Charlatans in glory-land . . .

Called To Be Faithful Not Famous

If history—particularly Church history, has taught us anything it is that Kingdom success is measured in the terms of faithfulness. One with personal charisma may burst on the scene with the brilliance of lightning across the midnight sky, but in reality in the long run may be just another flash in the pan. Better to be a flickering candle, I say, that burns through the night than the shock and awe of a lightening flash.

Assertive, self-willed impostors through the sheer strength of their charismatic personality can develop a pack of gullible dupes that sprint along the sidelines desperately grasping at each nugget of the most trivial Christianized foolishness imaginable—that’s for sure. All Mr. or Ms. Charisma need do is flash a smile and regurgitate any old worn out cliché and the charm offensive is on. It works, too.

I say, it works, but then it all depends on what we mean by works. If we are talking about fame or fortune, it really does work. These fools’ barns are stocked to the roof with symbols of success—Rolls Royces, Bentleys, suits from Lloyds of London, Rolex watches, private Learjets, you name it, they’ve got it, and all in the name of Jesus, too. Nor, dare we ask ‘Where is that spirit of Jesus, riding on a donkey, and without even a roof to cover his head at night?’—unless, of course, someone was kind enough to provide one. No, we mustn’t question ‘God’s anointed’ and do these false prophets any harm.

I suppose the attitude is that if we just ignore them they will go away. Well, to do that in my opinion is just like trying to ignore bedbugs in hopes that they will not come out during the night and bite the fire out of you. I refer to them as bedbugs because that is about the size they really are, and in reality they will suck the blood out of you. Other than that the analogy falls apart—but it gets the point across, none-the-less.

Harsh word? Well, if the truth is harsh, then these are harsh words. 

‘Well,’ I’ve heard the argument, ‘these men and women may indulge themselves, but really that’s just a sign of human frailty, otherwise, they are soundly Evangelical.”

Really? If you mean by Evangelicals that they mouth the five solas—sola fidei, gratia and so-forth, then may I present another suitable candidate for the Evangelical ministry—that being, of course, the African grey parrot. I have been told that their capacity to articulate the most complex of sentences is utterly amazing. However, I am also told that they can be mean little rascals, and are as devious as they come. Furthermore, they also have an astounding capacity to attract a following. Yes, they do if Facebook is any indication. Take for instance Einstein the Talking Texan Parrot has over 7,259 likes on Facebook, and this is in spite of the fact that poor old Einstein the Talking Texan Parrot is as dead as a doornail. Yes, old Einstein had such charm that even posthumously he has been able to garner up an enviable following. Topping old Einstein is another fellow by the name of Talking Pierre the Parrot a fictional character with 737,777 likes. 
Oh, well, enough of this foolishness. And, I might add, enough also of the charming charlatans masquerading under the guise of Evangelicalism, mystifying their star struck following.

Saying that, however, is not saying enough, though. There must be something to fill the void; after all, most of these poor victims are sincerely searching for God. The tragedy is, however, that they have been given a mixed bag of worldly goodies attractively sacked in bag with a hole in the bottom. Patching up the holes is not the answer either. We must repackage the whole message.

Sola fidei when left to stand alone is heresy. Nowhere in Scripture are we told that we are saved by faith only. No, not one place. We are, however, told that we are not saved by faith alone, for you see, the Scripture says in plain English that “faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. (James 2:17).” 

So, we mustn’t “just listen to God’s word. We must do what it says. Otherwise, we are only fooling yourselves (James 1:22).” “For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight (Romans 2:13).”

Now, if this is too hard for the average Evangelical Christian to grasp, it is understandable since we have been fed the lie for so long. Now, before you throw up your hands and hit that unsubscribe link, consider this.

I am not saying that you can save yourself. You can’t. Only Jesus can and has done that; however, the only proof you have that that has taken place in not in that warm fuzzy feeling you may have about your salvation experience. Feeling are fine, and necessary. But feeling alone will not cut the mustard where your ultimate salvation is concerned—for that you need proof, not for salvation but as a tangible sign that you are indeed saved. In essence—to cut to the chase, to claim the benefits of salvation there must be some evidence. Faith has substance. What is that substance? Faith has evidence. Where is that evidence? James tells us—if you are will to hear it—is works! Good works.

A long time ago, we used to call that holiness, and we knew that without holiness none of us would see God. Hum. That’s Scripture too, isn’t it? Well, just in case, some of us have forgotten Hebrews 12:14 says precisely this. Look it up, it’s there.

Feed your soul with all of the trash on television, or to get all tied up in fraternizing with an ungodly bunch at work or elsewhere may provide a carnal diversion but it will hardly lead you any closer to God. As a matter of fact, according to the Bible it will do just the opposite. Here’s what Scripture says,

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever (1 John 2: 15-17).”

Now, it’s for sure that we have outgrown the sterile Pentecostal demeanor of yesteryear, but let us not throw the baby out with the proverbial bathwater.  Nor do I advocate that we cultivate the attitude of the old Quaker who, in a moment of deep reflection, said to his wife, “Me thinks the whole world is crazy except me and thee; and sometimes I wonder about thee."

Better to err on the side of caution, however, I fell, than to discard all outward signs of holiness, or to neglect to nurture the fruit of the Spirit within us.

With that said, please keep in mind that we are not in this journey alone. He walks beside us each step of the way.


JimR_/ 

Faith by any other is still faith . . . or is it?

How do we reconcile sola fidei—by faith alone, with James 2: 4, which reads:

You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”?

Well, in a word, you don’t. It is just as simple as that!

One is Scripture, which we know is God’s word; whereas the other is the word of man—primarily a catch phrase developed during the Protestant Reformation, a kind of shibboleth used to check and see if  all we Protestants were on the same page.

However, in counter distinction to that, I will be so bold as to say that pure faith does not stand  alone; and as a matter of fact faith as a simple thought process cannot save a fly from being zapped! So, let us now backup and take a closer look at the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

Now it is true that “the just shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38); that we cannot deny. However, that is just the point! Sola fidei denies the very definition of what faith is. Faith is not just wishful thinking. Faith is not just a mental assent to the facts of theology, or one’s sectarian agenda, religious or otherwise.

Faith has substance that is sufficient enough to standup in court as evidence. “Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith may include “assurance,” it may include “confidence” or “being sure of something”; but none of these alone is really faith. Faith is a substance; something you can see, feel, sense, and touch—it is real. There’s evidence in faith. It does not stand alone as some kind of mental exercise.

Now, I know that some will get all bent out of shape when they read what I have just said, but hang in here, there’s more to come.

For faith to have any meaning at all, two things are necessary—they are, someone to exercise that faith, and the substance of that faith to be evident. The devils believed and trembled, the Scripture says; however, they were faithless—in other words, their behavior belied them.

So, do we admit that one’s behavior is the evidence of one’s faith? Faith, as I have said, does not stand alone. Works follows as proof of that substance. It’s kind of like love and marriage, you can’t have one without the other. Well, not really, because I know many married folks that aren’t really all that much in love. But, that’s just the point. The only proof that you have that they are a happily married couple is that they show it. The word “love” is just a lot of hot air, otherwise.

The same with faith. The word faith can be, and often is just a lot of hot air. Real faith has legs. You can see it in action. Yes, you can see, feel, sense and touch it—it’s real.

Faith can never stand alone, no not ever, and since God in His wisdom knew that, He sent His Son, in the flesh so that He could be seen, felt, sensed, and touched! Yes, He is the substance, and evidence all wrapped up in one.

What a marvelous gift faith is!

I am sure you have heard the old saying that “the proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof.” Well, so is faith. So, along with the psalmist, may I invite all those that will to come—

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; and blessed are those who takes refuge in him (Psalm 34:8)”?

Just remember, we are not on this journey alone. He walks beside us.


Blessings,

Jim/

A psalm that is more than just another song . . .

The psalmist begins where all of us should begin and close each day—that is, meditating on the Word of God. This is a foundational principle for sound spirituality.  It is not, however, a task that should stand over us like a heavy taskmaster.  Absolutely not! We, like the psalmist should delight in His Law—His word to us, which He intends as with Jeremiah: 

 

‘He has plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, and plans to give us a hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11)

 

These principles become very clear as we walk through this first psalm, which says: 

 

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

 

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 

 

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 

 

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 

 

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 

 

6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (King James Version (KJV) by Public Domain) 

 

Right away we are made aware of the fact that it really does matter what kind of company we keep, and whose advice we take. You run with a pack of thieves, or fraternize with a bunch of boozers, eventually you will become one yourself. This goes for the company you keep on television, too. Watch enough filth, and you will become dirty, too. It is just as simple as that. 

 

My wife and I are no prudes, but we learned a long time ago to pick and choose our company. That doesn’t mean that we avoid ‘sinners’ as it were—we’re all sinners we know that; but we don’t revel with the rowdies. Don’t expect me to laugh at a nasty joke. I won’t, so I wouldn’t encourage anyone to tell me one, or for a filthy mouth comedian to keep me from turning the knob on the television when he comes on. 

 

Have I done or said things that I am ashamed of now? Certainly, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t learned my lesson. And, what is that lesson? It is simply this: If I want to be blessed by God, then I must avoid these things. For I know that in the long run the ungodly will perish (v.6); and that I have a prosperous future ahead of me (v. 3.). 

 

In a word, I want to be a winner, and I can’t if I am not obedient to His Word. 

 

I remain yours for the journey,

Jim_/

50 million Frenchmen can't be wrong ... or can they?

Personally, I find it entertainingly interesting that every Tom, Dick and Harry, along with all the Janes and Susie Quies get to vote on matters of faith and practice. The idea being, of course, that somehow a consensus brings about truth. In that regards, I am reminded of the old song “Fifty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong” popularized by Sophie Tucker. Of course, we all know that is not true. Yes, it is possible that not only can the French be wrong, but so can we Americans as a whole.

What I have in mind is some of the more recent decision made by our Supreme Court on issues such as gay marriage and abortion. Now, this is not to say that the Court did not make the correct legal decision, but legality, whether by a Constitution or Federal or State law, does not necessarily mean that the decision or law is morally right.

So, it is easy to see that a country can be dead-right and yet dead-wrong at the same time. Law, as such, you see, is amoral. It has no morals. Law is either arbitrary or egalitarian by nature—sometimes a combination of both. Hitler had law on his side, as well as the vote of the people. Hitler, including the majority of Germans at that time were, however, dead wrong.

This, of course, presents an ever occurring dilemma for us as Christians who wish to remain loyal citizens.

In other words, just how pushy should we get? That decision, I must leave with you; however, whatever, we, too, must make sure that our zeal for Divine justice does not make us a victim of our own code of justice. Along with Paul we must ask ourselves,

“Shall we do evil that good may result?” (Romans 3:8)

Of course, the answer is absolutely ‘No!’ We must continue paying out taxes to a corrupt and in many ways an unjust government, and unfortunately watch them squander our money on useless and often time inhumane projects. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s is a principle, not a choice, however. Furthermore, two wrongs, as is often said, do not make one right.

Thank God, however, we do have a voice. Although I must admit that I find that some of my most vociferous friends are the least likely to vote. ‘Why bother?’ seems to be their motto. Now, I must admit, I have a hard time listening to folks like that. Those that are not willing to put their money where their mouth is or their vote where their mouth is really don’t deserve the courtesy of taking them serious.

2016 is going to be a watershed year. But, if recent history has taught us anything, it will be the voice of the minority that is heard rather than that of the so-called moral majority. Come what may, however, we must not weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9) That’s God’s promise, not just one that I came up with; and it is a principle that we must live by.

That goes for all of us. Often it is so easy to just sit back (as we grow older) and say, “I’ve done my part. It’s now time for a new generation to take over.” That, however, is a false security. We can never depend on the next generation to straighten out what our generation has made crooked. That’s our primary responsibility.

Prepare the next generation? Sure. But, as long as we live, it is our responsibility to not just do what is morally right, but to make the crooked path straight for the next generation; or at the very least, show them how.

This is precisely why I take on new responsibilities almost daily. Only yesterday, I accepted a new invitation to help train a new generation of pastors in the Caribbean, which in addition to my commitments to Southern Asia and elsewhere is always a leap of faith.

Why do I say this? Well, for one thing, I am not getting any younger, and furthermore it is next to impossible to even consider financially living on Social Security and what little we have tucked away for taxes and maintaining a home to live in. This never hit me any heavier that this morning when the alarm went off and up jumped my wife to put on her scrubs and race over to one of the local schools to substitute as a nurse for the day. This, I must hasten to added, so that you won’t see me as some kind of old ogre, is her way of saying, “I’m with you in this crusade. Together we’ll fight the battle. We will do our best to get the message out and, yes, train that new generation to take up the banner after us.”

This brings me to my final point—that is, if you are still reading this—we need your help. Financially, right now, our account desperately needs at least $2,500 dollars to meet our current obligations. Now, I know that is sometimes easier to pray than to give, so I ask that each of us soberly ask ourselves if we are just coping-out when we choose to sympathize rather than empathize by making a financial commitment.

(Now, believe me, I don’t feel bad about putting it this way, because we’re talking about a God given responsibility here, not just that of a fellow who doesn't know when to stop.)

In any and every event, however, we are not on this journey alone; and as always, I, too, am most appreciative of all that you do, including your prayers, as well.

I remain yours for the journey,

Jim_/

Eating your own words Churchillian style . . .

Winston Churchill once remarked that eating his own words never gave him indigestion. Smart fellow, I must say. Some things are best left unsaid. Truth is, however, that far too often things left unsaid should have been said. As the Prophet Ezekiel reminds us.

"When I [God] say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. "Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself. "Again, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I place an obstacle before him, he will die; since you have not warned him, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand." (Ezekiel 3:18-20 NIV)

So, saying the right thing at the right time is pretty important as far as God is concerned.

There is, however, a world of difference between forcing the issue, and a warning. Let me explain. E.S. Williams, one of longest serving General Superintendents of the Assemblies of God denomination once wrote—or words to this effect, that God has not called us to go out at night and take down the license plate number of every one attending an illegal cock fight. That," he said, "is a policemen's job, not yours as a pastor." Kind of an archaic way of putting it, but you must remember that I grew up in pretty archaic times when dog fights and cock fights were pretty exciting events for the manly sorts. (No, I've never been to a dog fight, although as a farm boy I've certainly seen my share of dog and cat fights! (Incidentally, the cat usually wins.)

In any event, I am sure you get the point—that is, God has not called us to be policemen, but rather like a town crier. We warn the public hazards that are out there, put up signs that indicate the danger that lurks in the dark, remind them of the laws and the penalty for breaking them—something like, the old town crier or bellmen of Medieval Europe. Of course this is only one of many analogies that can be used. We can be watchmen, or witnesses. But, nowhere do I find that God has called any of us to be policemen.

Now, I know that that attitude does not set well with the self-righteous, or religious bigot, but unless we are living in a covenanted and mutual relationship with God and one another, then the best we can do is warn, or witness, or rescue.

Now, lest there be any misunderstanding, I do feel that we have a covenanted relationship that must be kept to protect the innocent and helpless. God certainly makes that clear. Pure religion is in part to do just that—that is to defend, and protect the helpless. Other than that, however, I find no room for the religious zealot in the Kingdom of God.

So, the next time you, me or anyone else feels like cramming Jesus down anyone's throat we must keep in mind that we are doing that on our own, God is not with us in that. Unfortunately, however, jihadism (or at least the nature thereof) is prevalent in every religion, and takes many forms. Sometimes it is through coercion, other times through the ballot box or an executive decision by the President; in each and every case, however, it is wrong. Thus, I find it extremely disturbing that some feel they have a God given right to force their political and moral agenda on me or anyone else. Nor do I feel that I should subsidize such immoral foolishness, either, with my hard earned tax dollars. More specifically, if someone wants to indiscriminately get an abortion which I feel is murder in the first place, I may not be able to stop that, but let them do it on their dime, not mine.

In a word, someday there will be Hell to pay for their actions, but I simply do not feel that any individual, public or private — corporation should be forced to be made a party to their crimes.

I am yours for the journey,

JimR_/

Police or pastor . . . what shall it be?

Winston Churchill once remarked that eating his own words never gave him indigestion. Smart fellow, I must say. Some things are best left unsaid. Truth is, however, that far too often things left unsaid should have been said. As the Prophet Ezekiel reminds us.

"When I [God] say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. "Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself. "Again, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I place an obstacle before him, he will die; since you have not warned him, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand." (Ezekiel 3:18-20 NIV)

So, saying the right thing at the right time is pretty important as far as God is concerned.

There is, however, a world of difference between forcing the issue, and a warning. Let me explain. E.S. Williams, one of longest serving General Superintendents once wrote—or words to this effect, that God has not called us to go out at night and take down the license plate number of every one attending an illegal cock fight. That," he said, "is a policemen's job, not yours as a pastor." Kind of an archaic way of putting it, but you must remember that I grew up in pretty archaic times when dog fights and cock fights were pretty exciting events for the manly sorts. (No, I've never been to a dog fight, although as a farm boy I've certainly seen my share of dog and cat fights! Incidentally, the cat usually wins.)

In any event, I am sure you get the point—that is, God has not called us to be policemen, but rather lifeguards. We warn of the hazards that are out there, put up signs that indicate the danger of the surf or sharks, and, yes, recue, if we can, the unfortunate ones who need it; but, even then, the swimmers can fight us off, if they wish. Of course this is only one of many analogies that can be used. We can be watchmen, or witnesses. But, nowhere do I find that God has called any of us to be policemen.

Now, I know that that attitude does not set well with the self-righteous, or religious bigot, but unless we are living in a covenanted and mutual relationship with God and one another, then the best we can do is warn, or witness, or rescue.

Now, lest there be any misunderstanding, I do feel that we have a covenanted relationship that must be kept to protect the innocent and helpless. God certainly makes that clear. Pure religion is in part to do just that—that is to defend, and protect the helpless.

I am yours for the journey, 

JimR_/

Politics and rotten eggs . . .

Compromise seems to be the name of the game these days, however. Everyone has their rights, you know. Tolerance and compromise, however, are opposites, as I see it. I can tolerate same-sex unions, for instance, but that does not mean that I will compromise my principles and perform one. Marijuana may be legal in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean that I am ready to buy a joint for my grandchild. No, I can tolerate a pothead, but that does not mean that I can just sit back and say, “Go ahead, smoke the stuff; but will you please drive safely?” Smoking the stuff may help retard the effects of glaucoma, but we mustn’t neglect to inform the users that rats that were forced to smoke the stuff had little ones that had brains growing outside their skull, and a whole lot of other side effects that were not too pleasant, either.

Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of reading in early church history. One thing that I quickly discovered was that the early Christians definitely did not plant a lot of “user friendly churches.” Quite the opposite, most of the leaders were either run out of town or martyred. Not much of a choice there—not a user friendly one, at least.

So, I for one, feel that the church must hold strong on moral convictions, regardless of the consequences. 

Should we invite trouble? Absolutely not. On the other hand, however, neither should we run from it.

Case in point. Recently, the lesbian mayor of Houston, Annise Parker spearheaded the passage of an “Equal Rights Ordinance” (ERO) that added “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the city’s non-discrimination provision, which includes, among other things, “public accommodations” — for example, restrooms. Citizens, among them church leaders, balked. They launched a referendum petition that, with the requisite 17,269 signatures, would require the city council to repeal the ERO, or to put the measure up for a vote. They obtained 55,000 signatures. The city secretary, who has sole responsibility for certifying such petitions, signed off.

Enter Houston city attorney David Feldman, who, with no legal authority, disqualified 38,000 signatures. Names that were printed, rather than written in cursive, were discarded; names that were written in cursive were considered illegible — just enough names to get the petition below the 17,000-signature requirement, at which point the city council and Mayor Parker rejected it. And several citizens sued.

But the city’s shenanigans had only just begun. Unsatisfied with violating the rights of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, the City of Houston has subpoenaed privileged communications of five pastors (none of them party to the lawsuit) who helped to organize the petition drive. Among other information, the city is requesting communications between the pastors and their attorneys pertaining to the ERO lawsuit, communications between the pastors and their congregants, and even the pastors’ sermons.

Consequently, for example, a subpoena on Pastor Steve Riggle, senior pastor of Grace Community Church, asks for “all speeches, presentations, or sermons related to [the equal rights ordinance], the Petition, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, or gender identity prepared by, delivered by, revised by, or approved by you or in your possession.”

Chance are, however, that these liberals are only testing the legal waters since they have recently backtracked on their subpoenas, but vowed to continue the fight—at, I should say, taxpayer’s expense; although, they have been less than transparent on that issue.

My God continue to give us wisdom as we face the future. Last night, the Republican’s gave the Democrats a real shellacking, but don’t get your hopes up. There are enough rotten eggs in both party baskets to stink up the entire country.

Tweaking love . . . or can you?

Love is not a commodity that can be bartered or sold to the highest bidder. Love comes free, or love does not come at all. Love is not coy, nor flirty. Love is never earned. In a word, you simply cannot quantify love. You cannot package it up, tie a bow around it and give it away, either. To think that way simply means one does not understand the true nature of love. Love is never something, but rather someone. Thus, the highest form of love is God. To know God is to know love.

Love is without fault; therefore, you can never judge love. True love is flawless. Love knows no language; yet, it is known by all. A Frenchman does not have a corner on the language of love, any more than an African Hottentot. There’s nothing erotic about love, either. Love has no gender, age or level of intelligence. Some of the most loving people on earth have Downs’s syndrome; yet they are full of love.

True love doesn’t come naturally, either; unless you are in love with God. Then, and only then does it become selfless and purposeful. Thus, love never ask, ‘What can I get?’ but rather, ‘What can I give?’

Jesus gave his all. Yet, few of us have that courage. Why is that? Now, do you want the truth? If so, here it is— it is because few of us are that committed.

I find it curiously interesting that the disciple who met Christ on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) did not recognize him until he broke bread with them. Scripture does not tell us why that was so, but the scene suggest that they must have put it all together once they had taken a good look at his hands and his nail scared wrist. Something must have clicked at that moment. It was their ‘aha’ moment. Words were not necessary. He didn’t have to say, ‘Hey, look at how much I loved you!’ In that instance, however, something spoke louder than words.

Once when visiting Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying, I noticed a little orphan following one of the nuns around. The little fellow didn’t say a word. When she stopped, he stopped. When she sat, he sat beside her, just looking at her. She never seemed annoyed at her little tag along, either. He was just there, a part of her, really. Such is the power of love. It draws like an invisible magnet, and will never let go. Love is reciprocal in that sense. The little fellow was starving for love, and when he got it, love seemed to generate new love that he could give back in return by simply looking at her, knowing she loved him.

This should be a principle that we all maintain. That is, love is a presence. A person. A response, not measured in dollars and cents, or hours donated to charity, or stuffed in an enveloped as a missionary offering. True love is the silent language of the heart which says 'I love you unconditionally just as you are.'

May God renew within each of us the gift that cannot be bought or sold— the gift of love.

I am yours for the journey, 

JimR_/

Fighting terrorism in a tux . . .

I don't know, but I do get the feeling that fighting terrorism for some of our politicians is like a plumber coming to work in a tux. There's dirty work out there, and yet they’re dressed for the next banquet with their politically correct speech well prepared. Where did we ever get the idea that we can fight an international war on terrorism without dirtying ourselves?

Clearly we have lost our focus. Coddling the terrorist among us by covering them with a Constitution that was never written to protect thugs with foreign ideologies that intend to destroy us was not the purpose that our founding fathers had in mind. As a matter of fact, our Second Amendment was added to clarify that point.

 I indeed find it very interesting when the attack on the Canadian Parliament by an obvious jihadhist, or the New York subway axe hacking Muslim is explained away by our national media as just another lone wolf, not really tied to any organized international organization. Really. Is organized religion, especially one that promotes violence, not international, and organizationally linked by ideology? Do we really think that a Klu Klux Klaner would be treated so kindly? If not, then why these murderers? Bowing to Mecca 5 times daily does not lessen the hurt any less.

I know it is a tricky line to walk but as far as I am concerned our First Amendment Right to “free speech” and the right to practice the religion of our choice is not an open door with a sign posted on it reading, “Come on in. Say and do what you want. Winner take all.” No, absolutely not. These Constitutional amendments are there to protect the weak, the innocent; not internal thuggery, religious or otherwise.

Now, allow me, if you will, to carry the argument one step farther. When does “aiding and abetting” a criminal suddenly take on an entirely different meaning when it is practices under the guise of freedom? The type of freedom that I have in mind is kind that turns a blind eye in a mosque, or allow our Internet resources to be used to infest our youth with medieval barbarity. This is not freedom, this is an idiocity.

Granted not all Muslims are terriorists; however, I certaintly think it would help their cause if we heard a little bit more from this silent majority.

I am yours for the journey,

JimR_/

Is the sky really falling in?

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly." Richard Bach

Media hype is nothing new. Randolph Hurst did not invent yellow journalism, either. The phenomenon has been around, I suspect, since men first began to talk, and that takes us all the way back to the Garden of Eden.

Who started the first rumor mill I have no way of knowing. I do know, however, that a good story has always drawn a crowd, even if it is just a cock and bull story at that, especially if it has the scare factor in it. After all, nothing like a good adrenalin rush to spark a reaction to watch more television or buy more newspapers.

Now, I am sure by now that you are saying to yourself, “Okay, Roane, where are you headed with this?”

Hold on, give me time and I will tell you.

What I have in mind is the recent (an ongoing) Ebola scare. Here in Texas, my goodness, news has been 24/7 on the nightmare of what can-a, or could-a, or might-a, have happened given the right scenario. You know the stories. One poor fellow, who unfortunately (at least in this case) happened to be black, sneezed on a plane, after which he jokingly said, “Oh, I must have Ebola.” You can guess the rest of the story. Yep, that’s right, the pilot turned the plane around mid-air and headed for the closes airport. Nothing a six dollar bottle of Theraflu couldn't handle, the doctor said.

I find it truly amazing that in the most serious times some in the news media get a kick out of whipping up the gullible public into a frenzy. I say, get a kick, because I am sure none of them really believe that a new black plauge is just about to sweep across America. The naïve buy into the hype, however, and hype sells. News ratings go up, and, of course, along with that advertising revenue.

Well, enough of that.

What really annoys me is that politician see an opportunity to criticize the opposition so they can garner more votes. Preachers pontificate from the pulpits painting the most sordid stories of a gloomy disaster lurking just beyond the next daybreak, and if not then, then surely soon. Just wait until the next red moon, that’s the sign, so get ready. It's Halloween all over again.

My question is simply this: Whatever happened to old fashioned faith and trust in a loving God? Sure bad times are likely to come, but there’s always tomorrow. And, friend, there will always be tomorrow until the God Lord says it’s enough and raptures His Bride. Now, guess what, neither you nor I, or even Jesus himself knows when. That has been reserved for the Father’s own choosing. Oh, I know, some argue that Jesus knows now since He has ascended to Heaven—although, I don’t necessarily go along with that line of thinking, I can tell you that one way or the other, He is not telling. The same goes for these doom-sayers also—they simply do not really know.

Yes, I have written a book on modern jihadism which I think fit well into the whole scenario Biblical prophecy, but one thing you won’t catch me saying is that I know precisely when Christ will return to snatch away His Bride, the Church. That I don’t know or pretend to know. That’s a secret He hasn't let me in on, nor anyone else I might add.

It may be today, tomorrow, or a thousand years from now (although, I seriously doubt it will be that distant in the future).

So, let's get busy. We are told to occupy until he comes (Luke 19:13), and as far as I can determine there's not a hint in those instructions to flurry about like Chicken Little chirping that the sky is falling down on us.

Just keep in mind that we are not on this journey alone. He is with us each step of the way.

Take care,

Jim

He is there, and He hears

“We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts” ― A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

God is not deaf. He hears our every sigh. As a matter of fact, God hears the silent language of a soul in distress. Nothing that affects you is inaudible to Him, for in these cases silence speaks louder than words. He hears. He cares. He understands. And, best of all, He will do something about it. That’s His promise, not mine. I nor anyone else, not even you closes friend can make that promise, and keep it, too.

Paul reminds us that “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26 NIV).”

So, when you get down and out, reaching up to touch bottom, just keep in mind He not only sees your feeble efforts to dig yourself out of whatever hole you find you are in, but He also on His own prays for you! Wow. Think of it. There is nothing more powerful, that I can think of, than to have God himself pray for you or me.

Now, I don’t want to be critical or disrespectful, but I do find it hard to understand that some Christians find it more appealing to have some saint, dead or alive, pray for them at the expense of allowing God to offer up our pain and sorry in the form of a Holy Ghost inspired prayer.

That should always be our first line of defense. Now, I am fully aware that some feel that some long deceased saint like Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, has a vested in with her son, and as the argument goes, “she has his ear” and He will listen to her. Implying of course that we don’t have that privilege.

I also understand that our Christian priority is (as the Common English Bible translates it) to:

Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers. (Ephesians 6:18 CEB)

I would have you to notice, however, that such prayers are conveyed in the Spirit—in other words, the Spirit is the mediator (the go-between) between us and God, the Father. Thus, it is plain to me that we have direct accesses to God through His Spirit.

Therefore,

Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)

Now, the beautiful part of this process is that we all have that access. Not just some saint, dead or alive.  Nor do we shy back because we are unworthy. No, just the contrary. We press forward because we have been made worthy. God sees us for what we are going to be, not for what we are. By this I mean it is precisely who we are that makes us the unworthy recipient of His Grace. This is true because, as Paul reminds us “that it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us’ and he offers this as proof of ‘God’s amazing love’ for us. (Romans 5:8 Phillips)

Yet, through it all, since we have been washed, made clean and exalted with Him to Heavenly places we can enter His presence with all confidence, knowing the He hears us, because—

He is able, now and always, to save those who come to God through him, because he lives forever to plead with God for them. (Hebrews 7:5 GNT)

Now, what more can you ask for, or expect?

As always, I am with you on this journey,

      Jim

P.S. Just got off Skype with a pastor friend in Pakistan. Please remember to pray for Pastor Asif Masih Samuel and the work in that spiritually hungry country. Please pray also for another friend of mine, Dr. Neil Chadwick, who will be travelling to visit this ministry in Pakistan at my request. Pray that God will not only protect him, but also give him wisdom and discretion as he evaluates the situation there. Pray also for his family during his absence. 

Why? What about, "Because?"

According to George Dvorsky there are 8 great philosophical questions that we'll never solve. His opinion is that there's a spat brewing between some theoretical physicists and philosophers of science. He writes—

"Philosophy goes where hard science can't, or won't. Philosophers have a license to speculate about everything from metaphysics to morality, and this means they can shed light on some of the basic questions of existence. The bad news? These are questions that may always lay just beyond the limits of our comprehension."

Here the 8 hard questions he asks for you to look at and ask yourself if you have ever asked them—

1. Why is there something rather than nothing?

2. Is our universe real?

3. Do we have free will?

4. Does God exist?

5. Is there life after death?

6. Can you really experience anything objectively?

7. What is the best moral system?

8. What are numbers?

Chances are, you have asked yourself the first 7 questions, but not the last (unless, of course, you’re a nerd. No offence intended). How you answer them is, of course, another matter altogether. Personally, I like what one student of philosophy wrote on her final exam when the final, and only question was: “Why?”

It took her less time to answer that than it took me to write this sentence; her answer was: “Because!” And, guess what? She was right. I must say that she was a whole lot sharper than most of my students.

Hers was a simple answer, and as usual, the simple answer is generally the best.
May I say in regards to these 8 questions that after teaching apologetics to prepare students to answer these major concerns that I have, that I have given the simply answer up front. We start with “BECAUSE” and work out from there.

My reasoning is this. There is no “WHY?” unless there is a “BECAUSE.” God never expected us to start with the “WHYS of life.” So, we need to get busy and figure out the “BECAUSES.”

To put it another way. Faith is a given, not something we need to muster up. Pray tell me, where in all the pages of Scripture do we find God trying to convince us of His very existence, including His creation (numbers included!)? Where in the pages of Scripture do we find the Bible asking us if we have free will? As a matter of fact, where do we find any of these basic questions asked? The Book of Job comes about as close to addressing these questions systematically; however, the question is never an independent “WHY?” The question always rest on a “BECAUSE” this happens, then “WHY?”

Then why trust the Bible on these issues? Well, primarily because the Bible starts and ends with the “BECAUSES” of reality, not the “WHYS.” And, I trust it because it best answers the “WHYS” of life.

Complicated? No, not really. Think of it this way. What satisfies you most, the “WHYS” of God, or His “BECAUSES?” Think of the greatest “BECAUSE” of all,

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son.” (John 3:16)

Need we ask, “Why?” His “BECAUSE” already tell us why. God loves us, that why. As, a matter of fact, proof of that love is anchored in His very nature, since He loved us first, then he washed us. (Rev. 1:5) Normally, we want to clean someone up first, then love them, not the other way around. No so with God. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) And, the proof of that love?

Well, perhaps that old song by Minnie Steele says it best—

I REMEMBER WHEN MY BURDENS ROLLED AWAY⁺

I remember when my burdens rolled away;I had carried them for years, night and day.When I sought the blessèd Lord,And I took Him at His word,Then at once all my burdens rolled away.

Refrain 

Rolled away, rolled away,I am happy since my burdens rolled away.Rolled away, rolled away,I am happy since my burdens rolled away.I remember when my burdens rolled away;That I feared would never leave, night or day.Jesus showed to me the loss,So I left them at the cross;I was glad when my burdens rolled away.

Refrain

I remember when my burdens rolled away,That had hindered me for years, night and day.As I sought the throne of grace,Just a glimpse of Jesus’ face,And I knew that my burdens could not stay.

Refrain

I am singing since my burdens rolled away;There’s a song within my heart night and day.I am living for my king,And with joy I shout and sing:Hallelujah, all my burdens rolled away!

Now, I ask you, once we have experience that, must we ask “Why?” We already know “Why?” His ‘BECAUSE” tells us why. He loves us. 

Now, I am yours for the journey,

 Jim

P.S. The response to my latest book has been encouraging. If you haven't already, check it out. And, don't forget to pray for our ministry in the meantime.

⁺ Words & Music: Minnie A. Steele, 1908 (♫  ).

Suffering for suffering's sake? Think again!

My last desire—

When the time comes for me to die,

To-morrow, or some other day,

If God should bid me make a reply,

“O God, thy world was great and fair!

Have thanks for all my days have seen;

Yet grant me peace from things that were

And things that might have been.”
Thomas W. Hazen Rolleston

Dear Friends, prayer and financial partners,

We Pentecostals, "bless our little pea-picking hearts," as Ernie Ford used to say, have yet to scratch the surface on the value inherent in suffering.

Now, I am not talking about self-inflicted suffering like the Flagellants (from Latin flagellare, to whip) who beat themselves or are nailed to a cross in the Philippines and elsewhere by misguided fanatics, either. No, I cannot find anywhere in Scripture that we are expected to suffer just for suffering's sake. 

What I have in mind is the type of suffering that many of our Christian brothers and sisters are experience in the Middle East right now. Entire Christian villages have been overrun by fanatical jihadists who often time behead the men, women and children to shock the rest who are lucky enough to survive and thereby get them to convert to Islam.

Is it happening? Sure, it's happening. Has been, and will continue to happen, too!

Read your Bible. This is precisely what the false prophet in league with the beast will, and has done for centuries. That aside, however, since you might look at history and the Bible differently on this subject than I do. So, please understand, I am not one to argue the matter. But, I am one to sound the alarm.

Indeed, the time is short.

So, it is with the backdrop of all that is going on around us that I write this brief essay on suffering. Paul, for one, thought that a suffering Christian was helpful in that it identified us with the suffering of Christ and give us an opportunity to emulate his character with the sole purpose of shaping us into the likeness of Christ. All things work together. All things, not just some things. So, suffering must be included.

Sound too Catholic to you? Well, it shouldn’t. It’s Bible. Need I reference that? If so, for starters may I suggest Romans 8:28-29 and Colossians 1:24. Here, let me print them for you:

 

First Romans 8:28-

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son … (NIV)

 

Now, Colossians 1:24

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. (NIV)

Now, let’s not just stop there. Think with me for a moment. Do you see how beautifully these verses all blend together in one Divine plan? It is obviously plain to me that firstly uninvited suffering of any sort serves to change us into the image of Christ if we are willing; and secondly, how we handle the suffering can act as a Christian example of purity and mentorship to encourage others to respond similarly.

 

Complicated? No, not really. Here read what the poet Patricia Persons, a cancer patient had to say:

If you believe in the Word of God

You'll know trials only make us strong

And in Christ anywhere you are in life

Is just where you belong

Take time to read the Book of Job

And you will plainly see

That God will never leave you alone

He's always been there for me

It's not what you are going through friend

It's how you stand the test

Just put your hands in the hands of God

And let Him do the rest

I go through life with a made up mind

I know God has my back

I'm not the one for a pity party now

I pray and get on the right track

I am a living testimony

For all the world to see

And I want the whole wide world to know

I have cancer…..cancer doesn't have me

© Patricia Persons 2014

 

 

So, take courage. A lesson well learned is a lesson well kept. Take courage, therefore, and cherish Christ's promise to never leave you or forsake you. Life is not without purpose.

Yours in the journey,

JimR/

P.S. My latest book on Islamic jihadism was published and is available. 

The Islamic State Revealed
Click Cover to Buy!
The Brotherhood of Death

The latest book on Kindle $5.99
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A foolish misunderstanding ...

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. – Psalm 14: 1 NIV

Dear Friends, prayer and financial partners,

One thing about the Bible. It calls it like it is. Not a place to go if you are looking for political correctness. Sexual perversion is labeled as such, and they writers didn't scurry around trying to make God look good by filtering every imaginable abomination under the sun through His love. My Bible tells me that—

The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation. (Numbers 14:18 NIV)

So, apparently He hold grudges (call it righteous indignation if you please) and will divvy out punishment, as it were, to the third and fourth generation. Notice, however, it says for the sin of their parents; meaning, of course, that sin has consequences that extend well beyond the perpetrators. And, of course, we cannot deny that bad parents by example can, and most often do, warp their children’s minds so terribly that the child not only imitates them, but many time far exceeds that  parent’s rotten example.

This is not always the case, but it is a strong possibility.

Conversely, also just the opposite is also true, as Billy Graham once remarked—

“The influence of a mother upon the lives of her children cannot be measured. They know and absorb her example and attitudes when it comes to questions of honesty, temperance, kindness, and industry.”

Makes good sense, doesn’t it?

Good parents are essential for a good society; and vice versa. So, the first culprit that we should look for when a child goes astray is usually a parent. Not always, but usually.

I like the way the American Standard Version addresses the issue. It reads—

Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 ASV)

Well, in what way, are we to train a child? Spare the rod and spoil the child? Tell that one to Child Protective Services if you inadvertently leave a bruise behind. Spanking I have found is not always the answer, so why chance it? I know, I know. Spare the rod and spoil the child is not in Scripture; and for good reason I might add. And, yes, I also know that the Scripture does say that we must correct our children, but not brutally so. 

Here’s what Proverbs 23; 13 has to say about the matter—

Don't fail to discipline your children. They won't die if you spank them. [NIV}

So, where do we draw the line between a good spanking and child abuse? Well, let me answer that this way, there is no line, there are only people—a child and a parent, and if love is missing in either, then discipline is futile.

Any parent, football player or ghetto mother, anyone for that matter, which takes their frustrations out on a poor child, misbehaving or not, is just downright wrong—worst yet, sinful. The same goes for a husband that beats his wife. This is totally inexcusable, and if they are a preacher, they should be defrocked before sunup tomorrow morning.

How shameful our country has become. We must wait for Budweiser to threaten to remove their sponsorship before the NFL gets serious about removing the brutes who beat their wives and children from the league is morally reprehensible. Think of it, a beer company has to be the one to step in and call foul! Where in the name of commonsense are the owners, and others in responsible positions?

Thank God a few hardy souls were willing to speak out and the fans began to turn their Ray Rice’s jerseys in, so not all is lost.

Now, back to the theme of this diatribe; and that is,

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. – Psalm 14: 1 NIV

Well, Jim, you say, in what wonky way does that Scripture fit what you have to say?

I would say in this way, any fool that doesn't care how they act, until they get caught, of course, is in for a rude awakening come judgment day. For me, there is not one iota of difference between what is commonly referred to as a Christian agnostic, and an outright heathen.  

Yours for the journey,