FAMINE OF THE WORD

One thing about getting older is you now have the opportunity to look back at the past. Now it is important to know there is no past or future, but the here and now. Our past is over we cannot change things we have done or have not done and our future depends on what we have done in the past and the here and now. This is why our here and now must reflect godliness and truth. We must be about our Heavenly Father’s business as He conforms us into the icon (image) of His precious Son Jesus Christ. If we desire our future to be in God we must have our here and now reflect godliness and truth. As I look back to the past my thoughts are always engulfed with the things of God. As far back as I can remember going to church, family devotions, going to youth camps, praying, reading the Bible have all been a critical part of my life. My Mom and Dad did their job in training me in the things of God. Solomon shares this important truth, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 2:6) A note of encouragement to the parents who have “trained up” their kids and they have walked away. Please note the scripture says, “and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Parents please give your kids time to get back on track, “when he is old” let him get old and see what happens then. Please parents give your kids grace. Grace does not know when to quit. Grace never gives up or says enough, but gives more and more. Please cover them with your prayers their earthly and spiritual life hangs in the balance and please give them more grace.

One thing I remember of the past (that is seldom if ever seen today) was the raw, heart-felt, spirit-filled preaching of the word of God and the power it produces. I can remember services that would go on and on, yet no one wanted the service to stop. The Spirit of God was rich and full, people would run down to the altar without an invitation to repent and for prayer. The presence of God was electrifying, miracles were a common occurrence in an atmosphere of expectation and need. Today, in most American churches, this is not the case. Most church services in America consist of; three fast songs and a slow one, take up the offering, hear 20-30 minutes of self-help preaching, a brief invitation for prayer, and then off to their favorite cafeteria for lunch. Most people come to church to be seen and to network instead of wanting to see what God will do in their midst. Time and the day’s activities is a factor in their ability to receive the word of God. When I listen to radio and taped messages of the preachers and teachers of days gone by I find such a depth and understanding that far surpasses me and others today. This depth and understanding comes not out of an ability to speak or know the Bible, but out of a commitment and dedication to God. Sadly my friend I include myself in a group of NOT as committed and dedicated as the past. I so want to change in this area. I have purposed for 2008 to be a time to go back to Bethel and shore-up my altar before God.

In Amos we read, “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: 12And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.” (Amos 8:11-12) Please note it is the Lord sending a famine in the land “of hearing the words of the Lord.” Now many would say, God would never do that, well my friend the Scriptures are quite clear, because of their hard hearted, greedy selfish spiritual condition they did not have the ability in God to hear His words. Today many in the church (in America and around the world) “run to and fro” from one conference to the next conference looking for God’s word, but only find the words of men and an emotional driven feeling. When the “true” (“true” = taking something from the physical and projecting it into the spiritual realm; like Jesus being the “true” bread of life) word of God comes to us we are brought down into a low place before Him. We will not want to sing and dance or shake our fists. Oh no, when God’s word really comes to us, it kills us, but at the same time makes us alive. “The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.” (1 Samuel 6:6-7) Please notice our direction; the way up is really down. If we desire to go up to God now while on earth and to Heaven some day, we must first go down in our thoughts, ways, intentions, and desires. And please notice why the famine of the word was sent by God, “Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, 5Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? 6That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat? 7The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.” (Amos 8:4-7) This is the message in most churches in America and some around the world. Today many churches pervert the word of God through a deceitful message of God’s love and grace and a giving to get message that “swallow up the needy” and a “falsifying the balance by deceit” or turning the truth of God’s word into a lie. And why? All out of greed, lust, and selfishness. Jesus told us, “to occupy” till He comes, but the church is occupied with making money. The spirit and faith of most churches today is a spirit and faith of greed and doing works not for God, but for self-glory and self-praise.

It is no wonder Jesus said, “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) I thought how could this be with all of the churches around the world? Jesus saying, “shall he find faith on the earth?” (This scripture gives me cause and concern) Well now I can see how this verse can be true. Year after year I see less of God’s word, Spirit, and power on earth. Year after year I see less of the manifestation of God’s power projected around the world in service to mankind. Why should we spend money on missionaries, vehicles, and food when all we have to do is beam a satellite link message into homes around the world telling them; how Jesus loves them, all about their anointed ministry, and offer them the latest over priced gift. This type of message and projection to the world is the famine of the word Amos was talking about. It was true then and my friend it is true today. There is nothing new under the sun.

My friend please understand this is not an article slamming the church, but a wake-up call and challenge to us all to get back on track so that we can do what God has asked us to do. I am afraid like in Jesus’ day we have turned the church into a den of thieves. Let us turn away from the prosperity and grace, without consequences for our actions, doctrines. Let us open our heart and our spirit to the “true” word of God. Let us not go after the water and bread of life of this world, but seek the “heavenly bread” from above. Let the famine of hearing God’s words in us be satisfied only by “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

FAMILY: ONE OF GOD'S GREATEST GIFTS

Well, we just had another wonderful Christmas at our home. Dave, Kristin, and Caleb stayed with us for a few days, Jeff and Connie visited everyday and then Christmas day we all enjoyed gift-giving and dinner. Karen and I do not do Christmas in the traditional way; trees, decorations, and such, but we do like giving our kids gifts. God started all of this gift-giving, before the foundation of the world was laid. "For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son." Giving is at the heart of the Gospel. Please hear me, if God cannot teach you to be a giver then He cannot use you. Dan, Sarah, Abigail, and little John live in Panama City, FL and enjoyed their Christmas this year together, they were with us for Thanksgiving what a wonderful time we all had, and Joshua was with Jenna his girl friend and her family. As I watched FOX News they would tell of all the Christian pilgrims who traveled to Bethlehem this Christmas. I thought to myself what a waste of time Jesus is not there anymore. Jesus is not a baby in a manger, but is now seated on the right hand (a place of honor) of the Father, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus is no longer a poor little defenseless baby, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And someday (I believe soon) He will be coming in the clouds of glory, with His heavenly host, as our coming King and will judge the nations. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:11-16) Then I thought, they left their families during one of the most important family times of the year to see a place where they THINK Jesus was born.

The longer I go in life the more I realize I know little about life. But my friend there are a few truths I have learned. The first and greatest truth is Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tell me so. This is the greatest and most important truth we can learn about life. If we can learn this truth all other truths will flow correctly from this one. We will be well adjusted knitly joined together with our brothers and sisters in the Lord (and with those in the world who do not know Him) able to come to completion and find fulfillment in our lives. The second truth is if we have God and our family we can face anything in life. Yes that is right if we have God's precious Son Jesus (as the chief cornerstone of all of our relationships) and our family we will be able to endure anything life throws at us. The older I get the more I appreciate my family. They say the older you get the smarter your Dad and Mom become. My Dad is 82 and my Mom is 77, I cannot imagine how smart they will be when I am 60. My Dad is filled with years of wisdom and knowledge and my Mom is still so precious and sweet to me. Our kids and their families are so special to us. The older we get the more we do not want them to leave when they come home for a visit. But I know this is not God's plan for them. We had our day-to-day time while we were raising them. But now we have visits and all of those precious memories to keep us going. Of all of God's wonderful gifts He has given me, second only to the Holy Spirit and salvation, is my sweet-heart and wife Karen. What a blessing Karen and been to me. She has been strong when I was weak and weak so that I could be strong. She gave me four wonderful children. She has cooked and cleaned and love me for over 28 years. How she has laid her life down for us all in the family. Oh God help me to be a better husband and father to my wife and family. Family: one of God's greatest gifts.

CHRISTMAS IS NOT MERRY AND HAPPY FOR EVERYONE

I would like to share a very serious topic this time of year. During the Christmas and New Year season everyone, especially Christians, are suppose to be "merry" and happy, well did you know the Christmas and New Year season is the number two time of the year when people, including Christians, commit suicide? Only spring time when all the trees, bushes, and flowers are blooming and all is alive do many people, including Christians, take their lives. My friend, suicide is a bad way to introduce yourself to God. Just this last week I have heard of three people who took their lives and one was a dear Pastor friend I have known for many years. When I heard the news today I knew God was dealing with me to write this article. Now most articles like this one usually goes off on a tangent; they committed suicide and now they are in hell mode, but I am not going to go there nor should anyone else. My friend God is the judge and jury, He alone is God and gets to make the final call on Heaven or hell. Anyone that steps in otherwise is operating in great presumption and on dangerous ground of judgment themselves. Who could put someone in hell? Oh my friend I wish no one would go to hell, but we know many many people will end up there. Jesus said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction (translated separation in hell), and many there be which go in thereat:" (Matthew 7:13) Let us do what we must do to prevent us and our family members from going to hell.

What I would like to do in this Blog entry is to look at a reason why one would commit suicide when there is so much to live for and encourage you to be your brother's keeper during this time of the year (and all year long) by taking time to talk with your family and friends, if you notice something not quite right. We all have friends and family and kind of know them, maybe not everything about them, but kind of know them in many ways. If we see them doing or saying something out of character stop and take some time to make sure they are okay. Cain asked God, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Well my friend the answer to that question is yes. We must always be compassionate and understanding, especially during this time of the year, with our friends and family. We must never be in a rush to complete our Christmas shopping list or to busy to attend some religious church activity while over looking the needs of our family and friends. Always remember, the hallmark of us being called a Christian (or little Christ) is our love for our brothers and sisters. "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him." (1 John 3:16-19)

When I think of people that commit suicide the over riding thought is loss of hope. Hope is the element in God between faith and charity (love). "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." (1 Corinthians 13:13) We may have all faith and love, but if we have lost "hope" we have lost our heart to endure. And if we lose our heart all is lost. Hope is what keeps us going in the face of bad situations and circumstances. We can lose our faith and even our love and still make it, but my friend is we lose our "hope" all is in danger of being lost. We must guard our "hope" with all diligence. Paul said well, "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." (Philippians 1:20) "Hope" provides in us an expectation for the future and a coming to an end of fulfillment in our lives. Oh my friend we must guard with all fervour the "hope" in us. Lastly our "hope" in us is Christ also in us and our "hope" of glory. "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" (Colossians 1:27)

During this holiday season please let us be senitive to the Holy Spirit and to the needs of our brothers and sisters. Let us remember not everyone may be "merry" and happy as you and let us look for the opportunity to share the real Christmas story; Jesus Christ the "hope" of the world.

YOU NEED TO ASK MY WIFE

A few days ago I was talking with a fellow on the phone about some life insurance for Karen and I. I am not sure if we need some, but with our international travel schedule we thought if God calls us home it would be good for the kids to have something to take care of our bills and something left over for them. As I talked to the fellow I could discern he was man of the Bible, but he was being coy not wanting to offend me by cramping truth down my throat. I have met some Christians that in their zealousness to share God's word they get carried away and really do more harm then health. Sharing the word of God must be done with wisdom, patience, and longsuffering. These Christians really puzzle me, just like the Christians who sport a fish or a license plate that says something like, "To Blessed To Be Stressed" or "God is My Co-Pilot" (now that person is really confused, God should be doing the driving) on their car or the ones who have a bumper-sticker ministry to world. All of that outward show does little to expose the true inward work of the heart. God is more concerned with our character and integrity than how many things we can put on our car, how well we can sing or play an instrument, or even how good we can preach. God is always after in us a humble, pure, and soft heart condition. We must remember God is not too concerned with what we can do for Him, but He is very concerned about how we do things for Him. Do we do things with the right motives and with the right intentions?

Anyway back to the insurance salesman. I came right out and asked, "are you a Christian" and he responded, "I do not know you will have to ask my wife." Now I really like that answer. You know men we can say we are a Christian and fool everyone, but the one person we cannot fool is our wives. We can tell everyone how holy and mighty in God we are, but our wives really knows for sure. Our wives see us in our times of weakness and victory. They know almost all things. I know now why Solomon, the wisest and richest man in the world, could say, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:10-12) and after being married to Karen for over 28 years. I can see how blessed I am to be married to the very best woman in the world. She gave me four outstanding children and has always kept a clean and Godly home. I thank God for her every day and her Christian witness before me. On our last trip to Turkey when my B/P was significantly elevated she really encouraged me. So the next time someone asks you if you are a Christian before you answer stop and think what would my spouse answer.

IT'S NOT MY BIRTHDAY

Yesterday I went to Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune to get my hair cut. I really enjoy going to the Base and rubbing shoulders with some of America's greatest heroes. It was my turn and I took a seat in the chair. A very nice Korean lady asked me how I wanted my hair cut and I told her. They were really busy so small talk was out of the question. Finally, I asked are you ready for Christmas? She stopped and looked at me and said, what's a matter you I am Korean I don't celebrate Christmas, any way it's not my birthday, it's Jesus' birthday. I was shocked she was right. All I wanted to do was make conversation and boy did I get a lesson from God. I wonder why we give each other presents on Jesus' birthday? That would be like me getting presents on your birthday. Do you know no where in the Bible did Jesus or anyone else say to remember His birth. I wonder why we spend some much time, money, not to mention the stress involved in doing something that is not important to Jesus? All of this present buying does not make much sense, but it does make good business cents. Where did we go wrong? Did you know Christmas was not observed by the major American denominations; Presbyterians, Baptist, Quakers, Methodists, and Congregationalist until the end of the 19th Century. In colonial New England this religious disapproval extended to actually making the holiday illegal with celebration punished by a fine. Ah, but the store keepers and money changers got their way and now Americans spend billions of dollars (of which most do not have) in about an one month period (27 Nov. to 24 Dec.) of time.

I am afraid many Christians have missed the mark with respect to non-Christian traditions like decorating trees, a custom which the Bible clearly forbids, "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." (Jeremiah 10:2-5) and all of this gift-giving, (when it is not our birthday) which became important to the middle class as a custom and status symbol also in the late 19th century. What have we done? Yes, it is true the Wise Men gave Jesus gifts two or three years after His birth, but does that mean we must buy gifts every year for our family and friends? And please remember, the Bible never put the Wise Men at the manger the night of Jesus' birth with the Shepherds. This too is portrayed wrong every year doing the many Christmas pageants. What are we doing? Now here is the rub, if we are keeping Christmas by decking the halls, trimming the tree, and buying presents, were are not keeping the real meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus came not to live, but to die. His sole mission was to do the will of His Father and that was to die a horrible death for the remission of our sins so that we may have His eternal life. Jesus is not looking for an IPOD, wide screen TV, or latest Internet toy for His birthday, but is looking for the gift of our heart in obedience to His words and desires we come to an understanding where we can identify with His death not His birth. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" (Romans 6:3-5) If we are not "baptised into His death" (not His life) we will never "walk in newness of life," we will never experience His resurrection life. My friend this is the real Christmas story, not all of the traditions and customs we do today. If we do not keep this truth in our heart our Christmas time will be a sham and all we do will make us a hypocrite. It is no wonder people in world like the Korean barber want nothing to do with the American Christmas. Earlier I said Jesus never asked us to celebrate His birth, but do you know, He did ask us to observe or remember His death. "And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come." (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) It is the death of Jesus we must keep. It is His sacrifice, the breaking of his body and shedding of His blood, we must remember to have His "newness of life."

My friends, it is time for the Church of Jesus Christ to stand for the truth and stop all of this gift-giving and Christmas idolatry. The stores have made enough money on us. For the truth to be known, our greed and our self-life wanting to get is at the center of gift-giving. My friend people are dying and going to a Christless eternity in hell while we frolic in the yule tide season singing songs and wrapping presents, and it's not even our birthday.

DRIFTING AWAY

We just finished Thanksgiving what a wonderful time we had with most of our family for dinner and of course the pictures. Walter Beuttler said the Holy Spirit is like a camera, He always tells the truth and one can not lie against it. As I was reviewing the pictures I shamefully noticed I have drifted away from the once bronze god-like physique I had in my younger years. This drifting away has been slow but a deliberate process over time. Two pounds here, another pound there and before I knew it I had tipped the scales beyond my healthy limits. I am now going to the gym and pushing away from the table sooner. Now here is what surprised me; until I saw the pictures of my fat body I thought everything was okay. I thought I looked fine, after all my clothes fit. I eat mostly fruit and vegetables, and only get off my vegetarian diet sometimes. It really never caught my attention like it did last week. I thought everything was okay and I was moving well, but in truth I was fat and over weight and needed to change my direction for some time from drifting away. I have been blind to the truth. Funny when I was younger I was always heavy and lost over 120 pounds, then God opened up the Navy to me, but even when I was really skinny and emaciated looking I thought I was fat and needed to lose 5 more pounds. I was blinded by my routine and caught up in the rituals of losing weight to the point my face and chest was sunk in and I looked really bad. As I look at both experiences, I know the skinny Dave is better than the fat Dave, but in both cases I was blinded and deceived myself from the truth. Just like the Church of the Laodiceans, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” (Revelation 3:17) Many Christians believe this verse pictures the world Church of today, well I am not so sure about that. I have seen the Church around the world, and my friend many Christians are paying a great price, some with their lives, for the Gospel they know the truth, but if any truth is to be found in Jesus’ words I would say this verse fits me at times and the Church of America all too well. I too thought all was well, I needed nothing, but in truthfulness I was sick and blind. And, this my friend comes from a slow deliberate drifting away.

I am afraid many Christians who have put their eternal life in a denominational “once saved always saved” doctrinal belief will be sadly surprised when they stand before the Lord. Now please understand I strongly believe as long as we walk with the Lord and allow Him to have His way in our lives, through His dealings and judgments, nothing can remove us out of His hand no nothing. But, if we turn our backs on God and choose to walk away from His mercy, precious saving grace, and love we will receive the fruits of our actions. Many Christians would say once really saved someone would never turn their back on Christ, well the Bible is full of names of people who started off in God (once really saved) and then walked away from the truth. Over my many years I have known many Christians who have walked away from God, their names and faces still haunt me. My friends there are consequences for our choices and actions in God. The Bible is full of examples like in Act 5:1-11 with Ananias and Sapphira’s disobedience to the word of God. Paul too knew such people, “Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1 Timothy 1:20) and “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.” (2 Timothy 4:14-15) They both embraced the truth of Jesus’ words, but in the end Paul had to deliver them over to Satan. Please my brother take heed.

Today we live under God’s grace, but if we turn our backs on God’s grace and longsuffering mercy, even if we walked the isle at some point in our lives, God will have to judge us not with His unending grace, mercy, and loving Spirit, but by the law and my friend the Bible says, “the law killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.” When we adopt such a doctrine we are often blinded to the great need in our lives and opportunity for God to work in us so that we will be able to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, as Paul encouraged us. After all I am saved, why do I need to; read my Bible, go and give to the church, pray, be obedient to God’s word, when I die I will go directly to heaven and live with God forever and ever anyway, well . . . not so fast my friend. This type of thinking does not even pass the common sense test; getting something very wonderful when you do not play by the principles. God is sovereign, the final judge, and will do that which He wishes to do, but let us not put our eternal hope and life in the interruptions of Bible verses by men, that make up religious doctrines of men, but in the precious blood of Jesus Christ and His saving power.

When I think of drifting away my mind and heart often goes back to a very tragic story that happened at Christliche Gemeinde Stuttgart, our church in Germany. Tony, a Nigerian brought his wife and daughter to our church during the early years. Tony was very soft-hearted, really loved his family and the Lord. I could see in him a genuine desire to be used of God. He was very obedient and would do anything I would ask the first time without asking allot of questions. As time went on our church grew and we started a men’s fellowship. I asked Tony if he would pray and talk with his wife to see if he would feel comfortable in leading the men’s fellowship. In time he came back to me (I knew he would say yes) and said yes he would be honored to led the monthly men’s fellowship. At first he did outstanding; coordinating activities within the church and sharing the word of God, his heart was open and God was filling it, but as time went on he began to change. It was not over night it was a slow gradual change. The only way I can describe it was a slow and steady drifting away from where he began. I continued to watch and pray for him. One day at church I spoke to him about next month’s meeting and he really got ugly with me, I was shocked. I scheduled some time and Pastor Joe and I went by his home for a visit to see what was going on with him and his family. Never forget, when married, God’s call to you is to your family also. Well, we discovered Tony had become great friends with another Nigerian in the church named Osita. Now Osita had some seminary Bible training in Africa and was full of himself and doctrine. Rarely did Osita ever say anything good about anyone he was cynical, mean-spirited, and seemed to enjoy manipulating people a sign of great ambition. As time continued Tony drifted further and further away from Pastor Joe and I and even stopped coming to church. Two times in a two week window the Holy Spirit sent me by Tony’s home to see what was going on. Both visits Tony rejected me unless I would sit with him and watch TBN Christian TV, his new church. Osita had convinced him he does not need to attend church services and help out, oh no all he needs to do is watch TBN. Osita had poisoned Tony heart towards God, His children, and us. Tony did not guard his heart from the lies and deception of Osita which in the end may have cost him his soul. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) The word “Keep” here is translated; to guard, observe, or give heed and is the word used by God to give Adam commission Adam into service and give him some responsibility. “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” (Genesis 2:15) Adam’s job was to “keep” or guard, observe, or give heed the garden. I wonder what Adam was to guard or “keep” the garden from? Tony did not keep his “heart with all diligence” and allowed Osita’s words to steal the issues of his life. Not only did he drift from his walk with the Lord, but his relationship with his wife suffered to the point he was beating her so bad she could not be seen in public and his work attendance also drifted to the point he was sacked. A third time the Holy Spirit sent me to his home and a third time I was rejected. As I was leading his home (in my spirit) I felt the Holy Spirit saying, “take your hands off and I will deal with him.” About two or three weeks later I received a call from Pastor Joe and we went to Tony’s home to rescue his wife and baby from his abuse. Their home was trashed and Tony was drunk on the floor. His family stayed with us for about a week and then moved to another city for safety. From time-to-time I would see Tony walking on the road and would stop to talk, but his thoughts were crazy it seemed he had lost his mind. Then one day Pastor Joe called and told me, “Our brother Tony had committed suicide by hanging himself.” I am glad God is the final judge and knows all things, but my friend there are consequences for our actions and words.

My friend let us please take heed, be on our guard, and keep from drifting away. Paul teaches us, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip (or drifted away in the Greek). 2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” (Hebrews 2:1-3) To be honest this sad story of Tony is a vivid reminder to me for I can see in my life so many areas I am drifting away in, so many areas of my Christian walk I need to anchor myself again. Now the Lord is still real to me and His presence still goes with me, but I can see my dedication to fasting, prayer, and studying the Bible has lessened since when we first went to Germany. I can see areas in my life where I must repent or about face. Paul sums it up well when he says, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which was first began to be spoken by the Lord . . . ” The neglecting is not on God’s part, but ours. Our drifting away is nothing more than us neglecting a great salvation, which is much more than having our sins forgiven. My friend let us stop this drifting away from God and draw near to Him while there is still hope, salvation, and life. Written by David Stahl.

EVANGELIZING THE WORLD THROUGH DISCIPLESHIP

Well Karen and I made it back save and sound from Turkey. What a wonderful time we had while in Istanbul. I am always impressed by how our many friends around the world lay their lives down for us and this trip was no exception. I wish I could go into names, but for security reasons on their behalf we must honor their request to keep their names a mystery, God knows them anyway and will reward them justly. While we were driving across the big bridge that connects Istanbul Europe with Istanbul Asia (Istanbul is the land bridge between Europe and Asia) Karen asked me what do I think Paul would think of Turkey today. After some thought I replied, I believe he would be happy and sad. I believe Paul would be happy to know there are many people in the world today praying for and a few living in Turkey to ensure this wondrous Gospel message of the Jesus Christ will go forth no matter what. Paul too would know nothing can stop or separate us from the love of God, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39) But, on the other hand I believe Paul would also be sad. Today Turkey is a Muslim nation (99.9 of the 20 million population hold to the Islamic faith) and his hard work and effort sharing the Gospel message in the past has been rejected. After all while in prison Paul wrote many of his New Testament Epistles to churches, he help establish, localed in cities in Asia Minor or what we know today as the Country of Turkey. I would think Paul would be very disappointed to learn the word of God that he and others so painstakingly planted into his present day culture and civilization has been overcome by religion, traditions, rituals of men, and self-indulgences. As I think about it maybe present day Turkey is a reflection of futuristic America. We too seemed to have allowed the word of God slip through our fingers, after it was once delivered to us. The church of America seems to value prosperity and ease with worldly praise and power projection. Our Christian TV networks televise services from our mega-churches all in the name of Christianizing the world, well that was not Jesus' idea of "Go ye therefore and teach all nations." Jesus' idea of evangelizing the world was through discipleship, one-on-one sharing of the Gospel message. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20) These were the words Jesus commanded the disciples with, to go forth into all the world and my friend they are still true and even more relevant today. We must not allow Jesus' words to fall to the ground in our generation. He is depending on us to keep them alive in all the earth, so that many people from all nations will have the opportunity to come to personal knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.