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.

On Leadership

Some leaders are meant to be more active. Some leaders, like me, are old and are meant to be Mentors and Counselors and directors. Both kinds of leaders are necessary. Even Moses had his Joshua, Elijah had his Elisha, Deborah had her king, and Jesus had His Twelve Apostles and many Disciples. No one man can do all the work for God. Therefore, I seek Godly people to do the physical work when I am unable. At my senior age, I consider myself as a guide for the younger Christian generation. Physically I am often too weak and disabled (Perhaps to humble me with “Thorns in the flesh like Paul?”. I am not sure of that. But, I know I am mentally and Spiritually qualified to lead, and I am entering my prime in that function. If anyone believes that supporting Our ministry is important or valuable for Christ, then come and join us now. I believe that you will be Greatly Blessed! There is still MUCH work to be done before Jesus returns. And, I am appointed by God to be one of His Servants and leaders for the next generation. May you hear! Blessings in His NAME.

Do Christians Have Doubt?

Whether you consider yourself a Christian or not, all people have times when they doubt their belief or faith (Read my previous Post). Do I doubt? Yes, sometimes, because I know that as a Human, I do not yet have the “Perfect” faith. As a Man, I consider my doubt as a good thing when it happens because, it just shows me how much I need to depend more on God’s Truth and Not my individual and sinful false self and thinking. The more I doubt God, the more I eventually realize that I need God. This is one function of The Holy Spirit. He reminds me daily that as God said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts nor are My ways Higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.) ( Read, Isaiah 55:8-8.) Any follower of Jesus will sometimes think such doubts. But, Christ is teaching us to rise above them (He is not condemning us). By practicing, as the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8, to “Think on Heavenly Things.” I believe that Paul meant that if we Honor God we will eventually experience not only how evil we are, but more importantly, how Great and Loving Our God and Creator is. Since, the fall of man, we naturally will be plagued by doubt. We were never supposed to know what God knows about good and evil. But, it happened. Now, we struggle daily in a battle with both ourselves and temptations from the evil powers against us. However, the final result, if you Trust in Christ, is that Salvation is assured even if our doubts continue to Sanctify us through our failings as humans. That proves that God is Faithful even when we fail. So, please do not let your doubts torture you! It is the Spirit of God drawing you to understand your human limitations and to help you draw closer to Him! Now, we can be Free knowing what we are and what He is! Just hang on! God will never fail you because He promised! The Father God is Bright and Wonderful and Awesome for Us who will rely on Him. God has No Doubts! God has confidence in YOU! All people throughout history who have had Faith in God have had doubts. But, they return and obey even when they may not understand God’s ways. That, Like Abraham did, is what Faith is all about. The world will never give you a True Faith. Only by accepting Jesus will you find it. P.S. Read “Oswald Chamber’s” book, “My Utmost for His Highest.” (Read page, December 16). May Blessings be with you in His NAME.

Belief Verses Faith

In my opinion as a Christian, there is a very big difference between “Belief” and “Faith”, although they may go together. Anyone can “Believe” in something, even if it is wrong. The Nazi’s believed they were right when they murdered innocents and tried to conquer the world (As did so many others in human history). But, their beliefs were proven wrong. Even followers of Christ (or Atheists) can have beliefs. But, that does not mean that they are correct. Belief in most human ideas is one of belief in themselves or in some other way that does not Honor God. Many have such beliefs and they end up on their deathbed wondering if they were correct in their belief. I do not want that to happen to you or to me. According to Holy Scripture, “Faith”, on the other hand is about the mystery of God, His unbelievable (To us) LOVE and patience with humanity. It sums up what every person knows deep within themselves, that there is a wonderful mystery beyond our human understanding or reason. Furthermore, The Bible says, that belief is also an awareness of evil beings (Seen or unseen). But, they (The evil ones) do also believe in God. The problem and horror is that They do NOT have any Faith. They even Hate God. So, we as human beings who claim to be Christ followers must go beyond mere “Belief.” We must ask God to Give us His Hope and His Faith. Why? So that we can ACT in the same way that Our Lord Jesus Christ did every day the best we can (Not perfectly) but Honestly and selflessly. James, the half-Brother (In the flesh) and leader of the Church in Jerusalem once wrote that, “Faith without works is dead.” (Read James, New Testament, Chapter 2:19-20). It is “Unproductive" (No action or for no purpose), if we only “Believe” and do nothing with our belief in acts of Holiness. That means, we must sacrifice our human selves to Worship Him by doing all we can to serve Him AND the suffering people of the world NOW until He returns. The greatest need is all around you! Look for God! Then, do whatever you are able (Not what you are not able, but you can Pray for us!) to obey His direction. Start by reading, studying and asking God to reveal what He had written by Holy Prophets to YOU. He will reveal His Truth to you. And, you will finally know why you are here on earth and where you are going! Your life will have meaning and purpose! My Belief and my Faith is in Him alone. And God is all about LOVE. Love for Him and Love toward others. Then, you will experience Love of your True self. There is no other way, and I am convinced of it, even though I am a terrible sinner myself. But I know that Jesus is a Wonderful Savior! Amen! Blessings in His NAME.