On Giving (1John 3:17)

I admit that I have interests in several missions for Christ. I am not one who can completely focus on just “Counseling.” I have a couple very important missions that I pursue apart from and in conjunction with being a “Pastoral Counselor” of Christ. One such mission is to the Homeless population in my own City. The other mission is to the military in my City. I am a “Local” kind of Pastor mostly. And, I believe that I am called to serve Christ Jesus and in doing so, also, and because of these two other earthly mission outreaches for and with Him I am effective. When I appeal to the “Local” Church Congregations for some kind of support, I am appealing on behalf of Christ to them in order to widen the Circle of Love beyond merely the local Church, but also outward to our poor suffering homeless and military who suffer. I myself am an Honorably Discharged Retired and Disabled Military Veteran, so I do understand. And, I know what poverty and homelessness are about too, because I’ve been there myself in my past life. So, when I ask for support for these mission outreaches from the Church, I expect support from them for these mission outreaches. I believe that “HOSPITALITY” includes these mission outreaches also. Unfortunately, many Church Congregations in our City have not supported us well. Perhaps, like Paul the Apostle, I must rely mostly on one. Or, perhaps, because I am physically disabled and limited in “Joining” a particular Congregation or attending regularly because I’m in a sickbed type jail often (Or real one). Or, perhaps, because it’s because when I say I’m a Minister Commissioned by Christ, that others do not believe me. Or, perhaps, the Local Church is just too selfish and too concerned with “Church Business” (Keeping their Status and false sense of security to the leaders and too focused internally on their members). Or, perhaps, it’s some flaw in me (I undoubtedly have some). I do not desire to “Reinvent the wheel”, as they say, but, I am trying to IMPROVE it by my meager efforts in cooperation and coordination and personal giving as needed. In all these “Or, perhaps” statements I make, I am only proposing possibilities, not condemning or judging (That’s God’s job between you and Him). But, if they are true, (And I plead with you to consider and pray on what I am writing) then our Local Church IS failing Christ. We talk too much ABOUT Christ, but DO so little in ACTING like Christ! The people are MY “Credentials” and MY “Commission” is from Christ Jesus to a degree (Who came to earth as a man, the visible image of the invisible God, and died on the Cross for our sins and was Resurrected, and returned to Heaven, See 1 John 4:2). Therefore, the missions that I do, and in the way I do them, are for Him and all people, not for me. I have never taken anything from the Church for personal gain or recognition. So, if you are reading this Blog, (and I am a minister who writes a lot) then I hope you know that you are now responsible to respond in partnership with me (Us) if you hear and know this is for you. Your fear, doubt, criticism and attempts to control us are my very reasons to “Boast”, like Paul in Christ and not myself. But, No matter, His will IS being done. It would be better if you all joined in partnership with us, accepted some rebuke and correction and grow more in Love (That is my purpose in this letter). I welcome your comments if you are honest, brave and offer constructive solutions. There IS wisdom in a multitude of counselors. And, I am still learning too! How will I know if I am right or wrong unless you reply with your comments? Blessings.

LOVING THE LOST

It seems to me that American Christians have lost their true calling in Jesus Christ in several ways. First, we seem to be complacent to allow poverty and suffering of our neighbors right within our own communities. This is the topic I want to write on. Love and Giving are NOT options for a Christian. We have a Commandment from The Lord to give help to the poor, even if we do not approve of their particular circumstances. Nowhere in our Doctrines does it say, "Love and Give ONLY to those whom YOU think deserve it." That is nowhere in our Scriptures or like Jesus. We are to Give Abundantly, at our own personal expense or comfort to help the Widows, Orphans, Foreigners and Poor of any kind or any condition they are in for the Glory of God! Then, and Only then, can we expect that our needs (And some wants) will be given from God to us. It IS BETTER to GIVE than to RECEIVE, but in the Giving, we get the Receiving from God Himself. Not as we wish to determine it. If I or anyone asks for help to support the poor, then it is for YOUR benefit, not mine and it will be for their's too. Why do we hold so tightly to our money? Because we are AFRAID that God is not telling us the Truth! If you can help anyone, anywhere, even a little (A cup of water) then you are fulfilling the whole law of Christ. But, Big givers get Big Rewards in this life (And after). So, if you can not take your money to the grave, then start giving it out so that you will be a faithful and loving servant of Christ. I have dedicated all my resources that God owns to use for whatever He decides. And, I am quite shocked, that after so many pleas for you to help that there has been not one response by anyone (Except empty promises) to really help the poor here in our community. I fear that our Church congregations are to afraid and selfish to even give one Dollar to help our homeless living and dying in Oceanside. Shame on you! Can you save yourselves by holding so tightly to you money thinking that God cannot or will not provide for you? That is Satan's Lie! If Christ is at all important in you, then get off your bottoms, dig into your wallets and help those around who are dying from lack of material needs and lack of hearing the Gospel! Enough said, I apologize if I come on too strong, but Rebuke for God is needed here. May you search your Heart and agree! So, here is my proposal to solve forever the homeless problem in our community: If each member of the Church of God will give $1.00 or more to our Ministry, then I promise that within one year that their will be no more homeless persons without a place to stay and furthermore, to hear the Truth of The Gospel. A bold challenge right? But, I am prepared to see it through, because The Holy Spirit wants us to do this NOW! So, send whatever you can to our Ministry. We will reply you with a receipt, and you will be Blessed by God. Fair enough?