Happiness and Joy

Happiness and Joy are NOT what many people think it is. As Humans, we believe it is solely an emotional response to events in our worldly life. But, it is much more than that to the Christian Mature in Faith. The real Joy and happiness as described in the Bible is a Gift given Only to those who are chosen by God. It is a “Gift” in that, it comes only from The Holy Spirit (Ghost) and is far Above what we human’s consider it to be. If you study the Scriptures you may find that in every “Decree of God” that there is a Promise of Joy and Happiness to be found ONLY for those people who accept God as Father, His Son Jesus and who have His Holy Spirit within them. That Joy and Happiness is NOT of this World. The Truth is that it is an awareness given from The Father of a Future time to come when God, through Jesus Christ, will return and establish His Eternal Kingdom here on the NEW Earth He re-creates. As Christian’s we can NOW experience some of that Joy and Happiness, but mostly as we look Forward to the NEW World government under God. Joy and Happiness then rises above our present Earthly experience of it (Which mostly is sensual) and redirects our Heart’s and minds focused toward a better future yet to come. And, that Future is also here and now, and will be complete and finished completely as both Spiritual and Physical reality. So, cast aside the “Feelings” of purely human joy or happiness in Earthly human experience for something Better. Look to the Higher Vision of what God has prepared for you who Love Him. It is soon to come! Now you can be really Joyous and Happy in spite of the present sorrows you may feel or the false feelings of these human emotions we associate with purely human experience. God does Grant us believer’s some of that now. But, there is a Higher experience yet to come. That is what we Christian’s MUST ALWAYS remember! That is what keeps us trudging the road toward happy destiny!

On America And Israel

It seems that our current Administration in America (As well as some past ones since President Harry Truman) have been bent on abandoning the State of Israel gradually since it’s inception after WW2. This is the WORST policy that America and our Allies (Or any Nation) can take! We American’s made an Oath for Israel’s support long ago and we MUST continue to support them if we will ever hope to continue as a “Nation Under God” as we claim. We American’s owe our great prosperity and might, directly linked to our deep belief and much sacrifice to the cause of Liberty and Freedom. Our Nation began with Christian beliefs. And, these very beliefs (Although, now being quickly eroded) directly stem from the Ancient Oracles of God given to us through the Bible and Holy Scriptures of God’s own chosen people Israel. All History has proven that any Nation or peoples that do not treat the Jews favorably will ultimately fall into oblivion. It does not matter if some individuals of Jewish or Israeli do not follow the Christian belief. The ultimate fact is that they are our Elder Brother’s and that God will always be on their side (And any Nation supporting them) despite their long and terrible persecutions and horrible sufferings. We American’s dare not desert them, at the risk of our own peril! Pray for them. Do anything you can to continue to support them! If we fail in our Commitment then we will fail as a Nation!

Veteran's Day

Read 2Chronicles 20:1-20 and 2 Samuel 22:29-43 "He teaches my hands to make war (For the war), so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze." (2 Sam. 22:35, NKJV(. At first reading, this passage seems contradictory to what many believer's in Christ might think. But, as a career Soldier and Veteran of many wars as an American Soldier, I get it! As a MAN, war appalls me. I have personally experienced first hand the Horrors of war and the Terrible consequences that remain long after the fighting is over. There are NO winners in a Human sense, only victims, all lose. However, these verses from the Holy Bible, written through two Kings of Israel loved by God, speak of an aspect of God's Character SPIRITUALLY that reveal along side His Love that there is also His Vengeance and Protection for those who will choose to Trust Him. It also reveals His Sovereign and Miraculous intervention to fight for His Own Honor and for ours who stand prepared for His Victory; so that, all we have to do is show up and watch what His outcome will be. The battles and wars, as horribly mysterious as they are, are for His Divine and ultimate purposes. And one purpose (As hard as it is for us humans to accept or understand) is to show how evil and wicked all of mankind is. And, hopefully even after the wars, we will come to realize that we humans have not ever been good. In that, IF we accept this fact, therein lies our Salvation. Ever since Cain murdered his brother Able all humanity since then has been in perpetual rebellion against God, both Physically and Spiritually. Jesus solved the SPIRITUAL problem for mankind, but we have not as yet reached the end of our Human PHYSICAL problem (At least, not on Earth). War is just another EFFECT of our remaining Sinfulness (Sin = missing the mark of God's Heart). To me as a Veteran Soldier, I realize now that God IS MY God and was and IS always fighting for me and my Soul. I am a survivor and I am really a true Soldier of the "Heavenly Armies of God." I still do not understand well Why I and many other Soldier's have been allowed to survive the battles of war and live on to an old age. Whatever the reason, God knows. Yet, there is something I can still do. I can tell the story of how My God and His Son Jesus Christ still fight for those who dare to Trust Him. Trust Him regardless of any Earthly physical victory or defeat. He IS God Almighty and Sovereign over all the Nations of the World. He Alone does whatever pleases Himself, even if we do not. So, Soldier's and Veterans take Heart! Follow hard after Him and although you may still be suffering, know that it is a necessary part of your being drawn closer to God in the process. The great war for our Eternal Life and Freedom has already been Won long ago, Won SPIRITUALLY. Soon, the Physical will join the Spiritual when The LORD returns again. To be a Soldier is necessary for some and it is a great Honor to be used by God to help serve His purposes. Do not worry about the EFFECTS of your human experience. Look FORWARD, Watch what Jesus will do! Be content that YOU are an important tool and person in God's Final plan of Salvation and Peace to come. Keep fighting the Good fight of FAITH!

He humbled Himself (Philippians 2:6-8)

When I was in College I had to support my Family while working a full-time job that did not meet our needs. So, I took a second job as a janitor to help supplement our needs. Being a janitor has no prestige. But, I knew it was an honorable job for God and our Family. I often felt like a person who was looked down upon. But, I did what I could and tried to be cheerful. When I read in Philippians how much Paul suffered then I regret ever complaining or feeling less than anyone. There is no mention on Jesus being a janitor while He was on Earth, but He did come to teach us to serve with Humility. Now, I am willing to do any task if it serves The Master and try not to complain. Recently, I was asked to cook some few meals for our needy member’s in our congregation. At first I balked, but then I understood, that even a disabled old man like me can cook! So, I volunteered. Is not that what our LORD is doing? And Has done for us beyond measure? He left His Heavenly Home to come down to Earth and try to save us from ourselves! That is worth remembering when you get an opportunity to be of service.

Why is Church Attendance Down 30%?

According to recent statistics, Church attendance is down about 30% overall. Why is this? There are several reasons. But, I would like to tell about TWO reasons that account for this. In my observations, and my opinion, (And I believe it's from the LORD). The primary reason for low attendance in our Church Congregations falls into Two categories distinctly adverse to Biblical instructions. First, many of todays Church congregations are NOT following the Way of Christ Jesus. Many congregations are too much concerned with " The Business Of The Church", I.E., how to make enough money to fund their own operations. (E.G., missions, keeping of a building payments, paying the ministers and staff, just so they can have an income, a nice home, car, etc.). This approach is NOT what Jesus taught us. However, it IS true, that we as believer's should support our ministry. But, ONLY to help them maintain a lifestyle in accordance with their Basic Needs, in order to carry out the "Great Commission" of Christ, which is to "Carry the Gospel of "The Good News" to the World". If, Pastors, Elders, Ministers, or other workers must work OTHER jobs to support themselves or their Families to have a nice home or other material possessions, then they should Work Other Jobs to support Themselves! And NOT, expect the member's of their congregation to support them financially by their Tithes or Offerings alone. (Jesus, and His Apostles and Disciples wrote and acted exactly in this manner as written in the Gospels and Epistle's of the New Testament). Secondly, we as believer's should NOT just go to any congregation just to be observer's or even listener's only. We should Really go to, First, Worship Our God, and then, try to find a way to help FIRST, the Widow's, Orphans, and the needy Brother's and Sister's who are among us and trying to do God's Will. Then, Next, we should try to support our Leader's (Again, only their Basic needs). And finally, reach out to the unbelieving and try to tell them about the NEW WAY of Jesus Christ. If we can support them financially so that they will become one day self supporting, then we should give accordingly as we individually are able (Without denying our or our own Families obligations). We MUST First support our Believing Brother's and Sister's who REALLY DO NEED our help, whether, Financially, Emotionally or Spiritually in support. That means that we should give money to our Ministry leader's as long as they and the Lord tell us and only as much as they NEED to do their Job. Furthermore, we should also give some money (Or our time) to ANY ministry organization that is helping to further the Kingdom of God through Loving and helpful service to the NEEDY. In this way, we truly Honor God by becoming partner's with enlarging the True Church of Christ. We will then NOT be guilty of "Pretentiousness" or worried about larger "Attendance" at our local congregations. Many of the so called, "Pastor's or Minister's" of the Church today are in fact, "False Apostle's, and even Anti-Christ's against the Church of God. (Read 1 John through 3 John). These false teachers, will try to make their own lives easier and more comfortable, (Whether they know it or not). Do not let them fool you! Even Satan can appear as an angel of light (If God permits) and He does to test our willingness to have "Discernment" and "Wisdom" (From Him) to identify these False teacher's in these Last Days. Many Pastor's and Minister's just try to have a life much like the "Pharisee's" and "Scribes" and "Religious Leader's" that were around back when Jesus was on Earth. And He condemned them Vigorously! (They Refused to Acknowledge or Believe that HE was the Messiah, Even when they KNEW that HE WAS!, Thus, they committed the "Unforgivable Sin"). If you are a leader in God's and Christ's Church, then I beg you to ask yourselves if you are one of the above. If you are, then REPENT! NOW! And you shall be forgiven all. Jesus said so. Begin to Focus on Him and His Ways. We do NOT need bigger congregations. What we need is Bigger Outreach and LOVE for the hurting and in our own care! It would be better to meet (As in the early Church did) in Homes or other places if growth can be expected in these times in the Church of Christ. That, in my opinion, is sacrifice, hospitality and True Love! But, anyway, Jesus said, that nothing shall prevent His True Church from growing! So, I yield to His True Command. I am NOT here writing to either Judge or Condemn or Criticize How any congregation decides to operate their brand of Christian Church congregation. I am merely trying to Convict those who Misunderstand what is MOST important to Jesus and Hid Church growth. If anything that I have written here helps you re-evaluate your own personal convictions in Christ, then, I have done my duty as an Ambassador of Christ. Let it be helpful, correcting and done in the LOVE of GOD and Christ! Amen. Dale Smith, LCPC, NCCA

Soldier's and Vets Do You Want Help?

I have spent most of my life suffering from the effects of Military service. After 20 years of service to my Country America I am one of the 20% of Soldier's who suffer from the Horrible effects and memories of several Wars, Vietnam, Iraq, etc. In my recovery process, it has been a real challenge and struggle to live as a Christian and a member of Society. A Society that really knows so little about the ongoing struggles and challenges of wounded Warriors and how to keep fighting or "Re-Integrate" into a strange Society after we have been changed by War. Even when I was on Active Duty it seemed hard to find anyone who really understood the inner turmoil I have been struggling with, except for a few of my military comrades. So, I am here NOW to tell you Soldier's and Veteran's that there is HOPE and a way to live on for a reasonable and emotional good way of life, either while still on Active Duty or as a Veteran with Purpose and Meaning for your lives. And, not "OFF" yourselves because of the inner or outer despair or hopeless feelings you may have. That's WHY I write and that's WHY I invite you to join us. You CAN, if you choose, to learn to live a Good life in spite of your mental or physical disabilities if you decide to join with us. Please, Please, do yourselves a great favor, both for yourself and those whom you care for to give the Gift of your own suffering to other's. We understand. We CARE! Because we have experienced what you have gone through in Combat and Military service duty of every kind. So, contact us and let's keep our special "Band Of Brother's" helping each other as a successful team!

To Hurting Soldiers-Help is Here!

I have had the pleasure of seeing hundreds of military soldier's and their families hear of and be delivered by Christ from their war on the demons in their mind. I am indeed fortunate to be an example to them of what does NOT work! Because, of this I have been used by GOD to relate well to them in their sufferings. Sometimes, (Actually very often) they find Jesus Christ and then they get the healing, way to live out their remaining life rightly and the comfort knowing that it's OK to be imperfect and broken and have severe troubles. Living the Christian life is NOT about having ALL one wants or from being free from suffering. (There is a right kind of suffering and a wrong kind of suffering). However, as a believer in Jesus, people learn HOW to accept themselves as faulty and turn to do the right thing for the right reasons, slowly, and surely. And, the right things and reasons are stated clearly by GOD when a person wants to know and asks Him. They enter the mind of the one asking God. By intuition, hunch or inspiration usually, or by a messenger from GOD in some way, i.e., dreams, visions or an intuitive hunch or by someone who is already closer to GOD, or through His word, and His written word in the Bible, or through nature or circumstances. (And many other ways. GOD has given each of us a conscience of what is right and what is wrong.. As individuals, we must ask Him for our own guidance about what He wants. Why?, so that we may enjoy His blessings. But, more importantly, enjoy a personal relationship with Him of total acceptance and forgiveness of our sins. Even when we continue to sin we will soon discover that we hate it and start to give it up. Then we can know that we are moving ever slowly toward His plan for us. Actually, we need no other teacher but Him. But, it helps if we can find someone who has gone before us in the same troubles. That person knows, if they have learned from GOD, how to get out of the misery we are experiencing. I myself have been a soldier in the U.S. Army. And, I am still a soldier in the Army of the living GOD and His Heavenly Armies. Make no mistake! There IS a war still raging in your life and mine in the unseen world! There are evil forces trying to distract and ambush you at any moment! The ONLY way to defeat them is through BELIEF in JESUS CHRIST! He will defeat your enemies and needs no other persons to do it. I have been a soldier of many wars. I know how much suffering can come AFTER a war. It is my job to help you find the way out of your misery. I do not want you to suffer more from seeing your Family, friends, or others suffer from your sick and twisted thinking and behavior. Please let me help! I DO have answers to many of your problems. I do not have ALL answers, but I do have enough answers to help you get going in a way that makes your life seem important and useful. I will not charge you any money. I only accept that which you offer to help me do my work. GOD has abundantly supplied all my needs! Hey!, What have you got to lose? You are already in pain! Just contact me and I will be the one who you can TRUST, because I have also been in wars and KNOW what you suffer now. I am ready and able to lead you, as a guide, out of the ambush! I am a POINT MAN! I see what is before you because I've been there myself.