Human Effort

There is no act of human effort, no amount agreement or numbers of troops of fighters in the courts or the government or on the battle fields of the world, that can in any way alter the course of a town, state, nation or world. The only action that can alter the course of human dignity and social evolution is the action of a sovereign GOD.

There is no fatalism in Christianity. There is only surrender. We are not existing a a state of zero accountability, but rather in a state of absolute (even hyper) accountability. We are not the victims of a power greater than ourselves. We are cared for by that power. We are, however, victims of our own failure to comprehend the GOD of our salvation. We are victims of our own choice to not seek HIM diligently where HE can be found.

Of all the people in this world, there is only one group that should have the knowledge and ability to sustain a condition of life capable to achieving a lasting and permanent flow of blessings and peace for our creator. That group of people is the Christian church.

We alone hold the keys to the heart and mind of GOD. We alone have been chosen to be the recipient of HIS love and promises. Indeed, GOD Himself has testified that we alone or the object of HIS affections and love and it is in our actions that HIS interactions are based and established.

It is unique that within us there is no ability to do good. With all of our learning and our salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are still fully incapable of doing that which is good and right a proper towards GOD without HIS spirit doing it in and through us.

We are not vindicated in this. In fact, it is affirmed in us that we are fully responsible for the chastisements and punishments that come from GOD upon the nations and ourselves. For, indeed, we are all sinners that have fallen short of HIS glory and the calling that is on our lives. We have allowed ourselves to be drawn away from the teachings and precepts of GOD to follow after men, solely because we need to do something and sitting on the couch and praying and trusting in the LORD to handle the ways of HIS world has been described as doing nothing. In truth, it is the most you can do.

There is no other power. There is no other resource. There is no other force in nature or in man. There is, was and always will be, only GOD. In HIM we live and breath and have our being and everything is of HIM and by HIM and for HIM unto HIS magnanimous glory and honor.

If you do not like how GOD is handling HIS business, take it up with HIM. Maybe you will learn something.

Hobby Lobby 2

The rest of the story

Since I wrote my first blog on Hobby Lobby and their court case, there has been a decision on behalf of Hobby Lobby. Shortly after the announcement of the decision, my pastor and friend called me on the phone and wondered if I was going to write anything else on the subject. I hadn't really considered it. However, in our conversation I came to a realization and since then I have seen a possible outcome.

The realization is this;

GOD, in HIS infinite wisdom, when establishing the government of this nation, established within it certain checks and balances. One of those is a way to resist the authorities. Since my first blog was based in the idea of Hobby Lobby resisting the authority, thus resisting the GOD who established those authorities, it seems right that I should add that it is also the authority that GOD established that accounts for the court system that way laws are reviewed, and sometimes struck down, in this country.

So, some of the premise for the first blog is slightly off, only in that GOD has established the whole system and Hobby Lobby was within that system. Good on them for the outcome.

The possible outcome;

Since I am one who believes that GOD has set a plan in motion and will complete it, and that plan is the eventual and complete moral decay and physical destruction of this current creation, I see a possible effect from this ruling and the reactions to it that will further facilitate the end the Bible speaks of.

As a result of this blow to Obama and the feminists who really want to be able to murder unborn babies with out discretion, it is very likely that they will band together with their atheist buddies ( the enemy of my enemy..and all that) and write legislation to establish law that will counter the Supreme court ruling. That means that they will have to craft a law specifically against religious organizations or corporate owners of private organizations. However it is worded, it will be specific legislation targeting Christians.

I am not saying they will be successful in their first effort. But, the foundation will be laid and sooner or later the desired result will be obtained. This may not seem possible to those who keep their head in the sand, but when the atheists and Muslims have control, the foundation for the laws to imprison and kill Christians will be in place. I give that about 20 years at the most.

Since Christian are now squarely in the way of the movement, the victory in this case will result in a greater effort to remove the influence of religion in laws. It will be one of the pivotal legal decisions that accelerates the process of de-Christianization of America.

Does that mean it shouldn't have been done? NO. In the end, a victory would have embolden the other side. But now, they will have to craft their laws and regulations with a more specific and careful wording. A lesson they will have learned and will achieve.

GOD is in Control

It seems as if I have taken for granted that Christians know that GOD is in control. I have simply assumed that the teaching of scripture on this matter is clear. Yet, when I mention that GOD is the one who puts rulers in place, who establishes our president and our congress and our judges and even chooses our parents for us, it is as if I am teach some foreign doctrine or religion.

Daniel 4:17. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Proverbs 20-21:1.The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

And, for those who like to discount the Old Testament;

Romans 13:1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 13:2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Now, why does this matter? Because, if you do not know this, then you will never seek to understand exactly why GOD is giving us the leaders HE is giving us. Since there are so many Christians who have determined that people decide who is president and who the leaders are, and that GOD exercises no control over these things things or these people, they seek to fix things by fixing the government.

Which is why we do not fall on our face and pray and seek HIS face. We have been led, and are being led, to think we can fix it in our own power. Since we do not acknowledge GOD a sovereign in the affairs of men, we do not see that our efforts are to fight against what GOD is doing. So, we enlist the help of GOD in our fight against GOD to undo what GOD has done.

This is where humanism and humanist doctrines have landed us. We are under the chastisement of ALMIGHTY GOD and we think we can fix it in our strength. (“WE” meaning Christians)

Folks, I implore you to look into this. Learn this truth. Understand that GOD establishes our governments so you can seek to understand what is needed to turn HIS chastisements into blessings. Only Christians can do this. So, only Christians can be held accountable if they do not do this.

Witch Hunt

Once again I find myself compelled by the actions of those I have aligned myself with to write a blog of disagreement. Recently I read an article that said that this group took a vote and decided “Transgender” didn't exist. Really? We can just take a vote and decide something doesn't exist? These are not medical professionals. Most of them probably never heard of Transgender until the last year or two.

This spirit that has gotten such a hold on the Christian church (once again), is the same spirit that burned witches, ran the inquisitions, and allowed Christians to support killing the Jews in Germany. It is a wicked and evil spirit that draws Christian men and women into pursuits that JESUS never suggested we be involved in.

Now, obviously, we as Christians should define what is and is not of Satan. What is and is not of GOD. What is and is not acceptable in the Christian Church. Understanding sin, and defining it for our churches, is good an proper. Certainly no one can argue that point. Since the only information I have been able to find on this vote is from a “news paper”, I do not know the intent or scope of this proclamation. What I do know is that it flies in the face of science and medicine. What I do know is that the idea of a group of non-professionals voting on something doesn't actually alter what that something is. It really just shows Christians as people who choose to be ignorant and stick their head in the sand. It is no wonder we can't accomplish anything in this society when we simply choose to dismiss what we do not like.

It is good to have a zeal for that which is good and right and holy. But, I think a quote from Paul best describes the Christian leaders of our day, “I attest of them that they have a zeal for GOD, but without knowledge.”

I am not sure what this proclamation has to do with the work JESUS sent us out to do. I doubt it will save one soul or lead one lost person the knowledge of GOD. I expect it is just another stumbling block set up between those who need a savior and the SAVIOR they need. This spirit that is at work in this organization is from Satan and those who know JESUS need to pray it out of here.

I love the Christian brothers and sisters of the denomination I belong to, but I really hate a lot of what they are doing, as it has nothing to do with JESUS or kingdom work and is just distracting our time and money from the real task at hand.

“Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ.” (From The Baptist Faith and Message)

Hobby Lobby

 

My pastor, bless his heart, asked me a tough question about the situation facing Hobby Lobby and their current court battle. The gist of the question was, “How does what you are saying play out in the real world?” I think I could have written a whole book on this question.

Of course, that was not the question at the time. But, as I pondered our conversation, I had to grapple with the very real aspect of being Christian in this society. There is a simple scripture that I thought would help to answer this question and as I prayed and meditated on it, the LORD gave me an even deeper understanding of some things.

For those who do not know, Hobby Lobby is embroiled in a lawsuit over being forced to supply insurance that would cover certain birth control methods that their founder finds unacceptable and against his religious beliefs as a Christian. There is more to it than that and there are always additional facets to issues that make everything less black and white. Yet, as I thought about it, it really is black and white.

In the book of Romans, chapter 13, the first couple of verses, Paul writes to us a very real truth. ALL authorities are established by GOD and to resist the authorities is to resist the ordinances of GOD.

13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation

In the case of Hobby Lobby, they have chosen to resist the ordinances of GOD by choosing to resist the authorities GOD has set in place. The provisions of Obamacare include the mandate that Hobby Lobby has determined to resist and to defend themselves against.

Regardless of who or why, a lawsuit has been brought against them to force them to comply with the law established by the authorities. In short, Hobby Lobby has chosen to resist the ordinances of GOD, in the name of GOD, and have asked GOD to help them.

They will stand before an authority that is put in place by GOD and will be tried. The outcome of this trial being fully in the hands of the GOD who has established the authorities and the ordinances which are currently at odds with Hobby Lobby and it's religious beliefs. Now, I would not have you fully ignorant of the fact that there is extreme Biblical precedence for this type of resistance to authority.

In the book of Daniel there is a story of three young Hebrew boys who refuse to bow down to a golden idol even though the offense is punishable by death. If I were in the shoes of Hobby Lobby, I would reply to the judge of this case in the exact same way these young Hebrew boys replied to the king.

As a Christian who is more answerable to GOD than to men, I would place all of my hope in the mercy and power of GOD. However, Hobby Lobby is likely placing millions of dollars and a great deal of hope in some slick talking lawyers who have no power at all to affect the outcome of this lawsuit.

My response to the lawsuit would be to ask forgiveness for resisting the authorities and for mercy in the court ruling. My presentation to the judge would go something like this;

“Since I know that the authorities are established by GOD, and these current rulers are in office as a chastisement and punishment of HIS people, I accept that my resistance to the ordinances established by the current leaders of our nation is a resistance to the ordinances of my GOD.

Throughout all of God's dealings with HIS people, HE has chosen to raise up Godless men and nations to take His people into captivity. So it it is today. I, therefore, have acknowledged to God, and now to this court of law, that I stand as the young Hebrew boys in the book of Daniel. We have no defense against the charges brought other than to honor our conscience before God in the way we have chosen.

Whatever happens in this court is in the control of JESUS the CHRIST. Either He will save us from the fiery trials and deliver us from this unscathed, or He will let the full fury of the law and ordinances be felt upon us. Either way, we cannot in good conscience bow down before this king or the idols it has erected.

In times past, America has been a nation of morality and decency. It is sad to see the decay that has taken place over the last 100 years, or even the last fifty.

When this company was founded, it was operated with Christian values and principals in mind. It was started at a time when those things were celebrated. Those times have passed. With them, perhaps, the time for this company. Should it be found true and appropriate that our government should have changed so much as to force a company to fund that which is abhorrent to it's founders, then this court will establish that truth. Should this court establish that truth, then Hobby Lobby will no longer be able to continue to do business under the current rulers of the nation.

The determination of these things is in the hands of GOD. Should HE choose that Hobby Lobby continue or end, HE is to be praised and what HE determines in this courtroom will establish the future of this company.”

With that, I would give all to the hands of GOD and whatever HE decrees through the judge would be so. I know that the government and authorities are established by GOD and the current ones are there to be a chastisement for HIS people. So, even these laws, the laws that Christians wish to oppose, are from HIS hand.

It is a slippery slope when we decide GOD is no longer in control. Since HE controls everything, it is only through real humility and repentance that we will ever see HIS chastisements removed and HIS blessings returned.

Will Pastors Humble Themselves?

As I have moved forward with this ministry, and the message GOD has delivered to me, I am keenly aware that the change in the direction of the church could hinge on the teachings of Pastors. It doesn't necessarily have to, since GOD can raise up HIS people despite them. But, if a Pastor who has been touting the actions of using the government and courts to stop the evils of the world were to get a hold of the message of Bless God America and the book, “If MY People...”, would that pastor be able to stand before his congregation and explain that he had led them in a wrong direction?

Of course, that might not really be necessary. He could just begin to teach the truth and let it change the course of the church. But, that would be a much slower way to do something that really needs to have a sense of urgency.

This also brings up another question; Can this wine be poured into the existing wine skins or does it need to be something new? Should we who have heard the truth try to change the course of existing congregations, or should this be a call like the first one, to call GOD's people out of the worldliness and into a true faith relationship with HIM? I have had to grapple with this question for a while. I know what I would prefer.

I would prefer that those who grab hold of these truths partner with this ministry and stay in their churches to stand against the teachings that are taking HIS people away from HIM. I would rather see a movement in each church.

I know that there is an ensconced teaching in our Christians community that needs to be torn out and cast off. I know that this will be a serious fight of prayer warriors waging a war on their knees with everything they have.

I really hope GOD has a plan to prosper the effort of this ministry.

As I have moved forward with this ministry, and the message GOD has delivered to me, I am keenly aware that the change in the direction of the church could hinge on the teachings of Pastors. It doesn't necessarily have to, since GOD can raise up HIS people despite them. But, if a Pastor who has been touting the actions of using the government and courts to stop the evils of the world were to get a hold of the message of Bless God America and the book, “If MY People...”, would that pastor be able to stand before his congregation and explain that he had led them in a wrong direction?

Of course, that might not really be necessary. He could just begin to teach the truth and let it change the course of the church. But, that would be a much slower way to do something that really needs to have a sense of urgency.

This also brings up another question; Can this wine be poured into the existing wine skins or does it need to be something new? Should we who have heard the truth try to change the course of existing congregations, or should this be a call like the first one, to call GOD's people out of the worldliness and into a true faith relationship with HIM? I have had to grapple with this question for a while. I know what I would prefer.

I would prefer that those who grab hold of these truths partner with this ministry and stay in their churches to stand against the teachings that are taking HIS people away from HIM. I would rather see a movement in each church.

I know that there is an ensconced teaching in our Christians community that needs to be torn out and cast off. I know that this will be a serious fight of prayer warriors waging a war on their knees with everything they have.

I really hope GOD has a plan to prosper the effort of this ministry.

We're here. We're queer. We want your children.

      I was recently reading my book and realized that I had allowed someone who is too young to remember, to soften what I had to say about the homosexual situation in America. I am not anti gay and I do not fear them having what ever life they want to have. I do not care if they get married and the other issues that branch off from that I am on the fence about.

      I remember the Gay Pride marches of the early 90s when grown men with children on their shoulders marched down the street chanting, “We're here. We're queer. And we want your children”. I do believe that the gay community learned that was not an effective way to garner support and good feelings. I am not convinced that their motives are any different today.

      For anyone who reads my book, you may misunderstand this point; I think this entire homosexual issue is just one of many plagues GOD is using to get HIS people to humble themselves. It is part of the continual downward spiral of American (and world) social moral constructs. This is all part of a spiritual sickness that only GOD can cure.

      In all of what we see in the interaction of GOD with HIS people Israel, we see HE continually sells them into the hands of godless nations until they repent and turn back to HIM. That is what my book is all about.

It is never too late for HIS people to turn things over to HIM and trust HIM to fix it. It only takes a simple act of acknowledging that HE alone can turn these things around. HE can end every wicked and evil urge in every human being if HE wants to. HE can reduce them or HE can let them burn unchecked.

      Does the chant mean they want to be pedophiles? Does it mean they want to teach your children to be homosexuals? Was it just an “In your face” chant because straight people say homosexuals are pedophiles. Or was it just a way to say they wanted acceptance and would target teaching your children they are human beings with feelings and rights like anyone else? Probably all of they above. Different reasons from different people.

      What matters is, it was said. It was shouted in the streets. I cannot blame people for wanting to keep a lid on this boiling pot. But, if there is one thing I have learned in my life, keeping a lid on a boiling pot means it will boil over. Taking the lid off and letting it have full freedom, reduces it's volatility.

      There is one other reality to all of this. That is; I am in this world as an ambassador of another kingdom that is not of this world. I am a representative of JESUS the CHRIST, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD. Worldly things are not my concern. What this world becomes as a result of the sin and wickedness in it, is not something any human can control. GOD is still in control and the world is still doing what HE has planned and told us HE would have it to do. I was never told, in any of the scripture, that I was supposed to try to control people or governments or courts. I am told that GOD is in control of all of it.

      So, let me state this as clear as I can. I think homosexuals getting so crazy out of control is part of the many plagues and curses that are coming upon us from GOD as a result of HIS people rejecting HIS ways and commands and precepts and following the precepts and leadership of men (Christian leaders) who are leading us (Christians) away from GOD. IF WE REALLY CARED about GOD or country or our children, we would put all of this right back into the hands of GOD and we would return to doing things HIS way and live lives pleasing to HIM.

                          Humbling ourselves before GOD is not just an answer, it is the only answer.