Hate Crimes–Use our heart not our head!

There are so many laws and groups trying to curtail 'free speech,'  especially that of Christians.  Other groups seem to have protection but it appears to be 'open season' on Christians.    I have heard some say that no matter what, they will teach and speak about what the Bible says, regardless of the law….that sounds very noble but is it wise or effective?

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."  Words of Jesus in Matthew 10:16. 

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."  John 13:34,35

"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and for beariance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth to thee to repentance?"  Romans 2:4

When we started years ago, we thought if we told people the Truth from the Bible they would change.  What a deep disappointment to find that only worked when first we loved the person (love-wanting the best for them) and encouraged them to know Jesus and the Holy Spirit and then sometimes we could share  info on 'sin' and see some change.  That only happened when the Holy Spirit worked in the situation.

I am so convinced we do not trust the Holy Spirit to do what He is so capable of doing in the will and desire of God's heart.  Because God looks for our faith–using our free will to pray for others. Tthen we need to step back and trust the Holy Spirit to work in the situation.

So we use our heart, as Jesus said, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.  Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."  Luke 6:27,28 

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12

Prayer is the answer, not judgment, condemnation, or confrontation, unless of course, it is truly led by the Holy Spirit.  If we love people into the Kingdom of God, into relationship with Jesus, and give them a Bible–then they can read for themselves what God says, directs and let the Holy Spirit convict them of truth. 

What good would it be to go to jail for a position that allows the media to brings more criticism to the church as a whole?  Unless of course the person wants an inside prison ministry.  I am not speaking of denying Jesus, I am talking only of adamantly defending one issue, refusing to give up  a right to be right without consideration of the cost….losing an ability to share the love of Jesus instead.

Prayer is a covert operation.  We won't tell anyone, just pray, set an example of respect and love, and the Holy Spirit will lead the army of heaven to move into those dark areas and set people free.  Not using our head (that tells us what is right and wrong right out of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil) but using  our heart (settled in the Tree of Life, the teachings of Jesus with mercy, love and grace) following Jesus example to take up our cross of forgiving and loving all men for Him, leading them to Him.

Pressing in and pressing on…..

JESUS–Science Fiction or Real Supernatural Truth?

There are so many 'science fiction' movies out there, now, it is hard to keep up with them.  The special effects are awesome, and writing up that 'stuff'' is sure beyond my imagination.  Each one has a zillion people working to top it with next one.  Well, the kids love it and it pays salaries and keeps people off the street….ho ho…..just kidding…..it is an awesome industry…..as long as it does not blaspheme the true Creator of all Science without fiction.

To understand God there are a couple of keys we must have.  One, a decision to believe in the supernatural, to believe there is a God who created all things; two, a decision to believe the history of the Bible no matter how bazaar it seems. 

Whoops, there is one more key to comprehending the Truth….the very reason for celebrating Easter Sunday…..we must believe and accept the fact (YES, IT IS FACT), that Jesus died to give us forgiveness, reconciliation with the Heavenly Father, and was resurrected to give us abundant spiritual life.  It is very hard and maybe impossible to understand the true meaning of the Bible, Jesus and all it represents without accepting Jesus into our hearts, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.

To enjoy the new 3-D movies we need special glasses.  To enjoy 'supernatural truth'  we need to accept Jesus as Lord, as Savior and receive Him!  Wow, 3-D glasses give you 3 or 4 hours of pleasure and the 'come as you are' party of Jesus is for eternity.

What a trip!!

I believe all LIFE. reflects God and His brilliant  creation.  I think Easter eggs,  chicks and bunnies represent the newest of life and spring coming forth.  I think Jesus would love Easter baskets and the joy children have at Easter…..He was resurrected to give abundant life.  Hopefully parents will bring Jesus into the picture as the Sheppard for the little sheep and explain Him more and more as children advance in age.  They understand the supernatural more than we do…..we learn to deny or question it with age and education….ugh! 

So we can decide by a decision of our free will to enjoy all that Jesus is, and was and will be; we can pray in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth; we can love and forgive our fellowman; and truly enjoy His presence in all of Easter.

And, of course enjoy some of those great movies….even though they are second class to the supernatural realm of our Lord!

 

Pressing in and pressing on….

About Pat Robertson And Haiti….

I am fighting hard  not to be 'irate'  at those Christians who are 'irate' at Pat Robertson, who made comments on the 700 Club TV Program about Haiti.  The world would not understand because they don't read the Bible. 

For those of you who don't know…. Pat spoke of the pacts that the Haitian people made with the devil' years ago, speaking that the country has had many problems and is one of poorest in that area of the world.  He certainly (in my opinion) was not condemning the people who are there now, and he has spoken of his deep grief over this added tragedy to their country.

AND, his  MINISTRY, OPERATION BLESSING, was on the way to Haiti to help within 48 hours.

The Bible clearly speaks of curses, witchcraft, and occult activities.  I had heard this about Haiti years ago and knew some people who had lived there and spoke openly about prevelent witchcraft was.  Pat's heart (again in my opinion) is to reverse those curses and get these people blessed–and I definitely do not think he was blaming this earthquake on that….only the poverty of the country.

However, what if he was wrong?  What if he spoke unadvisedly?  What are we Christians doing condeming each other insead of defending each other, letting the Lord handle the person?  

In my judgment (ugh, there I go)….how much have any of those critics done in and for the Kingdom of God? 

Pat Robertson paid a great price for the ministry he is a part of…..they have helped people all over the world and have been responsible for millions coming to the Lord.  Doesn't that deserve our loyality  and support?

Why aren't we more forgiving?  And now I have to forgive, and repent for my judgment, as I am doing the same thing, being critical of what they are saying and 'spreading' to others.  When Jesus said, "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO." He certainly knew our need and paid the price for our ability to turn from condemnation to grace, so let's do  that!

To everyone who enjoys the Christian faith in Jesus, OR NOT, please look at all the wonderful things Pat Robertson has done and will continue to do, because of his heart for God and for people every where.  Pat is not my idol, or on any 'pedastil', I just admire what he has accomplished,  and thank God that we have him and men like him.  We all make mistakes….God help us to be more tolerant of each other.

Most importantly please give financially to help Haiti where ever you feel led, pray for them, and trust that no matter how bad this is, and it is devastating and overwelming to even comprehend….but, God will bring some good out of it…..may Haiti be rebuilt better than ever, with what ever they have left, and the help of the world.

Pressing in and pressing on….

TO BLESS OR NOT TO BLESS…..

Years ago when I was hosting on radio, I would encourage everyone to bless others through the Holiday Season.  To simply say, "God bless you!" everywhere we go!

BLESS MEANS:  TO GIVE APPROVAL; TO CONFER PROSPERITY OR HAPPINESS; TO PROTECT OR PRESERVE; TO GIVE FAVOR!

Who would not want a blessing like that….I definitely would.  In doing this, I have never had anyone be angry with me…..a small few ignored me….most return the blessing!

I never did it in a 'religious way' but more like saying "Have a good day!"

It is a small but powerful gift we can give at Christmas as we celebrate our Jesus, and it does not matter what the other person believes because God 'rains on the just and the unjust' so we should do likewise!

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON……MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We all get tired at this time of year and some people really need a blessing….what a joy that we can be the one to send it!  And, should someone be angry or offended, they really need a blessing….so, we can forgive and go on our way, blessing them anyway!

Pressing in and pressing on….

Can We Agree to Disagree ?

There are so many ‘heavy’ things going on in the world, and what a diversity of opinion.  WOW!  Do we lose when we just ‘agree to disagree’?

Years ago I spent some time in fasting and prayer, setting aside every thing else.  Finally, I was ready to end that special time with the Lord, and went to bed.  I woke the next morning sensing the Holy Spirit and quickly went into prayer on my knees.  This is what I heard,

“You have never loved Me, you love what is right!”

I was totally undone, repenting in tears.  I knew what He meant….it was clear to me, even though I had never had such a thought before.  When Jesus convicts us of error, we want to change.  We do not feel guilt, but a desire to change.   That was the beginning of a long walk to judge less, and forgive more.  Jesus is the essence of love, yet He defended what was important to Him.

So our job is to stand for what we believe and know,  is the heart of God….setting an example….not overwhelming others with our position.  We must have the leading of the Holy Spirit because we definitely would not agree with moral sins, by ageeing with  them to keep peace…..however, most of the time we can bring peace with the love of God and good humor.  Our greatest strength to change the world is prayer….and more prayer!

Can we agree to disagree….yes, sometimes, and no not all the time!  May the Lord give us love, charity, kindness, and mercy….and boldness to stand when it is necessary!   Cursing or condemning those we do not like or agree with,  is wrong and those words can rebound on those who speak such things.   Rebuking the demonic in prayer, and blessing our enemies will bring great rewards!  Declare what we want, in blessings, thank God in all things!

Pressing in and pressing on….. 

A Time For Prayer….September 11th….For The Whole World!

There are many needs throughout the world…. In America we will be standing together to pray for our country, on September 11th!

No matter where you live in the world you too can have a supernatural encounter with God by joining together to pray for your Nation.

I have had a couple of calls, and a few emails about praying ‘judgment’ or the ‘destruction of those who oppose the things of God.’  well, those comments drive me to my knees and grieve my spirit soooooo much.

We must look to our Covenant with Jesus–“If you love Me,keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Two of Jesus closest friends (disciples)had a conversation with Jesus: “And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But Jesus turned, and rebuked them, and said, ‘Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them’.”

Plus, a convicting verse by Paul, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom 12:21

Peter added, “Honour all men, Love the brotherhood. Fear God Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.” I Peter 2:17-18

We might have to stand physically for what we believe, in the future, but never the less, prayer is the answer–spiritual warfare–but from the heart of Jesus as He directed at the end of Matthew, end of Mark, Luke 10:19, James 2:13 and 4:7….and more!

God bless us everyone and give us mercy, grace and the ability to repent, forgive love the sinner, even as we hate the sin.

Love in our Jesus,

Carol

P S The hardest thing to do is to love people the way they are not the way we want them; only God can change the heart! And, He needs our prayers to do that! Declare what we want; calling those things that are not as though they are. Rom 4:17; Heb 4:14

Pressing in and pressing on….