On Christmas

I have written every Christmas for several years about what it truly means, where the custom originated, and how I view it as a Christian and Pastor. I won’t go into the history of that pagan Saturnalia origin or about that great Catholic Saint Nicholas of Rome 300a.d.again this year. What I will say, is that Christ has set us free to choose by our own will what we will to do. If, you want to Honor God, and then know that whenever or in whatever season, Jesus was born is really not the issue. What IS important is to know that God left a part of Himself in the form of Jesus from His Oneness and for our Salvation from evil. God manifested Himself as a man, like us, as the One called Jesus (Or, Emmanuel, God with us,Savior and Prince of Peace) to reconcile us back to Him. He left His High Holy Heaven to offer Himself in the form of a human being (And as God Himself) in a human body as a humble servant and sacrifice for ALL mankind (How incomprehensible to understand by us humans!). Nevertheless, it was done. Bow, all that remains is to see the baby Jesus (And His adult life ministry) as the ONLY way to really Worship God and His amazing Love for all creation by Him. Why would God do that? Basically, because WE can’t! And it was always God’s plan to finish what He started, in spite of our human selves, way back in the beginning of creation of the world. There has never in all human history or stated by any prophet or teacher of any other religion this Truth except by Jesus. The Truth that Jesus is the Son of Man, the Son of God and has been manifested by God to save us. Only the Bible gives record of that. So, go ahead and Worship the Only Son of God and God as God. His death and resurrection is more important than His birth because that is the True Believer’s Hope and Future eternally. As you sit around Family and friends this holiday season try to remember the Great cost and the Love God paid for you! God did not have to do it, He CHOSE to do it, but because He can never be wrong or fail, He did it to show us how much He loves and how much He wants us and how much we need Him. If you do not accept or believe this news, then what hope do you have in this insane and terminal life? All you have is your own way of living out a pointless life going nowhere except the grave. I suggest a better way. Just say a simple and honest cry for help to your Maker God. You will be pleasantly surprised by His Mysterious, but Loving help. He may answer you quickly or slowly, but, He will respect and answer your plea. And, will reveal to you what you must do. Yes, some of you go to a Church Congregation on Christmas Eve. But, do not go IF you are only trying to be right with God. Go because in your HEART you really WANT Him and to Worship Him and not just to be seen by other people there. Take the “Eucharist” (The Bread and Drink”) of Christ Jesus. But, do not take it if you have any resentment toward any other person. Go and ask forgiveness for YOUR wrong attitude and feeling, then you can do anything; even a religious activity with a clean and holy heart and not be sacrilegious. We Christians are called to rise above our own human desires. We all are called to Worship God and to Love one another and all people. Even against our human nature that fights against us. We must love all people regardless of their beliefs or misconceptions in love. We must show them in ACTION, by giving help if they really need help and want help Physically and Spiritually. And, we must always rely on Christ to do the right thing for His right reasons. And not just what we think is morally correct alone. Today is the day to seek and follow Christ. Not on just any customary holiday the world believes in, but EVERY day! All things are allowed if you do them for Christ. Remember, that Christmas day (Or any other day) is not about what YOU can give or get. It is always about what God gave, gives, and lets you receive. so you may learn to Love Him First and love others also. P.S. I suggest that if you have doubts then read in the Bible the Gospel of John (New Testament). Then, read the Psalms of King David in the Old Testament. That will be a very good beginning. In His NAME.

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?

Finding God

First, God is not lost! So, if you are trying to find Him, you won’t. God will, If He chooses, (And I believe He wants to) will find you! I know that this seems to go against all we were “Taught” in western civilization and in “Christianity” or any other religion or spiritual ways. But, just THINK about it. If “WE” as humans have to try to find God, then “WE” are merely trying to make God fit into “OUR” own conceptions (Whatever they may be) and trying to fit God into “OUR” way of understanding, which of course is impossible! For God will never be limited by our small ideas. A person can seek God in any worldly fashion or method earnestly and will not find Him. Just try “Any” method of connecting with Him, and you will soon find yourself still unable to keep doing it consistently. But, God will not be conformed to anything or anyway any person tries to know Him. His ways and His thoughts are as far above us as the Heavens above the earth. Who do we think we are to try to bring God down to us! The Holy Spirit of God is a gift, like a wind, gentle and powerful! And He will only come to someone, if one desires Him, but ONLY when He chooses to. No human can bring the Holy Spirit of God for any reason or purpose, unless God Himself allows! PLEASE, GET THAT! No, really! PLEASE GET THAT TRUTH! All scriptures on this earth (Any, either eastern or western or other) declare throughout that The Spirit only comes and goes as God wills. And NOT as “WE” humans will. Don’t misunderstand me. It is good and right to “SEEK” God in any way, but the “Finding” is totally up to God, and not us. That “Finding”, coming to “US”, is His business and not ours. Isn’t that an awesome relief? I know what I’m talking about, because I have spent most of my 65 years of life seeking God. Most of my life I have been trying to find a method or way to become and remain “One” with God and have always found myself returning to my evil ways when I least expected it (Or on purpose). So, mostly, I have failed to get God to “Come” to me. I’ve tried everything! I’ve searched everywhere, read all I could, prayed, begged and tried any and everything I could to get God to “Come” to me and stay! But, it does NOT work that way! Does that mean that I am an Apostate or a failure? Not at all, in fact, it means that I am a mere human. And, on the few ecstatic visits of The Holy Spirit that I’ve had I was completely unprepared or expecting them! The “Visits” were AWSOME, yes, but when He left me I felt abandoned and grieving! But, could it be any other way? If God comes, then you KNOW! And when God leaves then you also KNOW! I cannot explain why it is so. All I do know is that “When” God shows up and The Holy Spirit is upon me that I am overwhelmed with it and usually fall on my face in worship. And, of course I want that experience to continue always, but it is also so terrifying at times that I do not! It is therefore, not up to me (Or anyone) concerning it. There are NO Gurus or special appointed Masters or Apostles or Prophets anymore who can help you “FIND” God. That is my point I wish to make. ONLY God can do that. He needs no other person or persons or teachings to “Come” to us! You may read your Bible (Or other Spiritual or Religious books), underline it, cross reference it, etc. until you die and it will not get God to come to you unless He wills it. Stop trying so hard to be holy! (My advice). You ARE Holy already because God made you Holy and not by your own efforts. Isn’t that what Christ said? And, isn’t that what all Holy persons in all history said and sometimes wrote? I am no fool who does not believe. But, I am a fool who mostly is ignorant of God, except for the few times The Holy Spirit has come upon me. I know that there are two forces in life, Good and Evil. That’s about all I know because that’s about all I do. I am like a child begging for more candy wanting God to send His Holy Spirit again and also afraid of the experience because I might die of shock! So, I recommend that anyone “Seeking” God to keep doing that. But, when He comes, watch out! He may turn you upside down in every way you could imagine! You will never be the same (And you will be the same) once that happens.

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).