the eyes of babes

If you’re a Christian, have read the Gospels, or spent any amount of time in Church it’s a good bet that you have heard, in some form or another, that you must enter or receive the Kingdom of God as a child.

The actual references quote the Lord Jesus as saying.
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:3
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:14
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15
Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest." Luke 9:48
But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:17
(NIV)

Seven quotes of Jesus in three of the Gospels. It must be important but I never really got it till last week when I received this picture of my youngest grandson.

Look at the wonder and excitement in his young eyes. There are no preconceived ideas. No fear of embarrassment or worry about “what if” All he sees is wonder and joy. He wants to touch, feel, taste, see hear everything. Nothing is common.

For the first time I truly begin to understand the words of our Living Lord in Luke 10:21, now it makes perfect sense. “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”

My new prayer, “Lord help me to see your creation with the wonder of a child”

Real Ministry

I received a note in response to “What the World Sees?” yesterday. The very basic truth of this note cut me to the bone.

When I wrote “What the World Sees?” I was attempting to make the point. In my attempt to not be critical and offend, that point, may not have been clear.

With the author’s permission I have posted the note in the hope that it clarifies the point I was trying to make. I also pray that it speaks to you as strongly as it did me.

I don't get online often enough to keep up with blogs and comments; so I don't bother to comment when I read... usually. Now and again I can be provoked to share my opinion ~ ha ha~ but I am a firm believer in sharing my religious beliefs through my actions. In this crazy world we live in, most people are not listening either because they don't have time or they will read and misinterpret my thoughts or ideas. God is Love and to share the Love of Christ is the greatest gift whether this Gift be from God or from one another. Too often I get the impression that religion is becoming more business and money than human bonding and social kindness.
One can get turned off by the thought of church when 4 different churches come knocking at the door on the same Sunday afternoon. My neighbors feel the same and refuse to even answer the door! Bad enough I can not eat dinner with my family or bathe in peace on Sunday afternoons, but this is a perfect example of how the church can push people away from God. When I was in need, there was no church knocking at my door to help me keep my sanity, no fellowship, no concerned Christians that cared to help when my daughter and I were without home, food, or money. It is not that no one knew about our situation; everyone smiled and said if you need anything let me know. I got so sick of hearing that saying, just words; no one really meant them. The Churches all had locked doors and the telephone numbers went to voice mail. No one could call me back as the phone we had to use was a payphone. Perhaps I am bitter; but I believe God wants us to love one another, care about one another as we would our brother. I would never permit my brother to have to go to the street, If asked I would share all I have; that, is what I believe God intended, that is what I believe being a true Christian is about. It is unfortunate that churches need money... Christ held church under the shade of a tree and he never refused help that I am aware of to anyone that was ill, without money or hope.
I sat alone in a room watching my 13 year old daughter sleep and prayed that God either show me a path or take me tonight. I was as low as a human being can get. Seven years later, I can sit here and tell you God answered. I finished homeschooling my daughter, got her accepted at FSU, had surgery on my back, got Social Security to finally approve benefits through disability and God was carrying me most of the time. When God was not carrying me, he was listening to my prayers for strength. God showed me that many self professed Christian people talk the talk, but very few walk the walk. It was with this knowledge that I desire 'less talk and more "to walk as a Christian".

Today is a good day. I am here, and I have much to do.

James, the brother of the Loed wrote:
James 2:16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

What the world sees?

I know a man, most people would consider him a good man. For now lets call him Del, I don’t think I know anyone named Del so no one I know “should” take offence thinking I am talking about them. To be extra safe lets just assume that when I mention Del that I am talking about someone you know but I really don’t.

Ok so Del is a good man in the eyes of most people. Del graduated from some good schools and college, like you might suspect of most well educated people. He speaks clearly and uses good English. Because he is well educated, self confident and recognizes the impact of words Del is seldom prone to profanity. In fact in the years I have known him I would be hard pressed to recall hearing him use a slightly profane word let alone the stronger versions.

Del has a strong social conscience, he cares about his fellow man. He gives substantial sums of money to good causes and also volunteers his time for social causes. When called he happily submits to jury duty and he votes in all elections.

Del is married and has raised a couple seemingly well adjusted kids who both graduated from college before starting their own Ozzie and Harriet families.

Del and his wife own a nice home and two late model cars, both hybrids, keeps the lawn cut and remembers to put out the recycling.

Del was raised in the church and never misses an Easter Sunday or Christmas service.


Now let me introduce George, I actually know a couple Georges so this will be a composite person.

George is married with four kids. He didn’t have the privilege of a “good” education but he has worked hard at learning all he could. George works in the construction business. Its hard honest work, it’s also an environment well seasoned with colorful speech. George has worked hard to not sink to the level of speech that surrounds him but the force of gravity has had its effect. Consequently, every now and then less then pure words have flowed in George’s conversation.

George cares about his fellow man but lives on a tight budget. He gives what he can when he can but he does so anomalously. He faithfully contributes to support his Church. Because of his demanding work schedule George doesn’t have much time to give and honestly isn’t aware that he could be of use in any social programs. He does however teach Sunday school and freely gives of his time to church functions.

George would be hard pressed to pay his monthly bills if he had to spend a week in Jury duty. He thinks most people who run for office are on the take or just looking out for themselves so he isn’t politically active but he does vote in major elections.

George, his wife and four kids live in a small home with a small yard. George drives a pickup, because that’s what construction guys do and his wife’s car is in need of replacement.

George and his family are devoted members of a full gospel nondenominational church. Because they are committed to the church they seldom get involved in community events preferring to spend their free time with their church family.

On the one hand we have Del, a well respected well spoken successful, community involved, prosperous man.

On the other hand we have George, a not too well known, sometimes misspoken, just getting buy, seemingly anti social man.

Both love their families, both try to be good men. One knows and loves the Lord, one works hard at being a pillar of the community.

Jesus cautioned us,

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 13-16 NIV
At the end of the day does the “world” see a difference between the church and the “good people” ? If they do see a difference is it a positive one?
More importantly, when people see me, and you, do they see Jesus? Or do they merely see “religious” people?

Gods preferred nation?

A couple weeks ago I sent out a brief e-mail invitation to a bunch of people to come visit http://his-living-word.blogspot.com/

I do this from time to time and thought that for a change I would say “something” in the invitation. Apparently one of the folks who received the invitation took exception to some of my wording. His question cause me to give a lot of thought to a sound response. Because his question and the response speak so directly to not only the world we live in but to the foundation of our Fait I decided to share both.
Below is his email to me, my response follows.

Just a quick note to say Hi and invite you to stop by http://his-living-word.blogspot.com/
Many people, business and the economy are going through some tough times. The Middle East is in turmoil, Madmen are developing new weapons, and our enemies plot our destruction daily.
Thank God Almighty that our safety and provision are not based on this world but on Him.
May God richly bless you today and in all of your tomorrows.
Bill
http://his-living-word.blogspot.com/

Hey Bill,

Well you certainly are correct about the times that we are living in. And the Bible foretold that these things would be taking place. For instance Jesus mentioned to is disciples while on the Mount of Olives about the "sign" of his (Jesus) presence and the conclusion of the present system of things in (Matt 24:1-14). Also in the book of (2 Timothy 3:1-5) the apostle Paul talks about "critical times hard to deal with" being upon us. And he goes onto describe how men would be during the time of the end. However in your email you state and I quote "Thank God Almighty that our safety and provision are not based on this world but on him." You also say "our" enemies plot "our" destruction. Who is the "our" you are refering too? Remember that in (Gen 1:26) When Jehovah was speaking to his son Jesus he said "let us make man in our image". So all men were created in the image of God and of his son Jesus wouldn't you agree? So to say that God Almighty at this tumultuous time in human history would only have "our (Americans) interests at heart and not the rest of the world is not really a proper view. Remember to other people around the world the US may be their enemies. Is it reasonable to believe that Jehovah God puts a greater importance on Americans and less importance on everybody else?

Troy



Troy:
I didn’t intend for that to seem as though America is the chosen nation, Far from it. I was merely speaking in “human terms” as to the fears that many Americans, most of my readers are Americans, face. Absent the knowledge of Gods Love and Grace many if not most “Americans” set their trust in Americas might, which is quickly eroding. However, the Bible is VERY clear, There is ONLY one way to God the Father and that is through His Son Jesus Christ. (the son being equal to the Father and thereby God) That being said, America aside, all mankind absent the redemptive work of the Christ are separated from God and forever doomed. “ There is NO other name by which we are saved.” You are correct that God loves all mankind, In fact the Loves All mankind so much that He sent his ONLY begotten Son that whoever believes on Him would be saved. I am deeply sorry that most of the world is lost, following false gods and wrong paths that can only lead to destruction. God, both through His Prophets and through His only Son Jesus (totally human and totally God) instructed mankind to come to him through HIS way. That way is Jesus.

Consider this. Man is lost due to Sin. Original Sin and our own. The Bible clearly stated that the price to be paid to remove sin is Death and only the death of an equal or greater can pay that price. The blood of sheep, goats and cattle can not come close to paying the ransom required. We can not pay the price ourselves as we are already corrupted by that which we wish to be cleansed from. Therefore, another of equal or greater stature who is sinless must pay to cleanse us. Putting this in human terms, if I am deeply in dept, financially, and going broke (like so many around us) who can “bail me out”? Only one of greater wealth then me, my equals are also broke, those of less financial standing don’t have the means. Only a person of GREATER financial standing has the ability to free me from MY financial chains. So it is with the bondage of sin. Only someone, or “something” greater can meet my sin payment obligation. The Bible states that Man was made in the likeness of God. Who then can free a being who is like God from sin. There is none Greater then Man BUT God Himself. THAT is why God sent is Son (His equal) to suffer, die and be risen again to free us from our sins. No other path or religion provides the way for man to be cleansed. There is nothing we as mankind can do to cleanse ourselves. We can try to do good works but they don’t remove the stench, they only mask it.

So in answer to your question. God is no respecter of persons OR nationalities. He loves us all Arabs North Koreans, the Presidents of Argentina, the drug lords of Columbia, even the madmen who were behind 9/11. He loves them all so much that he wants them to join him forever. But as Creator, He has the right to only allow that fellowship on His terms.

Gods Blessings on you

Bill

The Road from Perdition

About two weeks ago I was listening to a Christian radio broadcast while on the road. The broadcast was of a Billy Graham crusade from years gone by. Rev. Graham, un-dubitably one of the greatest evangelists of modern times, passionately explained that the only way to not spend eternity in hell was to receive the forgiveness of sins provided through Jesus Christ and spend eternity in Heaven.

As I listened to the obvious conviction in his words and voice I began to wonder about the source and drive of his passion for the lost. I began to weigh my passion for the lost against what I perceived was his.

Both Brother Graham and I were saved by the same redemptive work.

We both received salvation through faith and Gods Grace.
We had both been convicted of our need for salvation through the same Holy Spirit.
We share all of the same rights, benefits and blessings of that redemptive work.
Why then was Billy Graham compelled to totally commit his life to reaching out to the lost. More importantly, to me, why am I not so compelled? Clearly, something is amiss. God is no respecter of persons. His gifts, although varied, are offered by the same measure to all. Therefore the difference is between Brother Graham and I and not in what God wills for us.

Many, if not most people I have met who claim to be “saved” only know Jesus as a sort of “get out of jail free card” or a “holy fire escape”. (I would like to think that that does not apply to me but I am probably closer to that then I can admit, even to me.) I have no doubt that if they believed and placed their trust in the Salvation of Christ that they are in fact saved. Unfortunately, some don’t go past that and many don’t go much further.

Jesus came to not only to proclaim “The Good News” but to also institute it. I simply can’t get my head around the idea that “The Good News” is only that we can avoid hell and that someday in the future, when we die, we will begin our eternal existence in Heaven. If God’s great eternal plan only involved the afterlife, then why bother with earth at all? For that matter, why not just whisk us off to the end of our mortal lives as soon as we accept salvation so as to prevent mankind from doing the damage it has to the message? Webster defines eternal as having infinite duration. That means no beginning as well as no end.

The answer is obvious, the Good News isn’t that He saves us from going to hell. The Good News is that He came to bring us into the Kingdom of God and to save us from hell, hear and now!

Mark 1:14 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

Matthew 12:28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Mark 4:11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables.

Luke 11:20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you

Luke 17:21 nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."
(NIV)

All of these scriptures speak of a now, a closeness, or and indwelling. I can find nothing in the scriptures to suggest that the True Fellowship of God extended to us is reserved till our deaths.

Ephesians 4:8 states “This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."
(NIV)

Jesus Christ has already ascended, this verse, when used in Ephesians, does not speak of some future event or promise. It SHOUTS that the work is finished! We have been freed from our captivity!

Although I don’t personally know Billy Graham and I can’t actually ask him I am forced to believe that he understands, much clearer then most of us, that Salvation is much, much more then a pre-paid ticket to heaven. Salvation frees us from the shackles of hell on earth and is the gateway into the Kingdom of God. A gateway we are not only invited but encouraged to enter through.

If you don’t know that you are a member of Gods family then please, take a moment and allow God to speak to your heart through His Holy Spirit. You were made in His image, for His purpose. A boat floats on the water, because that is what it was made for. A truck was made for another purpose, it will horribly fail if it is used as a boat. Likewise, the boat us useless on the highway. All of mankind was created to be the vessel of God’s pure Love. Reconcile yourself to the fact that absent God’s Love and Grace we are doomed to a hollow shadow of existence. I can think of no other name for that life but hell. Acknowledge your failure, your sin and accept Gods forgiveness through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Then invite the risen Jesus to be your Lord. Surrender to him and He will free you. He will return to you your true hearts desire. To be one with your creator.

If you already are saved, regardless of how long you have been a Christian or how deep your relationship is. I challenge you today to join me and pray that the Holy Spirit expose to you more of the Love and Joy that our Creator wants us to share.

Beating the Recession

I had the great pleasure of talking to my friend Andrew late yesterday afternoon. Just in case you haven't heard about Andrew I’ll do a quick recap.

Andrew McMillan and his, then new, wife Kathy left for the mission fields in Columbia 21 years ago. Andrew knew God was calling him to a better work but the idea of leaving the comfort of a well established church in NJ was not on his “A” list. Nevertheless, Andrew recognized God’s prompting and “agreed” to go to Columbia for two years. God obviously had other plans.

Starting from some very humble beginnings this ministry has literally brought thousands to the Lord and planted dozens if not hundreds of Churches.

I am in the process of building a web site/blog to keep the world informed of the wonders God keeps on doing in Columbia. When it’s ready I’ll let you know and post links and updates to it here.

In the meantime Andrew and his fellow workers have posted a new video to YouTube.

You can view it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsRkKjdqMX8 Please take a few minutes and check it out. Here is another worth watching http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yux5uJcdWtw&feature=related

There are few opportunities to receive as great a blessing as we can from supporting missions. The real estate market is in the toilet, the stock market continues to drain retirement accounts, and the banks- well maybe I shouldn’t talk about the banks. The fact is you just cant out-give God.

Jesus admonished us to invest in eternity “…..store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Mat 6:20 NIV) Please take a moment and give it some prayerful thought. Then, if you’re your heart leads you so, go to https://www.paypal.com/us/ and select “send money” enter the email address yodude777@gmail.com where it says “send to” and invest a few dollars in bringing thousands to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And please, don’t think you need to send a lot (although big donations are joyfully received) You’ll be surprised at how much your contribution of 5, 10, or $20 will accomplish.

Not only will you be supporting a great work but God has promised to bless us by the measure we bless others. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38 NIV)

You can also send them a check to
MSA / Pastor Andrew & Kathy McMillan

P.O. Box 12523

Norfolk. VA 23541

To speak to them directly, call 561 427 7466 (Vonage) or write: revival@une.net.co

No, Well take the other Guy

It was about 10 PM last night that the idea for this came back to mind. I had thought of writing this before but it never got past the beginnings of an idea. This isn’t an easy piece to write, it shines a spotlight at a human flaw. A flaw I must admit I share. Last night, as the TV show House was going off, the idea came racing back. It banged around in my head most of the night and bothered me today until I sat down to begin.

We watch reruns of House. (I also watch reruns of Law and Order, but who doesn’t? I mean isn’t there a clause in my cable contract that requires this?) Honestly I can’t tell you what station or time the new episodes air on. For that matter I can’t tell you the exact time the reruns show, or what station. It just seems to be airing on some station during the hour before we get ready for bed, regardless of what time we are going to bed.

If you haven’t seen House I should give you a thumbnail of the show's plot. House is the name of a brilliant, unkempt and normally unshaved, Doctor who practices/teaches diagnostic medicine at Princeton-Plainsboro Hospital here in NJ. He has three assistants who are younger but supposedly also brilliant doctors.

(I am now resisting my overwhelming desire to point out the vast gulf that exists between the brilliance, skills and devotion of these TV doctors, along with their rendition of a hospital, vs. virtually every real life doctor and health care facility I have ever encountered. OOPS, it seems I may have already voiced and opinion here.)

Back to House. Dr House, is also addicted to Vicodin otherwise known as narcotic pain killers. House pops Vicodin like tic taks. In any given show he must pop a half dozen of the little wonder pills, a great roll model. Along with his drug habit House is also incredibly insulting to patients and co-workers, arrogant and totally uncaring. His most tiring and troubling trait is his relentless refusal to accept even the possibility of the existence of God. Completely narcissistic, the world revolves around him and his needs. He has actually gone so far on occasion to vocally proclaim himself as God. If you get the feeling I don’t like Dr. House, your entirely correct. It is likely because I in some, hopefully small ways , I am like him.

Why then, you might ask, do I watch it? Well, for reasons I don’t exactly understand I like it. I like Law and Order as well. I also like a good shoot um-up so long as the “good guys” come out on top. Picking just who the good guys are is another matter.

After House went off last night I began thinking about all the ….. junk we spend so much time watching. I took up my scepter of digital cable, the remote, and began to surf. For the next hour I slowly clicked my way through the lower 400 cable stations I receive. I did this not once but two times. Why? No, It wasn’t that I couldn’t find “something to watch. I was making a mental list of the kinds of programming there was to choose from. Of those 400 channels, not counting the stations or shows that repeated there were less then 10% that were actually uplifting. Roughly 90% of them were based on violence of some sort, (war, martial arts, shoot um-ups, ect.) Sex or alternate lifestyles (most of these would have been or are rated R) Witchcraft- sorcery- vampires-or the undead, Failed relationships, Cops and robbers or a mix of a bit of each of the above. There is even a new show about Vampires that covers all of the bases.

If this is what we call entertainment what does it say about what brings us pleasure, our appetites? We can’t blame it on the people who make the shows, they only produce what the public wants to watch, or keeps watching. Why, Why, WHY are we so drawn to “The Dark Side” Now please do understand, I’m not suggesting we all burn our flat screen plasma HD TVs, (although that may not be such a bad idea) and I am not pointing my finger in judgment at anyone about watching some TV. You and you alone will need to determine “if you can eat meat”. I’m just using TV programming to make my point.

If God created mankind to know him, and he implanted in mankind the longing that I know I and you have felt to find him, and he made a way for us to know him. ( Through Jesus , the Messiah). Why then do we run as fast as we can to know everything BUT Him?

One of the few times that all four Gospels mentions the same conversation is in regard to this most human of afflictions.

Mat 27:21 "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered.
Mark 15:11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
Luke 23:18 With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!"
John 18:40 They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion. (NIV)

Why would or could people, having seen the blind and lame healed , eaten the loaves and fishes and known of Jesus restoring life to some dead, do this? How could those educated in the Law, know of His works, and then ignore the prophecies they had devoted their lives to studying? Simple, they listened to their natural nature, their flesh, rather then to the Spirit of God.

It’s been 2000 years since mankind has been set free by Christ and yet the crowd still calls out , …, NO, not him! Give us Barabbas!"

Although Fox and Friends touts on morning TV that 80% of Americans claim to be Christians the actions and appetites of our population say something different. I sense a stirring, call it revival, that is building momentum. Along with it I recognize a polarization in moral…. beliefs? No more then beliefs, many in the crowd saw His miracles and “believed” I see a polarization of convictions.

Paul never having seen TV gives us the answer to why?

Romans 7: 21-25 21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. (New Living Translation)

Bill