either God the Creator is Jesus Christ, and either this verse is true, or it is a lie: “and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. We cannot have it both ways. Either the Savior is the Creator of the universe, or He is not. Either His Truth is absolute Truth, or it is not. Either His Word became flesh and dwelt among us, or it did not.

I am a Biblical fundamentalist in the original sense, and I am proud of it. I believe in the fundamental Truths of the Bible. All of God’s Word is Truth. Everything else is false when it conflicts with this Truth. It doesn't matter what the universities or the scientists say ... when they are contrary to God's truth, it is just so much more babble. To believe in God's Truth is to believe in Jesus Christ … To not believe in this Truth is to not believe in Jesus Christ.

If you are a Christian and you have chosen to believe otherwise ... to follow the teachings of men rather than God the Creator, I challenge you this Christmas to reconsider. Jesus has much more for you to learn but you cannot humble the Creator and Savior of the world to the teachings of men.
He is your God ... it cannot be the other way around.

To my atheist friend from childhood, as well as my online Christian friends with conflicted beliefs, my prayer for you is that God the Creator, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit will make the Truth clear to each of you. Whether it is the teachings of men or the teachings of God, the belief you receive is always, in the end, accepted by faith. It is not about evidence. This is a faith decision. Place your faith in Jesus Christ totally and completely, this Christmas and always ... and then peace, joy, and blessings beyond comprehension will be yours always throughout eternity.

PEACE AND JOY TO YOU ALL.

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Miracles Upon Miracles 2

2011-12-20T15:25:00.000-08:00

And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said to him, how long do you make us to doubt? If you be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Jesus answered them, I told you, and you believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But you believe not, because you are not of my sheep, as I said to you.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do you stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, for a good work we stone you not; but for blasphemy; and because that you, being a man, make yourself God. John 10:23-33

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES ...

A true miracle is an event in the external world brought about by a simple act of God, without the ability to be understood by the human senses. Miracles validate the divine commission of a religious teacher and the truth of his message. God ordinarily effects his purpose through the agency of second causes; but he has the power to change the fixed order, and thus of working miracles. As a result we have miracles, through God's hand intervening to control or reverse nature's ordinary movements. Miracles are above nature and beyond man's understanding. Miracles show God's power that is not limited by the laws either of matter or of mind. This power transcends the fixed laws which govern their movements, a supernatural power.

Now, wait a minute … do you really believe in miracles?

Would you bet your life on miracles?

This past week, a Christian friend of mine made an interesting point. We were discussing the presidential race and he pointed out that for many people in the world, the beliefs of Christians are just as hard to believe as those of Mormons. He was trying to explain why he did not have a problem voting for Romney, a Mormon.

My other friend, who was listening replied; “if you knew what Mormons actually believe, you would not make that statement.” Well on this one, I would have to agree with both of them. I respect Romney as a person and think that he would be a far better president than Obama; but as my second friend contends many teachings of the Mormon religion are totally contrary to my Christian beliefs. In a perfect world, I would obviously rather have a born again conservative Christian president; but anyone of proven character is more desirable than a person who appears to be: sort of, pretending, to be a Christian.

So why as my first friend contends is Biblical Christianity so hard to for unbelievers to believe?

Well that is the topic of this post: Miracles Upon Miracles.

The first miracle is: Jesus the Savior, Messiah, and Teacher is actually presenting Himself as God the Creator.

Next, He presents His thousands of miracles as conclusive evidence.
The religious leaders called this blasphemy and sought to stone Jesus ...

what do you say?

As we all know, understanding miracles is beyond our human comprehension. As Jesus pointed out to the Jewish religious leaders; His miracles are the difference between Him and all of the others. The miracles of Christ noted here are in reality, only a small portion of the thousands of miracles He performed in His short walk on earth.

Surely, Jesus has performed many, many, more miracles than these ... every day ... from the first day of creation.

The religious leaders were testing Jesus; “tell us plainly who you are, they said” They were looking for the answer that Jesus eventually gave … so that they could attack Him for blasphemy. “I and my Father are one, (He said) ... then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.”

Jesus continually repeated this Truth which ultimately resulted in His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins.

But Jesus also referred to much more here as well. “The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me” The works that Jesus speaks of are the Miracles upon Miracles I want to touch upon today. You see … Jesus makes it clear to the Pharisees that they believed not in His miracles, because they were not His sheep. “Jesus answered them, I told you, but you believe not, because you are not of my sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish,” John 10:25-27

When we say we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior; that means we either believe in His miracles … or we are not His sheep.

Do you really believe in miracles?

Well that naturally leads us to the question: what miracles?
The answer to that is simple:

... all of them.

Simply click on the highlighted verses to have your faith increased as you review the miracles of our savior, witnessed by thousands who as a result, were compelled to believe. Do not allow for yourself to continue to be blinded as the Pharisees were blinded … by principalities, by powers, by the rulers of the darkness of this world, and by spiritual wickedness in high places.

These miracles are living proof of the one and only Savior of mankind.

The conception of Jesus Christ by the Holy Ghost - Luke 1:35
Star of Bethlehem - Matthew 2:1-9
Water made wine - John 2:1-11
Demoniac cured in synagogue at Capernaum - Mark 1:23; Luke 4:33
Cure of nobleman's son, Capernaum - John 4:46-54
Impotent man at Bethsaida cured - John 5:1-9
Cure of two blind men - Matt 9:27-31
Piece of money in the fish's mouth - Matt 17:24-27
The deaf and dumb man - Mark 7:31-37
The blind man of Bethsaida - Mark 8:22-26
Jesus passes unseen through the crowd - Luke 4:28-30
The miraculous draught of fishes - Luke 5:4-11
The raising of the widow's son at Nain - Luke 7:11-18
The woman with the spirit of infirmity - Luke 13:11-17
The man with the dropsy - Luke 14:1-6
The ten lepers - Luke 17:11-19
The healing of Malchus - Luke 22:50-51
Man born blind cured - John 9:1-7
Lazarus raised from the dead - John 11:38-44
Draught of fishes - John 21:1-14
Syrophoenician woman's daughter cured - Matt 15:28; Mark 7:24
Four thousand fed - Matt 15:32; Mark 8:1
Fig tree blasted - Matt 21:18; Mark 11:12
Centurion's servant healed - Matt 8:5; Luke 7:1
Blind and dumb demoniac cured - Matt 12:22; Luke 11:14
Peter's wife's mother cured - Matt 8:14; Mark 1:30; Luke 4:38
The tempest stilled - Matt 8:23; Mark 4:37; Luke 8:22
Demoniacs of Gadara cured - Matt 8:28; Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26
Swine rush into and drown - Mark 5:1-20
Leper healed - Matt 8:2; Mark 1:40; Luke 5:12
Jairus's daughter raised - Matt 9:23; Mark 5:23; Luke 8:41
Woman's issue of blood cured - Matt 9:20; Mark 5:25; Luke 8:43
Man sick of the palsy cured - Matt 9:2; Mark 2:3; Luke 5:18
Man's withered hand cured - Matt 12:10; Mark 3:1; Luke 6:6
A lunatic child cured - Matt 17:14; Mark 9:14; Luke 9:37
Two blind men cured - Matt 20:29; Mark 10:46; Luke 18:35
Jesus walks on the sea - Matt 14:25; Mark 6:48; John 6:15
Jesus feeds 5,000 “in a desert place” - Matt 14:15; Mark 6:30; Luke 9:10; John 6:1-14
The transfiguration - Matt 17:1-8)
The resurrection - John 21:1-14
Inspiration of Scripture by God - 2 Tim. 3:16
Many fulfilled prophecies - Micah 5:2; Hag. 2:6-9; Isa. 7:14; 9:6, 7; 11:1, 2; 53; 60:10, 13; Ps. 16:11; 68:18; Matt. 10:23-24; 11:23; 19:28; 21:43, 44; 24; 25:31-46; 26:17-35, 46, 64; Mark 9:1; 10:30; 13; 11:1-6, 14; 14:12-31, 42, 62; 16:17

Do you really believe in the miracles of Jesus Christ?

I believe in all of them!

I believe in His creation of the universe and all things that this creation entails.

Next we will look into the miracle of His plans for the nation of Israel, and the rest of us as well. But make no mistake; God’s plan is first about His chosen people of Israel.

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be you perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made you. And I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come out of you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you, and to your seed after you. And I will give to you, and to your seed after you, the land wherein you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. Genesis 17:1-8

God bless you my friends, Bob

Miracles Upon Miracles

2011-12-11T23:07:00.000-08:00

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him;
and without him was not any thing made that was made.

And the Word was made flesh,
and dwelled among us,
and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES ...

Now, wait a minute … do you really believe in miracles?

Would you bet your life on miracles?

My atheist friend who I greatly respect says no. “I don’t believe in miracles”

Oh, really; I ask; what about evolution?
Well yeah, I believe in evolution, he said, but that is proven science.
You mean like the science of man-made global warming has also been proven; I asked? “Well, yes.”

Well then, now explain this, I asked?

What are the odds for evolution to be true? I don’t know he said. Well, let me explain something; I replied.

Borel's law of probability states that if the odds of an event happening are worse than 1 in 10 to the 50th power, then that event will NEVER HAPPEN.

Dr. Harold Morowitz, former professor of biophysics at Yale University, estimated that the probability of the chance formation of the smallest, simplest form of living organism known is 1 out of 10/340,000,000. One out of ten to the 340 millionth power is unimaginable odds. This large figure is a "1" followed by 340,000,000 zeroes. As you can see, Morowitz' odds against even the simplest life evolving were infinitely more than 1 out of 10/50, making evolution beyond impossible.

The very popular evolutionist, Dr. Carl Sagan of Cornell University, figured even steeper odds against the simplest life beginning naturally on a planet such as earth. According to Sagan, the probability would be about 1 out of 10/2,000,000,000. Try to imagine ten to the 2 billionth power. Pretty astounding odds, don’t you think? Interestingly, these impossible odds against evolution came from one of the most prominent evolutionists of our time.

And Nobel Prize winning biologist, George Wald of Harvard University said: “One only has to concede the magnitude of the task to concede the possibility of the spontaneous generation of a living organism is impossible. Yet here we are—as a result, I believe, of spontaneous generation.” Of course, Dr. Wald also thinks that time solves all problems: “Time is, in fact, the hero of the plot, he says … one only has to wait: time itself performs the miracles.”

The deeper you go with this discussion, the more impossible the idea of evolution becomes and the more complex the explanation. Hopefully these odds are enough to demonstrate my point. Nevertheless, what this all boils down to is a personal choice … each of us make a faith decision, if you will; to believe in what scientists (I have thousands of them) freely admit is “impossible” rather than to believe in creation by an all knowing, all powerful, Creator God.

This is our choice.

Time and chance; or the Creator God … which miracles will you be faithful to?
But in either event; one must believe in miracles upon miracles.

There are two primary reasons why so many scientists who have set out to disprove the claims of the Bible end up becoming born again Christians. First, they come to grips with the impossible odds of evolution, and next when they start considering the miracles in the Bible they come to realize that the “Evidence That Demands A Verdict” as Josh McDowell so convincingly demonstrates in the book by the same name are too compelling to deny. My scientist friend once told me: “I got to the point where there was too much evidence not to believe.

So why do so many not believe in the Creator?

The answer to that question was also explained by the apostle Paul as follows: “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Can this be true? Are many blinded by an evil false god who is supernaturally controlling the minds of perhaps the majority of the human race, and leading those in ways contrary to the Creator God’s purpose and plan for mankind? Well this is also taught by the Bible here:

“Put on the whole armor of God; that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; for we wrestle not against flesh and blood; but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6:11-12

So what am I getting at here?

Well that is quite simple, in a series of posts that will follow: I will present “miracles upon miracles” so that when considered with an open mind the evidence will contradict false conclusions and help many to understand the Truth.

Those who already know the Truth, will have much new evidence that will help strengthen their faith. I am convinced that there are literally millions of people who have accepted Christ; but at the same time their beliefs and faith have been compromised by the spiritual forces of wickedness in high places that have gained control of many of our churches and our public educational system.

Okay now: who are you?

Have you casually rejected God’s Truth without really considering the evidence that demands a verdict? Are you a born again believer who has accepted the truth, but need to have your faith strengthened? Or are you one who has accepted Christ, but you have chosen to compromise your beliefs; blending the teachings of the world with a portion of God’s Truth, until you have found a comfortable place to rest? Or are you the spiritual man that Paul talks about who has been transformed by the renewing of your mind?

Well, in any event, get ready … because we are about to explore miracle upon miracle. With each lesson, I intend to challenge your faith. We are told to test ourselves. That is what this series of posts is intended to help you do.

Now, let’s start with the first miracle:

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Some call themselves Christians and yet reject this miracle. In fact, I recently had a Christian tell me she rejects the Old Testament, and that she is a New Testament Christian. Another told me he only follows the love teachings of Jesus and rejects the rest. God is Love, you say. What is wrong with this, you ask? Everything! When someone rejects the Creator, he also rejects the Savior. Jesus said: “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30. Jesus continually brought this fact to the attention of the religious leaders; this is the reason they crucified Him.

So for you, which will it be?

You can’t have it both ways.
You cannot have a Savior who is not also the Creator of all things.

Prove it … you say. Well, I intend to do just that, over a period of time; miracles upon miracles. But I cannot provide absolute proof. I have believed in the Creator Savior Jesus Christ on the basis of faith. I can only provide evidence. Each of us then must make a decision of faith. We all make these decisions of trust every day. My friend who decides to sell his stocks and buy gold has placed his faith in the teachings of a man who wrote a book he just read. And he unconsciously makes a faith decision in someone else's advice.

When we get in a plane or a car, we place our faith in the pilot or the driver, that they will guide us safely to our destination. Many years ago, I flew across Africa on an Ethiopian Air jetliner filled with radical Islamics … piloted by an Islamic flight crew. They required each passenger to identify their luggage before boarding. Would I get on that plane with those same passengers and that flight crew today? No way! Why not? Am I prejudiced? Not in the least. But knowing what I know ... I am not comfortable placing my life in the hands of those with radical Islamic beliefs. I also would not get into a taxi in Tijuana Mexico, either.

You see what I mean, every day we make unconscious decisions to place our trust in others. Those who prepare our food, teach our children, and provide vital services. We have all accepted philosophies and beliefs on faith that we for whatever reason, we have accepted as the truth. Millions worldwide have accepted the teaching of man-made global warming as a world threatening crisis, based upon flawed science; and trillions of dollars and the lives of millions are in the balance as a result. Every day we unconsciously believe in something.

At the very least, whatever you believe; creation or evolution, you are accepting a miracle by faith. This is the choice that we all must make: atheistic evolution science; or Creation by the Creator God. My atheist friend has rejected God; but has he even considered the evidence for creation? No … my friend stands with those who faithfully believe in evolution, and will receive the consequences: “but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” John 3:18

But you might say: “Well, I believe in evolution and I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior as well, what do you say to that?”

The question is better asked; “What does Jesus say to that?”
n
Remember Jesus said: “I and my Father are one” Therefore to accept evolution is to reject the Savior Creator. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made … and the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14

This pretty much says it all: The Word; God the Creator; And Jesus the Savior are all one and the same. And they are all full of grace and truth. To reject God’s Word as truth is to reject the Creator and Savior as well. To reject the Creator is to reject the Savior and the Truth. Therefore one cannot intelligently or otherwise accept Jesus the Savior and reject God’s Word or the Creator.

Do you believe the first miracle? There are many more to come.

God Bless you my friends, Bob

The Forever Paradox

2011-11-26T11:41:00.001-08:00

Judge not, that you be not judged.

For with what judgment you judge,
you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete,
it shall be measured to you again.

And why behold you the mote that is in your brother's eye,
but consider not the beam that is in your own eye?
Or how will you say to your brother,

Let me pull out the mote out of your eye;
and, behold, a beam is in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye;
and then shall you see clearly to cast out
the mote out of your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5

Every day, every hour, every minute ... we all make judgments.

It is in our DNA ... It is how we are wired.

There is no getting away from judging. You made a judgment when you decided to read this post … or Not. And I made a judgment when I decided how to title the post. I considered using a title that was more about judgment, but I judged that many would be more apt to be drawn to a post about paradox here than with a title about judgment.

You see most of us have already settled or judged this issue in our minds and have concluded we are not to judge, but then within minutes we make one judgment after another. In fact some might begin to feel intimidated by where they feel this is headed, make a judgment and move on to read something else. Don’t do that, I promise not to judge you and call you a hypocrite.

Are you understanding, what I am saying here? None of us can totally follow this instruction from Christ. We make decisions or judgments all day long. Somehow our brain shifts onto autopilot and then we are just off to the races, making one judgment after another.

So, what’s the point? Well, my contention is that we must all judge what Jesus meant when He said; “Judge not, that you be not judged.”
Did Jesus really mean that we are to stop making judgments; or was He speaking to specific types of judging?

Jesus has given us an Every Day Paradox that we will try to better understand here ... what it means for each of us.

I’ll give you two specific examples. This past week I ran into a friend who used to serve in a weekly ministry at a church that I also served with in the past. We sat down over a cup of coffee. In the course of our conversation, I asked; “why did you change churches?” His response caught me off guard. “I had a meeting with a pastor, who had been reviewing my giving record, and he told me that I am a hypocrite, and that I'm not qualified to serve there.

Now I don’t want to judge my friend or the pastor, since my understanding is out of context. But what if I told you that my friend had one of the most faithful and thankless ongoing ministries in the church kitchen, and that my friend is an epileptic with minimum wage income? Your mind can hardly keep from jumping to a quick judgment ... can it?

Later the same day, I went to a church meeting where a local Presbyterian church was discussing the dilemma that their church body is faced with as a result of a decision made by the Presbyterian Church USA to change church bylaws instructing them to ordain homosexuals and others who are active sexually outside of a man/woman marriage. This church body and their leadership will eventually be forced to judge their organizational leadership’s decisions. Will they follow the clear doctrine of the Bible or will they follow the shifting whims of a society at large that chooses to disregard God’s Word?

Now, if you think like I do; the judgments on both of these examples are quite clear. There is not much need for discussion. Why is it clear? Well, I just know, you say? That answer my friend is not good enough. This is what any good legalist would also say, and the legalist Pharisees were the ones Jesus was talking to in text above. Jesus does not want us to judge like they judged.

Well, you ask; “what are we to do?”

Now I beseech you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds ;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

These two verses clearly explain Paul’s understanding and instruction. Speak the same thing; no divisions; perfectly joined together; in the same mind; in the same judgment. Oops … there’s that word again, Paul is leading us to make judgment. And then he says: casting down imaginations; bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

How can we do this you ask? Through prayer, the power of the Holy Spirit and with the Truth of God’s Word (our prinary weapon: the sword of the spirit, the Word of God) we can know God’s will in all things. Only when we are perfectly joined together in the same mind, following the leading of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word will there be no divisions and we can then make judgments that will be pleasing to Him. This comes when believers humble themselves to God's Word.

Some would say, god gave me a mind to think, and I intend to use it; but His word says: to cast down imaginations and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. That's not hardly an instruction to follow your logic, feelings, experiences, and the teachings of the world ... is it?

That is heavy; many will say: I didn’t buy in for mind control. And some actually did grumble when Christ presented them with things that were difficult for them to accept and what did He tell them?

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said; this is a hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said to them, does this offend you? What and if you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that vivifies; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, therefore said I to you, that no man can come to me, except it were given to him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. John 6:60-66

The bottom line is that His teachings were not optional, they either followed or they walked no more with Him.

But there was one Pharisee whose judgment Jesus honored.

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said to him, truly, truly, I say to you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:1-3

Nicodemus made a judgment that was contrary to all of the other Pharisees. He judged that Jesus was a teacher from God and that God was with Him. This was the exact opposite of the judgments directed at Jesus by the other Pharisees. And how did Jesus reply to Him? He simply gave Nicodemus more Holy Truth from above. Nicodemus, you must be born again.

You see, the problem that the Pharisees had was that they were basing their judgments on their own understanding and worldly wisdom. They were following the leading of their flesh and their pride. These wisdom of the world, pride and lust were the gods of their judgments. And these worldly forces ultimately lead to wrong judgments and decisions. Sometimes they might stumble across an obvious truth and piously stand there; but most often their guidance leads down wrong paths to destruction.

Jesus then went on to explain more about God’s plan for reconciliation and eternal life. He then gave Nicodemus God’s "either/or" choice: “He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18

Jesus was giving Nicodemus instructions in how to take the log out of his eye. Nicodemus followed the instructions, and the rest is history.

There is much more to be said about judging others in future posts. I suggest you read and meditate on all of Matthew 7:1-28

But the first thing you must do is get right with Jesus Christ and His Truth. We must all test ourselves to determine where we stand with Christ. Are you a born again believer or are you a religious person like Nicodemus trying to live the life of a good person? Are you Born Again or are you a reprobate living a pretend type of Christianity?

Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates? … For we can do nothing against the truth; but for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:5-8

Are you committed to stand up for the Jesus Christ and the Truth of God?

This is the Truth:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made … And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14

The Presbyterian Church USA would not be struggling over this idiotic idea of ordaining reprobate clergy if they had not made a decision in the past century to follow the teachings of men over the teachings of God. This is all about the inerrancy of Scripture. There are many people who love Christ, but who have compromised His Word. Now is the time for all to stand on the inerrant Truth of God’s Word.

To disregard God’s Word is to disregard Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior of all.

God bless you my friends, Bob

An Attitude of Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T15:55:00.001-08:00

.

DO YOU NEED A NEW ATTITUDE? WATCH THIS!
PRAY FOR ALL OF THESE THINGS ...
WITH AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING

Continue in prayer,
and watch in the same
with Thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2

Paul tells us to devote ourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.

How are we to have an alert mind and to be watchful in our prayers?
… And why is it important for us to have a thankful heart?

I have taught on this verse previously but when we seem stuck in such uncertain and seemingly hopeless times ...

it is important for us all to re-adjust our focus …

especially on Thanksgiving Day.

Let’s take this verse one point at a time …

Continue in prayer.
For me, an example that best demonstrates the effectiveness of this Truth is made clear in Daniel. He had been in Babylonian captivity for nearly 70 years and continued to pray three times daily for God's guidance and the deliverance of Israel. At one point, Daniel had been praying for three full weeks continually and when an angel came to answer his prayers, and the messenger explained the following to Daniel:

“Then said he to me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that you did set your heart to understand and to chasten yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I am come for your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, see, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Now I am come to make you understand what shall befall your people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. Daniel 10:12-14

The Truth revealed here is amazing. Daniel was first told: to fear not. Then it is made clear that his prayer was heard, from the very first day that he set his heart to understand … his prayers were heard. But the angel was held up in some sort of supernatural battle with the leader of the spiritual forces of evil. God sent reinforcements but it took twenty one days for him to get to Daniel with God’s answer. The angel then explained the answers to Daniel's prayers and much much more about God's plan for Israel, and all of mankind from that day forward through the final days.

We need to always keep in mind that God hears us immediately, and when our heart is right, and our prayers are worthy, He will answer us, just as He answered Daniel. When we start praying with the same devotion that Daniel offered to God … He will always answer our prayers.

Well, I’m not Daniel, you say? That is so true and you and I although knee deep in our life controlling problems are not under the captivity of Babylonian barbarians who will feed you to the lions for eating the wrong food; for a wrong answer to a question; or for praying to your God in a way they do not like.

Jesus has promised us all the Spirit of Truth: “However, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” John 16:13.

Just imagine how encouraged Daniel would have been if he had received this same promise. The Holy Spirit indwelling us to guide us is far more than we understand that was available to Daniel. I am convinced that Daniel was guided by the Holy Spirit, but I know born again believers have the Holy Spirit. We all have the Holy Spirit and God’s Word available to us seven days a week twenty four hours a day. To Continue in Prayer is our right and our privilege and our calling.

Why don’t we Continue in Prayer like Daniel did? We are without excuse.

The next key words are: “and watch in the same with thanksgiving”

How are we to be alert and watchful and have a thankful heart in our continuous prayers? I am convinced that God hears all of our prayers immediately. But I am also convinced that it is God’s will for us to understand him on a deeper Spiritual level.

Do you know anyone who prays like this: “Dear God, please help me” … at the same time in their mind they are thinking: “but I know you won’t.”

For this person, here is the problem: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8

A foundational key to prayer is that the person praying believes in the object of the prayer: Jesus, our Lord and Savior and Creator; the only true God almighty. A prayer to any other is wasted upon prayer to a false god.

When we are watchful we will be practicing the very things that will increase our faith. But instead, we just pray. Is that being watchful?

What am I saying here? Think about it.
Thinking about it is being watchful.
Looking into God's Word for answers is being watchful.
Listening and waiting for the guidance of the Holy Spirit is being watchful.
Anticipating an answer from the Creator is being watchful.

WE MUST BE WATCHFUL, IF NOT ... WHEN GOD'S ANSWER COMES, WE WILL NOT HEAR HIM.

Do you have a problem making a list of all of the things you would like for God to change or resolve in your life? That's easy; right? Any prayers you would like to have answered today? Now that takes only a very little amount of thought, don't you agree?

But now, make a list of all of the things you have to be thankful for. We really need to think about that, because often we have not acknowledged that these things are a blessing from God. Well, I need to meditate on this one, you say; things are not going very well right now.

There ... do you get it?

When we count our blessings and pray them back to God with a thankful heart, we are bringing to mind, His power, His promises, His answers, His provisions, His Word, His Wisdom, His peace, His Joy, His deliverance, His miracles, His sacrifice, His creations, His victories over anything and everything. His omnipotence; his omnipresence; His omniscience; and now when we bring all of these things to mind, what does this do for the depth of our faith in God’s likelihood of answering our prayers for our needs? How much faith do you have now?

Now, let’s look back into Daniel for a moment: “from the first day that you did set your heart to understand” Very interesting … do you see the key words? Daniel set his heart to understand. He was doing exactly what James is advising and the results were overwhelmingly incredible. Daniel was looking deeply into God's Word and he was listening for God's leading and answers.

He was pleading with God for forgiveness and deliverance and victory.
He had proven to the Lord that he would not quit ... he would never give up praying.
Daniel was a faithful prayer.

Daniel was being alert in his prayers with an attitude of thanksgiving. Daniel was looking into the teachings of the prophets for answers and wisdom. Daniel was continuously praying for forgiveness and reconciliation for Israel, day after day. Daniel was humbling himself in the sight of the Lord. Daniel was faithful. Daniel was thankful.

Daniel was Humble. Read what the angel had to say to him:

“For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? For as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong." Daniel 10:17-19

Daniel was calling this angel lord, because the vision that he was experiencing was so overpowering, but the angel clarified this mistake and then he says something most revealing to Daniel. A messenger from God says to Daniel: “O man greatly beloved” – Can you imagine how these words must have lifted his spirit. Here was a man fasting and praying his heart out for twenty one straight days and a messenger comes to him and says don’t be afraid, you are greatly beloved. Wow, by who is the natural question, but that was not necessary. Daniel knew well the Creator who had sent the messenger.

Pray continually, being watchful and with a thankful heart.
God will answer you faithful prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving and consider your prayers carefully …
Ask the simple question: What do I have to be thankful for?
Now listen … the Holy Spirit will bring much to mind.
Now … give thanks with a grateful heart and then make your needs know to the Lord continuously … being watchful in anticipation of His answers and miracles.

God bless you and keep you my friends, Bob

The Faithful Witness

2011-11-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.

Go you therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you:
and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Matthew 28:18-20

... ye shall be witnesses unto me ... unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

JESUS' CALLING IS SO VERY CLEAR ...

Our mission and ministry are without question!

Why is it that so many Christians will go through their entire life ...
and never ONCE share the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

In simple terms, witnessing or ministering the gospel means introducing others to Jesus Christ.

Biblically, this is known as evangelism and is the responsibility of all Christians.

It is the work of the Holy Spirit reaching out through believers to win others to repentance ...
from their sin of unbelief and to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Witnessing is not something we merely do.
It is something we are to BE: Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 3:2; Matt 5:14.

Witnessing should never be employed as a mechanism that provokes anger and fuels resistance to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Overcoming the fear to witness effectively, starts with examining our motive. The motive to glorify God cannot be easily discouraged or defeated. Actually, most Christians eventually withdraw when it comes to witnessing due to a motive that conflicts with the will of God.

A wise Christian wants to be a witness that produces fruit - Proverbs 11:30. This requires the right means. We must absolutely depend on the Holy Spirit - Luke 24:48-49 - It is He Who does the work. Why is this so essential? The Holy Spirit is able to convict of sin John 16:8-11, and convey the Truth - John 16:13-15, and He alone can regenerate. John 3:5-8, Titus 3:5-7

We must absolutely depend on the authority of the Word of God. From God's Word, we learn what to say, and how to say what needs to be said.
The Christian can learn from obvious examples of evangelism in the Scriptures.

What are the needs for the Christian who wants to witness...

1. A Life surrendered to Christ Luke 9:23.
2. A Spirit-filled life Ephesians 5:18.
3. Bible knowledge 2 Timothy 2:15.
4. A Prayer life; believing prayer.
5. Faith, and Concern for lost souls.

The Bible provides good pointers also:

1. Deal with your own age and gender when possible.
2. Be gentle, wise, clear, polite, uncompromising. Don't argue.
3. Seek and pray for opportunities, and use them.
4. Rely on the Lord; keep silently praying for His guidance.
5. Work with love and perseverance.
6. Lead directly to a definite acceptance of Christ.

Friendship Evangelism is very effective - Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12 -
Be careful to present an appearance and apparel that is not offensive.
Always show love and kindness. Be a conscientious worker.

People will naturally observe... What we are, What we do, and What we say.
Consider Christ's example: John 4:7-30

Be willing and ready to... Contact, Communicate, Relate, and always Be Relevant.

A Most Important Aspect Of Witnessing is Your Message.

What is the message when witnessing? It is dogmatically presenting Christ as the ONLY answer to: Man's Sin, Death, and Eternal Life.
The most important aspect of witnessing is presenting CHRIST AS THE ULTIMATUM, NOT AN ALTERNATIVE.

This is where the political correctness most often being taught in the world today ... goes right out the window.

Have a chronological plan in presenting the Scriptures.
Remember, It is by God's Word only that one can be saved Romans 10:17.

Example:
Romans 3:23 - Man's Need.
Romans 6:23 - Sin's Penalty.
Romans 5:8 - God's Provision.
Romans 10:9-10 - Man's Response.
Romans 10:13 - God's Response.

THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT IS EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT IN GOING TO HEAVEN... THAT'S BRINGING ANOTHER SOUL WITH YOU.
Adapted from Dr. Arthur Belanger; College of the Open Bible; 11/22/2011

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Here is the most valuable wisdom
that I can give you, regarding witnessing:

ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS:

If you do not understand God's Word and how to guide others,
the effectiveness of your witness and mission will be greatly diminished.

The Holy Spirit will witness through you.
The power is in the Holy Spirit and God's Word ...

NOT YOU OR YOUR WORDS.

Ask the person to read the verse out loud.
Next, Ask them: "What is the Lord saying to you, through this verse?"

Now ... you ... listen, let them explain to you what God is saying to them.
This is where the power of God becomes real to them.
Let the seeker ... discover the Truth!
Watch and listen and learn as the Holy Spirit turns on the light to this person's heart and mind.
You need to prod ... and clarify
but listen ... always listen ...
as the Lord and Savior speaks back to you through the seeker.

There are no sweeter words to hear
from another than that they understand the Truth.

Now, Encourage ... another verse.
repeat ... listen ... listen ... prod ... clarify

Watch as He the Creator, the Master, and Savior of all things
breaks down the barriers that are standing in the path of eternity
Obstacles that you or I can't even see, let alone overcome ...

The Messiah through the power of the Holy Spirit and His Word
will bring these obstacles all down in an instant.

Listen ... and watch the miraculous Master.

And you will find; that contrary to the teachings of the world ...

... when God is speaking to a person from His Holy Word,
most especially someone humbly seeking to find eternal salvation ...

the Truth is not hard to understand.

In actuality, to the mind that has been opened by the Holy Spirit,
to the eternal Truth ... It quickly becomes apparent,
God's Word is the only thing that makes any sense at all.

God bless you my friends, Bob

What "It" Is Finished?

2011-11-19T21:36:00.001-08:00

Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered.

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If you be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Then the devil takes him up into the holy city, and sets him on a pinnacle of the temple, And said to him, If you be the Son of God, cast yourself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning you: and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone. Jesus said to him, It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God.

Again, the devil takes him up into an exceeding high mountain, and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And said to him, All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me. Then said Jesus to him, Get you hence, Satan: for it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.

Then the devil leaves him, and, behold, angels came and ministered to him. Matthew 4:1-11

Have you ever felt like you can’t do anything right …

Or like everything you do just seems to go wrong? Well your first response needs to be to follow the leadership of the Lord Jesus. He has absolutely given you the way to victory in His responses to temptation in the scripture above.

Have you ever felt like you just aren’t good enough? Well, guess what ... you’re not good enough. You will never be good enough. But Jesus is perfect and victorious over all things and that is good enough for you.

It is finished.

A primary goal of the enemy of Christ is to rob every believer of their assurance of salvation. He wants to take away your peace and joy. You might have feelings of depression and fear that could overpower you. In any event, we can be sure that he will attack us in the areas of lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

The enemy can cause you to be brought down. The danger is that you become vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one and fall into a pattern of deception that leads to all forms of sin. If you feel yourself coming under these feelings that are not of Christ, what should you immediately do?

Well, once again, that is easy. Follow the leading of the Lord Jesus. Your first response needs to be the sword of the Spirit. Just as Jesus did; quote the specific verses that answer the specific attacks you are experiencing.

You can say or do things that you are ashamed of, and that you deeply regret, but the evil one can never take away from you that which Jesus paid the price for on the cross at Calvary. That is our salvation, our eternal life, and our peace and joy. Stand firm on God’s promises.

We all fall short of who we are in Christ. It is at that moment that we are most vulnerable to attack. The enemy will attack, that is a given. The question is: “How will you respond to the attack?” Will you counter him with your most powerful weapon, the Sword of the Spirit? Or will you fail miserably in defeat? This is your choice.

It is not uncommon for Christians to fall short in their relationship with God. It is because of this, many believers might feel insecure in their assurance of God's love for them. Once again the enemy will plant doubts in an attempt to get you to believe more lies. One lie leads to another and the next thing you know, the evil one is leading you down dark paths. The path where the powers of darkness lead, always turns out to be a lie, and always leads to sin. Our response needs to be quick and vocal. Claim the truth and the promises of God. Pray for God’s forgiveness, and cleansing when you stumble, and follow God’s Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Rebuke Evil.

But you say: “I don’t know where I will be attacked; and how will I know which verses are God’s answers to my specific attack?” Please … you do know where you are weak, and where you are most likely to fail, and God’s answers are not hard to find. If you need counsel; contact me directly, and I will help you figure it out. You are without excuse. The victory over any struggle is yours … or not. It’s your choice.

Make a list of the areas where you are weak. List the specific ways in which Satan is most likely to attack you. Now, find specific Truth that answers these attacks. Call out the devil. Tell the enemy out loud on each area of weakness: “you have no power over me, in the name of Christ begone.” Print out the verses, memorize the Truth, and speak them out, over and over, telling the enemy to leave you alone. If you begin to stumble … reject the devil, again and again … say the verses out loud.

The evil one will always flee the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God … and angels will come and minister to you. This is the Certain Victory, the reality of the Matthew 4 text. Jesus gave us this story of His temptation for our training.

The fleeting assurances of the world come and go but the promises of our Lord and Savior are ours to stand upon every moment, and they are eternal. Christ is an everlasting reality. God’s salvation is absolute. We are complete in Him. It is finished. You can know that you have the victory. In Christ, there is absolutely no question of who you are, and where you are going for eternity.

"After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it on hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said;

It is finished ... John 19:28-30

There is no need for FEAR or doubt. The "it" in: “it is finished” is you ... for eternity. Jesus was finished paying the price for your sins.

You are "It"

The wonderful news for all believers is that Jesus Christ is our assurance.
He is the only certainty that always stands strong against the forces of evil.
Never underestimate the power of the blood of Christ.
It is all the assurance you will ever need to be certain of God's love and care for your life.

The good news is that, even when we do not know what the future holds, we can know the One … Who holds the future.
This is the assurance that breeds confidence.

Every believer in Jesus Christ can have the absolute certainty of their eternal life.
We are justified in Him. He has finished the last chapter of the book of our life for eternity.

No matter what happens here, Jesus Christ has given us assurance that we are His, bought and paid for, with His shed blood at Calvary.
No matter how much we fail, He is working all of our failures together for good, for our victory in Him.

We will never be good enough. But to the contrary, He conquered all things past, present, and future. He is our Hope or we have no hope. He is our Peace and Joy and Rest. In Him we are justified and sanctified; forever and ever. There is no losing for any believer in Jesus Christ. Some may be losers in this world, but with Him, they are always winners for eternity. And on the contrary, the biggest winners in this world will be certain losers eternally, without the free gift of life offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and savior? Confess your sins now and pray for Jesus to save you. Ask Him to give you eternal Life. Dedicate the rest of your life to living for Him and His Truth. He will send you the Spirit of Truth to teach you how to win all of your battles with the forces of evil. Now tell other believers about decision. E-mail me, I want to celebrate with you.

Jesus will give you Peace and Joy that the enemy and the forces of evil can never take away from you.

No matter how you feel, no matter what accusations you may wrestle with from within or from without, Jesus Christ will never condemn those He purchased with His blood. In fact, Jesus Christ makes this perfectly clear when He said: “Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life.” John 5:24

The believer trusting the blood shed for them by Jesus on the cross has already passed from death unto life and will not come into condemnation. This is our only needed incentive for holy living and joyful hearts. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.

There is no need for FEAR or doubt. The "it" in: “it is finished” is you ... for eternity. Jesus was finished paying the price for your sins.

You are "It"

Everything Jesus needed to do to make a way for your eternal reconciliation with Him was finished at the cross on Calvary.

Do you need biblical counsel or encouragement?
Email me direct at talavera.bob@gmail.com
God bless you my friends, Bob

The Prayer God Answers

2011-11-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

These words spoke Jesus,
and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,

Father, the hour is come;
glorify your Son,
that your Son also may glorify you:

As you have given him power over all flesh,
that he should give eternal life
to as many as you have given him.

And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

I have glorified you on the earth:
I have finished the work which you gave me to do.

And now, O Father, glorify you me with your own self
with the glory which I had with you before the world was. John 17: 1-5

The Prayer God Answers

Most of the questions we ask concerning life will not be clearly defined in God's Word. For example, there is not a Scripture advising one to marry a certain person on a certain date. However, there are guidelines about marriage and other life events that are perfectly outlined in God's Word. It is up to us to take the time to pray and ask God to reveal them to us.

The Quest For Answers

Prayer not only helps us discover the will of God for our lives, it also deepens our relationship with the Savior. Through prayer, we discover the depths of God's mercy and love for us. It is also where we confess our sin and receive His forgiveness.

Prayer is an opportunity for us to communicate with the Lord of heaven and earth. In prayer, we ask God to do what only He can do. Jesus gave us a pattern to follow in prayer when He prayed what we now know as the Lord's Prayer-recorded in Matthew 6.

Our Father which are in heaven,
Hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Some who read these words have never thought about the fact that God has a plan and a purpose for their lives and that plan is one of hope and future opportunity Jeremiah 29:11. Prayer provides the right opportunity for God's promises to be embedded in our hearts and minds. And if we trust the Lord for our future, He will provide the strength we need to face life's challenges victoriously.

Joseph spent years confined to an Egyptian dungeon. While he had done nothing to deserve imprisonment, God knew that Joseph's faith needed to be tested. The fulfillment of God's promises would come, but first he had to walk hand-in-hand with the Lord through faith and prayer. Joseph did not avoid personal surrender. He knew that if he did, he would risk missing God's will and purpose for his life.

Learn To Submit Your Will To God

If God has allowed you to settle in a difficult place - pray. But don't just pray for a way of escape. Instead, pray for the Lord to work His good pleasure into your life. If there is a need for discipline, be willing to receive it so that you will experience the blessings of God.

Trying to manipulate the Lord's will through prayer never works. Instead of solving the problem, this can lead to frustration. Therefore, we need to be willing to trust God and wait for His answer.

He Has A Greater Plan

There will be times when we think we cannot face another trial or another minute of persecution. Jesus understands our weaknesses. The night of His arrest He prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done" Matthew 26:42. Earlier, He had taught His disciples to pray, "Thy will be done," so they would know how to submit their wills to God just as He had submitted His.

God knows the hurts, the disappointments, and the frustrations you are facing, but He longs to hear you pray what Christ prayed in the garden the night of His arrest, "Not my will, Father, but yours." Is this the prayer of your heart?

Can you pray "Lord, it seems that my entire life is turning out differently than what I thought it would? I am frustrated and angry. However, I want to surrender my life to You. Please change the focus of my heart so that it is set on You and not on my selfish desires. Heal the brokenness within my heart and make my deepest prayer to be, 'Not my will, but Your will be done in my life.'"

If you truly want to know the will of God, begin with prayer. If you want to experience a sense of peace and joy that goes beyond anything this world has to offer, take time to pray. Through prayer, you will not only gain wisdom to make the right choice, you will deepen your relationship with the Savior-the greatest gift of all. The Prayer God Answers by Dr. Michael Yousef Leading the Way.org

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"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:16-18

This is your choice my friend: to be saved eternally; or to be condemned ...

Which will it be?

No decision ... means that one is condemned already.

All of those following other beliefs, religions, and philosophies are lost eternally as well.

Those claiming to be good people, and doing good deeds are lost also.

As Jesus said; "but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
John 3:18

I am reading about the philanthropic plans of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and all of the millions of people that he will help through his incredible humanitarian efforts. This is a most wonderful vision that he has been given; but it all will have no effect eternally, for Mr. Gates, or for anyone else ... without the atoning forgiveness and reconciliation with God, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, all are lost!

Those who are condemned, includes the many religions calling themselves Christian but who choose to follow the teachings of men ...
rather than these clear Words of Jesus Christ.

Those religions that are teaching followers to do good deeds without teaching the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ alone ...
are actually leading their followers away from eternal life in heaven with Christ.

Am I being judgmental? No, no, no! THIS IS THE JUDGMENT OF GOD ...
AND these are the Words of Jesus Christ, the Creator God.

His words are either the Truth eternally; or they are a lie ... but they can never be both.

Which will it be for you?

Choose to follow Jesus Christ Now.

"As you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:2

These are the Words we all need to read and understand. And then we must pray the prayer below to receive His free gift of eternal life. Jesus paid the price for your sins. Jesus wants all of us to spend eternity with Him in heaven. But you must receive His free gift and follow Him.

You must be Born Again.

Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

There is one prayer that God always answers.
Pray this prayer now and you can be forgiven and have life in heaven with Jesus ... for eternity.

The Sinner's Prayer

"Lord Jesus, I believe and put my trust in you and your Word. I believe you are the Creator who came to earth as a man. I believe you were born of the virgin Mary. And that you died on the cross as the atonement for my sins. I believe in your resurrection after three days, and your victory over death. Please allow me to share this eternal victory with you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me your free gift of eternal life. I pray for you to come into my heart and life, and to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always. Thank you and Praise you Lord Jesus, Amen."

This is the prayer God always answers.
When a person prays this prayer he or she is Born Again.

Jesus promises that when we trust our life to Him that he will send us the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us and teach us His Truth.

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me: And you also shall bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning." John 15:26-27

You have now been justified by the blood that was shed, by Him for you; on the cross at Calvary.

You can never lose what Jesus has freely given you.

He loves you so much that He died for you ...

NEVER forget this TRUTH. Never betray what He did for you.

Live for Christ, moment by moment, day by day.

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10

"Out of the darkness into His marvelous light"

When you pray this prayer, this is the most exciting day of your life.
Celebrate, you are now a member of the royal family of the Creator of the universe.
But with that comes a responsibility, Follow Jesus and His Word, not your old ways.

The next step is to tell other Christians about your decision, and to follow Him daily by the power and leading of the Holy Spirit and His Holy Word.

I have written this post specifically for those who have friends or relatives who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord or Savior ...
and for those who have accepted Christ but have chose to live their life for themselves on a daily basis.

Pass this post on so that it will reach those who do not know Christ; and those who need to follow Him ... moment by moment, day by day.

God Bless you my friends, Bob
email me direct at talavera.bob@gmail.com

The Secret Places

2011-11-04T11:12:00.001-07:00

Where shall I go from your spirit?
or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend up into heaven, you are there:
if I make my bed in hell, behold, you are there.

If I take the wings of the morning,
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Even there shall your hand lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;
even the night shall be light about me.
Psalms 139:7-11

Today we will discuss a plan for Absolute and Certain Victory
over any and all of the temptations of the world. Read: Psalms 139

For all of us, there is a point of testing. It is when we are in the dark; behind closed doors; in the privacy of our own home; in our private thoughts; watching a movie; reading a book; or on the computer. The temptation could come from a friend, a loved one, a total stranger, or a group we have joined.

Our enemy the devil knows each of us and where we are most likely to fail. He also knows the three areas where we are all most likely to stumble and fall: lust of the flesh; lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

Satan will attack with a thought … "you are safe from view here" ... he might bring this thought to mind: "no one will ever know." But he is the father of lies. He knows that the Creator of all things is everywhere and God knows and sees all things. We are never out of the presence of the Lord. Knowing that he is always with us, is our source of strength; and it is also the most compelling fact that we need to bring to mind in order to be able to reject the evil one.

If God is with me, who can stand against me?

If you come under temptation, you only must meditate on these verses and this post and your attacker will flee. Thinking back, there are many times that I wish I would have had this scripture nearby. Print this post and have it ready in order to have victory over temptation … always.

O lord, you have searched me, and known me. What does it mean to say God has searched you and known you? We can only consider the idea of searching from a human perspective. We can only look at a person and see what is on the outside. If we looked at your checkbook for a month, we would learn much more. Testimony from your family, friends, and co-workers might give us a great report, but do they really know you? A look through your notes and your emails will reveal where you have been … but have I really searched you and known you? The fact is that until I know your heart and mind I might think I know you, but I don’t really know you …

Only you and your Creator are always there in The Secret Places.

Think about it, God the creator actually sees you in ways ... that you cannot even see yourself.

He understands the motives of your heart ... motives that you may never have even considered.

He can see you at the molecular or DNA level and He can view it all from beginning to end and simultaneously.
He knows every thought, decision, action, victory, good deed, disappointment and sin from the beginning to the end.

God is the only one who knows you better than you know yourself ...
yes He infinitely knows you better than you know yourself.

He is watching you at this very moment and every moment ... forever.

There is nothing you can ever do to escape from his view.
Knowing this fact ... now sin no longer seems the least bit appealing … does it?

Does this feel like a guilt trip? I hope not. But if so ... so be it.
This is actually the ultimate reality trip ... but us humans quite often don't want reality.

You know my sitting down and my rising up, you understand my thought afar off. Let’s try and expand on that amazing truth. Sleeping and awakening, walking, talking, resting, working, playing and … thinking. Now that’s the big one: thinking. No one besides maybe our spouse or our closest friends can even guess at what we might be thinking at any moment.

But God KNOWS our thoughts every one of them ... from beginning to end.

As we try to understand the comparison; here's an insight:
our understanding is one dimensional, and God’s understanding is all dimensional, all the time.

When you are talking, he knows your next thought before you think it and then you say it. He knows all of your thoughts: past, present, and future. Even for a molecular scientist, that must be mind boggling.

You compass my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Here is an interesting Truth, God compasses our path. In other words, when we are walking by the power of the Holy Spirit, He is considering our path and guiding our thoughts in the righteous direction. He knows we will be tempted along the way, and provides a way of escape. He then provides provisions and a safe place of rest for us. He knows all of our ways, our needs, our challenges, our strengths and our aches and pains. He will always prod us to the highest and best uses of our gifts and talents.

When we walk by the spirit we have an internal guidance system that will direct us supernaturally, always on the best path … if we are only willing to listen and follow.

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, see, O LORD, you know it altogether. As I write to you now, not a single word have I considered that God has not already filtered through his mind. As I meditate on His truth he will speak to you through the words that are written. In Him, I have no imagination, there is only His Truth. He knows what you will think and how it will apply to you before you even read the words. The word “altogether” is beyond imagination. He has already seen this post in its finality. He reads it along with every person and anticipates their reaction before the beginning.

Sound a little like the twilight zone here? Well, the things of the Spirit are supernatural; what do you expect?

You have beset me behind and before, and laid your hand on me. The word beset is an interesting one. It basically means God’s got you covered from all directions. Consider yourself to be a soldier in a battle and your comrades are in front, behind and on both sides of you. If you should become afraid and attempt to flee your friends will catch you in any direction, and hold you on the best course to defeat the enemy. His hand and His Word will pull me towards the path of righteousness. In order to make a conscious decision to sin, we must choose to disregard the course God has ordained for us and force another way. The Holy Spirit will bring us under great conviction.

God knows clearly every step we take, every right step and every wrong step. He knows what rule we walk by, what end we walk toward, and what company we walk with. When I walk in darkness, God knows the motivations of my heart.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain to it. Although we cannot attain it through the wisdom of the world or by the teachings of men; As Christians, God has given us His Word of Truth, and the Holy Spirit to guide us. If only all mankind were to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, all of the problems of the world would end in defeat. Jesus has promise us God will send us a helper: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:16-17

Where shall I go from your spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, you are there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall your hand lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalms 139:7-10

Since the Holy Spirit abides within us, He is always with us. If you choose to walk in the ways of the evil one the Holy Spirit is there with you. He knows. Even though you might take the most care to be discreet and hide your sin, God knows it all … He was there with you, every second, every moment, every evil thought, every evil word, every evil act … He knows all, He is always there with you. He walks on water, he walks through walls, and the lock on the door is never big enough to keep Him out. He has bought and paid for you at a very high price. He sees you. And in spite of this Truth: that He knows it all from the beginning of time ...

God came down from heaven in the form of a man and willingly allowed for Himself to be crucified for your sins: past, present and future. Don’t do it. Follow the righteous path, and live the victory with Christ.

If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yes, the darkness hides not from you; but the night shines as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to you. You have covered me in my mother's womb. My substance was not hid from you, when I was made in secret, and curiously worked in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect; and in your book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. Psalms 119:11-16

The darkness will never give you cover from God. But He will give you cover against the forces of evil. You cannot hide in the dark from God. Even though it might be pitch black, for God it is the brightest day possible. He sees everything with perfect vision and nothing is hidden. There is no darkness in God’s eternal kingdom.

In your mother’s womb He sees you from the beginning through the end and He knows your every thought … even when your mother can only hope and imagine … He knew your name, the one your parents gave you, even before they knew.

There you have it Gods Words that will give your the courage to stand firm with Him as your defense against evil.

Now, are the temptations of the evil one still troubling you? Simply pray this simple prayer of David, and the Savior will provide a perfect place of rest for you; and He will lead you in the everlasting way.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Psalms 119:23-24

God Bless you my friends, Bob

The Politics of Evil

2011-10-28T01:59:00.001-07:00

Let’s assume for a moment ...
that the devil was in complete control
of ordering the way things work in America.

What are the first three things that he would do?

Well ... I believe he would take the following steps.

To read further please chick here

The Way It Is ...

2011-10-26T10:32:00.004-07:00

America is at a turning point.

The attached short video clip was filmed over thirty years ago
and it clearly shows the division that existed then;
and it is still with us today.

Our country is hopelessly divided into two groups
with vastly different world views.

Watch this short clip now!

Which way will America turn?

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The Way It is …

On the liberal extreme we have those who represent a naturalist/socialist worldview. On the conservative extreme there is the Judeo/Christian worldview. Those who are moderates or independents will ultimately be forced to stand on one side of the line or the other.

Where will you stand? That is the KEY question for us all!

There is no middle ground. Our country will go one way or the other. The coming election will bring about this end result … one way or the other. The resulting decisions will determine the standard of living for our grand-children’s children.

Many in one or the other of these two groups will be making a decision that does not necessarily reflect their values. For example, some atheists will stand with Christians on one side of the line, because they both believe in the values expressed by the tea party. And some Christians will stand with atheists, evolutionists, and environmentalists on the other side of the line because they share common beliefs. But make no mistake; we will all be forced to make a choice.

The purpose of this post is to try and convince you to stand on my side of the line.

I am especially speaking to those of you who claim to be Christians and those who believe in Judeo/Christian values, but not Biblical Christianity. What, you ask; won’t most Christians be on the Conservative and Republican side of the line? Not necessarily. As many as 70-80% of those who identify as Christians have also decided to allegorize God’s Word and follow a worldview supporting a liberal philosophy, organized religion, and the teachings of men, rather than the Truth of the omniscient Creator of all things.

For example, there are literally millions of professing Christians who believe in evolution; which is atheistic at its foundation.

Millions of others are following mega church pastors and the popular books which they have written; and these leaders are systematically guiding them to a New Reformation and the Emerging Church movement. This false doctrine leads away from the foundational truths of the Gospel of Christ.

And all of this creates a big question for many. Are they actually Christians; or have they chosen some other god instead of Christ ... and another gospel?

We should never allow a person, religion, denomination, philosophy or cause stand between us and our Creator, our Savior, and our Lord. Turn to Christ now and be saved!

As you watch the filmed discussion between Phil Donahue and Milton Freidman, they both acknowledge never-ending problems of mankind. And they both have a solution, Freidman explains that free market capitalism is the only system that has ever worked in history. Donahue on the other hand would turn to government and a socialist or Marxist system; which Freidman clearly explains has always failed, and which is also rampant with the same problems of greed and self-centeredness that Donahue denounces.

There is a resolution to these problems. God has given us hundreds of prophesies that have proven true. We could start with the facts of Jesus' birth, miracles, death, and resurrection which were predicted over a thousand years prior; and then one prophesy after another has proven to be true. Now look at the detailed description of the destruction and re-establishment of the state of Israel. Next, we only need look at the nations surrounding Israel which are plotting to attack. This is all foretold in God’s Word in stunning details. Hundreds of prophesies have already come to pass … are many too blinded to see what is coming next?

And also, we have the revelation of things to come for those who trust Jesus Christ and God’s Word. There will be a one world government and a one world religion. Wait a minute; isn’t that what this call for a new reformation in the church is promoting; and also that is on the agenda that the UN is promoting ... right now? People will be told to take an identifying mark. That is not too farfetched when computer barcode technology is considered. The Bible tells us this will all come to pass; and the world as we know it will be destroyed. And also that the greed and self-centeredness; discussed by Freidman and Donahue thirty years ago will be brought to an end.

Jesus says we must stand on one side of the line or the other.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:17-18.

And God promises us a new heaven and a new earth.

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be you glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. Isaiah 65:17-18

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:1-4

Where will you stand?

We should never allow a person, religion, denomination, philosophy or cause stand between us and our Creator, our Savior, and our Lord. Turn to Christ now and be saved!

God bless you my friends, Bob

And yes ... please forward this post to everyone on your email list.

New Things Have Come

2011-10-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not from now on live to themselves, but to him which died for them, and rose again. Why from now on know we no man after the flesh: yes, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now from now on know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God. For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

The scripture above has become one of my personal favorites.

For me as a Christian, this has become my purpose statement.
I have put it to memory in more than one translation.
It clarifies for me my old ways and that they are to be of the past for me.
And then it explains the new things that have come to me in Christ.

When we are following Christ, and when God looks at you and I … He sees Christ.

I know this sounds impossible, but with Him all things are possible, even for you and me.

How can we possibly ever live up to this Truth? We can't. Jesus can!

We must know the Truth and the Truth will become alive in each of us.

His Word and His Spirit will transform us.

So the question is: What new things have come?

The new things Paul outlines here are many, and will fill up our entire life if we let them, but in this short post, we will only discuss one thing.

When “the love of Christ constraineth us; or controls us; or compels us; therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh.

Why from now on know we no man after the flesh. AKJ
Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh. NAS
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. NIV

Now that is most powerful when you consider it. Think about this for a minute. Meditate upon it. Does the love of Christ control or compel you to the point where you recognize no one from a worldly point of view or according to the flesh?

I must admit that although I see things much differently than I did before I became a Christian, and I am much less judgmental, and much more forgiving; I still often fall into the old habit of viewing others according to the flesh, and unconsciously judging them accordingly. Most recently a clip of Muslims burning Christians alive comes to mind, and left me with desires that were not loving, but with anger, pain, and remorse for the Nigerian Christian martyrs.

Imagine the mind of Christ and how His perfect love automatically separates the person from their actions and evil ways and loves them and wants them to be saved and delivered into His kingdom eternally. Only when we come to understand His love which is foreign to our natural man can we watch as the Love of Christ controls us.

We must be transformed by the renewing of our minds; and we will come to a point where: “we are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5 This can only become a reality when we are following the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of God’s eternal Truth.

An Old Testament example of this came to mind earlier today that inspired this post. My pastor was preaching from Daniel Chapter 6. We all know the story of Daniel and the Lion’s den, but to help you see my point I will quickly bring the facts to your attention:

1. The king had appointed 120 satraps or princes over the kingdom of Babylon.
2. Over these 120 princes the king had placed three presidents or commissioners of whom Daniel was first to be answered to.
3. The king had decided that because of Daniel’s excellent spirit that he would be placed over the entire realm.
4. The other leaders were jealous and vindictive and searched for any fault or corruption in Daniel but could find not a single fault.
5. They did know that Daniel was faithful to His God and set about to deceive the king into irreversibly condemning Daniel to the Lion’s Den.
6. When Daniel was observed praying three times a day to his God as he always did, the traitors challenged the king with his foolish decree.
7. The king forced to enforce his decree regrettably had Daniel thrown into the den of lions.
8. The following morning; when the king called out Daniel, the following exchange took place: “The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.”
9. Daniel was freed and the king dealt with Daniels accusers most harshly.
10. But more importantly the king made a new decree: “that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever. Daniel 6:26 God used the love of Christ in Daniel's heart to win the king, and his kingdom.

So how does this story relate to the Love of Christ controlling or compelling Daniel? Well obviously if anyone ever had reason to hate, it was Daniel; but not one ill word towards the other men was spoken by Daniel. All He could talk about was God, and his justice, His power, and the angel that He had sent to shut the mouths of the lions.

Daniel’s heart and mind were unwaveringly focused on God and His promises and God honored and delivered him from the lions. Daniel was transformed by the renewing of His mind and heart and He took every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Daniel is our example that mere men can allow the love of Christ to control them.

Another perfect example that God has given us to look up to is Joseph. When his brothers sold Him into slavery and later when God made him the second most powerful man in all of Egypt and his brothers were brought begging before him, what did Joseph say? Joseph could have easily been bitter, vindictive, and vengeful ... but no, listen to Joseph's words:

"And his brothers also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be your servants. 19And Joseph said to them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it to good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21Now therefore fear you not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spoke kindly to them."
Genesis 50:18-20

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh. KJV
Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh. NAS
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. NIV

As impossible as it seems, if they can do it, we can do it also.
God’s Word and the Holy Spirit will lead us to victory over our old self.

God bless you my friends, Bob

Become Centered

2011-10-15T01:06:00.000-07:00

It is your Choice …

Become Centered!

It is better to trust in the LORD

than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

I am excited!

Yesterday was one of the best days I have seen since I stood in a field in Bamako Mali and witnessed hundreds pray to receive Christ watching the Jesus film; and when I witnessed to strangers on the streets of Accra; and knocked on doors in Nairobi with Campus Crusade for Christ. I spent yesterday with Wayside Harvesters at a street fair/carnival in Twenty-nine Palms CA. I know that doesn't sound like much ... but I'm talking about people's lives saved here.

I must admit that I had reservations, at first. Although I have been a salesman all my life, talking to strangers is not something I do on a daily basis; but witnessing has always come naturally for me. But at this event, most were marines and their families, or children and young adults. Mainly I just observed for the first several hours, watching carefully as Bob and Paul spoke to those passing by.

Let me tell you about a boy named Chris. I was standing next to a display that gave the challenge: Take the test … answer the question: “what are the three things God cannot do?” A young African American boy came up to me; he was about twelve years old. “Can I take the test?” he asked. Sure I said; what is your name; Chris, the boy replied. I think I can do it, I was here last year.

The answers behind the doors on the display were: 1. God cannot lie. 2. God cannot change. 3. God cannot allow us allow us to go to heaven unless we are born again.
Chris remembered the first two answers but he had a problem with the third. When I helped him, he said recalled the third, and when I asked he said he was born again. Chris thanked me and then he wandered away. A couple of hours later three other boys about the same age came up and asked for the free bracelet we were offering. I said sure pull up a chair and I will explain the story of the bracelet.

The boys listened carefully as I explained the fall of man in the garden, the reality of sin, what Jesus did for us on the cross and His plan for salvation. I asked if they would like to pray for forgiveness and to have Jesus become their Lord and Savior. They replied, yes we would. So I led them in a simple prayer that invited asked Jesus to forgive them and become their Lord and Savior.

When I looked up, we had another visitor … guess who … it was Chris. He quickly asked; what were they just doing? I explained they were praying to be born again of the Spirit, and asking Jesus to become their Lord and Savior. Chris absolutely was just waiting for the opportunity to pray. I didn’t do that last year, Chris said; can I pray with you now he asked. The three boys had to leave, but Chris took my card as I told him there was much more I needed to share with him.

What is so exciting for me? Because, the same story repeated itself, over and over again; it was like the reverse of knocking on doors. People wanted to know about Jesus. A mother and her two daughters prayed to receive Christ; two young parents and their two children; a mother and her three sons. All of this happened in a small 10 by 10 open ended tent placed between a vendor selling AC/DC hats and Tee-shirts on one side, and a vendor selling Bob Marley and various pot paraphernalia on the other side. Our signs drew people to Christ like a magnet.

Many others also came who had strong opinions. Several stayed and talked for an hour or more. Some will continue to be witnessed to and discipled. These young adults had a common theme. They were all struggling with the same problem. It was clear to me and I explained the message in the attached video which clearly shows a key message God has for us all.

This message is the center verse, of the Bible.

You must watch this video clip to more clearly understand that there are no accidents in God’s kingdom. Men did not place the scriptures in a certain order to put this verse in the exact center of the Bible. God ordered the Bible before the heavens and the earth and men were even created. His Truth was … before the beginning. It is never changing.

Unlike the teachings and books of men, we can always trust God’s Truth. It is the foundation of our faith and our belief system. Without God’s Truth, we have nothing; or as best just another religion. Perhaps these teachings are wise ideas from men; but really, who cares about the conclusions of men, when measured up against the Truth of the Creator of all things?

God points a giant arrow at this verse in the center to help us to understand his Truth and His Plan for us.

Watch this video NOW! God shows you the two roads men have the option to take and clearly tells you the way of Wisdom.

It is your Choice … Become Centered!

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

The fact that God strategically placed this verse (Psalm 118:8) in exactly the center of His Holy Bible is no accident. There are no accidents with God. And it clearly explains the solution that leads to everything that all men need to know. You see, men fell as a result of a lie. And because of our fallen nature we naturally follow that lie all the rest of our lives. What was the lie?

“The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5

You see; this is the problem of all mankind. It is all about the truth. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. When some are given the choice, they chose to follow the lie which has an appeal to pride and flesh. Yesterday, when asked if she wanted to pray to receive Christ; one young woman replied, “I’m not ready.” When asked what was holding her back; she replied; “there are many books. This is your book, and surely you believe it; but how am to know it is true, when compared to all the other religious books?” She walked away lost and still confused.

Another young marine had been to; but dropped out of Catholic seminary, and he was convinced that the first chapters of Genesis were all allegorical, as he had apparently been taught. He was very intelligent, but he had clearly accepted some of the wisdom from his religious training, and apparently rejected the clear teachings of God’s Truth.

This is what happens when we do not trust God’s Word. The Bible clearly teaches:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5… “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all one and the same Creator, God. They are not an allegory. How do we know this? Because Jesus and God’s Word tells us this is Truth. It is not just some book we have chosen to follow written by men. God spoke this eternal truth through men over a period of thousands of years and He tells us that he is the Way and the Truth, and that His Word is Truth. Men can change it or misinterpret it but they cannot change the Truth, it is eternal and we have the ancient manuscripts, prophecies, historic and archaeological evidence gives compelling evidence to this Truth. But the only evidence we really need is the witness of the Holy Spirit who has established residence in the hearts and minds of believers.

Jesus explained this fact: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17

Those who have chosen to compromise the Truth and reject God’s Truth such as: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 have rejected the Creator, the counsel of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ who tells us He is Yahweh the mighty Creator God, “I Am.” To reject the Creator or turn him into an allegory, is to reject Christ and His Word.

We must never allow for the teachings of men or a denomination or a church to come between us and our Lord and Savior. He is Jesus, the Christ, Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent, Yahweh, Creator, The Great I Am, Ego eimi, Holy and Just, Lord of all, Prince of Peace Counselor, Almighty God. There is nothing He does not know. He is the beginning, the end, and everything in between. He is all powerful and has power over all things … including all of those things beyond the finite imagination knowledge, and understanding of men.

Wayside Harvesters not only provides hope for those who need the Savior. For someone like me, it is a way to better fulfill the primary mission Jesus has given me. It is like showing Joe Montana he can play in the NFL again ... only this is not a silly game of football; but rather helping people come to know their Lord and Savior. This is the most important thing we can ever do; fulfilling our mission that God has given each of us. The idea that I might help many more young people to come to know Christ in my senior years is new hope and meaning for me.

This is a simple way for each of us to be centered on witnessing the good news of Christ on an ongoing basis, anywhere we are, anywhere in the world. You can be helping others come to know Christ tomorrow and the next day. No evangelism program in your church? Go to your pastor, tell him you would like to get it started and God is calling you to this ministry.

A huge thank you to my friend Bob Ricciardi ... the Lord has used you to give my life restored meaning and purpose. Much of everything else we do is only filling time until we are home with the Lord.

Do you want to be centered on the mission Christ has given you? Wherever you are; start your own Wayside harvesters. If you would like more specifics on how to accomplish this in your area, just email me direct at: talavera.bob@gmail.com

Watch this video ... NOW! God shows you the two roads men have the option to take and clearly tells you the way of Wisdom.

It is your Choice … Become Centered!
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

God Bless you my friends, Bob

The Watchman

2011-10-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

For thus has the LORD said to me,
Go, set a watchman,
let him declare what he sees. Isaiah 21:6

"So you, son of man:
I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel;
therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth
and warn them for Me" Ezekiel 33:7

The Watchman On The Wall

The watchman is clearly one of the most important roles God can give any of us. How can I know this? Well this is the mission that God gave to the prophet Ezekiel when He spoke to him above.

When I think about a watchman, a story comes to my mind that I heard over thirty years ago, told by my first pastor Chuck Swindoll. I have pieced the story together from memory, and with online research so I’ll try to bring this one back to life for you, as best I can.

The scene was a battlefield outpost during the civil war. A young soldier was on guard duty in the middle of night. For any of you who have ever sat in the night as a watchman, you know how monotonous this time can become. The soldier had an amazing singing voice and was singing in the light of the moon. This is not normally a wise idea while watching for the enemy. An opposing soldier was a short distance away with his rifle aimed at the watchman and prepared to pull the trigger. The young singer then began a new song and filled the night air with a most inspiring rendition of: “Savior like a shepherd lead us” The man aiming his gun was moved to take his hand off of the trigger. He stood there in the dark shadows listening to the mesmorizing song in the night. Then he silently turned and slipped away.

The story now shifts to thirteen years later. It was Christmas Eve 1875 and Ira Sankey was traveling on a Delaware River steamboat. The war was long past, and the young singing soldier was in fact Ira Sankey, now the famous song leader for Dwight L Moody’s ministry crusade. Not able to make it home in time, and spend Christmas with his family, Sankey was feeling quite low. Wanting some time alone, he had gone to a quiet spot on the deck for some solitude and prayer, as the night slowly passed on the dark Delaware River. On deck Sankey was soon recognized by some of the passengers, who excitedly asked him to sing one of his own hymns; but Sankey had a different idea, saying that he preferred to sing “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us.”

Here are the amazing events that occurred next: “As he sang, the stanza “We are Thine; do Thou befriend us, Be the Guardian of our way” filled the night air. When he had finished, another man stepped out from the shadows and asked, “Did you ever serve in the Union Army?” “Why yes,” Mr. Sankey answered, “in the spring of 1860.”

“Can you remember if you were doing guard duty on a bright, moonlit night in 1862?”

“Yes,” Mr. Sankey answered ... very much surprised.

“So did I, but I was serving in the Confederate army. When I saw you standing at your post, I thought to myself, ‘That fellow will never get away alive.’ I raised my musket and took aim. I was standing in the shadow, completely concealed, while the full light of the moon was falling upon you. At that instant, just as a moment ago, you raised your eyes to heaven and began to sing… Savior Like a Shepherd lead Us ...

‘Let him sing his song to the end,’ I thought to myself, ‘I can shoot him afterwards.’ He’s my victim in any event, my bullet surely cannot miss him.”

But the song you sang then was the song you sang just now. I heard the words perfectly: ‘We are Thine; do Thou befriend us. Be the Guardian of our way.’ Those words stirred up many memories. I began to think of my childhood and my God-fearing mother. She had many times sung that song to me. When you had finished your song, it was impossible for me to take aim again. I thought, ‘The Lord who is able to save that man from certain death must surely be great and mighty.’ And my arm of its own accord dropped limp at my side.”

Is this a coincidence that both men were on the same steamboat on Christmas Eve thirteen years later; and that Stankey was led to sing the exact same song; and that this enemy soldier just happened to be listening to the song his mother sang to him as a child? I don’t think so. There is obviously a much bigger message here: God knows the beginning, the end, and everything in between. God inspired one man’s mother to sing the song repeatedly to him, in his childhood. And on both occasions, God put the song on Sankey’s heart; and both men were also placed on the deck of that steamboat just at the right moment; so that God could bring encouragement and assurance to them both. God performed this miracle ... so that these Christian men would know that Jesus, their Savior was with them both moment by moment, all of the days of their lives; and that He was continually leading and protecting them every step of the way.

That is a pretty inspiring story, don’t you think? Well, it is also for all of the watchmen that God has placed strategically throughout the world, for all times. Who are God’s watchmen here and now? Do you know anyone who is a watchman? What would his duties be? Who is the enemy that the watchman must look out for?

Well I am writing this post on the 2am to 5am watch. God awakened me and called me to the watch. Here are God’s instructions: “Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he sees” and; “therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.” I am convinced that a key role of the watchman in our church today is to guard the truth. As a result; our training for this mission is that we must know God’s Truth, in order for Him to place His trust in us with this mission post.

I would assume that God has posted a number of watchmen in every Biblically committed church in the world. The enemy is the god of this world Satan, and he will deceive many with false doctrines. The teachings of the world have infected many of our churches today. The aim of the enemy is to replace the inerrant truth with the ideas of men that have had success in the secular and business world.

A watchman’s life will be lonely and it can get ugly. Jesus tells us: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also” John 15:18-20

I have a close friend who was recently asked to leave his church. What did he do to bring about this unloving and un-Christian end result? He challenged the leadership with the Bible. The teachings and ministry are moving in a direction contrary to scripture, and he followed the leading of God's Word and Spirit. Isn’t this what we are called to do? Yes, but church leaders who are not following the leading of the Holy Spirit are often uncomfortable when given scripture and asked; “pastor, could you explain how this verse applies to our church; or this situation?” A Biblically centered question in a Sunday school class will sometimes embarrass an unprepared leader.

My friend met with the pastor after he was asked to leave, but his attempts to have a conversation that was grounded in God’s Word and a Biblical reconciliation fell on deaf ears. This church is more like a social club; than a church that leads believers to biblical transformation by the renewing of their minds. If my friend had continued to challenge them, it may have resulted in a Matthew 28 rejection before the church body, but in that event the church would have had a serious problem … my friend has not acted in a sinful, un-loving, or un-Christian way. Instead he chose to “shake the dust off of his feet and move on. I can only say that my friend is an inspiration and an encouragement to me.

So, God wants to speak through watchman. Whenever the church falls into the practice of following the lead of men and the world or blending it’s teachings with the wisdom of the world; rather than the Lord Jesus Christ and His eternal Truth, God wants for the watchman to sound the trumpet.

How is this most likely to play out?

The battlefield is for the hearts and minds of the people. It is a spiritual battle which our Lord and Savior is leading from His position in heaven. As Christians, we are not of this world. When we converted to Christianity, at that moment we became a member the royal family, the royal priesthood of the Creator of the universe and everything in it.

Currently, we remain here on earth as ambassadors for Christ, a watchman who has been strategically positioned by Christ with a mission. In the same way that God positioned Sankey on guard duty on the wall, in the civil war, He has also positioned each of us. Many of us, for a variety of reasons decide not to sing God’s song. We fail to sound the alarm and we fail in the mission that we have been given. This is why it is so critical that we know God’s Truth. We are the defenders of God’s Word. It is the foundation of our belief system. How will you know when God wants you to be the watchman? The Holy Spirit will move you from within, and by the power of His Word.

The enemy on the other hand wants to neutralize the Gospel.
A primary battlefield would be: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

The enemy knows that to destroy God’s Truth at its foundation in the hearts and minds of men is a victory for his evil plan.

So in America for the past hundred years, evolution and the philosophies of men have been put up against God's eternal Truth. This has been a primary battlefield. Now with multiple generations brainwashed by the public education system and this evolution heresy, Satan has gained access to the church through the minds of those deceived. 90% of Christian church members now believe the teachings of men over God’s eternal Truth. It is the 10% who are following the Holy Spirit, and God’s Truth who are the watchmen. When they sound the alarm, Jesus has made it clear “the world will hate them as they have hated Him” and as they hated His Hebrew prophets of old as well.

This truth was clearly demonstrated on the national stage this past week with the discussion of Mormonism. We will comment on this topic next time.

How has Satan’s next attack been planned to play out against God’s people. The attack is ongoing and currently under way. The enemy is determined for the watchmen of the church to fall. That is a topic for my coming posts.

In the meantime, watchmen are to take God’s Truth listed below ... literally.

Watchman, the time for your watch is now.
Put on your armor and get out there on the wall:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:10-20

God bless you my friends, Bob

Savior Like A Shepherd Lead US

Enjoy this one!

Mainstream Media Bias?

2011-10-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

Rescue me and deliver me out of the hand of aliens,
Whose mouth speaks deceit
and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. Psalms 144:11

Why Can't the mainstream media
and the politicians just tell us the truth?

The answers are simple:
1. They think they know what's best for us
2. Twisting the truth has become a daily habit
3. The media is totally and wholeheartedly biased.
4. The politicians are bought and paid for
by special interests that pay for their election.

Mainstream Media Bias?

Gee … I wonder???

Networks Keeping Viewers In the Dark on Solyndra Scandal
ABC, CBS and NBC Bury News of Taxpayer Money Squandered
on Obama-Linked Solar Energy Company

Media Research Center By: Rich Noyes Tuesday, October 11, 2011

A study by the Media Research Center finds that the three broadcast networks are providing virtually no coverage of the Solyndra scandal, a solar energy firm that went bankrupt after getting more than $500 million in taxpayer money from the Obama administration. This is not the approach the networks took after the collapse of Enron, an energy company with Republican ties. In just the first two months of 2002, the ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts cranked out 198 stories on the Enron debacle, compared to just eight so far on Solyndra, a 24-to-1 disparity.

Friday night — in a classic and cynical news management strategy — the administration disgorged e-mails showing a top Obama fund-raiser and Energy Department official, Steven Spinner — who had supposedly recused himself from Solyndra’s loan application because his wife worked at a law firm representing the solar energy company — had badgered his colleagues to approve the deal.

One e-mail exchange published by The Politico demanded to know: “Any word on OMB? [the Office of Management and Budget] I have the O.V.P. [Office of the Vice President] and W.H. [White House] breathing down my neck on this....How hard is this? What is he waiting for?”

Even though these e-mails were sensational enough to make it onto the front-page of Saturday’s New York Times, ABC, CBS and NBC never found a moment over the long Columbus Day weekend to mention any of this, just as they skipped news earlier in the week that Jonathan Silver, who ran the Department of Energy loan program that handed more than $500 million in taxpayer money to Solyndra, had resigned. When two Solyndra executives took the Fifth Amendment before a congressional committee in late September, ABC and NBC skipped that news, too, while CBS offered a whopping 25 seconds of coverage.

A review of the ABC, CBS and NBC morning and evening news shows by the Media Research Center found just fifteen stories mentioning the Solyndra scandal since its August 31 bankruptcy filing — eight on the evening newscasts (four full reports plus another four brief anchor-read items) and seven on the morning news shows (five full reports and two brief items). The network total coverage over nearly six weeks: just 25 minutes, 30 seconds, or less than 0.2% of the available network news airtime.

That’s remarkably paltry compared to what one imagines the coverage would have been if a Republican administration had funneled that much government cash to a company dominated by political allies (the company’s biggest investor, George Kaiser, bundled more than $50,000 in contributions for the President’s 2008 campaign, and visited the White House four times before the loan from the Department of Energy was finalized).

While the networks are treating Solyndra as just a minor blip on Obama’s radar screen, the scandal exposes deep flaws in the President’s economic and environmental approaches. And, the media’s lackadaisical attitude is a vivid example of their ever-more partisan approach to covering Washington politics:

The Failure of Obama’s “Stimulus” Spending Spree: The taxpayer money for Solyndra came from Obama’s “stimulus,” and back in 2009 the media cheered the administration’s plan to massively increase government spending in order to jump start the economy. MRC’s analysis showed nearly six out of ten network news stories (58%) tilted in favor of the big government approach as Congress debated it at the time (January 20 through February 14, 2009). In the year after it passed, the networks grew even more skewed, with more than 70% of stories applauding the stimulus as good economic medicine.

The presumption that government spending would create the jobs it promised was too good to check, and network reporters passed along the administration’s claims of success. Typical was then-CBS anchor Katie Couric, who enthusiastically chirped on the March 6, 2009 Evening News: “We’ll show you the new jobs his stimulus plan is creating.”

Two years later, a review by the MRC’s Business & Media Institute found virtually no network stories (just 2% out of 589) reminding viewers how the original White House pitch for new spending included the idea that it would keep unemployment from rising higher than 8%. In fact, the unemployment rate has been above 8% for the past 32 months, since February 2009.

Statistics show that stimulus money was overwhelmingly directed toward projects in Democratic congressional districts, not Republican ones. Even for those who believe that government spending can boost economic growth, that’s a red flag suggesting money was handed out to pet causes and constituencies, not to those who could necessarily use it most wisely. Yet the networks have yet to seize on Solyndra’s Democratic ties to more broadly question how Obama’s stimulus dollars were actually spent.

Green Jobs Are an Even Bigger Failure: As for the “green jobs” that would result from showering cash on companies like Solyndra, the Washington Post crunched the numbers in September 2011 and found failure: Instead of creating 65,000 jobs, as promised, the $38 billion loan program which included Solyndra could only claim 3,545 jobs.

Yet, as the MRC documented, the network coverage of the “green jobs” concept has been even more lopsided than coverage of the stimulus overall. Skepticism has been virtually non-existent. “We have gotten the message. Green-collar jobs are the wave of the future,” co-host Diane Sawyer cheered ABC’s Good Morning America back on April 15, 2009. Out of 52 network stories that mentioned the administration’s “green jobs” program, only four (8%) bothered to include any critics at all.

Conservatives have criticized the entire Obama concept as antithetical to a free market. “When government takes $535 million and invests in a loser, it not only wastes taxpayer money but it also denies that capital to some other project in the private economy that might have succeeded. The Solyndra e-mails show how ill-equipped government is to predict the industries of the present, much less the future,” a Wall Street Journal editorial declared on Monday.

Yet in the 15 stories since the company’s bankruptcy, not one has included the suggestion that Solyndra’s failure casts any doubt on the administration’s green jobs campaign. Instead, the networks have maintained the Obama administration’s line that the scandal is an isolated matter, an aberration that should not be seen as impugning the overall record.

Double-Standard Scorecard: Bush/Enron, 198; Obama/Solyndra, 8: Solyndra went bankrupt in 2011 after taking $500 million in direct government loans. In late 2001, the energy giant Enron went bankrupt, and it quickly emerged that the Bush administration had refused pleas from company executives to provide a taxpayer-funded bailout.

Yet the networks attempted to twist that story of corporate fraud into one of political malfeasance by stressing an imagined link between the Bush administration and the company’s corruption. “Enron’s connections to the Bush administration, wide and deep,” ABC anchor Peter Jennings intoned on January 10, 2002. Over on MSNBC that night, future NBC anchor Brian Williams hyped it as “the story some are already calling Bush’s Whitewater.”

In just the first two months of 2002, the ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts cranked out 198 stories on the Enron debacle, many about the potential entanglement of the Bush White House. Such feeding-frenzy coverage dwarfs the eight stories those broadcasts have devoted so far to Solyndra’s demise, a 24-to-1 disparity. Yet the Solyndra case involves the actual transfer of more than $500 million to a company whose largest investor, George Kaiser, was a major Obama campaign bundler (raising in between $50,000 and $100,000 for the President’s 2008 campaign).

And Obama’s Energy Department took the unusual step of restructuring the loan to Solyndra, so that private investors would be paid off before taxpayers in the event of a bankruptcy. According to e-mails released Friday, Treasury Department officials warned that such an arrangement might require a Justice Department ruling, but were ignored.

The few stories that have reached the air have been fairly tough. ABC’s Brian Ross, for example, painted the administration as deceitful in a September 14 World News report: “This year, even as Solyndra approached bankruptcy, the company and the White House kept it a secret, telling Congress and the workers everything was going great until the day it shut its doors.”

But the networks’ minimalist approach to this scandal seems designed to ensure that many Americans never even hear about Solyndra. A Pew Research Center survey in late September (after most of the stories aired) found 43% of respondents had never even heard of the scandal.

The media touted their adversarial, watchdog approach during the Bush years. If the Solyndra case is any indication, those once-aggressive reporters are now contented lapdogs snoozing at Obama’s feet.
By: Rich Noyes Media Research Center Tuesday, October 11, 2011
==========================================================

Stimulus money for jobs? That's beyond pathetic when they remove all of that JOBS SAVED rhetoric!
It goes on and on ... lie upon lie, deception upon deception.

This is an article that will in the future be published on Religiolitics.com
Once I have the new blog up and running.
Thanks for your patience.

God bless you my friends, Bob

Religiolitics

2011-10-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Then said Jesus to those Jews who believed Him
If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed;
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

They answered him, we be Abraham's seed,
And were never in bondage to any man:
How is it that you say, ‘you will become free’?”

Jesus answered them, truly, truly, I say to you,
Whoever commits sin is the servant of sin.
The slave does not remain in the house forever;
The son does remain forever.

If the Son therefore shall make you free,
You shall be free indeed. John 8:31-36

I am excited!

Paradox Principles is a spiritual blog ... and I have reluctantly discussed my political views here. I realize I have lost some and possibly offended other readers here due to politics, and that is not my aim or intent with anything I write. My aim is to stand for the Truth wherever that leads; and I know that in this quest, some will be offended. I am getting ready with a new blog called Religiolitics that will promote spiritually conservative Christian views on religion and politics. This will allow for me to return to my original intent here which is: Understand God's Biblical Truth; expose distortions of God's Truth; and learning how to live His Truth in our daily lives.

My aim is to keep Paradox Principles a purely Conservative Christian site that teaches sound doctrine and Biblical insights, and confront heresy. Our challenge in today's world is conflicting worldviews that are clearly spiritual and have been manipulated politically by atheistic influence. Our society has been educated away from God's values and has often adopted a secular worldview contrary to our values. Unfortunately, many Christians are so confused that they are attempting to find a common ground, and oftentimes they are led to serve conflicting worldviews.

I am building the new blog "Religiolitics" which will allow me to get back to my purpose here which is: Understand God's Truth and expose distortions of the Truth, and speak to politics freely on the new blog. Religiolitics will allow for me to expand on religious and political issues as they apply in this most important upcoming election year. It will also allow me to reach out to those of all religious and political views without watering down Paradox Principles biblically.

I am excited about it, but my challenge is my website programming skills are quite limited. Now, if I could only find someone who could help me get the web site up and running properly and. Any ideas on how I can get this done quickly and affordably, please email me direct at: talavera.bob@gmail.com

Religiolitics will have a variety of features hard to find on the net. One of my ideas is to feature a recommended “Blog of the Week” This will allow for me to better support my like-minded friends and help readers find the best places to go online. If you would like to write a post on Religiolitics; or post an appeal for the mission God has given you; or perhaps a link to your best post ever, email me at talavera.bob@gmail.com.

Truth will be a common theme on Religiolitics. I will promote Truth and confront the manipulation of truth that is so common in our world today.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32

Here is an example of an article which I read this morning that was released by the associated press. Distortions and false statements by politicians on both sides of the aisle is the biggest problem Americans face.

Our Religious and Political leaders must be forced to deal with us truthfully.

==================================================================================

FACT CHECK: Obama claims miss some evidence
By JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press – 3 days ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — In challenging Republicans to get behind his jobs bill Thursday, President Barack Obama argued Republicans have supported his proposals before, demanded that they explain themselves if they oppose him, and challenged others to come up with a plan of their own. The rhetoric in the president's quick-moving press conference dodged some facts and left some evidence in the dust.

OBAMA: "If it turns out that there are Republicans who are opposed to this bill, they need to explain to me, but more importantly to their constituencies and the American people, why they're opposed, and what would they do."

THE FACTS: While Republicans might not be campaigning on their opposition to Obama's plan, they've hardly kept their objections a secret.

In a memorandum to House Republicans Sept. 16, House Speaker John Boehner and members of the GOP leadership said they could find common ground with Obama on the extension of certain business tax breaks, waiving a payment withholding provision for federal contractors, incentives for hiring veterans, and job training measures in connection with unemployment insurance.

They objected to new spending on public works programs, suggesting instead that Congress and the president work out those priorities in a highway spending bill. And they raised concerns about Obama's payroll tax cuts for workers and small businesses, arguing that the benefits of a one-year tax cut would be short-lived. The memo also pointed out that reducing payroll taxes which pay for Social Security, temporarily forces Social Security to tap the government's general fund. And it opposed additional spending to prevent layoffs of teachers, police officers and other public workers.

___

OBAMA: "Every idea that we've put forward are ones that traditionally have been supported by Democrats and Republicans alike."

THE FACTS: Obama proposes to pay for his jobs bill by raising taxes, something traditionally opposed by Republicans and, in the form Obama proposed it, even some Democrats. Senate Democrats were so allergic to Obama's approach, which relied largely on limiting deductions that can be taken by individuals making over $200,000 a year and couples making more than $250,000, that they're eliminating it and replacing it with a new tax on millionaires.

In claiming bipartisan support for the components of his proposal, the president appears to be referring just to what the plan would do, not how it's paid for, but that's a crucial distinction he doesn't make.

Some of tax-cutting proposals offered by Obama have received significant Republican support in the past. But some of the new spending he proposes has received only nominal Republican backing. Evidence of bipartisanship provided by the White House includes legislation last year that provided $10 billion to prevent teacher layoffs. It won the support of only two Republican senators — Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, both of Maine and among the most moderate (liberal) Republicans in Congress. Another example cited by the White House was the proposal last year to offer tax breaks to businesses that hire new workers — it passed the House 217-201 with six Republican votes.

___

OBAMA: "The answer we're getting right now is: Well, we're going to roll back all these Obama regulations... Does anybody really think that that is going to create jobs right now and meet the challenges of a global economy?"

THE FACTS: Well, yes, some think it will. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce last month submitted a jobs proposal to Obama that included a call to ease regulations on businesses. It specifically called for streamlining environmental reviews on major construction projects and to delay the issuance of some potentially burdensome regulations until the economy and employment have improved. In the letter, Chamber President Thomas Donohue also called on Congress to pass legislation that would require congressional approval of major regulations. The chamber did not indicate how many jobs such regulatory changes could create, but it said: "Immediate regulatory relief is required in order to begin moving $1 trillion-$2 trillion in accumulated private capital off of the sidelines and into business expansion."

___

OBAMA: "We can either keep taxes exactly as they are for millionaires and billionaires, with loopholes that lead them to have lower tax rates, in some cases, than plumbers and teachers, or we can put teachers and construction workers and veterans back on the job."

THE FACTS: True, "in some cases" wealthy people can exploit loopholes to make their tax rate lower than for people of middle or low income. In recent rhetoric, Obama had suggested it was commonplace for rich people to pay lower rates than others, a claim not supported by IRS statistics. But on Thursday, Obama accurately stated that it only happens sometimes.

In 2009, 1,470 households filed tax returns with incomes above $1 million yet paid no federal income tax, according to the IRS. Yet that was less than 1 percent of returns with incomes above $1 million. On average, taxpayers who made $1 million or more paid 24.4 percent of their income in federal income taxes; those making $100,000 to $125,000 paid 9.9 percent; those making $50,000 to $60,000 paid 6.3 percent. The White House argues that when payroll taxes — paid only on the first $106,800 of wages — are factored in, more middle class workers wind up with a higher tax rate than millionaires.

(Rich people clearly pay their fair share! It is absurd to imply that solving this supposed problem will somehow solve America's jobs or spending problems. Obama knows that this is a problem that a flat tax would quickly fix. Why not propose a real solution for all? Does the president think that we are all ignorant or ... just his supporters? this is class warfare, plain and simple. bw)

___

OBAMA: "China has been very aggressive in gaming the trading system to its advantage and to the disadvantage of other countries, particularly the United States. .... And currency manipulation is one example of it, or at least intervening in the currency markets in ways that have led their currency to be valued lower than the market would normally dictate. And that makes their exports cheaper and that makes our exports to them more expensive."

THE FACTS: While Obama complained about China's efforts to keeps its currency undervalued to gain trade advantages, his administration has repeatedly refused to brand China as a currency manipulator in a report that the Treasury Department is required to send to Congress twice a year.

Such a designation would trigger negotiations between the two countries and could ultimately lead to U.S. trade sanctions against China.

The administration has been reluctant to brand China a currency manipulator, as have past administrations, because the United States depends on China to buy U.S. Treasury securities to help finance America's budget deficits. China owns $1.17 trillion in U.S. Treasury securities, making it the largest foreign holder of Treasury debt.
Associated Press writers Erica Werner, Martin Crutsinger and Calvin Woodward contributed to this report. Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
=====================================================
This article is not right-wing rhetoric … this is the associated press ... not even remotely conservative.

Politicians regardless of their office are not above the truth.

President Obama must think that the people are ignorant. His jobs bill and his claim that it will somehow create new jobs the coming year is demonstrably false. Obama knows this and so does any intelligent person who has simply looked at the issue.

The idea that corporate jet owners and million dollar income earners not paying their fair share is clearly politically motivated, class warfare, and campaign rhetoric. When the president contends otherwise, he is directly and continuously lying to us. This is clearly not the hope and change he promised and he was elected to bring about.

The American people must respond accordingly.

Let me know what you think. Talavera.bob@gmail.com

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32

God bless you my friends, Bob

Governments Gone Wild

2011-10-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is a clear explanation of
what went wrong in California ...

And what we need to stop from happening
throughout the United States of America

Governments Gone Wild

by Congressman Tom McClintock

California: A Morality Tale in Three Parts

The following is a speech delivered to the
Council on National Policy on September 30, 2011

I want to welcome this groundbreaking scientific expedition to the savage lands of the Left Coast. You are here in California to answer an important theoretical question and now you have your answer.

Yes, this is what Barack Obama's second term would look like.

Study it. Fear it. And then go home and make sure that it never happens to the rest of the country.

Of course, in spite of all of its problems, California is still one of the best places in the country to build a successful small business. All you have to do is start with a successful large business.

Laugh if you will, but as you whistle past this cemetery, do heed the medieval epitaph: "Remember man as you walk by, as you are now so once was I; as I am now so you will be."

Mark that well, because if we lose this struggle for the future of our country, you too someday will live in a California - only without the nice climate.

Bad policies. Bad process. Bad politics. Those are the three acts in a Greek tragedy that tell the tale of how, in the span of a single generation, the most prosperous and golden state in the nation became an economic basket case.

When my parents came to California in the 1960's looking for a better future, they found it here. The state government consumed about half of what it does today after adjusting for both inflation and population. HALF. We had the finest highway system in the world and the finest public school system in the country. California offered a FREE university education to every Californian who wanted one. We produced water and electricity so cheaply that some communities didn't bother to meter the stuff. Our unemployment rate consistently ran well below the national rate and our diversified economy was nearly recession-proof.

One thing - and one thing only - changed in those years: public policy. The political Left gradually gained dominance over California's government and has imposed a disastrous agenda of radical and retrograde policies that have destroyed the quality of life that Californians once took for granted.

The Census bureau has reported for the better part of the decade that California is undergoing the biggest population exodus in its history, with many fleeing to such garden spots as Nevada, Arizona and Texas. Think about that. California is blessed with the most equitable climate in the entire Western Hemisphere; it has the most bountiful resources anywhere in the continental United States; it is poised on the Pacific Rim in a position todominate world trade for the next century, and yet people are finding a better place to live and work and raise their families in the middle of the Nevada Nuclear Test Range.

I submit to you that no conceivable act of God could wreak such devastation. Only acts of government can do that. And they have.

We conservatives espouse principles of individual liberty, free markets, constitutionally limited government, fiscal responsibility, the protection of natural rights - not out of some slavish devotion to ideology, butbecause all human experience has shown these principles to be the most certain means to achieve a prosperous and happy society. If you want to see the opposite of that - come to California.

James Madison said the trickiest question the Constitutional convention confronted was how to oblige a government to control itself. History records not a single example of a nation that spent, borrowed and taxed its way to prosperity; but it offers us many, many examples of nations that spent and borrowed and taxed their way to economic ruin and bankruptcy. And history is screaming this warning at us: that nations that bankrupt themselves aren't around very long, because before you can provide for the common defense and promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty - you have to be able to pay for it.

California may not have invented deficit spending but we certainly refined it into a science. Before the crash of 2008, when California was taking in more money than ever in its history, it was already running a nine billion dollar deficit, under a Republican governor elected on the pledge to "cut up the credit cards."

Federal spending increased 26 percent in the last three years literally consuming and squandering the wealth of the nation at the worst possible time. Yet consider this: from July of 2005 to July of 2008, California increased its spending by 31 percent, under a Republican governor elected on the pledge to "stop the crazy deficit spending". You can see how well that's worked for us.

If stimulus spending, massive deficits and burgeoning government bureaucracies were the path to economic prosperity, California should be leading the nation from the top rather than from the bottom. After we lost the nation's triple-A credit rating this summer specifically because of chronic deficit spending, it should surprise no one that California suffers the lowest bond rating in the nation for precisely the same reason.

Our regulatory burdens are also years ahead of the rest of the nation - we've had our own version of Cap and Trade on the books for five years now, and even though the bulk of these restrictions yet to take effect, investors make decisions every day anticipating their impact.

This has already proven utterly devastating to energy generation, cargo and passenger transportation, cement production, construction, wine making, agriculture and manufacturing. When he signed this legislation, Gov. Schwarzenegger promised that this would produce a cornucopia of new green jobs.

How's that working out? Up until the autumn of 2006, California's unemployment rate tracked fairly steadily with the national unemployment numbers. But beginning in that quarter, California's unemployment rate moved steadily beyond the national numbers. Today it stands at 12.1 percent - three full points above the national rate. You can't blame the national economy for that - you have to find something specific to California that occurred in the autumn of 2006 to explain this divergence. I submit that the only significant event in that period was the signing of AB 32.

And I should note that although we've devastated California's once recession-proof economy with these ridiculous regulations, the Earth stubbornly continues to warm and cool as it has for billions of years.

I mentioned water and electricity so cheap that some communities didn't meter the stuff. There's a reason for that: California had embarked on an aggressive program of hydroelectric and nuclear power construction that promised an era of clean, cheap and abundant electricity. But beginning with the first "small is beautiful" administration of Jerry Brown, these programs were abandoned in favor of "green energy." We now have the most stringent renewable energy requirements in the nation.

Which helps explain why California is the home to such stunning green energy success stories as Solyndra. We have among the highest electricity prices in the continental United States. We have the lowest per-capita electricity consumption in the nation as well. And every day, our government spends part of our sky-high electricity bills to lecture us to conserve more.

We completed our last major dam in 1979. Last year, environmentalists diverted 200 billion gallons of water from central valley agriculture for the enjoyment and amusement of the Delta Smelt - a three-inch long minnow that has become the environmental left's pet cause. This single action destroyed thousands of jobs and laid waste to a half million acres of the most fertile farmland in America. It is no coincidence that four of the ten metropolitan areas suffering the highest unemployment rate in the country are all in California's Central Valley.

Meanwhile, up north on the Klamath River, California has found a new partnership with the Obama administration as they proceed to tear down four perfectly good hydroelectric dams capable of producing 155 megawatts of the cleanest and cheapest electricity on the planet - enough to power 155,000 homes. This is due, we are told, to the decline of the salmon population. The Iron Gate Fish Hatchery on the Klamath produces 5 million salmon smolts each year - 17,000 of which return as fully-grown adults to spawn - but they don't include them in the population count. To add insult to insanity, when the Iron Gate Dam is destroyed, we will lose the Iron Gate Fish Hatchery.

We have the most aggressive mass transit program in the country – although we have not added significant capacity to our highway system in a generation. Californians consistently pay among the highest taxes per gallon of gasoline in the country and yet make among the lowest per capita expenditures on our roads. And what a surprise: we also have among the highest congestion rates in the country.

We have the largest population of illegal aliens in the country, consuming somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 billion in direct state expenditures. A few years ago, the Los Angeles County Sheriff reported that fully 25 percent of the jail inmates were illegal aliens. For years, California has provided in-state tuition for illegal aliens at the expense of California taxpayers - and with the signing of the California Dream Act four days ago, they will also have access to taxpayer-financed grants. Meanwhile, CSU has increased tuition 22 percent in just two years.

I've noticed a few of you on your cell phones no doubt checking to be sure that your return reservations are confirmed.

But I need to remind you that the Obama administration is pursuing exactly the same policies nationally - and so far with the same results. When you step off the plane back in your home state, just remember that all your plane trip will buy you is a couple of years if we lose the fight in 2012.

The second act of this morality tale is how bad process accommodated and amplified bad policy.

The Left loves to throw the term "dysfunctional" at our governing institutions. In the last week, the Democratic governor of North Carolina seriously opined that we ought to postpone congressional elections so that congressmen would "do the right thing." Peter Orzag this week wrote of wanting to shift even more decision-making from our elected representatives to elitist boards appointed by our betters.

We have reached this point not because of a failure of our republican institutions, but because of a failure to respect those institutions.

Again, California is a pioneer, but the rest of the country is fast catching up. In the 1960's, California's legislature was respected throughout the country as the model for others to follow. It was professional, it respected process, and it worked. It did a few things, but it did them exceedingly well. It left local schools, local governments and local revenues in local hands. But beginning in the 1970's this began to break down.

The humility that kept Sacramento from sticking its nose into the business of local governments gave way to the hubris that the state knew better what was important to local communities than those communities themselves. The appalling breakdown of federalist principles at the national level now geometrically compounds this problem.

But at the core of this breakdown was the abandonment of our basic republican structure of government - and it began right here.

Our parliamentary institutions have evolved over centuries to distill diverse viewpoints to a common direction within constitutional boundaries. When this process is applied, it works extremely well.

For a quarter of a century, I watched as these brilliant checks and balances that had produced reasonably punctual and reasonably balanced budgets for over a century, and nurtured the most prosperous economy in the nation, were gradually abandoned in the name of liberal efficiency.

Slowly, inexorably, decision-making that had been done broadly and independently by the two houses of the legislature - involving the active participation of every elected representative - was usurped by an extra-constitutional abomination called the "Big Five."

See if any of this sounds familiar: The "Big Five" is essentially a super-committee that meets behind closed doors outside the scrutiny of the public, sidelining the legislature, short-circuiting the independent judgment of the two houses, and then in the eleventh hour drops its decision into the laps of the legislature for a take-it-or-leave it vote that cannot even be amended.

I know I don't have to connect the dots for anybody here. Ladies and gentlemen, it does not work. California's plague of chronically late and chronically unbalanced budgets coincides quite clearly with the disintegration of the legislative process and the replacement of parliamentary institutions with handpicked super-committees.

Which brings me to the third act of this Greek Tragedy - bad politics.

Last November, while the rest of the country was celebrating historic Republican gains (including a shift of 63 U.S. House Seats, six U.S. Senate Seats, 680 state legislative seats, 19 state legislatures and six governors), the statewide Republican ticket in California – despite massively outspending the Democrats in the best Republican year since 1938 - lost every statewide race and even lost ground in the state legislature.

Republicans nationally now hold more state legislative seats than in any year since 1928. In California, they hold fewer than at any time since 1978!

That is not because the voting population of California has lost its collective mind and it is not because the state is divinely ordained to be run by morons.

It happened because Dick Armey is right: "When we act like us we win, and when we act like them we lose."

Republicans lost the 2006 and 2008 elections not because voters abandoned Republican principles, but because they looked at the Republicans and concluded that the Republicans had abandoned Republican principles.

During the Bush years, Republicans had increased federal spending at twice the rate of Bill Clinton; they left our borders wide open; they approved the biggest increase in entitlement spending since the Great Society and that turned record budget surpluses into record deficits to launch this brave new era of stimulus spending.

I last visited with the CNP in Washington in May of 2009. What a depressing meeting that was! Obama enjoyed 66 percent public approval. The week before, a conference of self-appointed Republican leaders had concluded that "we had to put the Reagan era behind us" and we had to be "mindful and respectful that the other side has something and that we have nothing and you can't beat something with nothing." (I won't mention names, but his initials were Jeb Bush.)

Thank God House Republicans didn't take that approach.

In the aftermath of that debacle, House Republican leaders resolved to restore traditional Republican principles as the policy and political focus of the party and they achieved something no one at the time thought possible: they united House Republicans as a determined voice of opposition to the Left and they rallied the American people.

Republicans rediscovered why we were Republicans, and Republican leaders rediscovered Reagan's advice to paint our positions in bold colors and not hide them in pale pastels.

The result was one of the most dramatic watershed elections in American history.

California Republicans did exactly the opposite, and ended up replaying the disaster of 2008 while the rest of the country was enjoying one of the greatest Republican landslides ever recorded.

In California, the Democrats attacked Republicans for imposing the biggest state tax increase in American history. The Democrats attacked Republicans for obstructing pension reform to protect the prison guards union. These attacks had the unfortunate element of being true.

Meanwhile, the Republican ticket attacked Arizona's immigration law. Republicans attacked the Proposition that would have stopped AB 32 - California's version of Cap and Trade.

The sad truth is that we were more like the Democrats than the Democrats.

A few days after the election, a Republican leader whose mission in life has been to redefine the Republican Party in the image of Arnold Schwarzenegger said he just couldn't explain the results.

I can. We didn't need to redefine our principles. We needed to return to them. House Republicans did. California Republicans did not. Any questions?

Great parties are built upon great principles and they are judged by their devotion to those principles. Since its inception, the central principle of the Republican Party can be summed up in a single word, Freedom.

The closer we have hewn to that principle, the better we have done. The farther we have strayed from that principle, the worse we have done.

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln warned the nation that two incompatible and irreconcilable philosophies, freedom and slavery, competed for our future and reminded us that "a house divided against itself cannot stand." "I do not believe the house will fall," he said, "but I do believe that it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other."

Today two incompatible and irreconcilable philosophies - freedom and socialism - compete for our nation's future and the stage is set for one of the greatest debates in the history of the American Republic.

We are winning that debate. But we have to stand firm.

What has happened to California and now is threatening our country is the inevitable consequence of bad policy, bad process and bad politics - and the good news is, that's all within our power as a people to change. I believe that if Californians rediscover these self-evident truths, Jerry Brown will be to California what Barack Obama has been to the rest of the country - a giant wake-up call. And if Americans rally behind these truths, together, we will write the next great chapter of the American Republic:that just when it looked like America would fade into history as just another failed socialist state, this generation of Americans rediscovered, revived and restored those uniquely American principles of individual liberty and constitutionally limited government, rallied under a bold banner held high by the traditional party of freedom, and from that moment America began her next great era of expansion, prosperity and influence.

Congressman McClintock represents the 4th District of California. Join his
campaign at www.tommcclintock.com on facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/jointom) or follow him on twitter at @tommcclintock

The Forces Of Evil

2011-10-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the powers,
against the world forces of this darkness,

against the spiritual forces of wickedness
in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

The evil one has an unlimited number of lines attack.
Some are just more insidious and evil than others.

We must be careful what we open on the internet.

For example, this past month my wife went to her computer in the morning, only to learn that a virus had completely blacked out her computer, wiping out all data. We have no idea how this happened, she is very careful. It took me a few hours to get it fixed, but only after reloading a new operating system and starting over.

This clearly shows the need for back-up, but also it exposes an ever present force:

EVIL

How else can we explain the logic that would inspire someone to spend the time to create a virus that would attack and destroy millions of computers of people they have never even met? It’s EVIL.

But that is only one line of attack of the evil one. Recently, a friend forwarded a video clip to me that had been posted on the internet by the drug cartel in Mexico, on our border. The logic of my friend who sent me the clip, who is a hardened war veteran was that he wanted me to understand the depth of the problem on our border, and how near we are to evil. I only wish I did not watch that evil. The sight of men being beheaded with a chainsaw is now etched in my memory. I will not describe the remainder of the clip or the men who carried out their work with the casualness of a gardener trimming a tree.

The only thing I can say is: EVIL.

These poor victims were sons, husbands, and fathers to someone, and they were treated like less than garbage to be left for the vultures. And their only crime was to somehow cross evil incarnate.

This is not an isolated incident. Recently, when a policeman was sent to investigate the killing of an American jet skier in cold blood, on a Texas/Mexico border lake; the officer was killed and beheaded within a few short days. That ended the police investigation.

And last month police found a newswoman's decapitated body alongside the road in Nuevo Laredo, with a handwritten sign saying she was killed in retaliation for her postings on a social networking site providing the location of drug dealers. The sign read as follows: “I'm The Laredo Girl, and I'm here because of my reports, and yours," the message read. "For those who don't want to believe, this happened to me because of my actions, for believing in the army and the navy. Thank you for your attention, respectfully, Laredo Girl...ZZZZ. This poor woman was the eighth journalist murdered by the Mexican drug cartels this year.

Why is our government allowing for this evil cancer to continue to expand and operate unopposed? Our military could easily wipe this scum off the map in a matter of months. We should join forces with Mexico and exterminate this evil that is infecting the Mexican border. If we do not control our border and the evil that is pushing across ... in a short time they will have total control of both sides of the border.

Our politicians who refuse to deal with this problem should each be forced to live in Nuevo Laredo for a few months in order to get a clearer understanding of the depth of the problem that they are refusing to deal with. Perhaps President Obama, Eric Holder, and Janet Napolitano should be the first three to spend a few months down there with their families, in order to give them a clearer understanding.

Evil comes in many forms, some worse than others. Cancer would spread through our body in a way similar to my wife’s computer virus, if we allowed it. But no, if we discovered cancer in our body we will do whatever is needed to remove it quickly. What about the mental input into one's mind by evil forces that eventually controls their actions and thinking? This form of evil is stealth, very well hidden, silent but very deadly!

The evil result is accomplished in a short time period: normal people soon become crazed drug cartel killers with a chainsaw; or Iranian Muslims demanding that a Christian pastor be hanged simply because he questioned the fact that his two small children were being forced into the evil Iranian Islamic religious mind control school system.

How are these Islamic fanatics any different than those that flew the planes into the twin towers on 911; or the maniac with the chain saw? The same forces of evil are directing all of these killers.

And how is the Iranian Muslim Brotherhood any different than the ones our foolish government has had our troops fighting alongside in Libya and is also now working alongside in Egypt and other middle eastern countries? There is no difference. They all have the same end in sight … either they will rule; or they will behead the infidels. Those who have been brainwashed with this ideology are a political movement hiding behind a religion, and they should be treated as the enemies that they clearly have shown themselves to be.

Pray for this persecuted Iranian Christian Pastor, Yusef Nadarkhani and his family. He has done nothing beyond being a Christian, and his Muslim fanatical accusers have now convicted him to a sentence of death, and are plotting to kill him. His supposed crime is that he refused to renounce his faith in Christ, and embrace the Muslim religion. In many similar cases, I am told that if the execution is carried out, that the victims family is also murdered as well ... in this case, the pastor has a wife and two small children.

Forward this post ... pressure must be brought on the Iranian government to reverse this act of evil.
I wonder if the Iranians will ransom him off, like they did recently with the lost hikers who were captured along the Iranian border.
These people are insane!

God bless you my friends, Bob

Jesus Freak

2011-10-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect
Romans 12:2

Steve McQueen was my favorite movie star.

His crazy free spirited roles greatly modeled the person I was pretending to be in my youth.
His later life obsessions evolved into collecting antique cars, old gas pumps, and flying WW2 crop-duster planes. Shortly before McQueen died, he met a real life free spirited pilot who convinced him to commit his life to Jesus Christ. This was the wisest decision Steve McQueen ever made ... and without question, his most important life accomplishment.

Jesus Freak ... that is how some of my friends from my younger life might now describe me,
especially those not spiritually minded, and who are still as wild and crazy as I used to be.

I understand and I agree. That which they might see as a negative, I know as my most important character quality. Hopefully, they would never see me as legalistic or judgmental towards them. I try to never push my beliefs on others but I am confident, opinionated, and wish the best for my friends and family, whom I love very much. I am committed to helping others know the Truth, even if it means the loss of friendship, for a time.

When you think about describing yourself, what words quickly come to mind?

Be honest with yourself. This is an interesting exercise. Next ask your spouse or your most honest friend to list ten words that best describe you. Now ... how do the two lists match up? viewed properly, this should give you much insight and areas to work on.

Here is my personal list: Christian, Bible, ministry, loving, honest, transparent, intelligent, creative, conservative, committed, serious, blunt, politically incorrect, family, friend, humorous, loyal, trusting, tired, salesman, books, music, writer, strategic, manager, salesman, counselor, angry, opinionated, listener, debater, confronter, computer, clutter.

Here was my Cheryl’s list for me: honest, moody, caring, loves family, intelligent, short tempered, opinionated, Christian, creative, entrepreneurial, sedentary. I’m glad I told her only ten words, I got a mostly positive review.

There is much for me to learn here, especially from my wife’s list. Hint: moody, short tempered, and sedentary. But also by some specific words that are missing from my personal list such as humble, prayer, meditation, exercise, and diet.

Now, you must admit a lack of transparency is not where I am lacking. Bluntness and insensitivity have sometimes caused me much trouble. Many people can’t handle the truth; regardless of how much they tell you to the contrary.

Here is a question I was recently asked by my doctor that I would not have thought of, and this is the primary focus of this post.

How have you handled the major traumatic events in your life?

Now this is getting more personal and transparent than I had planned, but here goes.

My response to the doctor’s question was that I am a very non-emotional person which is apparently common for men. I then went on to explain that I have not had much trauma in my life. Our conversation then uncovered a list of events that most people would find traumatic and often devastating.

The doctor then asked what about when you were thirteen and your father died.” I replied, I cannot really explain it, but I was not emotional. The doctor felt this was not normal, and shutting out my feelings was possibly blocking my recovery from my health problems. He described this as emotional blockage.

With my counseling training and experience, I have a hard time accepting this, but that does not mean it is not the truth, and I want a healthy body … so here we are. We are all subject to having potential blinders.

We are working as a team, and I want to do everything I can to be the best I can be health-wise, so I have been considering this question in more depth.

I will try here to consider this question and better understand and explain to him what I think might be making me the way that I am. Hopefully this may be of help to some of you as well … especially those who tend to hold things inside: men … ha?

My father died of a heart attack early one morning, shortly after I heard my mother’s screams. I clearly remember the fact that I felt very little emotion. I can actually remember wondering if something was wrong with me, since in my family of six children everyone else was very upset during the weeks that followed.

I also remember wondering to myself, why is everyone so upset? Since we go to heaven when we die, isn’t that a reason to actually be happy for a person when they die? My father had a hard troubled work life, and serious heart problems and he was not very happy person.

This caused me to question the small amount of misguided Christian training that I had received, and resulted in me not knowing what I believed spiritually for the twenty years that followed.

But still … no emotion, is that normal? Am I blocking my emotions in the traumatic moments of my life, as the doctor suggests? I honestly do not think so. But if this is my unconscious habit, I need to know it. This would need to be unblocked for my overall improved health.

I’m sorry to admit it; but the fact is that with my father, our relationship was not very strong. I was just getting to the point where I was about to be able to relate with my father on an adult level, and sadly he died.

I can’t really recall any quality personal moments with my father. His life was primarily focused on relating with my older brothers and sisters on an adult level, and his long hours of work.

In reality, I hardly knew my father when he died. As a young teenager, my life was focused on playing baseball and my friends. This is sad, but true.

In thinking back, when I consider other points of tragedy or trauma in my life, and there have been many, my reaction has been more emotional. The death of my brother-in-law Rick, the murder of my niece Mary, my sister’s death of cancer, and the death of my mother definitely all brought me to tears and open sorrow.

Additionally, the marriage of my daughters; and sad and or inspirational moments, stories, or movies can sometimes move me to tears. So the more I think about it, I am more emotional than I first admitted.

On the other hand, I definitely can remember keeping my cool and possibly holding my feelings inside when I have been cheated in business or betrayed by close friends that I have trusted. This has happened to me multiple times in the past.

The scriptures clearly advise against internalizing feelings of anger or hurt will lead to bitterness and hardening of the heart, which I have tried not to do. “BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:26-27.

I think with more careful thought I can clarify my personal blockage; and it is a direct result of my conversion to Christianity. On October 20 1980, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. In the years that followed, one of the key principles that I learned was:

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

I also learned to believe the Words of the Bible literally. This resulted in my current mindset … from that point forward. I believe I am an ambassador for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation. Therefore, my life here on earth is only a temporary transitional period. I am able to abide above and be relatively unconcerned about any trials or traumas that may come my way. I know this might sound fanciful or unstable for someone who believes differently, but it give me peace and rest beyond understanding in the worst of times.

As a result, I have no fear of anything, and am able to turn all of my problems over to the Creator. In the worst of times I have no sleepless nights or worry. Three separate examples of this are: the collapse of my business; my stroke; and my heart failure and the major surgeries that followed. I had no fear of death whatsoever … not even for an instant. In fact, I daily look forward to being with Christ eternally.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth; for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

At this point in my life if someone who I love very much were to die an atheist, that would bring me to tears of sadness … but I believe those who die in Christ are experiencing happiness, peace and joy beyond my comprehension at that instant … tears for them should be tears of joy.

Would my beliefs control my emotions? I am convinced that in many cases … NO, we are all subject to our emotions; but Christ has given us victory over all things including our emotions, feelings, and hurts that are beyond our control. I know that the Holy Spirit and God’s Truth would definitely help me through those feelings that might overwhelm my spirit.

I hope this helps you better understand who I am at my core and how my beliefs may have been contributing to the challenge that you diagnosed as blockage. I definitely have worked to renew my mind with God's Truth and not be conformed to this world. This has definitely resulted in controlling my emotions. Has this helped control my negative emotions? Anger is still a problem, and I could always be a more loving person; but in many ways I am greatly improved.

As a result of these facts, I do not feel I easily fit into the typical psychological box with many others; including the vast majority of confessing Christians.

The Jesus Freak box? … Absolutely.

This one is for my friends ... not my favorite type of music; but it is one of my favorite songs.

Jesus Freak

God bless you my friends, Bob

I Believe ...

2011-10-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them;
for God has showed it to them.

For the invisible things of him from
the creation of the world are clearly seen,

being understood by the things that are made,
even his eternal power and Godhead;
so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God,
they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful;
but became vain in their imaginations,
and their foolish heart was darkened. Romans 1:18-24.

Watch this video and then simply ask yourself ...

How can someone say: "It's an accident, it all happened by chance" ...

there is no god!

How can anyone deny the reality of God's Creation?
How can anyone conclude ... this is an accident?
There is no Plan, no Creator, No Vision ... No God

Evidence of the Creator is so evident in this video, that it is undeniable to anyone who is faithful and who is thinking clearly.

So ... how can so many fall for the evolution scam? Those who deny have been deceived by the same lies that brought about the fall of man.

"And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die: For God does know that in the day you eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:4-5

For professing Christians, there is another problem. Many have accepted Christ and rejected the Truth of the Word. This same Truth that was there in the beginning, and that became flesh and dwelt among us ... Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit are all one and the same. For someone to deny the Word of Truth is also to deny Christ. God will not allow for us to have it both ways.

In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him,and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness ... Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" Romans 1:18-22

Unfortunately, God has a response to this foolishness ...
Those who deny Him or His Word will be denied by Him in eternity.

He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18

The question for all of us is this: "do you believe in Jesus Christ and His Word?

All of those miracles that are so hard to believe, and Jesus Christ are one and the same. All creation; Noah and the flood; Jonah and the whale; Moses and the parting of the sea; the manna from heaven; the virgin birth; walking on water; turning water into wine; feeding thousands with two loaves and a few fish; healing the blind, lame and lepers; raising men from the dead; God coming to earth in the form of a man; the death and resurrection from the dead of the Lord Jesus Christ; and finally when we receive His free gift ... his death on the the cross is the atonement for our sins. Do you believe that Christ will return to rapture the church? ALL of these miracles and Christ are one with the Creator of all things.

All of these miracles are rejected by those who deny Christ. Those who are atheists, evolutionists, naturalists and believers in false religions (christian or otherwise). Do not stand with those who deny Christ. Many supposed christian pastors have fallen for this foolishness and are leading others away from Christ and eternity. Do not be deceived. All teachings must be tested against God's Truth, not the reasoning of men. Christians who stand with them and think they are safe and can have the best of both worlds are fooling themselves. Believing in Christ is believing in the miracles.

All or nothing ... of course, you have the freedom to create your own belief system, but then you are the creator of your beliefs, and you are the god of your life ... not the true Creator.

Repent ... return to Christ and His Holy Word.

His Word alone is eternal Truth.

Choose Jesus Christ, the Truth ... the Savior and Creator of all.

I Believe ...
I Believe ...

I Believe ...

God bless you my friends, Bob

What Is Truth?

2011-09-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through Him,
and apart from Him
nothing came into being that has come into being.

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God,
even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood
nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,
glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word,
then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life;
no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6.

Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. John 17:17

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. .Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Pilate asked. “What is truth?” John 18:36-38

If we could have listened in on the above conversation between Pilate and Jesus,
I am convinced that there would have been a sarcastic tone in Pilate's question:

“What is truth?”

Do you believe Jesus is the truth and that we can stand on His Words?
What are the fundamental truths in the Bible that are the foundation of your beliefs?
Can we believe what Jesus says, or not?

Many who profess to be Christians do not take Jesus words and the Bible literally. They would like to view the Bible in the same way that they view the US Constitution … information to be considered. If they agree with it, fine. If not, they will adjust the truth to fit in with whatever makes sense to them … and the next thing you know, a million babies are being aborted in America every year.

Well as wrong as this line of thinking is, in regards to our constitution, it is many times worse when we talk about using this type of thinking when reading the Bible. Although I believe the constitution was not intended to be amended to meet the changing whims of society; it was created by men and is subject to amendments.

The Bible on the other hand, was inspired by God and is presented as the never-changing absolute truth of the all-knowing, ever-present, all-powerful creator of the universe, who never lies and is never wrong. The Word of God is infallible and inerrant. This is a core belief that sets Christianity apart from all other religions. The Bible is not the teachings of good men but rather God speaking through men by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Without this belief, that God’s Word is truth, our belief system loses its power, and our faith would be destroyed.

Additionally, any other belief, religion, philosophy or creed would be equally valid if there were no Bible inspired by the Creator. With no biblical basis of truth, the Bible would be reduced to just so many words, or another self help book. The truth would be reduced to the wisdom of men and each of us would be the god of his own life, discerning good and evil.

When carried to this end, Christianity is reduced to the same level as atheistic thought. I think we can all see where this would end up … total chaos. But beyond the foolishness of this chaos, the idea ignores the fact that there is eternal truth, principles which are self evident and absolutely true, whether we believe them or not. This was clear to me long before I became a Christian.

What has led us to this confusion? Some time ago, Josh McDowell said that most evangelical Christian youth in the United States no longer believe in absolute truth. “In 1991, 52% of our born again church kids said there is no absolute truth. In 1994, 62%. In 1999, 78%, and in 2002, 91 percent of our born again church kids said there is no absolute truth. Can you believe how horrible this is? The primary cause of this problem is the influence of secular education and secular media since the 1960’s.” It is amazing to see how much impact that 40 hours a week for 16 years will have on a young person’s belief system. Can you imagine where we would be without Biblical teaching?

The same broken down educational system that produced a politically correct attitude in our Attorney General Eric Holder, that won’t allow him to say that Islamic terrorist bombers might be Islamic terrorists, has been brainwashing our children with babble for over 50 years: “There is no right or wrong. There are no moral absolutes. Everything is relative. Everyone’s beliefs are equally valid. All paths lead to god. Each person needs to decide what his truth is. The end justifies the means. Everything is okay in moderation. There is no god.” … and many other false beliefs. The idea of separation of church and state which was promoted by mostly socialists and atheists has resulted in a values neutral public education system where naturalism and atheistic views are free to rule the day.

But that is not all. The church has become weak. The seeker friendly philosophy has opened the door to many new Christians, but at what cost? Watered down Christianity? At our local mega church, the teaching and the music is no longer religious to the point that I can hardly tell if I am in a church anymore. The number one church in America is led by a motivational speaker, Joel Osteen, who says “teaching the word is not his gift.” I must admit, I enjoy his messages. They are uplifting and encouraging, but I also like a Big Mac and fries.

And recently Rick Warren, the number one pastor in America said, “the future of the world is religious pluralism, and we must learn to get along … “we need to encourage those (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam) who are about the common good.” I must say he made some very good points about working together to help the sick and needy but the church can do that without pandering to non-Christian religions.

And then he said; “let me give you my definition of a fundamentalist. Fundamentalism actually started out as a good term among Christians in the early 20th century. It was a word which meant a Christian believer dedicated to the fundamentals of the Bible: Jesus is the way to heaven; the Bible is the word of God, things like that. The word has been hijacked now to basically mean a radical or a terrorist or something like that. Here is my definition of a fundamentalist: A fundamentalist is anybody who stopped listening. That’s a fundamentalist”

He then goes on to explain that there are Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Secular, and atheist fundamentalists. That is a total insult to those of us who are still committed to standing on the fundamental truths of the Bible.

Warren may be doing great things with the millions a year he makes from his book, and he has ideas that are filled with church growth success principles, but I think he bumped his head on this one.

It is not a wonder that 90% of Christians don’t believe in the fundamentals of the Christian faith, with statements like that from our church leaders. It is now clear why he did not ask Obama the tough questions on abortion, when he had the chance. He is more focused on the common good, than he is concerned with confronting evil.

Contrary to this false teaching, millions of Christian fundamentalists are still listening to the only one that matters: Jesus Christ. We are still standing on the fundamentals of the Christian faith. We have no desire to pretend that Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and other false religions are doing anything other than leading people away from God.

Political correctness has no place in committed Biblical Christianity. If me ... not listening to false religions, crooked politicians, and the false teachings of the world is his definition of a Christian who stopped listening: then I am guilty and proud of it … I am a Christian Fundamentalist. But the truth is not that we actually stopped listening; but rather we strongly oppose the message. I apologize if I sound angry, but this should be just cause for all believers to become angry. I'm just surprised he didn't slam the tea party movement as well.

So, that leaves us with these questions: “What is truth?” Do you believe Jesus is the truth, and that we can stand on His Words? What are the fundamental truths in the Bible that are the foundation of your beliefs? Can we believe what Jesus says, or not?

As far as believing Christians being labeled as radicals by the world, and grouped with the other undesirables that the sincere pastor listed above, it is of little concern.

Jesus warned us: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. “He who hates Me hates My Father also John 15:18-23

Nicodemus said to them, “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?” They answered him, “You are not also from Galilee, are you?

My answer? ... Yes, and I'm proud of it!
God Bless you my Friends, Bob

In order to better expand upon the topic of truth, This post has been reprinted from Paradox Principles 5/15/2010

Jesus Is The Truth

2011-09-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.
If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews.
But now my kingdom is from another place.”

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king.
In fact, for this reason I was born,

and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.
Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate asked. “What is truth?” John 18:36-38

“What is truth” is not a new debate.

Jesus clearly says; “I came into the world, to testify to the truth". "Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” The Jews rejected his claims and brought him to Pilate who plainly asks “What is truth?” Today, over 90% of Christians are not standing with the truth that Jesus came to proclaim. This is blatant hypocrisy.

Previously, I quoted a Barna research study that found that only 9% of Born Again Christians have a Biblical worldview. Jesus says, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me". How can 91% of Born Again Christians call on Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but at the same time not have a Biblical worldview? Barna defined a Biblical worldview as one that held to the following beliefs?

1. Moral truth absolutely exists.
2. This truth is defined by the Bible.
3. Jesus led a sinless life.
4. God is the all powerful and all knowing creator of the universe.
5. Salvation is a gift of God …. You can’t earn it.
6. Satan is real.
7. Followers are responsible to share their faith with others.
8. The Bible is accurate in all of its teachings.

How would we define a worldview? The beliefs that guide the daily decisions of our life. These beliefs have been formed over the course of our lifetime through our parents, schools, society, laws, relationships, church, our jobs, TV, books, and mentors.

Some common secular worldviews are:

1. Materialism: He who has the most things wins.
2. Individualism: Me first.
3. Humanism: You are your own god.
4. Pragmatism: Whatever works for you.
5. Hedonism: If it feels good, do it.
6. Naturalism: God does not exist.
7. Marxism: What's good for all, rules all.

Is the problem becoming clearer to you?
1 Cor 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight.
Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.

As learners we unconsciously develop opinions which guide our every action and decision. Along the way many decide to become a Christian but their minds are already set. The new Christian values are mixed with beliefs already established resulting in a potentially hypocritical belief system. A number of years ago, I was talking to a friend and she said, “that’s your truth, Bob. I have my truth and you have your truth”. That’s okay in a free world, but when two people have diametrically opposing views on a value or character issue and one is holding to a biblical position and the other to a materialistic or hedonistic position, both are not representing the truth from a Christian perspective.

The point we must agree on here for the sake of finding the truth is that we must agree on a biblical foundation to determine truth. Each person following their own opinions leads to chaos. All religions are not equal and all beliefs are not correct no matter how firmly or sincerely we believe.

The following verses are only a few that explain the truth as it has come to us through Christ. We will use the Bible here as a filter to determine if the beliefs and issues we discuss here are truth or just more good sounding ideas.

John 17:17-19 “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

John: 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jn 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

In order to find biblical truth that we can have confidence in, we must stand with Jesus.

“You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

This message opens the discussion to a number of topics for future discussion. and also establishes the foundation for Biblically guided discussion.

God Bless you my friends, Bob

In order to better expand upon the topic of truth, This post has been reprinted from Paradox Principles 1/2/2010

Jobs ... An Easy Solution

2011-09-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Obamanomics Kills 500 Jobs In Texas

by Liberty Juice September 13 2011

Texas and the EPA have been going at it for some time now, but as we all know one way or another the federal government manages to get its way. If only a group of people would have gotten together during the founding of our country to draft a document to protect state sovereignty and individual liberty.

Obama is warming up for his re-election campaign by touting his jobs plan. I could argue that his so-called “plan” is nothing more than the same old failed Obamanomics / Keynesian economics strategy that has been tried over the past few years, but I believe that is obvious enough. Along the same lines I can argue that Obama hasn’t stopped campaigning since 2008.

We all must keep in mind that the president used the previous stimulus plan to pay back his primary campaign contributors: the various unions. This is why they redefined: "Jobs Created to mean Jobs Saved" The end result was: the supposed stimulus went to save the jobs of friends rather than create new jobs for all Americans.

"I believe President Obama is not being truthful when he says this is not about politics. This is all about politics and everyone knows it. President Obama knows that government regulations will not allow for new construction jobs to be created in the next two years. This is just more political rhetoric. If he truly was serious about creating new jobs, as Donald Trump recently explained; he would have placed a moratorium on EPA and the burdensome building regulations that now delays new construction for many years."

"Is it likely that there will be many jobs created by the president's new plan? NO ... Jobs saved for unions members that give his campaign money? Absolutely. Politics as usual to the max." bw

Interestingly enough, when it came time for Obama to bring a plan of action to the table a representative from Louisiana, a state that has been crushed by Obama’s oppressive regulation machine, made a silent suggestion to Obama via a hand-held sign stating “Drilling = Jobs.” This was a break from decorum, yes, but it was also a common sense suggestion for the President.

The Heritage Foundation quotes the statement Rep. Jeff Landry made before Obama’s address:

Our unemployment rate is the problem, and the solution is simple: drilling equals jobs. By allowing the hard-working people in the Gulf of Mexico to ply their trade, we can save 25,000 jobs. By allowing production in a small portion of ANWR, we can create 250,000 jobs. And by lifting the ban on new offshore drilling, we could create 1.2 million jobs. We must increase domestic energy exploration, expedite the permitting process, and remove the bureaucratic red-tape and barriers on job creators. Producing domestic energy will create jobs across the country, increase revenue to the federal government, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Mr. President, do the right thing: let us drill.

With that in mind, I bring you the sad news that 500 jobs are now being eliminated because of the EPA’s regulations and “unrealistic deadline.”

Texas energy company Luminant announced on Monday new burdensome Environmental Protection Agency regulations are forcing it to close several facilities, which will result in about 500 job losses.

The EPA regulation Luminant cites as too burdensome is the new Cross-State Air Pollution rule, which requires Texas power generators to make “dramatic reductions” in emissions beginning on January 1, 2012.

“We have hundreds of employees who have spent their entire professional careers at Luminant and its predecessor companies,” Luminant CEO David Campbell said in a statement. “At every step of this process, we have tried to minimize these impacts, and it truly saddens me that we are being compelled to take the actions we’ve announced today. We have filed suit to try to avoid these consequences.”

The company said it has been trying to meet the new standards, but won’t be able to do so without closing down several facilities and eliminating 500 jobs.

If Obama was serious about creating jobs – and creating them quick – I know there are a few thousand workers and employers in Texas, Louisiana, and all along the Gulf Coast that have a few suggestions for him. But, why should the Campaigner-in-Chief care about red-state jobs anyway?

Liberty Juice September 13 2011

==========================================

900 Years of Energy Reserves ...
Can this possibly be true?

Here's the Problem ...

America has over 900 years worth of oil reserves from one source alone, and we haven't even discussed Alaska's ANWR Oil Reserves yet, or the rest of America's reserves. We haven't even begun a discussion regarding nuclear power. What in the world are these ignorant politicians doing with our republic?

A primary problem is that Environmental scientists, the far left mainstream media, Al Gore, and President Obama have not been truthful to the American people ... and many in the general public believe these debatable conclusions.

Regardless of political party or philosophical point of view, at the very least our politicians and leaders owe the American people honesty. Without honesty from our leaders America will ultimately fail.

The tactic of the environmental movement is to announce that "the science has been settled" and then they moved ahead with shutting down America's energy industry through excessive Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

Goodby Jobs ... hello gas prices that have gone from $1.79 to $4.00 in less than two years. And that is only a small part of the end result; especially when you take into consideration the jobs lost, plus the increased cost of all products shipped by air, truck, and rail ... all across America.

The left is convinced that the if they simply announce that "the science has been settled" and then declare anyone who does not accept their conclusions is ignorant and deluded ... eventually everyone will just agree with their draconian scenario, and the foolish and moronic: "no solution ... solution".

President Obama is the one who said: "Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket." January 2008. What he conveniently neglected to explain however is that millions of jobs would be lost, and gas prices would more than double, even without cap and trade.

The environmental movement clearly admits that the solution they offer to solve this supposed problem will have a minimal impact on CO2 emissions during the next one hundred years and they conclude we are doomed regardless ...
but they would have us shut down production of, and consumption of, all carbon fuel related products regardless of the consequences.

"We the people ... are the problem"
Doing something is better than nothing, they say.

even if they are not sure about the problem, or the solution, you ask?

That's right ... shut up and just do it, they say. No further discussion allowed.

Here's a real , Simple Solution ...

Millions of jobs can be created overnight by following three simple steps.

1. Declare energy independence to be our number one national priority.
2. Suspend unnecessary EPA and other regulations that are hindering putting Americans to work.
3. Expand exploration and production of all available forms of American energy immediately.

No need for a long speech ... just do it now!

If President Obama would have made this simple announcement, the resulting economic boom would have easily resulted in his reelection.

Forget about solutions ... take our no our "no solution, solution" or else, they say.

Why would Americans listen to and follow the left's misleading babble?

Al Gore is the spokesman that announced that "the science has been settled" and that an environmental catastrophe of epic proportions will occur in the near future. Our world is on a path to total environmental turmoil and havoc.

The fact is that Gore and his friends have cornered the market for the only option that will be allowed for businesses in the world of the future that they have imagined: carbon offset trading. The idea is for businesses to buy carbon offsets from Al Gore and his friends. these offsets allow for excess carbon emissions. The businesses would simply pass along the added expenses to you and me, the consumers.

We are supposed to make the conclusions of environmental scientists our god and blindly accept whatever they say ... YES, even when they mislead us to further their environmental and monetary goals.

The problem is that many, many prominent scientists do not agree with their babble.

(Read Here) Go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_scientists_opposing_the_mainstream_scientific_assessment_of_global_warming

From a Christian's perspective, we are called to care for all God has entrusted us with, but this scheme of men has nothing to do with the truth of God's Word. Prophetic scripture has clearly explained God's plans for the end-times for both the world and all men. In the meantime, those things beyond man's control such as the climate will continue to be managed by God ... not men.

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.

Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
“Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:1-11

Of course, the source of our current problems is clear to all. Vote accordingly.
God bless you my friends, Bob

The Perfect Church 3

2011-09-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance,
and that you cannot tolerate evil men,
and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles,
and they are not, and you found them to be false;
and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake,
and have not grown weary.

But I have this against you,
that you have left your first love.

Therefore remember from where you have fallen,
and repent and do the deeds you did at first; Revelation 2:2-5

Can you remember back to your first love?

I was in the fourth grade. Without question, at that point in my life, everything was secondary to baseball. And then I met a girl. You know the rest of the story. I was captivated by these feelings that came from nowhere … for at least a couple of weeks. Most of us have had this experience more than once. A similar feeling is stirred when watching a movie like “The Notebook” or “Sleepless in Seattle.” It's Magical... sort of like the first time a child goes to Disneyland. My grandson, Bennett wanted to know if he could live there. Remember that feeling? All consuming ... Nothing else like it.

But Agape love is different; it is more mature, and a matter of the will, rather than feelings. Well ... feelings come and go; but the promise from Christ is for far more peace and joy than we have ever believed, imagined, or felt in any other experience or relationship. This peace and joy will last for eternity and it continually increases as we walk with Him, and get to know Him better. The problem is we often approach Him the same old way we often approach other relationships … without a clear understanding and commitment to the relationship we have entered. We have been adopted into His Royal Family for eternity ... we need to start loving and living like it.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10.

When reading the Bible I came to understand that we love Him when we obey His commands … when we humble ourselves to His Word. When we go against the grain of our human logic and feelings, and when we love others in the same way He loves us, we are showing Christ we love Him; and we are fulfilling His mission and purpose. “When the love of Christ controls us, we no longer look at others according to the flesh or from a worldly point of view … Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

What old things passed away, and what new things have come? Well first and foremost is this: other-centered love. If our elders and pastors do not understand and have this love, how can they model, teach and lead the church body into spiritual maturity? The qualities outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 are without question the qualities that should be prayed for and searched for when seeking a new pastor.

Once again I am convinced that years ago we would never have called the pastor that miserably failed at Southwest Community Church, if only we had carefully followed this teaching of the Apostle Paul.

What good is a Christian or Pastor without the love of Christ?

1. That most gifted preacher without love … is a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2. Prophetic words, discernment, and knowledge count for nothing.
3. Faith beyond our imagination, faith that even overcomes our greatest challenges … it's nothing without love.
4. One who has a heart for giving his all to feed the poor, accomplishes nothing eternal without the love of Christ.
5. Even surrendering himself to death by fire … will profit him nothing eternally.

God's 20 Love Questions

1. Is this Christian impatient?
2. Is this Christian unkind?
3. Is this Christian jealous?
4. Is this Christian arrogant?
5. Is this Christian a braggart?
6. Does this Christian act unbecomingly?
7. Is this Christian self-seeking?
8. Is this Christian easily provoked?
9. Does this Christian dwell on a wrong suffered?
10. Does this Christian rejoice in unrighteousness?
11. Does this Christian rejoice with the truth?
12. Does this Christian bear all things?
13. Does this Christian believe all things that are grounded in Truth?
14. Does this Christian find hope in all things?
15. Does this Christian endure all things?
16. Is this Christian a man or woman of faith?
17. Is this Christian standing on the hope that only comes through Christ?
18. Is this Christian a man or woman who is daily living Agape love towards God and all men?
19. Has this Christian done away with the childish things?
20. Would Jesus see this Christian as a mature Christian?

These are the old things that passed away, and the new things that have come.

Now for just a moment, imagine yourself standing in a right relationship with Christ on each one of these questions. Would your mind be renewed and transformed? And have you returned to your first love? Absolutely ... you would be overwhelmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Your life would take on new power, new hope, new faith, new courage, and God's love would guide you, moment by moment; day by day. Now envision yourself serving at a church where the elders and deacons and the pastors and every church member were renewed and transformed by God’s Word and by the Holy Spirit and living out the Love of Christ. This church is on fire!

Now that would be the Perfect Church ... don't you think?

And no church buildings would be able to house the new members wanting to join daily.

The First Step … three questions we must each ask ourselves:
1. How do I measure up on each one of these twenty questions?
2. What changes does Christ want me to make in my life?
3. What steps will I take to allow the love of Christ to control me?

Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:36-42

And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number, to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them. Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed. Acts 5:14-16

Without question, we can say that the Perfect Church has been … we only need to ALL return to our First Love.

TO BE CONTINUED ...
I have numerous points to cover and will post part four in this series in the next few days.

God Bless you my friends, Bob
Copyright: Robert West 2011

God's Will For You ...

2011-09-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Oh praise the LORD, all ye nations:
praise him, all ye people.

For his merciful kindness is great toward us:
and the truth of the LORD endureth forever.
Praise ye the LORD. Psalm 117:1-2

It is better to trust in the LORD
than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

Meditate On God's Truth!

We can know God's Will for our life ...

when we become centered on His Word!

... The Miracle at the Center of God's Word ...

(Please note: click bottom right corner for full screen)
Many thanks to Kathy Eichler for reminding me of this one!

My friends ... it cannot get any clearer than this!

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him;
and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,

... full of grace and truth. John:1:1-5;14

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:5-7

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned:
but he that believeth not is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world,
and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:16-19

God bless you my friends, Bob
Please be sure to forward this post to all you know!

The Perfect Church 2

2011-08-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

"Because you say, I am rich, and have become wealthy,
and have need of nothing,
and you do not know that you are wretched
and miserable and poor and blind and naked,

I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire
so that you may become rich,
and white garments so that you may clothe yourself,
and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed;
and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline;
therefore be zealous and repent.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock;
if anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him
to sit down with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

He who has an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:15-22

“Our Spiritual service of worship … be Transformed by the Renewal of our minds” Romans 12:1-2

One key fact we must be mindful of is that Jesus confronted the religious leaders. If we are to be legalistic about anything, let it be avoiding legalism. We also might want to develop the habit of bringing the Truth of Christ to our spiritual leaders. Legalism enters the picture when we try and force our views on others, but we should never confuse that with challenging other believers with the Truth of Christ.

There is little danger of us becoming legalistic through repentance, and focusing on the gospel and our mission. Humbly following the Holy Spirit and His Word can position us in perfect harmony with Christ and His Word.

A continual danger is also when we unconsciously switch back to making decisions the worldly way. We are experts at shifting gears in an instant and following our old ways. This is what we need to repent. We must be trained by the Spirit to continually abide above.

Now back to the wishes of Jesus for each of us and the church.

4. Jesus wishes we would have patience and persevere. I realize that these simple words are not new to us and we might unconsciously move on as our mind seeks out new input. But Jesus commands us to have patience or to persevere eleven times in the letters to the churches. Our leaders need to teach and model trust, patience, and perseverance. Practicing this truth helps us avoid many mistakes, including calling the wrong pastor to lead us astray.

Jesus loves it when we are patient and stand firm on the Truth of His Word as He has revealed to us and commanded us.

He wants us to stand patiently in times of poverty, tribulation, or prosperity. One danger of poverty is to give up because the enemy of Christ would convince us that our situation is hopeless. His wish is that we will not become weary and return to our old ways, or follow new fads or worldly ideas. And the danger of prosperity is that we lack patience, and do not wait on the Lord; but rather use our wealth and influence to simply fix the problem man's way. It is Jesus Christ who will provide the healthy growth of the church.

Jesus loves when we do not become weary. Maintaining our focus on Him restores our power and resolve. Jesus loves those who hold fast to His name and His name alone. Those who refuse to deny Him will be rewarded. He is our salvation and our hope. He wants us to be faithful even unto death.

Jesus loves those who have kept His Command to persevere even unto death. We must be patient and persevere.
This teaching from James provides much wisdom from above:

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:5-12

The wisdom of men is foolishness to God. His wisdom is a continuing paradox in this world. Imagine: the man of humble circumstances is the one in the high position; and the rich man’s glory is in his humiliation. There would be no need for a survey testing the giving habits by the various age groups of attenders here, unless of course you are attempting to convert poor persevering people to your church.

5. Jesus wishes we would be overcomers, not followers of men. He repeats this command five times. I could have easily combined this truth with patience and perseverance; but overcomers are not only patient and persevere, but the way in which they persevere leads to results. Jesus loves to share His joy with us in victory in Him; when we have followed Him and watched as He brings about His ends. This does not come when we follow the worldly wise leadership of business agnostics and atheists. Lead, follow, or get out of the way is a funny punchline; but it's not Biblical.

It is good to remember the lesson of Gideon where he learned that a few hundred men following God’s Word and His Spirit are more valuable to God than 22,000 men following the ways of mere men. Judges 7:1-25.

Overcomers are trusting in Christ and His promises; rather than focusing on the teachings and philosophies of men. For example it is natural for men to focus on the giving habits of church members rather than their walk spiritually. This might even be one of the primary criteria for elder selection. When an elder board also serves the role of trustees; there is always a danger ... a natural tendency to draw leaders away from the spiritual, and to focus on the numbers.

The next thing you know someone is quoting Peter Drucker, Warren Buffet, or Bill Gates. From the world’s perspective ... very wise businessmen, but their wisdom is not grounded Biblically. For example, Drucker teaches; “The three most important questions are: “What is our business?” “Who is our customer?” and “What does the customer consider value?” These are great questions for business management, but where is the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit in this … and where is the truth of God’s Word? Is it wise to have agnostics and atheists mentoring the most influential pastors in the world? I think not! In the context of building a church filled with Christians living by the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Truth; these three questions would not even be in God’s top ten. Church leadership cannot follow these types of ideas all week and then call upon Christ on Sunday … expecting for the Holy Spirit to rescue them from the darkness.

Pastor Rick Warren describes his church as follows: “Saddleback is kind of the Research and Development department of the church at large.” (Oh really now, that shows humility ... brush the roses off your shoulders, sir.) “We're not afraid to fail. We've always tried more things that didn't work than did. Every once in a while we find - usually by accident-something that works. Then we teach the seminars and pretend like, we planned it all along, when really it was just the result of trial and error.” This might sound humorous, but it also sounds deceptive and foolish to me. Does God expect us to discover His plan for His church by accident as we test worldly ideas? No … never. As appealing as the numbers that church growth advocates promise might be; this sort of teaching will lead to a church with many lukewarm followers. The church of Jesus Christ is not a trial and error business experiment. It is the body of Christ following and worshiping their Lord by the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We should base our church on tried and true Biblical principles … not on worldly tested business school principles. These are people’s lives we are dealing with here, and there is no room to experiment at their expense. People can be hurt as well as helped. The problems come when we attempt to appear cool and appeal to the trends of the day, and the ways of the worldly; rather than the Truth of God’s Word.

6. Jesus wishes for us to return to our first love. He wants us to love Him as He loves us. This could have easily been the first point in my post, but He only mentions it once in the letters. As we look deeper we will most likely conclude that this is most important. This is probably the biggest problem in the all churches. We worship Jesus in our songs and with our words but then … we deny Him when it is most important ... when making decisions. This is the worst hypocrisy. If the church board I was previously serving on, had filtered their pastor search decision through this one principle, we would never have called the wrong superstar "church growth people" following pastor, as we did.

Remember now; we are considering how to build the Perfect Church, by the leadership of the Holy Spirit and God's Truth. The Perfect Church may not exist here and now, but Jesus has given us all the key ingredients. Unless the elders and pastors are focused on teaching the love of Christ, modeling the love of Christ, and ministering the love of Christ; it only makes sense that the results are very likely to be worldly and lukewarm.

So how do we show God we love Him with all our heart; all our soul; and all of our mind? A number of verses come to mind. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15. This verse pretty much says it all ... don’t you think? Well not quite, Jesus also says: “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46. And then Jesus clearly explains the consequences if we do what He says; and also the consequences if we choose not to obey Him.

Those who obey Him will have victory and ... the Perfect Church.
Those who do not: a lukewarm church ... headed for total destruction:

“Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. “But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:47-48

Is my earlier point stressing the need for repentance starting to make more sense? Can you now see why an elder board seeking a pastor focused on following church growth principles rather than following God’s Truth will surely lead to failure? That amazing pastor, with those great numbers, and that teaching style everyone loves so much is not necessarily the pastor that Jesus would choose to lead His church.

His wish for His church should clearly be the only choice that should be considered.

Now back to the question of this love that Jesus wants to control the Perfect Church. Here are some more verses that give clear direction: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:10-12.

And Paul gives further clarification on the love of Christ that provides us further insight: “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-10.

And of course here is Jesus Christ’s wish list for the elders, pastors and each member of the church. This is where the meditations, focus, prayers, teaching and planning for the future must be. Just imagine a church with pastors, elders and three thousand members reflecting this power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ ... and modeling the qualities noted below.

There would be a serious revival … all on fire, born again, believers in Jesus Christ. No room for lukewarm there.

The overflowing net His disciples pulled from the other side of the boat comes to mind. John 21:1-10

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians: 13:1-13

TO BE CONTINUED ...

I have five more points to cover and will post part three of this message in the next few days.

God Bless you my friends, Bob
Copyright: Robert West 2011

The Perfect Church

2011-08-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot;
I wish that you were cold or hot.
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold,
I will spit you out of My mouth.

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline;
therefore be zealous and repent.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock;
if anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him
to sit down with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and
sat down with My Father on His throne.

He who has an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:15-22

For years now I have been looking for the Perfect Church.

In my studies I think Jesus has clarified the problem.

It’s me ... I am the problem!
but the good news is:
I can be the solution as well.

Where is the Perfect Church?

Many would answer: "there is no such thing as a perfect church.”
But in reality this is often just a reply that allows us to remain with the status quo.
A better reply might be that only in heaven will we find the perfect church.

But when you think about it, the closest we will get to a perfect church is potentially looking at ourselves in the mirror: one Christian rightly related to Christ through the Holy Spirit allowing the love of Christ to control and guide him as he fulfills the mission Christ has given him. When a number of believers come together rightly related to Christ … His power is magnified for all to see. Then you will hear people say; “I just love this church.”

Those who have experienced this understand. Those who have not … cannot truly understand. I have had such an experience in a small church, not perfect but there were a large proportion of Christians that were modeling the love of Christ and as a result … Jesus Christ was magnified for all.

Unfortunately, when we lost our pastor, our elder board made a critical error in choosing a new pastor. The new pastor was following principles taught by church growth people rather than from God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The result was ... well you get the picture.

I served on that board and realized the error early on, but the pastor was very well received, and the church grew rapidly. I chose not to be divisive and moved to another church. This is one of the great regrets of my life. More than twenty years later, this same church is now searching for a pastor. This post is written directly to the board of that church. Hopefully the words of Jesus will guide them in their most important decision, and this might somehow help me atone for my past mistakes.

When we learned we were losing Pastor Clyde, we were discouraged. But we believed God would guide us in our pastor search. I am convinced that although we carefully searched the God's Word for the qualities God required in a pastor, elder, and teacher; we should have been more focused on the qualities of the perfect church from the perspective of Jesus Christ. This would have resulted in a better decision.

That’s right, Jesus has given us a list of qualities that he loves to see in the church. At the time, I would never have thought to look in the book of Revelation. But the Truth is that our Lord has spoken to us only once since He ascended into Heaven and that is in the book of Revelation. For a variety of reasons Christians often avoid this prophetic vision.

In the letters to the churches Jesus says; “I wish.” Any time Jesus gives us His wish list, it makes sense to me that we should listen and follow His instructions very carefully. There are actually about eighty specific wishes that Jesus has listed in the seven letters. Many of them are repeated multiple times or are similar, and so I have reduced the total to eleven.

If we could only create the church at Philadelphia, we would accomplish the greatest church in the world. But Christ’s Perfect Church would be far beyond that. Can you imagine a perfect church that models all of the qualities Jesus wished for and commended in these letters and banished those things he abhors? I am confident that you won't find this teaching from the church growth movement.

The Perfect Church

1. Jesus wishes for us to do the work that He has called you to do. Jesus mentions this in one way or another eight different times. The first thing that comes to mind here is the great commission and all that this entails. The work assignment for us here is pretty clear to me: Spiritual gifts; missions; making disciples; baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; and teaching them all that He commanded. Matthew 28:19-20. Another scripture that I believe would apply here is: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. Where we have been given a mission as Ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation … “as though God were entreating through us, we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” It is critical that the elders and the pastor have a burden for the great commission and lead passionately here ... if not, you will end up with a lukewarm church.

I am convinced that one of the key elements of that little church of one hundred that I mentioned, that grew to 800 in only a few years was the new members class. I know this might sound minor to some, but that is only because many of these classes lack spiritual leadership. Our class was led by the pastor and it lasted five weeks.

The message was simple: In order to join the church, you needed to trust your life to Jesus Christ and receive His free gift of forgiveness and eternal salvation. And you needed to explain what that meant Biblically. The Pastor then taught each of us to witness with our Bible in hand, the verses that led to salvation were memorized and linked so that each of us could walk an unbeliever through God’s Word.

This put every member on a path to accomplishing the great commission within their personal circle of influence; wherever God had placed them, from their first day of membership. It also increased each Christian's confidence in what they believed, and established God's inerrant Truth as the foundation of their beliefs.

Additionally, there was a strong commitment to missions, and of course continual teaching that led us all to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. An emphasis on friendship within the church family was also an area where the pastor and the entire church family modeled phileo brotherly love. Jesus loves those who do good works. Jesus loves those who are on fire for the Gospel of Christ. I am convinced the gospel teaches salvation by grace through faith alone ... not a result of works.Have you ever wondered how a church of one hundred believers can have a presence of the Holy Spirit that may appear absent in a congregation of five thousand?
Well read the next point.

2. Jesus wishes we would repent. He is not just talking to the church at Laodicea here. Jesus calls for the churches to repent seven different times. Now that is interesting, don’t you think. How much repentance is going on in your church? Jesus wants each of us to remember how we first heard and received His forgiveness and reconciliation.

Although we are justified through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we still need to confess our sins daily, and repent of our sins, not unto salvation but rather to restore a healthy relationship with the Holy Spirit. In Christ ... our salvation is always secure by His finished work on the cross (we are justified in Christ), but a sinful walk can result in separation and emptiness.

This starts with each individual and must be modeled by the pastors and the elders. Once again, if my previous board had been looking for a humble spirit of repentance in the church body and themselves when we were looking for our pastor twenty years ago … a serious leadership mistake would surely have been avoided. Jesus says He wants us to go back to the beginning and start over; return to our first love; and do the things we did at first. We must humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord. Then He will lift us up. 2 Chronicles 34:27-28

Jesus loves it when those who have drifted and lost their fire for the Lord, and are lukewarm; come to grips with their spiritual emptiness and repent. My previous posts have made it clear that surveys have clearly shown that over 90% of professing Christians when asked ... describe themselves as carnal Christians. Can you imagine the positive impact there would be on any church when these aimless wanderers repent and instead walk under the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus commands we repent. Why are the churches missing this clear admonition from the Lord? The collective presence of the Holy Spirit will immediately positively change the atmosphere of any local church. Communion that is led by the Holy Spirit will lead many to repentance and reconciliation with Christ and a church body that is on fire for Christ and His Word.

3. Jesus wishes that we would not put up with those who are evil. This is not a passing thought. Jesus has mentioned this thirteen times in the letters in various ways. Warning, this view is not politically correct, or tolerant. He wants us to test and expose false teachers as liars. The problem we have in America is that our freedoms have led many to believe that their spiritual views are relevant or important, regardless of the message. Christian churches that are not teaching Christianity should be exposed to protect those seeking the truth.

Jesus commends those who refuse to submit to the doctrine of Balaam which had to do with one’s willingness to compromise the principles of God and proclaim things contrary to the revealed Word of God while seeking monetary gain. Jesus wants us to stand against the stumbling blocks of Balak which had to do with trickery that led to mixing pagan religions with worshiping God and committing sexual immorality.

And He also mentions the Nicolaitans twice and their deeds and doctrines which Jesus says He hates. Jesus … hate? I need to know this one, don’t you? Well the evidence is less clear here but some conclude this is in reference to a mixture of different belief systems. The problem is that it has an outward appearance of true spirituality while practicing or tolerating those things He considers an abomination.

With Balaam, Balak, and the Nicolaitians the message is basically the same. This teaching offers a Christianity which doesn't demand obedience and loyalty to Jesus Christ alone. I am convinced that the teaching of evolution; and the modernist and social gospel views that God’s Word is not to be taken literally fit here, and also any churches calling themselves Christian that do not adhere to the teaching of salvation through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross alone. These are doctrines of demons. This is heresy and God hates it- plain and simple!

Jesus loves it when we reject false teaching and false idols in any form. Any false teaching you've heard in church lately? Well since our churches are in the middle of the world; then it stands to reason that if the leaders do not make it clear to the church body the reality of false teaching and false idols … how likely are you to see these problems of the world infecting your church body? Without question … very likely. Abortion, Homosexuality, gay marriage, gay clergy ... an amoral belief system by professing Christians is not uncommon. How low can we go?

Once again read The Clergy Letter Project from my previous post where thirteen thousand pastors have signed and are clearly infected with these Nicolaitan doctrines of demons. They have the right to believe and teach whatever they wish; but to call it Christianity is heresy ... and Jesus is calling on us to confront their heresy. But the church is mostly silent. In fact, they say they are in the majority with these views , and who knows maybe their foolish babble does sadly stand in the majority. But is that relevant spiritually? I think NOT! Jesus Christ has spoken to us ... I stand with Jesus.

Rev 2:24 "Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.

Confront Doctrines of Demons in your church and in your community.
"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons"
1 Timothy 4:1

TO BE CONTINUED ... I have eight more points to cover and will post part two of this message in the next few days.

God bless you my friends, Bob

Evolutionists Worst Nightmare

2011-08-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The earth was formless and void,
and darkness was over the surface of the deep,
and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
God saw that the light was good;
and God separated the light from the darkness.

God called the light day,
and the darkness He called night.
And there was evening and there was morning, one day.
Genesis 1:1-5

Watch this short but compelling clip!

And then forward it to anyone and everyone you know
that believes or might believe in evolution and then simply ask:

Can you please explain this to me?

Here is the problem for evolution in a nutshell; Charles Darwin himself gave us a test that would prove evolution a false theory: Darwin said; "The test Darwin set for his theory was this: "If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down." These complex organs that Darwin spoke of that would destroy the validity of the theory of evolution have now been revealed in hundreds if not thousands of molecular biological experiments.

In his groundbreaking bestseller "Darwin's Black Box" Molecular Biology professor Michael Behe explains the scientific concept of a Black Box. A black box would be those parameters beyond which scientists have little or no knowledge. In ancient times, all of biology was a black box, because no one understood on even the broadest level how living things worked. With the advent of modern biochemistry, scientists are now able to look at the rock bottom level of life and into the areas which are inside of "Darwin's Black Box". This viewpoint is light years beyond Darwin's understanding (Darwin's perspective was very limited scientifically) and modern science has discovered evidence that now demands a verdict.

The problem is that atheistic evolutionists have accepted the evolutionary theory with Darwinian Evolution as their religion of sorts. They are standing by faith on issues that are clearly not true, teaching others this false religious dogma and marginalizing anyone who attempts to question their theory scientifically or otherwise.

Make no mistake about, I believe that there is much evidence for creation, but I have accepted the Biblical Truth on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ and His Word. Scientific evolutionists are also standing on faith in their evolutionary theory which they then promote religiously; but they will not admit the fact that it takes far more faith to believe in evolution, than it does to believe in God's Word and His miracles.

Anyone who believes in true science cannot deny these truths that true modern science has discovered, and that those standing on false beliefs are like alcoholics in denial.

Anyone who believes in God will be excited by the evidence that true modern science has revealed.

Those who want to believe that there is no God will continue to stand on the Darwinian Evolution fairy tale ...
as the false evidence that makes them feel confident in their unbelief and rejection of God the Creator.

Those who are Christians but have accepted the lies of evolution must be helped to understand that God's Word is Truth, and that to follow the teachings of atheists is to follow the leadership of the evil one and the doctrines of demons.

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12:1-3

Every Christian needs to see this one!

God Bless you my friends, Bob

The Miracle Bee

2011-08-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation,
plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth
bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them”;

and it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation,
plants yielding seed after their kind,
and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind;
and God saw that it was good.

Watch the miracle of the Melipona Bee
Created by God specifically to pollinate the Vanilla Orchid
so that it could continue to exist and produce vanilla.
I wonder how evolutionists might try to explain how
these two miracles dependent upon one another
somehow happened simultaneously by random selection?

The miracle is that the Melipona Bee was created for the polination of this specific plant.
The impossible question for evolutionists is how do you explain this?

Vanilla beans, or pods, are the fruit of the orchid Vanilla planifolia, which is native to the tropical forest of Mexico. In the wild vanilla grows as a thick, green vine up trees and produces clusters of trumpet shaped, celadon colored flowers. These delicate, small flowers usually bloom for just one day and can only be pollinated by the small Melipona bee. If the flowers are not pollinated they drop to the ground and no vanilla beans are produced.

The ancient Totonaco Indians of Southeastern Mexico were the first people to discover the secret of vanilla. They believed vanilla was a food of the Gods. When the Aztecs conquered the Totonaco, they adopted many of their beliefs. In 1518, the Spanish conquistadores, led by Herman Cortez, came to Mexico and observed the Aztec emperor, Montezuma, drinking "Choclatl". This beverage of ground cocoa and corn was flavored with "Tlilxochitl" (cured vanilla beans) and honey.

Cortez fell in love with Cholatl's rich flavor and aroma and introduced both cocoa and vanilla to Spain. Spanish chefs started making "Vainilla" (little sheath) flavored chocolate and for 100 years it was consumed by nobility and the very rich. Vainilla was later anglicized to vanilla.

Until the later part of the 18th century, Mexico was the sole producer of vanilla. While attempts were made to cultivate the vines in other tropical parts of the world, because the secret of the Melipona bee was not known, the vines did not produce beans.

In early 1800's the French took cuttings from Mexico to Reunion Island, which was then known as the Ile de Bourbon (the surname of the Kings of France). The plants flourished and flowered, but with no Melipona bees on the island, no beans were produced.

In 1837 the Belgian botanist Morren succeeded in artificially pollinating the vanilla flower. On Reunion Morren's process was attempted, but failed. It was not until 1841 that a 12 year old slave by the name of Edmond Albius discovered the correct technique of hand pollinating the flowers. Vanilla was soon taken to the neighboring French possessions of Madagascar, Comoro and Santa Maria. By 1898 about 200 tons of Vanilla beans a year were being produced by these islands.

Today, vanilla is grown in Madagascar, the Comoro and Reunion Islands, India, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Mexico. Vanilla is also cultivated in Tahiti. The Vanilla planifolia vines planted in Tahiti, however, mutated and the plants are now classified as a separate species Vanilla tahitensis.

There are literally millions of miracles that only God will ever be able to explain. Checkmate!

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS”; and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS.” So then let no one boast in men. 1 Corinthians 3:18-21

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Stand Firm Against Evil

2011-08-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Put on the full armor of God,
so that you will be able to stand firm
against the schemes of the devil.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the powers,
against the world forces of this darkness,
against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God,
so that you will be able to resist in the evil day,
and having done everything, to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:10-13

The Flash Mob Method of Scientific Inquiry
by Ann Coulter 8/24/2011

The definition of hell is being condescended to by idiots. It will probably be MSNBC's Chris Matthews and Contessa Brewer sneering at you for all of eternity for not believing in evolution.

Roughly one-third of my 2007 No. 1 New York Times best-seller, "Godless: The Church of Liberalism," is an attack on liberals' creation myth, Darwinian evolution. I presented the arguments of all the luminaries in the field, from the retarded Richard Dawkins to the brilliant Francis Crick, and disputed them.

But apparently liberals didn't want to argue back.

Despite Matthews' obsessive fixation on the topic, manifested by his constantly asking elected Republicans if they believe in evolution, in a one-hour interview with me on "Godless" -- the very book that is chockablock with attacks on Darwinism -- Matthews didn't ask me a single question about the subject.

No liberal did. Matthews doesn't even know what evolution is.

Just a year later, at a 2008 Republican presidential candidates' debate, Matthews asked for a show of hands of who believed in evolution. No discussion permitted! That might allow scientific facts, rather than schoolyard taunts, to escape into the world.

Evolution is the only subject that is discussed exclusively as a "Do you believe?" question with yes-or-no answers. How about conservative journalists start putting mikes in front of liberal candidates and demanding, "Do you believe in the Bible -- yes or no?" "Is an unborn baby human -- yes or no?" and "Do you believe teenagers should have sex -- yes or no?"

This is the flash mob method of scientific inquiry. Liberals quickly surround and humiliate anyone who disagrees with them. They are baffled when appeals to status (which would work on them) don't work on everyone else.

Now that Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry has said there are "gaps" in the theory of evolution -- or "gas" as The New York Times originally reported, before issuing a correction -- we're in for another round of fact-free mocking of fundamentalist nuts.

In fact, however, it has not been advances in Christianity (which is pretty much settled), but in science that have completely discredited Darwin's theory of evolution.

This week, we will consider one small slice of the mountain of scientific evidence disproving this mystery religion from the Victorian age.

Most devastating for the Darwiniacs were advances in microbiology since Darwin's time, revealing infinitely complex mechanisms requiring hundreds of parts working together at once -- complex cellular structures, DNA, blood-clotting mechanisms, molecules, and the cell's tiny flagellum and cilium.

Darwin's theory was that life on Earth began with single-celled life forms, which by random mutation, sex and death, would pass on the desirable mutations, and this process, over billions of years, would lead to the creation of new species.

The (extremely generous) test Darwin set for his theory was this: "If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down."

Thanks to advances in microscopes, thousands of such complex mechanisms have been found since Darwin's day. He had to explain only simple devices, such as beaks and gills. If Darwin were able to come back today and peer through a modern microscope to see the inner workings of a cell, he would instantly abandon his own theory.

It is a mathematical impossibility, for example, that all 30 to 40 parts of the cell's flagellum -- forget the 200 parts of the cilium! -- could all arise at once by random mutation. According to most scientists, such an occurrence is considered even less likely than John Edwards marrying Rielle Hunter, the "ground zero" of the impossible.

Nor would each of the 30 to 40 parts individually make an organism more fit to survive and reproduce, which, you will recall, is the lynchpin of the whole contraption.

As Michael Behe, biochemist and author of "Darwin's Black Box," explains, even a mechanism as simple as a three-part mousetrap requires all three parts to be working together at once. Otherwise, you don't get a mousetrap that catches half as many mice -- and thus might win a survival of the fittest competition -- you don't get a mousetrap at all.

The more we have learned about molecules, cells and DNA -- a body of knowledge some refer to as "science" -- the more preposterous Darwin's theory has become. DNA is, as Bill Gates says, "like a computer program, but far, far more advanced than any software we've ever created." (Plus DNA doesn't usually crash when you're right in the middle of reproducing.)

Evolution fanatics would rather not be called on to explain these complex mechanisms that Darwin himself said would disprove his theory.

Instead they make jokes about people who know the truth. They say that to dispute evolution means you must believe man walked with dinosaurs.

Galileo's persecutors probably had some good guffaws about him believing in Fred Flintstone.

This is why the brighter Darwiniacs end up sounding like Scientologists in order to cling to their mystery religion.

Crick, winner of the Nobel Prize for his co-discovery of DNA, hypothesized that highly intelligent extraterrestrials sent living cells to Earth on an unmanned spaceship, a theory he set forth in his 1981 book, "Life Itself."

Thus was God narrowly averted!

But Crick's solution obviously begs the question: How did the highly intelligent extraterrestrials evolve?

Harvard population biologist Richard Lewontin said the Darwiniacs tolerate "unsubstantiated just-so stories" of evolution and ignore "the patent absurdity of some of its constructs" because they are committed to coming up with a theory that excludes God. "We cannot," Lewontin said, "allow a divine foot in the door."

Maybe if we called the Intelligent Designer "Louis Vuitton" to avoid frightening the Godphobics, they'd finally admit the truth: Modern science has disproved Darwinian evolution.

The Flash Mob Method of Scientific Inquiry
by Ann Coulter 8/24/2011
===========================================

My thoughts:

I believe that Satan has accomplished more in his efforts to promote his doctrines of demons through Darwin's Theory of Evolution that perhaps with any other scheme that he has promoted since the fall of man. Remember it was the serpent who first assured Eve: "You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5

The fact that the father of all lies has now employed the signers of "The Clergy Letter Project" published in my previous post is clear evidence of the power of this lie. Imagine having a sports team where the coaching staff of your team instructs you and your teammates to follow the teachings, instructions, and leadership of the opposing team. Far-fetched ... you say? That is exactly what we have with the theory of Evolution ... science teachers; and now Pastors are not only promoting false science ... but also accusing Biblically-minded Christians of "deliberately embracing scientific ignorance and transmitting such ignorance to our children." Talk about the pot calling the kettle black ... true credible molecular scientists are clearly demonstrating that Darwinain evolutionists are the ones deliberately promoting false science; and presenting these lies as established scientific truth. And supposed Christian pastors are now mocking those standing on the Truth of God's Word.

That is heresy!

These pastors and evolutionary scientists are most assuredly promoting the "doctrines of demons" that scripture clearly warns us against ... lies that will be promoted as truth in the end times.

Can you imagine 13,000 pastors writing off these eternal Biblical Truths as fairy tales: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" ... and "Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind”; and it was so. God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:1

Thirteen thousand supposed Christians leaders have done just that, and this has led to millions of misguided followers of Christ. This is an abomination.

But here is the mystery in all of this: ...
to a large degree, supposedly committed Christians are silent. Heaven help us.

The battle line is clear and we must hold the line. The Apostle Paul tells us that we are in fierce and ongoing battle "against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" and that we must STAND FIRM AGAINST THIS EVIL. I am convinced that Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Michelle Bachman, Rich Santorum, Herman Cain, and Newt Gingrich will all stand against these false teachings and the evil abortion laws that also came as a result of liberal theology, as well.

STAND FIRM and support those who honor God and His Truth.

Pray for Christ in heaven and His angels to help us all!

God Bless you my friends, Bob
Copyright: Robert West 2011

Prayer And Meditation

2011-08-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hear this, all peoples;
Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,

Both low and high,
Rich and poor together.

My mouth will speak wisdom,
And the meditation of my heart will be understanding.

I will incline my ear to a proverb;
I will express my riddle on the harp. Psalm 49:1-4

DANIEL: A MODEL GOD HAS PROVIDED

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, chooses Israelite captives to be trained to serve him: ... But Daniel purposed in his heart (made up his mind) that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself ... As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams ... Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and out of them all ... not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s personal service. As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm. Daniel 1:1-20

INSIGHT

Moral courage. It is the resolve to do what is right—even if no one knows. Regardless of the consequences. Even when you are weary. Even when there are extenuating circumstances and when everyone would understand if you “caved in.” Daniel is a man of moral courage. The food he is offered violates the dietary restrictions in the Law of Moses. Note the words: “Daniel purposed in his heart” Daniel 1:8. Then God brings Daniel into favor. He gives him skill; He gives him a healthy glow. When faced with moral challenges, we must do our part ... be obedient from the heart. And then trust God to do His part.

PRAYER

Because God honors our commitment to moral excellence, praise Him with the words of this psalm:

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches,
For You have been my help,And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth.
They will be delivered over to the power of the sword; They will be a prey for foxes.
But the king will rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him will glory,
For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped. Psalm 63:1-11

PAUSE FOR PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING.

Pray this confession to the Lord: And Achan answered Joshua and said,
“Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I have done . . .” Joshua 7:20

Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day Psalm 25:4-5

NOW PRAY THIS AFFIRMATION TO THE LORD:

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid;
“For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation” Isaiah 12:2

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
-- Greater faithfulness with your talents
-- Your state and local leaders
-- Your activities for the day

FINALLY OFFER THIS CLOSING PRAYER TO THE LORD:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit Romans 15:13

God Bless you my friends, Bob

THANKS TO: Quiet Walk Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

God's Miracle Woodpecker

2011-08-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made,

even his eternal power and Godhead;
so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:20

And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:20-25

God's Creation Miracle Woodpecker

European Green Woodpecker feeding it's young.

For more Creation Miracles click here to go to Thoughts and Theology. Many thanks to Jeff for his incredible blog.

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Impossible People

2011-08-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

In the same way God,
desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise

the unchangeableness of His purpose,
interposed with an oath,

so that by two unchangeable things
in which it is impossible for God to lie,

we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement
to take hold of the hope set before us.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul,
a hope both sure and steadfast Hebrews 6:17-19

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

Today we will talk about Impossible People.

From the perspective of the the Pharisees,
and Roman leaders of His day up to the present;
Jesus was, and still is by many, viewed as an Impossible Person ...

Impossible people are often difficult, and are willing to take a stand for what they believe. They are often politically incorrect. They challenge authority when it is wrong. You have heard the reference to a brave soldier as follows, he is:

“a person who is willing to die for what he believes.”

This type of person is Impossible.
A most famous saying of this type would be Patrick Henry’s: “Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”

In the verse above, Jesus describes three groups of people: cold, hot, and lukewarm.

Jesus says He wishes we were cold or hot. He wants us to be like Patrick Henry.

To be cold, would mean that like my atheist friend, you strongly reject the gospel of Jesus Christ, and have chosen your own fate eternally. “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18. Regardless, of how good a person is from the world’s perspective, or how many great accomplishments, or loving acts they have performed; without His saving grace, according to the Words of Jesus Christ, they are doomed eternally.

Wait a minute, you ask? "A thief on a cross who has lived sinfully his whole life goes to heaven for trusting in Christ; and a missionary who works with homeless children and the destitute his entire life, loving others sacrificially, and he is lost eternally because he followed other gods, false beliefs, and rejected the Gospel of Christ? YES ... It is hard to accept ... but it is true.
Either this is a true statement or Christianity is a false religion.

WE ARE ALL QUICK TO SAY: this makes no sense at all from a human perspective.
AND THAT IS TRUE BECAUSE: WE CANNOT VIEW OR COMPREHEND THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT FROM A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE.

This is why for us to be followers of Christ ... we will be viewed by the world as Impossible People.

One of my closest friends from childhood challenged me not long ago with: “when I die; I’m dirt.” Think about that for a minute. If that is all there is to life, then life has no meaning whatsoever. There is no right or wrong. If survival of the fittest is the only rule that is true … why would the needs of others be important to anyone else?

Why would you pay taxes, or follow any laws ... if everything is relative; and if it is to your personal benefit, HERE AND NOW, not to? If robbery, rape, lying or cheating meets your needs, what would cause you to act otherwise? Need money? Rob a bank! But what about the laws of the land, you say? I am the law; in and of myself ... the reply. When you carry this belief to its end, the conclusions are grim, and they lead to hopelessness, indifference, and evil.

But we all know: life has meaning … don’t we? It is ingrained into our very being. My ancestors are not slugs. When a neighbor’s child turns up missing, that is of great importance to us all; except maybe for some whom we would all consider to be demented individuals. And to forcibly rape a woman is horribly wrong! We know it! Not because it is the law; but rather because God has told us in our heart. We are not lions, who kill and eat, or rape on demand. We are spiritual beings and life does have meaning. There is eternal Truth.

Everyone knows this to be true, including the atheists. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." Romans 1:20
Even those who deny Christ ... know the truth. They are without excuse.

To be hot would mean that there is no question regarding your loyalties; or beliefs. You are willing to die for God's Truth, you become like the brave soldier: Impossible. You have put to death the old ways of the world. Your mind has been renewed and you have been transformed by the Holy Spirit. To be hot as Jesus has described above means you are strongly committed to Him as your Lord and Savior and you have trusted in His gospel and free gift of salvation and eternal life with Him in His heavenly kingdom. You believe: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

And you, like Patrick Henry, Dietrich Bonhoffer, or Corrie Ten Boom when you stand for Christ and His Word, and what you know to be Truth ...

You join Him and them as Impossible People.

It is impossible for God to lie! This truth is not negotiable, and when you stand committed to these beliefs, you will be viewed by unbelievers and some who claim to be believers as an “Impossible Person.” Jesus was crucified for these beliefs. He predicted we would be mocked when He said: “Remember the Word that I said unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” John 15:20.

God’s Word teaches us: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, John 1:1-14. Belief in these verses has led me to believe in the Bible literally. To reject the Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us is to reject Jesus Christ and the gospel. I am convinced that those who say they are Christians and yet reject, allegorize, or marginalize the Word are the “lukewarm” to whom Jesus declares; “I will spit you out of My mouth”

So why would professing Christians become lukewarm advocates for evolution, abortion, homosexuality and any number of other beliefs that are contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Word?

In the past year, I have been challenged by a number of well meaning “Christians” who stand on their worldly beliefs and conclusions with absolute certainty. These friends are standing for a lukewarm version of Christianity. When challenged with God’s Word, they say; “you have your truth, and I have my truth.” They have humbled their version of Christianity to the teachings of the world. They choose to support: abortion, environmentalism, evolution, Islam, homosexuality, socialism and numerous other philosophies, religions, and worldly ideas contrary to God’s Word. They are so certain of their conclusions that they are impossible to reason with Biblically. As an example, one man told me that he did not understand how I could be a Christian and not support his views on man-made global warming.

Do you see where it ends? There is no end to the schemes of men ...

Here is a link (click here) recently sent to me by a "Christian" member of Saddleback Church. I can only pray his church would never endorse this heresy ... where 13,000 “Christian” clergy are united in support of evolution and denouncing the inerrancy of the Bible. The taunt to me was “who is Bob West to question the wisdom of these learned clergy." The answer to that challenge is simple: I am a Christian; and God’s Word has made it clear what all of us are to believe and do. Follow Christ and His Word ... and not the contrary teachings of the world. I would believe the same if there were 13 billion clergy standing against God’s Word with the foolish teaching of men. Do I sound Impossible? I hope so. I was dared to judge these clergy as non-Christians. Do I judge them? No … that is not my place, quite honestly I pray that all would be saved. But Jesus will judge us all and His Words are very clear to me. And I must expose this letter for what it is: "Doctrines of Demons."

Read this letter so you can have a clear understanding of how deeply heresy has infected the Christian churches in our generation. this is the Apostasy

The Clergy Letter Project
“Within the community of Christian believers there are areas of dispute and disagreement, including the proper way to interpret Holy Scripture. While virtually all Christians take the Bible seriously and hold it to be authoritative in matters of faith and practice, the overwhelming majority do not read the Bible literally, as they would a science textbook. Many of the beloved stories found in the Bible – the Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah and the ark – convey timeless truths about God, human beings, and the proper relationship between Creator and creation expressed in the only form capable of transmitting these truths from generation to generation. Religious truth is of a different order from scientific truth. Its purpose is not to convey scientific information but to transform hearts.

We the undersigned, Christian clergy from many different traditions, believe that the timeless truths of the Bible and the discoveries of modern science may comfortably coexist. We believe that the theory of evolution is a foundational scientific truth, one that has stood up to rigorous scrutiny and upon which much of human knowledge and achievement rests. To reject this truth or to treat it as “one theory among others” is to deliberately embrace scientific ignorance and transmit such ignorance to our children. We believe that among God’s good gifts are human minds capable of critical thought and that the failure to fully employ this gift is a rejection of the will of our Creator. To argue that God’s loving plan of salvation for humanity precludes the full employment of the God-given faculty of reason is to attempt to limit God, an act of hubris. We urge school board members to preserve the integrity of the science curriculum by affirming the teaching of the theory of evolution as a core component of human knowledge. We ask that science remain science and that religion remain religion, two very different, but complementary, forms of truth.”

Here are just some of the churches and many seminaries whose leaders have signed this heretical statement. Although clearly a large percentage of these denominations do not agree with these pastors and professors, the congregation's leadership of these churches should demand retraction, resignation or both: Presbyterian, Congregational Church, Lutheran, Interfaith, Anglican Reform, United Church of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Anglican, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Episcopal, Catholic, Unitarian Universalist, Baptist, Center for Progressive Christianity, Nazarene, Brethren, Religious Science, Reformed Church, Princeton Theological Seminary, Church of Truth, Jewish. Full list of clergy

Where does all of this end up … wherever the atheistic teachings and doctrines of demons lead them? This leads to people who introduce themselves as agnostic and atheistic Christians; teaching abortion is acceptable, and to the ordination of homosexual and apostate clergy. Oh I know that most of these 13,000 clergy are probably very loving people, and are encouraging followers to becoming great citizens as they practice the examples of Christ; but you cannot lead others to Christ, when at the very foundation your teaching, you are telling others to just disregard those Words of God that you don’t understand and that don't make sense to you. The teacher and the pupils in this scenario become the gods of their beliefs.

Do you see their perspective? “While virtually all Christians take the Bible seriously and hold it to be authoritative in matters of faith and practice, the overwhelming majority do not read the Bible literally” Question: “why would I hold for the Bible to be authoritative on matters of faith and practice, and then reject those things that do not make sense to me? Jesus is either my Lord or He is Not. Jesus is the one who said: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 2:15-16

This is more babble: “Many of the beloved stories found in the Bible – the Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah and the ark – convey timeless truths about God, human beings, and the proper relationship between Creator and creation.”
Why would these stories be beloved if they are not true, and how could stories that are not true convey timeless truths about God, humans beings, and the proper relationship between Creator and creation if it is not true? According to these deluded clergy: we are supposed to accept the literal truth of evolution and the supposed “scientific facts” that there is no creation; at the same time … along with the timeless Bible truths about Creator and creation (which are not true). Why would any intelligent person take untruths to heart?

In what ways do Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, the story of Jonah, and all of the miracles of Christ co-exist comfortably with atheistic evolution and supposed inerrant literal scientific truth? This is a bold faced lie! The only apparent co-existence is the politically correct lukewarm phoniness that Christ so strongly condemns! I challenge how they can say that they believe the timeless truths of the Bible … when they disregard them where they are contrary to evolution and the teachings of men?

“We believe that the theory of evolution is a foundational scientific truth, one that has stood up to rigorous scrutiny and upon which much of human knowledge and achievement rests. To reject this truth or to treat it as “one theory among others” is to deliberately embrace scientific ignorance and transmit such ignorance to our children.” Embracing unproven scientific theory as fact is teaching Biblical ignorance and hypocrisy to their children and congregations.

Talk about foolishness. No wonder some deluded people are calling themselves atheistic Christians.

This is why we have ongoing debate on these issues of life until Christ returns. The fact is that the scripture says it is impossible for God to lie. As a Biblical Christian, I have a true foundation for beliefs about all things. If not, my religion has no foundation whatsoever, and we all may as well each make up our spiritual beliefs and claim them to be “my truth" and each of us can be our own god.”

Of course, that is precisely what Satan promised Eve in the garden.
The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5

Standing on God’s truth regardless of feelings, logic, or worldly wisdom is exactly where I will stand until Christ returns. If I appear foolish to those standing on worldly wisdom; or an impossible person to those opposed to God’s Word; then being an impossible person for Christ is exactly who I want to be, and exactly who I believe Jesus wants me to be as well. The Bible teaches that during the end-times people with my belief system will be hunted down and put to death for the good of society as a whole. Sound impossible? Read about the history of the French Revolution, or Nazi Germany.

We are told in God’s word that in the end times that this is exactly what will happen. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron … If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." 1 Timothy 4:1-6.

God bless you my friends, Bob
Copyright: Robert West 2011