Working for Whom?

Most people (As I have often been) are working to "Make a Living". There is nothing wrong with that, unless, they are working only for themselves. There are larger problems in our world and societies to "Work for". We must never settle for just "Our" own little comforts or needs or wants at the exclusion of the entire world's needs. We are all together in this planet. We in America have become (In my opinion) too self-centered and selfish. Too insensitive to the needs of the world. We spend our days and nights only thinking about and doing about what can benefit us. America was never meant to be a Country of selfish people, and in the past it never was! But, since WW2 we have slipped more and more into selfishness and (In my opinion) Un Godly behavior. We only want to have fun or make a "Buck" or distance ourselves from the rest of the world. (We tried that prior to WW2 and it almost destroyed us!). Are we going down the same "Isolationist" road again? It is long past the time for us to "Step Out" (Like our founding Forefathers did in the Revolution) and be willing to sacrifice or risk our lives, our property, our jobs, our comforts our families even for the "Cause" of Liberty and Freedom not just for America alone, but for the entire planet! That's serving God! You may disagree with me, (I am only one Patriot and old and insignificant now), but I ask you to "Study" "Our American History" and determine yourselves if you match the challenge of Christ. Jesus never took the "Easier softer way". So, should we? He was trying to teach us that, to be one of His Disciples means to be willing 24/7 to "DO" the things that seem Scarry, but are the "Right things to do" How many of today are willing to follow Him? How many of us today are willing to step out of our "Comfort Zone" to follow Him? Are You? I have and still am. And, please pray for Yourselves and all of us! We need it!

What's A Counselor?

I am a Counselor. But, what does that mean? A true Counselor (In my opinion) is a person who will come to you when you can't come to them. A person who can sit in silence and listen when you need to speak. A person who can offer you a hug, weep with you, and feed you or bandage you when you are too hurt to do it yourself. A person who can cry with you in your grief and laugh with you in their joy or insanity of life. A Counselor is always and first, a true friend. A person who knows about the hardships of life and the beauties of life and will wait to encourage you when you are ready. A person who won't judge or condemn or lecture or reject you just because you are the same human being that they are. They will never betray your right to be who you are. They will put aside their pains and join you in yours. They will take physical care of you when you can't do it for yourself. A Counselor will tell you the Truth without filtering it through their own Truth. A Counselor is simply your "Friend" in all and through all because they too know and need love too. And, for sure, one day you will be Their Counselor and true Friend if you learn this. And, I think you will be wiser. And, I too am still learning. I am not perfect either. I welcome any new ideas or methods that will help me to be a more loving Counselor. These are just some things I have learned in life. I hope you will share with us your wisdom. In His Name, Pastor Smitty

The Right Thing For The Right Reason

Here’s the thing. As Christians I have found that most do not want to take the time or effort to “Go Out” (Matthew 28:19) and just knock on doors in a practical way to see if we can be of some comfort (Listen) or “DO” something for our neighbors in a “Practical way”. We are too AFRAID of “Rejection” to simply offer our willing hand to help people with “THEIR” needs. How can the world “Know” the LOVE of Christ if we, who claim, to be “Christians” HIDE OUT” and DO nothing for the suffering? We go to Church services on Sunday, but then DO NOTHING to reach out to the neighbors alone in their misery! I say, shame on us! We are failing! We are too afraid or self absorbed to reach out to the people all around us in so much pain. We do not get the “Right” to be “Christians” by getting a comfortable and pain free life! NO! We Must Sacrifice! God will bless us if we do, but in this world, we must SUFFER for HIM and not sit back and enjoy all the time our many good benefits from HIM! If someone in your town or street needs a visit to cheer them up, then you MUST do it! I don’t care to hear if you don’t like doing it! I only care that THEY are comforted (And you will be too) When you do it! We Christians should be the “First Responders” (Not 911). I have more to say, but I am too saddened by the current Church in it’s self-centered ways! If we do nothing, then nothing will change for better. Where do you stand? Do you want a life of self-indulgence and then die? Or, do you want a life that means something for history? (And for God). It is YOUR CHOICE! As for me I am for LOVE and TRYING to get out of my own way and let Jesus Overcome! And, be assured, in the end, HE will Overcome! Pastor Smitty