There Is No "Leading" To Christ

As you may have noticed in reading my blog articles I like controversial subjects, especially concerning man's ideas about God. So, here is another one to ponder.

All too often I have heard it said from ministers or Christians something as follows, "I am going to Lead (Or Bring) that person(s) (Or someone) to Christ/Jesus." In my opinion, such a statement is a total misunderstanding, even if a well intentioned one, of what is Not being referred to in the Old and New Testament of the Bible or much other Christian literature. To say such things is truly arrogant and prideful and contrary to the truth of God.

Even the terms, "To Bring" or "To Witness" as it is used in most Christian religion is of the same sort of misrepresentation of truth. You can study the Holy Scriptures from front to back and never find statements like these. But, you will find (If permitted by God) to read and understand much said about "Following, going or changing (Repenting)". You will find "Preaching, carrying or teaching." You will even find "Choosing" (Read my last article, but choosing only in context with a spiritual and direct spoken word from God Himself and not by human mental choice alone).

Leading is done only by God Himself by means of His Holy Spirit and the physical manifestation 2000 years ago of His New Adam (The Son of God named Jesus). Other than these there is no other way to "Lead" or even follow God to good effect. People are merely used by Him for His own Pleasure and His own Purpose. If we speak or act or even think as living beings everything is due to Him alone.

We are so confused by the lies we have been told and accept that only God can break us free. Yet, our human nature will fight to the death to discard those lies. And anyone, including me can be and is infected with lies. In fact we are liars (And worse), but we would rather die than change our thoughts about that (And we will die before we change them). That is harsh truth also. But, also very good news once accepted.

When a person "Hears" God (And not only by using their natural hearing) then they will begin to know God. Following that experience we will respond to the ideas and can make real choices and changes. A person then wills to convey, and other people willing to hear will accept truth. Both parties then become observer-experiencing persons (Or Witness's) of what God says or does. We are not able to go out like little god like beings to convert or change anyone at all. No, we do things already pre-destined of God's and by God's power alone. Sometimes against our will or our personal choice, but we will do it eventually anyway His way. And that also is very good news! Why? because we are evil and cannot obey or find God on our own in any way. He must choose (The one and only choice available to us really). As a great man once said, "God make me a channel of Yours" (Read Saint Francis of Assisi). Well, I could go on but time limits me now. But please post your comments because I also as Michelangelo once said when 92 years old, "I am still learning".

Choices?

Most people believe and are taught to believe that we have choices. In discussing the topic of "Choices" I am at this time only trying to help define the "Physical", not any "Meta-physical" definition(I shall discuss that a bit later).

First of all, let me ask a question, "What is a choice?" We must begin by defining our terms. The word "Choice" is a term used to convey an idea of a mental thought. It is only relative to the person(s) thinking about it in relation to their personal experience or training within the context of their particular society, group, race or other aspect of human civilization as we presently know it. In any case, terms and ideas are only meaningful within the natural human mind. And, people's minds are uniquely variable because each one may think it can choose to believe and/or do whatever is put into it. What is put into a human mind (Or Brain if you prefer) varies greatly depending upon some outside force or event that is perceived by the individual mind involved.

In reality "Choice" is always made by the physical mind in most humans. We make choices solely upon our own personal perceptions and beliefs. These kind of choices are really not true choice at all. They are made and acted upon purely by individual experience (Much like a programmed computer does). The responses to a thought triggers a reaction of some sort. So, it is the experienced or trained thought that determines a choice to act. This is no theory, but proven scientific fact. I need not go further into the proof of that fact now. It can be found easily by your own research into human psychology or history. Any secular psychologist will affirm the previous proven assumptions. I cannot and will not now due to time limitations.

The primary point I wish to make is to try to bring attention that we actually do not have a choice about anything even though we would argue and even fight to refute the idea (And most of us do!). And no, I am not saying that we are mere machines doomed to make or repeat a choice against our own will. But, what is most important to know is that a choice is not solely our own to make. In fact, I say we only have ONE choice based on human will. And, I am sorry to inform you, but even that one choice is not a person's natural right to choose at all! (Now here is where I get into trouble with many people). But, I accept the trouble and welcome differing opinions respectfully. So, fire away!

I will be glad to point anyone further along the way to the real truth whenever I may. Please post your comments. I will reply when time is given to me to do so.

Bad Choices Equal Good News

What we Need is change, not more empty words or false promises. For ages people have sought, suffered and died seeking solutions to their basic troubles stemming from the human condition and it's choices for change. Good and evil do exist both inside and outside of ourselves, everyone knows that. We never know if our choices of good virtuous actions will pay off to advantage or not. Evil seems to triumph even when we sometimes can push it away for awhile. It will return and often with a greater vengeance. That is history.

If not for some good actions of some people evil would always prevail. But, even our so called good actions are not so good after close inspection. As in war, no one really wins. When millions of innocent people are slaughtered as "Collateral Damage" to win, is there really victory for the human race? And, on an individual level we all still struggle with the same kind of warfare with ourselves and with each other. In churches we see conflicts between individuals and among various sects, groups, denominations and religions. Among these we see envy, strife, gossip and rivalry. In work we see the same thing. In play too. In every kind of gathering among people there is seldom acceptance of the individual who is different. Conformity to society is forced upon us without choice, even when it is for the so called good of the majority. And people who are sensitive become prey for the insensitive members.

We in this country are desensitized to virtue. We are segregated and disunified trying to maintain our uniqueness as individuals and at the same time killing ourselves trying to "Keep up with the Jones's" (Social Conformity). We are ever so gradually becoming a "Socialized" state, losing our equality while denying it does not exist. We are lost, stumbling in the dark maelstrom of industrial conformity and greed of self aggrandizement. Yet, ever mindful of the, "Dog eat dog" culture we choose to eat the crumbs from the table of our "Fat Cat" leadership. and are content and even grateful for the few meager crumbs we get.

So, what is it that keeps us asleep at the wheel? I propose it is NOT, "We the People." causing this abhorrent situation in our society. I say WE are NOT the problem. We are the victims. We have been lied to and we have believed the lies.

We have been taught either that God exists or that there is no God. If we do believe in God we wonder why there is so much evil rampant in our lives and in our world. If we do not believe in God we wonder the same. Oh yes! Both sides have reasonably sound ideas, assumptions, explanations and theories for trying to come to terms with the misery in our world that all agree exists. But, do wordy explanations or theories or even faith or belief really change the harsh realities of our life here? Even the so called good acts or beautiful things we see are always inevitably in decline, discolored, polluted or destroyed in time. And, it would do so even if the world were void of humankind. Even our science has proved that with their theories of evolution and paleontology.

The truth of our existence is just too awful for us to accept for the honest thinker. The best most of us can do is to try and ignore it. And to ignore truth is to join in with the walking dead, which most of us are. The fact is that we are dead! We just do not know it yet, and we are OK too, and that is the strangeness of the mystery we call living. It is the paradox we live with.

All this may seem foolish or nonsense to many readers. In fact, even I admit I often think the same thing. But, I realize it is only my natural temperament and human thinking trained from youth to doubt truth when it comes to me. Truth can seem weird and against every fiber of my mind, but I cannot, and dare not withhold it regardless of criticisms. Let's be honest (If possible). Do you really know if we are alive or not? Is it pure proof that because we have a body that we exist? Is it possible we are merely what we think we are and in the thinking create what we may really have no control over? How much control did we have when we were born? If we believe in choices or control then who or what is controlling our experiences for good or ill? Is it us, them or something else? And can we really change it one way or the other forever? As it was once said years ago, "Stuff Happens." What caused the stuff to happen? Do we really have a choice?

If most of us were honest with ourselves we would admit we have no choice, except one. The only choice we have to deal with the realities of life is to accept it just as it is or fight against it based upon our own individual or collective preconceptions of good and bad. I submit that few of us can or will accept life as it is. Most will choose to try to fight or change it to suit their own self. But, in my opinion, both ways fail to answer the  question of how to satisfy our needs or our so called free will choices.

Our needs as humans we know are really very few and basic. We need air, water, food, shelter to survive the natural elements. Beyond that, what we think we need is really irrelevant. The things we think we need more are really only wants or desires for more than our basic survival.

Now, do not misunderstand me please! I do not deny that wants or desires are unnecessary. In fact, they are absolutely necessary to be a whole person. The problems is in, "The wanting." We will not get what we want based upon our own personal or societal desires for more than is allowed us. If you have lived a long time (As I have) you already know that this is true. The fact is, we will never be satisfied in this life regardless of our circumstances. And, we really cannot determine our circumstances or choices anyway! That is also a lie we were taught. We are not, as Nelson Mandela of South Africa who quoted an English poet, "The captain of our fate and the master of our destiny." We can believe that idea yet still must endure the uncontrollable and often terrible adversity and misery as he did. But, the terrors are real and continue anyway someplace else on earth despite a localized victory over them.

The real truth is that we are all victims (Or beneficiaries) of powers greater than ourselves and we rise or fall under them regardless of our choices. Our thoughts about or circumstances may be ours alone (Beautiful or ugly), but the conditions are not of our choice (Read Victor Frankle's book about that). Briefly he stated, "If a man has a why to live for, he can put up with any how." And he should know, he was a prisoner in a WWII Nazi concentration camp and survived. What choice did he have really? Except in his mind.

All this may sound defeatist or negative. And in fact it is! But, there is some good news to add. So, what is left? I say only one thing, and it is a personal choice that I believe is the only choice worth making. To choose to hope in a Creator who is in control of everything, even our choices. As a Christian pastor I choose to hope in Jesus Christ, the only perfect God-Man to direct my life and my choices. I admit, it is not an easy or even popular way to live, but it is the only choice that explains perfectly my existence, gives me hope in despair when I know I am an evil and imperfect creature. It is a hope for the future and a meaning in a meaningless world of suffering and evil.

Belief and hope in Jesus Christ the Son of the One and only God Creator does not make me perfect as a human. It does show me my imperfections and evil nature. It does not make me a better person than others, but shows me daily just how bad I really am. It makes me suffer, not feel good about myself. It makes me question, even doubt, yet have hope in the virtues of love, kindness, mercy and justice anyway, even when there seems so little around or in myself. It makes me try to be a better man when I know that I am selfish. It gives me the feeling that I am accepted no matter how many mistakes or evil things I have or will do. It makes me a success when I have failed in so many things. It gives me the only choice I have, to look to a higher standard of goodness beyond the evil that exists. God, Jesus the perfect Son and new Adam man is what I am destined to become one day and I do not deserve it nor have I done anything to earn it. It is a free gift to accept by my one choice if I so desire. No one can have this unless it is given from God. Only God decides who can seek and find, not us. The absolute CHOICE is God's and not ours. But, we can ask for it and maybe we shall have that choice to be in love with Him and He with us.

I found my answer to my prayer, my asking. I found it in the Bible one day in the New Testament book of Romans in Chapter 11 and verse 36 (New Living Translation). Whatever you are suffering or enjoying, it is God's will for you! Pretty simple isn't it? Maybe hard to accept, but it is the truth. I find truth to be simple if The Holy Spirit reveals it (But it's not always easy to apply!). Just ASK God (So simple).

My definition of a miracle is really simple. JUST ASK GOD. Ask Him to control and choose for me what He wants. He will, but you may be shocked or puzzled how He will do it! (That's the fun of it really). From the time you ASK Him to enter you then after that He will choose your destiny. Good or bad will still happen, but you will KNOW you are being cared for and whatever you do or become will be what He wills for you. God chooses, not us. We ask, he decides if he will choose (Call) you to His service. Doesn't matter what you think or do after that moment of honest asking. He will make you come to Him and make you learn to love and obey Him. You may be sick or a criminal or hate yourself or any other feeling or thought or circumstance, but God, when He choose you will either quickly or slowly enlighten you to know Him and His ways. For those of you (And myself) who think we are not good enough or are too bad I have good news for you. YOU are just the exact kind of person that God wants! In fact, He already knew you would become so bad before you ever were born! But, there is a diviner purpose for you even if you do not know it yet. Just ASK! you will be drawn and quartered, then comforted, then moved to choose right actions. What have you got to lose by just asking? If it does not help you are no worse off! But, if it does help you then welcome to our Family!

You Are OK! You just don’t know it YET.

In my observations and experience as a counselor there is a basic underlying need in all people I encounter. I have not discovered something new, but I have found a way to address and offer a solution to that basic need which few are aware of. Only the desperate people searching for a solution to their problems seem to accept my learned technique. However, those who do accept it and try to live within its boundaries always find their way to a more fulfilling life. I have hundreds of case studies from my clients that prove it will and does work when understood by them. I am not taking credit because it is a long lost (Until recently) secret from ages past. But, we in the western culture have ignored or suppressed it at terrible expense to our civilization. Practically every personal conflict is the direct result of our ignorance about it.

Do I now have your attention or curiosity? I hope so.

Probably by now the first question you are thinking is, “What is this secret?”

For those of you who have either been a follower of this blog or one of my clients you probably already have a good idea as to the answer. However, “The Secret” is not just about God, spirituality, psychology or any other method or belief system. What some us like me offer is a real and practical way to know yourself and understand why you and other people behave as they do. The end is to fill that void in your soul that keeps you unhappy. It is an element of individual Personality that has gone long neglected, except for me and a few of my colleagues. It is not a popular or well accepted theory or technique in most counseling practices today. But, I do believe it the single most important element needed for therapy.

Are you still reading, still curious? No. I am not playing a game with you. OK, I will put it in a simple nutshell and then if you want you may post your reply and we can go from there (I ask for post comments now because I am in great demand and need to find time to reach everyone I can, so please be patient).

Here is the “Secret”, TEMPERAMENT. And once you know what yours is you will find what you have been seeking. So write your comments to me and I will not charge you a dime. The answer is free to all who seek, just as it was given to me (But, I did pay a lot of money to learn it).  Fortunately for you, I do not ask for or charge money. But, I will accept any gratitude in any form if you are moved to do so. It helps me carry the secret to others.

Is Suicide an Option?

One of my old friends killed himself recently.

Many who knew him as a kind and generous man wondered why such a thing could happen to such a nice guy. I knew him as well as some and maybe better than most. We had been friends for over 15 years and struggled together and apart with our faith and life’s ups and downs. We had shared in conversations and in living an intimate friendship of open communication. Although we eventually moved to far away cities, we continued to talk on the phone, send emails and visit once a year or so to catch up on what life was like for us. So, I felt that I knew him as well as anyone, maybe better than his own family. He was married a few years after we became friends, but he shared with me his deepest inner turmoil’s. I do not think he was able to do that with his Wife or many people. Eventually, we lost touch with each other. The last I heard from him was on the phone two years ago that he was having problems with his new Wife and disabled adopted Daughter. He was then living in the basement room of their new home and drinking. His Wife still loved him, but had decided instead of leaving him just to allow him to remain in the basement room so he could, when sober, drive their Daughter to school and her other events. But, there was a rejection of him by his Wife, friends, and family (Especially his Father) that I feel was the real reason for his depression and eventual suicide.

Some might think that it was the alcohol alone that caused him to commit suicide. I do not believe that. It is true that excessive or alcoholic drinking for some people can aggravate mental and emotional and behavioral problems. I do not argue the theories on alcoholism and its effects on the human mind, body and spirit. But, I believe that the real problem (As Alcoholic Anonymous states) is in the mind, body and spirit. The real cause of human problems stems from a disconnect from self and the Creator God. God will always love us, but He created us with free will. Perhaps some of us, like my friend, lost his free will. I do not believe he ever lost the love of God. Jesus Christ paid the price and assured us that salvation was from Him alone, not from anything we do or do not do. God loves us unconditionally. It is the evil powers on earth and in heavenly places that persecute our souls, bodies and minds. Some of us are so very sensitive that we are easy targets for those evil powers to tempt us into believing that there is no hope or way out of our miserable situation, whatever it may be. God created us and God can allow us to suffer whatever He allows us to suffer, even to death or suicide.

I realize that many Christians and non Christians would strongly disagree with that previous statement. But, I challenge you to give a better explanation! Why would anyone go against the human instinct for survival and choose to destroy their body? Suicide is a well documented fact throughout history and in some cultures it has even been deemed an honorable way to end one’s life for various reasons. In World War two for example, Japanese soldiers willingly committed suicide for their honor, their beliefs, and their nation. Or, because they thought they had disgraced their Deity or position of responsibility in their community. For them, as in many other cultures, suicide was the only way to prove that they could make restitution and save face for themselves and the ones they respected and loved.

So, I ask, did my friend kill himself just because he was selfish? Or, is it possible that he had a higher motive in mind? Is it possible that he was trying to prevent further suffering and trouble for the ones he loved? It is worth considering these questions before pronouncing judgment. And, who has not thought at sometime such thoughts? Is there anyone among us that has not suffered some tragedy or misery that we have not thought about escaping life somehow? If anyone has suffered greatly (And I know all people have at sometime) then the fact that some people just decide to end life can be understandable to an honest person who also has had such thoughts. Only the self-deceived would not know that this is true.

Am I condoning suicide? No. But, I do know that everything in God’s world happens for a reason. What that reason is I cannot definitely say. But, I am assured by God Himself that Jesus Christ died and rose to life again for everyone. No exceptions!

I find comfort in knowing that whatever life throws at us we shall be saved for eternity if we believe and trust in God through Jesus Christ! Even Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus (And Paul who denied him and the other Apostles and disciples who ran away), yes! Even my friend who killed himself and all the others who did the same are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ!

That is the Good News that the Bible, Prophets and teachers have written and told us about. We humans are not able to save ourselves in any way! We all will die! But, we all are saved for eternity under the blood of Christ! Hallelujah!

A Christian is NOT a perfect person! A Christian is NOT able to live a good life! We all are sinners in God’s sight, BUT, we have a chance, a way out of our dilemmas. All we need to do is accept Jesus Christ into our hearts. The outcome from that is up to God. We do not control anything after making that choice. Good or bad, life or death (Or suicide) we are guaranteed immortality!

I hope this helps you find the love and peace you are seeking. Yes, God loves us; He paid the ultimate price for us all forever. Do not feel ashamed that you are flawed or lost. The bodies we live in are temporary. If God decides to use you or not, that is His choice, not yours. But, regardless of what you may think or feel at present, you WILL BE SAVED after all is said and done.