No Guessing Allowed!

So many people try to “Guess” what other’s in their lives want or need. This “Guessing” is mainly a Self-Centered and destructive idea and practice) among Families and in Society as a whole. Among Families (Those who really care for each other, at least emotionally and mentally) “Guessing” what someone else needs or wants usually leads to conflict, argument or even war. To be a true follower of Jesus Christ, “Guessing” is NOT allowed! The right way is to “Ask Directly”. Then, “Listen” and more important, “Remember and DO” the preferences told you by God and others. IF you Love someone then you will remember and do the things that THEY want and need from YOU (As long as these things do not go against God’s Word’s). And, that will make your relationships work much better. You must sacrifice your own ideas about what you think is best for them in order to follow Christ and learn to truly Love His way. Yes, it is difficult, but not impossible. So, think and Pray on it and then Act on this advice. God will let you learn (If even through suffering) to do it better and better. None of us are or will be “Perfect” in this earthly life. But, no excuses! Jesus will teach us more and more until His Kingdom has come. So, do not give up even if it takes you the rest of your earthly life! You WILL be eventually victorious! Remember, Try (Not a four letter word) to keep learning the things that those you love really want and need from you. Then, memorize (Or, write them down) and then DO them consistently! That will bring you (By means of The Holy Spirit) and them closer. Talk, Listen, Learn, Remember and Do! THAT is the way to a victorious way of love. Follow Jesus Christ and just as I too am learning, you will also in time. I am merely a messenger, not yet perfected, but I do know much about this subject. Now, for a real personal example from my life: I several times told my Wife that I only like a certain kind of Pizza to eat (Name Brand withheld for confidentiality). But, she thought she could “Guess” better and bought another brand (That I had previously told her) that I do not like. So, what happened? Another episode of heated discussion! OK, I admit that it is a small problem. But, can you the reader see how this Principle can cause a really big problem in your relationships? I do hope so. I do! The greater Principle as I see it, is to have relationships like our relationship of love with Jesus Christ. When we learn and keep practicing these simple steps: TALK (Pray and Ask), LISTEN (Meditate), LEARN (Study the Bible), REMEMBER (Write and memorize and seek Godly counselors), and DO (Trust God, admit your wrongs and help other’s) THEN, we all will experience better relationships. And, I am still learning too! I am learning that honest and open communication, coupled with, “Remembrance and Action” (Not wrong reaction) on my part, is the answer to both small and big relational problems. And, there is more! But that must be discussed with me later. For now, it is “One Step At A Time” (As 12 Step Programs say). Please write (Join our Blog) your replies. Blessings in His Name. Pastor Smitty

Serving the Needy and Yourself – God’s Way

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: orphans and widows in their trouble…” (James 1:27, NKJV). “Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless in their Plight…” (James 1:27. MSG). I have a Passion for God. I have a Passion with Christ. And, I have a passion to help others. Yet, like many Christians and Churches, we often have a difficult time Applying what the Apostle James (The half-Brother of Jesus) wrote in the above Bible verse. There is one particular great need) and responsibility given also by Jesus Christ) to all Christians that is not being well done today enough. Namely, to “Go out” (John 14:31). And, what does this mean in regard to what James is teaching? We believe it is vital to the survival of the Christian Church! In our belief, it means also, that there is for those of us who are not physically ill or disabled much that it is up to us who are physically healthy (And Spiritually) to go out and take the Gospel with BOTH Word and deed. There are so many really sick, elderly and homeless within our local communities who want and need Christian workers to come to them and hear about Christ. And, for them to hear, they must be physically approached and shown physical love for their needs as well as to tell them the Good News. We Christians (And I include myself) MUST not only go to a Church meeting, Bible study, etc. just for our own help. We MUST also” Go Out and try to reach everyone within our local (And Worldwide) community. We must begin to Knock on doors and ask the people IF they want or need help of ANY kind and not just begin to talk religion. Then, no matter if they accept or decline our helps, we have done what our Lord Jesus wants (Read Romans 5:6-8 on Salvation). Some Christians do this, but fail to give that Physical offering of help. Some go and preach or talk, but fail to Give any real Physical help. Possibly, because of some fear of sacrificing their time or money or self or maybe just being fearful of rejection or legal problems or persecution or other like fears. But, remember God says, “Do Not Fear” because He is with you! These fears we have are not good excuses. They are, in fact, contrary to the Will of God and do not please Him. For example, one of the experiences I remember vividly is when once our Church members went out and rang door bells and knocked on doors of people near our city Church area. I remember one man we met who answered the door and we began introducing ourselves as Christians. He began to cry! He explained that his Wife of many years had recently died and he was a Widower and disabled, unable to do the bills or get other things done. So we got him in touch with Christian people in our Church and they came over and began to help him. And, my question is, how would God have ever been able to help the man and be Glorified had we never gone out? The Church of Christ is His body and we are its members (Hands and feet, etc.). We did not only preach with words, but we took ACTION. And, this is what James was also trying to teach about our Lord’s command to us. So, GO out and try to help our sick and those in their “Plight”. Many suffering people are right next door as your neighbors or homeless on the streets. Keep expanding out from your own Family to the people near you. Give some time and Physical Help to the people next door, on the next street, on the next block. And then, just keep on Going outward in circles of Love in doing good for God. Then, you will receive blessings from God and probably more than the people you help. God will be very pleased and Glorified even more. Join with some other Christians, co-operate and work together with them (Young and Old and Ill) and YOU will be surprised, despite the difficulties or rejections, that YOU will be happier even if the people you try to help do not respond to Christ yet (Remember, they will later!)

“You also be ready…” (Luke 12:40).

“A Christian worker’s greatest need is a readiness to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience has been. The battle is not against sin, difficulties or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in our service to Jesus Christ that we are not ready to face Jesus Himself at every turn. The greatest need is not facing our beliefs or doctrines, or even facing the question of whether or not we are of any use to Him, but the need is to face Him. Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him, He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical situations. The only way a servant can remain true to God is to be ready for the Lord’s surprise visits. This readiness will not be brought about by service, but through intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This sense of expectation will give our life the attitude of childlike wonder He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious. In other words, we must stop using religion as if it were some kind of lofty lifestyle-we must be spiritually real. If you are avoiding the call of the religious thinking of today’s world, and instead are “looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2), setting your heart on what He wants, and thinking His thoughts, you will be considered impractical and a daydreamer. But when He suddenly appears in the work of the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. You should trust no one, and even ignore the finest saint on earth if he blocks your sight of Jesus Christ.” (Oswald Chambers).

Challenges to be met with Homeless

There are some basic challenges we as The Church must meet to help the poor homeless. First, we must reach out to them with The Gospel. Then, we must know that they will only seek help if their personal possessions (Which are few, but important to them) are protected. And, they must have transport to Church or Shelters because they can’t get to one. Just try to think of how you would feel and think if you were on the street homeless? What would you be concerned about? We know what they need and are concerned about. But, we are few. We need ALL the Church to open their doors. (Yes, insurance, liability, etc. is a challenge, but we together can solve that). What the homeless most need of course is The Gospel. But, they also need to know people (Christians) CARE about them. We can care about them if we are willing to submit ALL to God. There is NO other way to serve God than to be willing to give ALL, if necessary, to Him because, He has already given ALL to US! (Please Pray and THINK about that!).Many of us are warm and comfortable only because God has done that for us. We have never done or will do anything to deserve His blessings. Yet, we have trouble as humans, to Trust that God wants us to GIVE more than He ever Gives us. Why? Because He wants us to be like His Son Jesus. Jesus was always a Giver! He Gave His own human life for you! Then, I say, is it too much to give some of your material blessings to Him? God deserves the BEST and FIRST of anything that He has given us. (And He said so too). Therefore, we Disciples who are often outcast ask you; Are you as the worldwide Church of Christ willing to donate something of value to Him? Attendance at a Church on Sunday or a Bible study will only please Him if you everyday reach out to Worship and Honor Him by helping the less fortunate among us who need Him. I Pray to tell you all the Truth. There are thousands who will not give into materialism worship and will Worship God. You CAN help. Give a little (Or as much as the Spirit leads you for our suffering homeless. Think and Pray always about Him and His Love for others. Blessings in His NAME.

More On Homeless

We have written and acted often for the outreach of our homeless population here in San Diego. There are over 8700 homeless persons (And children) within the San Diego County area. And, this is not just at winter time. It is a 365 day a year problem that we as Christians are called to help with for the Love of Christ! There are several solutions to the problem of homelessness. We, as many other partners here, are desperately trying to appeal to the Church. Yes, there are Government and City programs that help tremendously. But, they can’t do it alone. They need Our Churches and Congregations (And private peoples and organizations) to step up and solve this horrible problem. It has been going on for so many decades. The Church as we understand it is to bring comfort to the poor along with Worship to God. Both must be done together or we will fail Christ’s calling. It is right and good to do your worship within your local (And worldwide) services. But, we as Christians are also called to worship God’s forgotten and suffering people not yet, or who have fallen, to bring them back to a life of serving Him. Does your money, time or efforts mean anything if not for Love for Him AND for others in need? We are constantly seeking ways to Obey Him in this important struggle to help the homeless learn that Christ loves them too. As Abraham did in Genesis 12:8, “And he…pitched his tent, having Bethel on the West, and Ai on the East: and there he built an altar.” What does this mean to us today? It means that we are to place ourselves between God first and the world second. But, it also means that we must get involved with BOTH at the same time if to Honor our God and be effective here. (Read Oswald Chambers, January 6.) We know several local outreach ministries here in San Diego. We will continue to appeal to the public and especially the Churches to open up their facilities and use their transports and appeal to their Congregations to donate the items needed for this ministry. Over 91 people every year die from exposure to being homeless within our County! Focus on what The Lord Jesus was really saying; To Love God is to Love Others. Please, join together as the Church and with others who are trying to open our homes and buildings for the suffering. Blessings in His NAME.

On Anger and Hard Emotions

“He teaches my hands to make war. So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (2 Samuel 22: 35-36, NKJV). Many of us have been taught that anger is a bad emotion. I can both agree and disagree, in light of what Jesus taught. I think that mere human ideas about anger as purely an “Emotional” issue is somewhat flawed when not compared to and in light of ALL Scripture written in the Bible about it. The term, “Response” and “Purpose” seems to be the keys to the wisdom about anger and when it is used (As well as any other emotion). Divine Emotions are the answer. (My favorite explanation is in “The Message/Remix Translation” on, Ephesians 4:26-27; Psalms 4:4, “Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry-but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry.” (The Message). And, “Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.” (The Message). Some Client’s of mine that come to me have different personalities, Temperaments (Which I am well trained in) and histories. All have problems. All seek answers. As far as Anger (Or other emotions) they are misunderstood and troublesome problems for them (And sometimes me too). I try First to listen to their “Problem”, and then I try to help them understand what are the “Root” causes of it beyond what they see. We first Pray, and then we get started. Within about six sessions of counseling usually they realize that anger (As all emotions) is fleeting and part of being human. Then, I try to help them see that their particular “Temperament” can and will affect their thoughts and reactions to any circumstance (e.g., people, places and things) in their life. Once they find Christ (Or rather, He finds them) they will know that anger, like all emotions, can be used for their (And other’s) good or for more trouble. I say this from not only my many years as a counselor and all my education or study of God’s Word, but from years from my own personal experience as a man too. I find that in my trying to help other sufferers that I also receive the “Grace” and Love of God and and helped along in this struggle of life. I find that I am both a teacher and a student in my counseling. Christ is the ultimate Counselor! And in that process, we all become more mature in Him as Children of God. To be honest, I began my ministry not of my own will. I began it because I needed to know if God really existed. Since then, My God has used me in ways I never could have imagined! Now, being a Christian counselor appointed by The Lord means I must also admit I get angry too sometimes. And learn how, like Jesus did, driving out the moneychanger’s in the old Temple of Jerusalem (Matthew 21: 12-13), that anger can be a positive and good and necessary emotion at times when used against Hypocrisy or against fooling innocent people about True Worship. Soldiers especially have trouble with their anger. I myself have been a Soldier of several wars. So, I do understand. That is why I love to listen to their stories of anger and internal or external pain. Because I too still wrestle with it mentally and physically. But, Spiritually I have found the Way to freedom! Let all give me a try. If I can by means of The Holy Spirit guide you to a more serene life, then what do you have to lose? (Except, more misery). I am an old Soldier, I survived and I believe that is why I am still alive and it is to comfort and guide you. If you were a Soldier then never be ashamed or feel guilty (Anger is OK) about what happened. You were called by God to do your duty. Never forget that in all history Soldiers were necessary (Even in Israel) to conquer the evil in the world. Yes, God always tried to change people from evil ways, but many would never obey Him. We Americans are on God’s side as long as we fight (And yes die even) for the Cause of Liberty and Justice and Truth and Freedom for ALL people of the world. So, be proud of that even if you suffer for the horrors of what happened, God wanted it to be so. Blessings in His NAME.

Why Are You Alive?

I have had many people come to me and one of the first questions (After they complain about someone else) is: Why am I here? Does God exist? Do I have any reason or purpose to exist? And, what can I do to find a contented and purposeful life? Well, these are not east questions to answer, considering that I myself struggle with them too! However, I have found some answers to these questions and am more than willing to share them with anyone who asks. That is why my primary calling is to be a counselor for Jesus. As one of my great Mentor’s once said, “To be happy, people need something to do, Something to Love, and something to look forward to.” (A.W. Tozer). Also, King David once wrote, “To have God’s approval and be successful, Do the right thing for the right reasons.” (Psalm 24:4). I have not always followed their advice, especially when I was a young man. But, I did hear God’s calling when I was 10 years old from another Mentor, Dr. Billy Graham in Los Angeles in 1965 and never forgot it. In fact, it haunted me until I finally surrendered my will to His will. Yes, I ran away in my youth. But, My God never gave me up! Like the great English poet, Francis Thompson once wrote in his poem, “The Hound of Heaven”. My God has chased me also down the “corridors” of my years until I was cornered. Then, I found out that “The Hound” was NOT a beast. It was Jesus Christ who Loved me so MUCH that He allowed me to run my own way until I was at last cornered and had to surrender to Him. In my experience, there is no other way than to give up (At least emotionally and Spiritually) anyone, including your loved family for Him. Until you do, you will always be asking those previous questions. Now, I must say, that for most people (And I include myself) we need to seek good advice from God Loving people. However, as another of my Mentor’s said, “How well does it work?” (Emmet Fox). We do need to be careful who we follow. But, even when we follow down a wrong path awhile, God will teach you something useful for your life later. The only requirement is that you Trust Him! I have made many wrong turns in my life. But, I can assure you that God not only Saved me, but He guided me back to the “Straight and narrow path”. I sometime also fall and stumble. I do not know where God is leading. But, HE DOES! And THAT is reason to be Joyful! Even in this human life of trouble there is always His comfort if you will just ask Him for it! Well, I could write more. But as I once read in a book called “Jonathan Livingston Seagull”, The best way for me to write is when the “Giant” breaks through my wall and forces me to do it! It is just like that with me too, except the Giant is Jesus. What a wonderful life! My key verses in the Bible have always been in Matthew 11: 28-30 when Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament Prophecy in Zechariah, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy (Smooth fitting) and My burden (Our work together) is light." May I also be such a Disciple for Christ and for you. Blessings in His NAME.