Month: July 2016

Recently God has been speaking to me about the my church. I have absolutely no issues with him. On most days, I totally agree with him on whatever the sermon may be on. But, there are times when I give him this look and can’t help but what in the world he is talking about. I’m fairly certain that most everyone has had one of those moments when they just didn’t get what the pastor was saying. It doesn’t matter what church or what country people reside in there will always more people.  People are always going to have an opinion.

I can’t help but wonder about the mindset of our world. I honestly feel like people have lost respect for those who are in positions of authority. You can sit there in your living room and see it all around you. People are wanting to tear down others and they want to tear down everything. The world we live in is self-destructive and driven by pride. Pastors are emotionally beaten down by those within the church  because they weren’t happy with the sermon. If I left every church that I went to because the pastor said something I didn’t agree with, then I wouldn’t be going to any church.

As I sit in my seat and listen to the sermon, my mind is somewhere else. He will always say that we need to focus on what God is wanting us to hear and to basically clutter our minds. My friend and I were talking music at churches. There are some you can feel the joy as they sing. I have also been to some churches where the music was more like going to a funeral. I guess to some, it is a joyful sound, but there are times when it is far from joyful.

It’s seems as if Pastors all over the world are under attack. I appreciate Pastor Ray and Kathi. There are the obvious attacks from those outside of the church throughout the world, but they are also being attacked from their own disgruntled members. If people are that unhappy and all they can do is grumble, then maybe they need to re-evaluate their relationship with Christ or what is going on inside of them. They need to also stop blaming others because something isn’t going according to their ways of seeing things.

What gets me is that there are people out there who have it in their minds that if they don’t agree with what the pastor is teaching, then it is OK to exit stage left and they make sure they let everyone know they were right and they should side with them. Instead of going home and studying the Word of God, they get their panties in a upraor and that ends up causing division and a ton of hurt feelings. I brought up before how that happened at another church I went to. Because of disagreements, they end up causing hurt among the members of the church, church leaders and so on. I would bet any amount of money that this behavior and actions aren’t pleasing to God.

As I think about Pastor Ray and his messages, I was feeling guilt. The reason I say I was feeling guilt is because I haven’t been doing what I should be doing. I don’t think many at our church really understands everything that Pastor Ray does. He doesn’t put himself on a pedestal and have people look at him. Instead he is putting himself into the lives of those who don’t have a church home. Most people don’t affiliate themselves with one particular church or faith. He will stand outside with a few others from other churches and witness and share the gospel with anyone who will listen.

Last week he was in Cedar City doing what is called, “open air preaching”. Click here for the link to listen to his message. As I was listening to his message and what s a couple of the guys that went with him to take part in this and to pray for others, this is when guilt entered my heart. I felt terrible that those who didn’t attend our church was with him and there wasn’t anyone from our church that I know of. He stood there sharing the Gospel with all who would listen and yet nobody from our church showed up to stand with him or stand up for Christ.

I totally get that there are those who aren’t able to do this because of physical limitations, schedules or being preoccupied. We are living in a time where our time is being used for everything else. Pastor Ray also makes it a point to show up to local events and opportunities to share the Gospel. Each and every month, he will go to the First Friday street fair here in St. George. He packs up all the stuff, sets up the canopy and prepares the table and will pray and talk to anyone who will listen. I knew he did this, but I didn’t know what all was involved and how most of the times he does it alone. I have a great amount of respect for those who put themselves out in the publics eyes and risk bashing and laughter.

Pastor Ray also have the prayer station in our churches parking lot. Every now and then someone from church will show up to pray for those who may be prayers. But, most times it is just Pastor Ray out there. We have a hand full of people who will show up and be there. Usually it is the same people. I know that Pastor Ray feels blessed to have those who are willing to help be there.

The other night my friend Lisa was over at my house and we were discussing how people want to see all sorts of things to be changed. We need more kids, we need more time, we need better music, we need, we need we need. As we were finishing up our discussion, we realized that God has pointed this out to us because we need to be proactive. It isn’t just Pastor Rays job to do everything. He is one person, but he needs help. Pastor Ray never complains, but I can see it in his eyes that he feels discouraged and frustrated. I don’t see how he wouldn’t be.

There was a friend of mine who I lost track of many years ago. He was the pastor of one of thr churches. I attended.  The people at that church were horrible to him. They pretty much dictated what he needed to say and do. I wouldn’t be shocked if they didn’t have him schedule his bathroom breaks. The congregation made his life a living hell. It was as if he was babysitting a bunch of 2 year olds. People would squabble over the craziest things. Eventually he through in the towel.

Instead of criticizing and finding fault , why not encourage instead of discouraging. Is it has to feel terrible to know that people don’t appreciate what a pastors job and I  appreciative? Every once in a while it would be nice if pastors were told that the sermon meant a lot. Or to let them know that the pastors are in need of prayers just as much as anyone else.

All pastors are in need of prayers, honest feedback. They are also in need of friendships and help just as much as anyone else. Pastors can’t do it alone. Pastors and church leaders needs your emotional support, prayers, honest feedback.Think about how you feel when you know when the phone rings it is something bad. Or that you hear from a certain person, it is going to be endless complaints.

People are demanding of a pastors time, energy and counseling. We all should be praying for him and other pastors we should be there to help. A pastors job is 24/7. Even though technically he gets vacation, I’m pretty sure he is still called all the time. I know I am guilty of texting my pastor when I am having issues with someone or something. A pastors time is just as valuable as anyone elses and just because a pastor is a pastor, that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have problems.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17).

I would like to encourage church attendees to be more proactive. There is always something you can do. I don’t know if those at church realizes how much time and thought goes into bringing special music, programs,  and movies to church. I also realize that not everyone drives. But, it is disheartening to organize something special and only a few people shows up.

We have started a Movie Night for church and it is free. Last month we had only 7 people show up. For myself, I was upset that there was only that many that showed up. I totally get that people don’t go out and drive at night. I get it, I really do. But, at the same time, I was upset that so much has put into having an enjoyable night and only 7 were there.

Pastor Ray showed more compassion than I did. I don’t handle “no shows” very well. I think it is disrespectful. I am praying though that we have a good turnout for the move this coming Monday  July 18th at 6:30 PM we will be showing the documentary “The Cross, Jesus in China.

I’m going to end this by saying,that it may seem easier to engage in false peace by appeasing people. It is hard to speak truth when they may become angry and walk out of the church. I know I may get myself in trouble over this one. But if people are so petty over disagreements and decide it is better to get into arguments over these, then it may be a good time to re-evaluate why you are going to church to begin with and if you need to work on your walk with the Lord.

And I also want to say that it would be nice to see more people get involved in church things when it comes to reaching those who needs to be reached. Just because we are getting older, it doesn’t mean we are dead. As long as there is air in our lungs and we aren’t hanging out with the daisies 6 feet down, then we can be used to help advance the Kingdom of God.

I would like to ask you all to keep Pastor Ray and Kathi in your prayers. I will be praying for them. Even though he hasn’t said anything about people not getting involved, I still feel the need. Also, keep all pastors in your prayers. You never know what someone is going through. Just because someone is a pastor, it doesn’t make them exempt from life.

Have you ever heard the phrase “be careful what you say”? Our world is full of the who political correct mindset. It isn’t politically correct to talk about Jesus Christ. It isn’t politically correct to say that Jesus is the only way to be saved. If you talk to the wrong person you would be seen as  “intolerant” and “unloving.”  When the same-sex marriage was approved and I posted on Facebook that I believe marriage is between a man and a women , I have a firestorm of hate filled comments. They didn’t pay attention to the rest of the post about how even though I don’t believe that and why I don’t, I still respect the choices that others have made. I had many private messages about what I said from Christians. Most of the comments were about how they agreed with me, but they didn’t want to say anything because it was easier to say nothing since it isn’t politically correct. Hence, many Christians have found it easiest to just say nothing.

Political correctness (PC) is defined as “a term that describes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts.

• Philippians 3:20–21 ,  But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. One of the things I have been thinking about in the term, “politically correct”. This is one of those areas I have a hard time with. It seems as if we are to be tolerant of all things and all people. The word, “tolerant” use to mean that we much put up with people and ideas even when we don’t agree. The meaning of “tolerant” now means at we must tolerate all faiths, lifestyles, moral values and all things that people say or do are equal. If we aren’t tolerent, then that makes a person “intolerant” when it comes to those around us.

As a Christian and a believer in Christ, it makes me wonder where this leaves me since I am a Christian. I believe that all people have a choice and free will. But, this doesn’t mean I should be “tolerant” and accept those things that do not line up with what the Bible says. Jesus said, ” Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ (John 14:6).

According to the world, the term “tolerance” would make those who are Christian “intolerant”. All you have to do is turn on the news to see what I am talking about. The media are in part guilty of defining ‘intolerance’. I can’t even count how many times people will post things on Facebook or in the news where people will say that we all serve the same God or no God at all. All beliefs and faiths are equal and we need to love and accept people for who ever they are. I have no problems with loving each other since we are told to love one another. But, there is no way I would consider my faith and my God as being the same God that many believe in. More and more there is an ever-increasing ‘intolerance’ towards Christians.

I use to think that we should all come together and be united. When it comes to putting my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, I don’t feel like I should be affiliated with groups and even some churches that feel like we should tolerate and love each other, no matter what they believe. I believe that we should be teaching those around us and raising our children and grandchild to love and embrace people, but that doesn’t mean we need to embrace all beliefs if they aren’t lined up with what God’s Word says. There will be times when we will be hated and seen as being intolerant or no politically correct, but we must still speak the truth and showing those around us that they are loved.

While it is difficult to share our faith in a world that is filled with hatred , we must continue to speak the truth. We must humbly pursue truth. It may be difficult to speak the truth in today’s climate, but Jesus said

• “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have,” he added, “But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

As I watch events unfolding, I have no problems seeing that the worlds views are against what God has said. A few days my pastor went to Cedar City to pray for people and to preach to those who may not go to church. So, he brought the church to them. It is important to get the word out. As Christians it is our responsibility to educate those around us.

There will come a day when it will be against the law to admit you are a Christian. My daughter Jessica and I were talking about how the world is turning against God. Eventually we could be imprisoned for doing what Pastor Ray is doing. Eventually it will be against the law for me to blog about Jesus Christ. If we lived in one of the third world countries like Iraq and other countries, we would be killed because we are Christians.

It is apparent to me that Christians and non-Christians are accepting of all groups in the name of unity. We should be united in some things, but when it comes to faith in God, I won’t be a part of activities that goes on in my town or in the world that is not Biblically correct. I don’t care how politically correct it may be. What God says should be the guidelines for all of our behavior and decisions. Even if it isn’t politically correct. I am more worried about pleasing God then pleasing the world. As a Christian, I have chosen God’s truth of popular opinion.

Our pastors and Christian leaders should be reaching out and reminding people who we belong to God and that He loves us. When I hear pastors or church leaders say that we have to tolerate all faiths, I can’t do that. I know a few pastors who are into the whole please people instead of God. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure they know what the Bible says. But when they have their own personal agenda and they believe that all faiths are equal, I have issues with that. I would think that God would have issues with the whole, “we must unite” or we must tolerate all people. Ummmm, I would think He would and is upset over the things going on.

As I was watching the video that Pastor Ray shared, I couldn’t help but wonder about when was the last time I shared the Gospel with those that aren’t going to church. I was talking to one of the ladies at my church about some of the things and sermons Pastor Ray shares and we discussed how some goes to church because that’s what they do. They have always done it, but they don’t know why. It is actually pretty sad. I do my best each day to share the Gospel with others. Usually it is through social media or through this blog. I am willing to bet that there aren’t many that goes to church in a building will put themselves into situations that would make them seem intolerant to others.

I actually enjoy witnessing and I would love it if there was a service on Weds evenings where there is a time to share testimonies and to focus on prayer at church. When I was younger, we had a Wednesday evening service. It wasn’t like our regular Sunday service. I would say that most of it was on prayer.We had alters to pray at and those who couldn’t pray on their knees would come to the front pews and pray there. People would pray out loud if they chose to. There was times of sharing our testimonies or offering praise. Now, I am getting off topic, sorry about that. My mind got distracted. 🙂

While I was working at Lins, I always wore a cross on my apron. Lins is a grocery store and I was a cashier. My line was the sappy line since people were always crying. The customers knew I was Christian and they would come to me when they checked out to see if I would pray for them. There was a time when one lady was weeping because her dad had cancer. A gentleman that was behind her told me that I shouldn’t be doing that because it isn’t “politically correct”. He also told me he was/is an atheist. After he was done, I let him know that I have no problem that I am NOT politically correct and that I would pray for his heart to open up. I got the look on that one. I was shocked he didn’t complain, lol.

The reason I bring that up is that is because not everyone has the gift of sharing the Gospel like Pastor Ray and not all people witness the way I do. But there is always times when you can talk to others. If you don’t have the words to speak, you can share the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ by living your life in a way where people will know that you are a believer in Christ. Sometimes actions speaks louder than words.

Since we live in a world where Christians are killed and hated, we need to be careful about what we say and do. But, we also need to realize that we don’t need to worry about being “politically correct” or “tolerant”. We should be intolerant about things that are not pleasing to God. Each and everyday there are opportunities to witness to others about Jesus Christ.

In closing I just want to say that it is politically incorrect to let people know that Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved and He is the truth, and the life. Only Jesus can change lives. Only Jesus can change our love for one another and change our hearts.

• For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love  (Galatians 5:6).

The church now days are in a bit of a quandry. Christians are not only told, but they are commanded to be the salt and the light.  Christians are commanded to be salt and light in society . These are things that Christians must do in a loving, caring and not being judgemental. Jesus made sure to always love people when we told the truth. Because of what Jesus instucted Christians to do, it is percieved as being “politically incorrect” and “intolerant”.

• Matthew 5:13-16.  “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 underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built 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. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven

I have been watching the news a lot today. It is so sad that a sniper killed 5 police officers in Dallas. My heart goes out to them in so many ways. It’s hard to really put into perspective what is going on in our world. This will go down as one of the most senseless killings in history, or at least in my heart.  As I was watching all of this happening,  I couldn’t help but be thankful that officers like these went in and protected those who were in harms way and ended up being killed so others can be safe.

There is no way for me to wrap my head around what is going on in our world. With me being a Christian, the only thing that brings me any sense of peace is what the Bible says about what will happen as we wait for the second coming of Christ. Even though it still makes me very sad to watch these things happen before my eyes.

I guess in my heart there is a deep sense of urgency and I really can’t wait for Jesus to return now.  There are all kinds of people who have theories on when Christ will come again and  I don’t know the exact date or year, but I do know that I sure hope and pray it is ASAP.

Jesus spoke on the Mount of Olives about “lawlessness” that would take place in the last days. He gave this prophecy to His disciples, when they asked Him what to look for directly before Christ’s Return. Is increasing lawlessness a sign that the end of the world is near?

In Matthew 24:12 it says, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” The Greek word translated as “lawlessness” or “iniquity” in most versions of the Bible is anomia. It means “lawlessness—without law.” The definition for “Lawlessness” means “not regulated by or based on law; not restrained or controlled by law.”  Which is why when things that happen like in Dallas and in our world, I can’t help but expect Jesus Christ to come riding in on his white horse and saving the day.

My daughter Jessica hates watching the news because of all the bad things going on. A day doesn’t seen to pass when there isn’t murders, robberies, rapes and riots going all. Parents are killing children, children killing parents or terrorists killing police officers or those who think differently such as ISIS killing Christians. Humans are being killed by other humans in the name of peace. Yeah, RIGHT!!! Lawless acts are an everyday occurence and those committing these acts in my mind are pure and simple EVIL.

I went to the Dallas Police Department Facebook Page to let them know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. While I was on there, I was sickened by some of the people’s comments that they left for the police. Most people had kind words for them and offered their sympathy. If you would like information about prayer vigils and services for the fallen officers, you can click here for more information on this. But then you have those who talked about how they deserved to die. WHY would people think this way? I don’t get it. I know that we are told to expect “lawlessness”, but it doesn’t make it easy to watch it play out in real-time.

This may not be a popular comment but I can understand why people are getting “conceal and carry” permits. I didn’t think much about guns being something needed in public places or churches until the shooting happened to people going to church in Charlotte, NC or people being killed while trying to protect innocent lives. There are those who feel they feel the need to carry a gun because they see society becoming more and more lawless and they are afraid of being victimized. For myself, I would have no problem if someone who has a license to “conceal and carry” a gun to church. In a world that is becoming more evil as each day goes by, I have no problem with it.

I do think that in today’s society, we need to be able to protect ourselves from killers and terrorists. Jesus and a ton of prayers protects me from demons and Satan, so I am all good in that department.

Something has been on my mind all week-long. What I have been stewing over is neediest and sticking a person’s nose into conversations that wasn’t about them to begin with. What should have been a joyous week turned into a week of misunderstandings and bull-headed discussions. I have gone back and forth on posting this blog because I don’t want to cause problems, but I also feel that people needs to understand that things aren’t always what they seem.

The theme for this years Vacation Bible School was called “Submerged” and it was based on Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” Each day the students explored how Jesus saw people and examined the truth within themselves and deep within their hearts and souls

I had to ask my grandson permission to discuss what I am going to cover in this blog post. JJ is 8 years old. By all appearance he is a normal hot-headed boy. He has a temper and a ornery streak. During Vacation Bible School, he was hard to handle each day. Based on his behavior a nice way to explain his actions is that he was being a bully and highly agitated. His expressions on his face were like daggers. If people didn’t know him like I know him, I would never want a child like him in my classroom. Some would even say that he needed a good paddling. In the past I would have said the exact same thing. That is until I went with him to a Dr’s appointment.

JJ’s has a pretty difficult diagnosis and it is hard for those who aren’t familiar with children like JJ to understand it. So, I was getting pretty defensive over the whole thing when a couple of the ladies were saying some horrible things and thinking that JJ was just being a belligerent child who is spoiled rotten. I would say that this weeks lesson about not judging the person on the outside and seeing who they are on the inside.

You, see, JJ has ADHD with Defiance Disorder and High Functioning Autism/Asperburgers. One the surface adults may not see this, but God does knows this. I was telling a couple of ladies that they don’t need to know all the information on his diagnosis and it isn’t as if people need to explain everything that is going on medically or mentally. But, I was backed into a corner when it came to explaining what shouldn’t have needed explained. Nobody and especially not a child should have to be backed into a corner like he was. What makes it even worse is that those pushing were told over and over again to leave it alone and to leave him alone since they don’t understand. Basically this is JJ in a nutshell.

The information below is from WebMD

This story wasn’t written by me and I found that this is worth sharing. In the United States we are a very spoiled society. Entitlement seems to run rampant. Our lives and living situations are much better than most people in our world and in other countries. We waste resources and our time. Americans can never have enough.

My grandson JJ who is 8yrs old will have this conversation every now and then. JJ has a ton of toys and has never wanted for anything and yet he still feels like he is missing out. My daughter and her husband have made it a point to explain to him just how blessed he is.  JJ’s parents go out of their way to make sure JJ has what he needs. He is raised knowing who God is and Jesus is the Lord of their house. At the end of the day in his mind there is never enough though.

Jessica and Jason have worked very hard for everything they have. They aren’t rich but they aren’t poor. They want to be sure to raise their kids with work ethics and teaching them about God. JJ is always wanting more and more. JJ also feels cheated out of happiness and life pleasures because he doesn’t have friends or siblings that he can play with. He doesn’t have a 6 week old sister now, but it will take time for them to be friends.

On the flip side, I have my other daughter and her husband’s family. They struggle with finances and may not have the best things, but they do have love. They have their faith. Their children don’t really have the gimmies. They feel blessed by the simple things in life. My grandson Tyson has the outlook that he doesn’t need a lot to be happy. My grandson JJ is jealous when it comes to what my other four grandkids have. His perspective is that they have everything and he has nothing.

The illustration of this story reminds me how happiness and how rich or poor we are is all based on our perspective. This story is coming from the childs perspective as his father tries to teach his child about how poor people live.

As the child in this story demonstrates to his wealthy father, the “poor” people are really “rich” in ways the “rich” people are truly “poor.”

The following story has been making its rounds and it teaches us a valuable lesson about gratitude.

One day a very wealthy father took his son on a trip to the country for the sole purpose of showing his son how it was to be poor. They spent a few days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

After their return from the trip, the father asked his son how he liked the trip. “It was great, Dad,” the son replied. “Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked. “Oh Yeah,” said the son.

“So what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father. The son answered, “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.” The boy’s father was speechless. Then his son added, “It showed me just how poor we really are.”

Too many times we forget what we have and concentrate on what we don’t have. What is one person’s worthless object is another’s prize possession. It is all based on one’s perspective.

Sometimes it takes the perspective of a child to remind us what’s important.

What’s you thoughts on this story?