The Woman At The Well...

John Chapter 5 tells us of a woman who meets Jesus at the well.  This woman is struggling in life.  She has been married over 5 times and her current live in mate is not her husband.  She is living in Adultery and on top of that Fornication.  Jesus approaches her and lets her know that He knows everything about her.  The greatest conversation occurs which I encourage everyone to read, but at the end the woman finds herself seeing her faults and repenting of her sins.  She realizes within scripture that her lifestyle has been destroying her due to her lack of the Christ living in her life.

     Can we learn from this woman?  The answer is Yes.  People who live their live without the principles and laws of God will only find themselves destroyed.  It is not until we meet Christ at the Well and realize that without Him we will never be satisfied or quenched, only then shall we find a life worthy of living. 

     I pray that those who see the truth and turn to God will know that He is there to receive them and forgive them of their sins.  Repent and know that there is only One God and Father of All.  Give your heart ot Him and you will find that he will quench your thirst. 

In Christ.

Pastor Michael Salman
"Servant of the Most High God."
 

The Law is the Law...

"Don't forget that everything that Hitler did in germany was legal."  Martin Luther King Jr.

What a statement?  A true and revealing statement of the reality of tyranny.  Was Hitler disobeying the law when he was killing all the Jews?  The fact is he was not.  At least not the laws that he was in control of. 

     The Romans crucified and killed Christians because they were against idolatry and calling the emperior God.  The Romans felt that the Christians were disobeying the law and found them to be law breakers and rebels.  What they also did in Rome was legal? 

     We are now faced with a dilema.  What is legal and what is not?  Who decides what is legal and what is not?  These are questions that we have dealt with since the beginning of time.

I think the question is not whether something is legal or not but rather the most asked question should be is something right or wrong?

Hitler and Rome did what was legal but not what was right.  We are now at a paradox which states that the Law is not always right.  I am not saying that the whole law but that which offends the laws of God and the character of God and humanity.  Homosexuality is legal but not right.  Homosexual mariages are legal but not right.  Fornication is Legal but not right.   

With that said, every leaders must always ask themselves should we do what the law says or what is right?  Should we uphold the law even if we think it is wrong?

I know now we come to another dilema, who says what is right or wrong.  The answer to that is GOD.  God is not changing he is everlasting to everlasting.  I believe if we just obey God than we would not find ourselves is such a dilema. 

The Prayers Of the Righteous are Effective

James 5:16-18  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective.  Elijah was a man just like us.  He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and 1/2 years.  Again he prayed , and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crop.

The LORD is far from the wicked but He hears the prayer of the righteous.  PROVERBS 15:29


     What a great prelude when it comes to prayer.  Prior to the declaration that the prayer of the righteous are effectial the Word of God tells us how to become righteous.  Confess your sins!!!  Wow!  You see that is the problem between the righteous and the unrighteous.  Confession of sins.  While the wicked continue in their wickedness and their folly against God, their prayers do not even reach their cieling.  That is why their life is falling apart.  Marriages are breaking, family is broken up, loneliness sets in and you are left there alone with no friends or family and no purpose in life.  This wicked person then only becomes more angry and refuses to repent and confess their sins.  So their prayers unfortunetly are never answered. 
     The Word of God says, repent of your sins and you shall be heard.  When you repent and confess, your sins are relieved and you are made righteous and your prayers reach the throne room of God.  The ears of God.

It is easier...

Can a rich man enter the Kingdom of Heaven?  the bible says that it is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  I guess the first thing we must define is the Kingdom of Heaven.  The kingdom is not only refered to as the cellestial state but also the terestial state.  The Kingdom of God is not only in the after life but also the present life.  The next word we need to define is rich.  This rich is not only in financial wealth but also spiritual wealth.  Now when we take this all together we read it as: 

It is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle than someone who is wealthy in finances, emotional, spiritual and such.

WHY?

Because in order for someone to come to Christ he must lose himself, humble himself and give up some of the pleasures of life.  A person who is too rich and prideful will not do that.  That is why it is easier for a camel to enter through an eye of a needle.

Madonna, Britanty Spears, Mr. T, Mase, Gary Buisy, and other who have tried to confess Christ have all failed because they have refused to give up themselves for God.

A person who doe snot know how to place God first and worry about what God thinks rather than what others think will never find God.  People are too busy trying to please other people rather than trying to please God and do what is right.

We need to seek the Kigdom of God first and then all the wealth both spiritual and fiancial will follow us.

 

The Truth...You can't handle the truth!!

Do you remember that line spoken by Jack Nicholson, "The Truth...You can't handle the truth!!"  A line to be remembered throughout all ages.  The fact is what he said was absolutely right.  People can not handle the truth.  People get upset when the truth is spoken. 
     This past week I was questioned on my worship of God by the prosecutor.  The question he asked me was a question that could be placed in the Left Behind Books.  He asked me whether or not I and my family were going to continue to worship on Sunday on our property with my family and friends even thou the City prohibits us to do so.  I have given my word that I would tell the truth so I had no choice but to tell them the truth.  THE TRUTH is Yes.  As long as I have a neck on this body I will worship the Lord every Sunday with whomever God places in my life.  The city did not like that.  Of course they will say to me that I have the right to worship but it can not be wherever I want and whomever I want.  It must be in their controlled enviroment with their approval.  Sounds funny folks but it is the truth to them.  It is a truth that we can handle despite persecution from them and them breaking the law.  Despite the fact that they are breaking the law by prohibiting me and others to come to our property for worship we have no choice but to allow the lot to fall where it may.  I will die for my faith.  So if I will die for my faith I will begin by living for my faith. 
     In the courtroom I began to think about all the prophets, apostles and even our Lord being in the same place as I am.  Falsely accussed of things that I do not condone and am against.  They said I was an agressor, a troublemaker, a neighbor hater and even called our worship on Sunday as a nusinace to the community and the neighborhood.  As I was listening to all that, I was such at peace because I was counted worthy of persecution for our Lord.  I have been nothing but nice and kind to my neighbors.  I have been considerate and always tried to keep the line of communication open despite our differences.  Even thou there has been disagreements I have never taken it personally.  I mean who are they fighting with anyway.  They are fighting with God.  The only thing me and family have done is go and hide behind our Fathers back and let him fight our battles.  God is not blind and He is the only one we need to follow.  There are times I wish I would have not said things like calling my neighbor JERK for flipping me off but it was already done.  I have learned just to walk away and not even handle this type of insults. 
     As a Pastor and a human it is very hard to hold myself to a higher standard especially when people are accussing you of false things, yet I die daily for God.  I must subject my body and my emotions and bring all things into subjection.  It is so much easier when you have the support of other brothers and sisters in Christ and the power and Guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Act 5:41-42


(41) And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

(42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

 
Thank you Jesus.        

The Progress

The Bible says, "How sweet it is when brethren dwell together, it is like the oil that falls from the beard of Aaron."  I gues know one could understand that unless they really dwell with Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  This past weekend I was reminded of the beauty of brothers and sisters who got your back.  As some of you know the city with the help of some of the neighbors have been trying to stop me and my family and friends from worshipping on my property.  Yes, I live in America.  LOL.  In 2007 we were going to change our name from Harvest Christian Fellowship to Harvest Christian Fellowship Community Church due to our neighbor stealing our name.  Since there was no need to do that because our 501 c 3 still recognized our name as HCF we abondaned HCFCC INC.  Now fast forward 2 1/2 years and you have a complaint drawn by the city against HCFCC INC.  I have never been a person to run away from persecution, so for 2 months we tried our best to convince the city that the activity on the proeprty is not of HCFCC INC but rather my family or even that of HCF INC.  They did not care but rather wanted to pursue HCFCC INC. instead.  Now fast forward 7 months and we have a judgement against HCFCC INC. for over $200,000  Oh I forgot to mention, HCFCC INC.  was dissolved in April of 2009 by Suzanne and me and dissolved by the Arizona Coproration Commission in July 1st, 2009.  In other words it is dead and has been dead.
     This weekend we met with brothers and sisters for prayer and worship and the brothers and sisters in Christ just like it was clock work started to say things that would make any Pastor have joy in his heart.  They all agreed that if the city try's to stop us from worshipping that they were all going to be in this fight.  We were reminded that this was not about me but about 40 other people that have just the same right to worship on my property as I do.  The city was not only comming against me but them also.  Praise God.
     I can only pray that God gives our leaders wisdom and they try to find a better way of spending our tax payer money rather than pursuing Christians and Churches from worshipping.  Meanwhile we will continue to pray for them and their wisdom in leading our city.  God be with us.   

Go to Church?

     Yesterday I was speaking with a believer and during the conversation I asked what the person did on Sunday. They answered nothing really. I then asked if they went to church and they said No instead they stayed home and watched Joel Osteen and then proceeded to say that all the churches in their area was too liberal. Of course I chuckled because Joel Osteen's middle name is Liberal.
Can a person believe in Christ and not go to church? The church of Christ is called the body. The body is identified as a group of believers lead by Pastors and deacons. To me that sounds like a local fellowship or congregation. So I guess the answer is how can you say that Christ is the head if you are not part of His body? You can not be a true obedient believer in Christ if you are not part of a local body of believers called the church. There may be a lot of good teachers on TV and the radio but they can never replace the actual physical supplements found in a local body. Watching TV to get your spirtual food is like watching the food network and saying you are full.
Let TV and radio create an appettite for the real thing and then act on it by being part of what God wants you to be in.


Pastor Michael Salman

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

The Rain

     Unless you are couped up in solitary confinement you can see that it is raining and snowing in Arizona.  Many people love the rain and then there are those who hate it.  It is evident after 2-3 days of rain that Arizona is not made for this type of weather.  Floods, traffic and panic is all over our streets and towns. 
     What happens to you when rain comes into your life. 

      Mat 7:24-27

(24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
(25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
(26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
(27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

     It is evident that rain does come.  Even in the driest of climates rain comes but we need to be prepared and the only way you can be prepared in life is just as Jesus said, building your life on His word.  When your life is on HIS word no matter what rains come or winds blow you will be ready.  Sure there will be a leak or so but at least your roof will remain.  Thank you Jesus.
 

The Disaster Factor

     This past month has been very crazy and busy to say the least.  What is in effect is called the disaster factor.  This world is experiencing a disaster like they probably never saw in their life.  Haiti with over 200,000 dead some reporting.  Many are experiencing this first hand.  This week we also received news that a friends mom and other friends of our friends are diagnosed with cancer. 
     The bible says, it rains on the just and the unjust.  When diasaster hits how do we handle it?  What are we to think?  The very first step in wondering whether a tragedy or disaster is a message?  A person should look into their life.  For example, Haiti was devestated by an earthquake.  This country was engulfed in witchcraft and sorcery.  The question would have to be, was this tragedy a message from God to the world?  Indonesia, Lousiana, and Haiti what do they all have in common?  Sorcery, witchcraft and rebellion.  Message from God?  Maybe?  We really do not know, all we can do is preach the message and help them recover and this time founded by faith.  Even during times when God brings destruction upon a nation, state, or people we as Christians need to help.  "If your enemy is thirsty give them something to drink."
     What about other people with Cancer?  Like the word says it rains on the just and the unjust.  I am sure that there were Born Again Christians that also died in Haiti.  I am sure churches were demolished.  It rains on the just and the unjust.  In these cases we just need to seek God and move forward and stand the test of time.  It is just part of life.
     In conclusion, a person must ask themselves when disaster strikes, "Did I do anything wrong?  Is God trying to tell me something?"  In doing this we need to listen and change.  With all this remember this, if something happens to you because someone hurts you or is against you God this is not a disaster factor in these cases God will turn it back to them 100 fold.  So be strong and just always calculate the Disaster Factor when it occurs.
     May god protect and keep those whoa re truly His from times of disaster and may he comfort the loss of those who call on His name.  Thank you Jesus for your Love.     

State Day Of Prayer

January 17th, 2010 our Governor Jan Brewer by the request of 40 clergymen declared that January 17th be a State Day of Prayer.  She is calling all believers to pray for our budgets and to ask God to help us through these times.  So on January 17th, 2010 please pray for our State and while you are at it please pray for our Nation and especially the city in which you live in.  In Jesus name.

Lord Jesus, you are the Creator of Heaven and Earth.  You the Lord God almighty and there is none like you.  We pray this day for our State that you will lead our leaders to wisdom in handling and dealing with our budget.  Lord we know that you can and will provide for each and everyone of us who call on your name.  Be with our State, our cities and our Nation during this time of struggle.  Let us not compromise our values for the sake of money and let us learn that you are God and that there is blessings in obedience to you.  In Jesus name.

RESULTS ARE IN...

     A New Year can either bring great joy or it can bring great trouble.  People are faced wtih obstacles in every arena.  No matter what we know this:  If you are a Christian even your troubles are turned into victory.  We would never have known David without the Giant.  It took the Giant to bring out the best of David.  Even great generals are known only by the wars they fight.  Ultimately we know that we know that our Lord Jesus Christ is on our side and the sons and daughters of the devil will be placed under HIS feet.  So we move on and look to the Lord for strength and refuge because if GOD is for us NO ONE can be against us.  Thank you Jesus for your grace and mercy and your peace.

Pastor Michael Salman

Happy New Year

     I want to first of all wish everyone a Happy New Year.  This year was an awesome year and God had done so much in our lives.  Even thou there were speed bumps and so forth God has brought us through and is continuing to bless us and the fellowship.  One of the highlights of the year just recently occurred children from the fellowship sacrificed a toy that they received as a present and had decided to give it to a family who does not have.  The others in the Fellowship had donated money and had given it to an Orphanage/Childrens Shelter.  This had been very touching because it brings us to realize how much we have and the blessings God has given to us.  I am so proud of many of our family and friends who have stepped up to the plate to do the work of God.  This year our the fellowship had organized a group to feed the homeless, the poor and needy.  They had donated clothes and other items to the shelters.  They had given to the orphanages and shelters.  They continue to preach and teach in the jails.  They hold up signs and witness on the corners.  The fight with their brothers and sisters in Christ through persecution.  They had given to Voice of the Martyrs and other organizations.  I can only pray that this Year we will do even more.  Happy New year and from all of us here we wish you many blessings in each and everyone of your lives.  In Jesus Name and for HIS glory. 
   

The New Year

     We are about to enter the new year.  Are you ready to make this Year truly the year of the Lord?  So many times we have stated that this is the year of God.  We say it as if this unlike any other year, this will be different.  We come up with jingles and ryhmes to give it some uff.  Like 2007 is the year of heaven.  2008 in the Lord we celebrate and etc.  You get my drift.  So now we enter 2010 and we start this year just like any other year, placing on our checks 2009 because we forgot it is 2010.  LOL.  But really just like every year we should come up with and think of ways to improve ourselves especially our walk with Jesus Christ.  How can we draw closer and know Him more.  When you are thinking about that please remember one thing:  It is not a sprint but a Marathon.  2010 is 12 months long.  The best cooked meat is one that has been roasting and or broiling for a long time.  Allow God to make you tender for Him.  God bless you and Happy New Year.


 

Death Of Oral Roberts

Oral Roberts died today at the age of 91.  He was best known as the crying preacher who stated that god was going to kill him if he did not raise millions of dollars by a certain time.  I find it very funny and yet sad that when people think about Oral Roberts this is what they mention.  They don't mention the fact that he began a Bible University or Television Program or that through him God healed many.  All the good people do and the only thing humans remember is the bad and ugly. 
     That is why we are thankful that God in his love and mercy does nto see us like others do.  He sees the good and the love in us.  It is this that God sees and remembers in us.  I can only pray that when we die that all our faults and mishaps are placed aside and that people remember the good that we have done.  May our Legacy be that of blessings and fortune to humanity through Christ.

THIS IS THE SEASON - WATCH

     This season many people are getting sick.  They start getting sick not only physically but spiritually and mentally.  The sales, the emotions, the lonliness, the financial stress and struggles, these all become very difficult and people become very stressed.  Eventually everything going on creates a void and loss of the meaning of the season.  I never was a person who enjoyed all thehustle and busle of the Christmas season due to 2 things.  1)  Physical illness with many & 2)  the commercial aspect of the season. 
      This year I can only pray that people remember 2 things.  1)  Without CHRIST you can not have CHRISTmas.  & 2)  JESUS is the reason for the season.

Have a Merry CHRISTmas.


     

Today I viewed a video located below about Richard Dawkins calling Ray Comfort a serious and radical evangelist an idot because he refutes Darwinism.  At first it made me angry but then I realized that many people feel this way about Christians.  Jesus himself told us that if they called your master the prince of Devils what would they call you.  The scriptures also tell us that we are fools in the eyes of the world because of our faith in Christ.  I bet Moses was considered a fool for taking Israel out to the wilderness, or Abraham going to sacrifice his son, or David going to defeat a Giant, or Gideon Battling thousands with only 300 men.  Yet we know how all this ended.  The Promise, The Faith, The Victory.  So to all you fools and idots out there, GOD BLESS YOU for we know that God always has the last word.  
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/11/25/darwin.dawkins.evolution/?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Dawkins&utm_content=harvestchristian%40cox.net&utm_campaign=Dawkins+Resorts+to+Name+Calling+%2F+Someone+Won+the+%2420%2C000

The Holy Spirit

When we think of the most vital part of our Christianity many people will refer to the word FAITH.  I believe thou that the most important part of Christianity is the HOLY SPIRIT.  If a person does not have theHoly Spirit living in them they can not living a Christian life.  Unfortunetly that is what we see in many people.  Their belief is head knowledge and not guided by the Holy Spirit.  If more Christians were filled by teh Holy Spirit we probably would not have the issues within the church or other so called Christians attacking other Christians.  So how do you know if you have the Holy Spirit living in you? The scriptures make it very clear in many parts:

1)  There is FRUIT.  You are actually doing something for God and I do not mean going to church.  You are witnessing.  When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?  I assure you if you have not told someone about Jesus or encouraged them to follow Jesus you do not have the Holy Spirit.  Many people will say that, they are shy.  Even if that is true, when you have the Holy Spirit you have boldness to speak and do the things for Christ.  In all the parables of Jesus when referring to the believers He makes one thing evident.  The TRUE BELIEVER reproduces.  Here is a just a couple of the parables: The Sower, The Talents, The Sheep & Goats, The Wise Steward, The Vine and many others. 

2)  There is CONVICTION.  When people think of what is right and wrong they may feel that they have a grasp of things.  The fact is thou many people may be doing wrong and not know it.  For example, unforgiveness is wrong with God but unforgiveness is permitted in the world.  Hatred is not against the law but with God it is.  So people may say, hey I am not doing anything wrong, meaning "I am not breaking the law" while in reality they are.  The Holy Spirit brings convictions to a person because the Holy Spirit teaches a person of a eternal law.  When you are convicted for doing something that maybe the laws of man don't find offensived but God does it is likely that it is the Holy Spirit.

     In short we see a vital walk and importance to following Jesus and only can be done through the Holy Spirit.



   

Persecution of Christians is a Reality - WAKE UP!

BY CHARLES COLSON...
Allow me to make a very direct statement. I believe it is time for the Church in this country to stand up for religious freedom.

Especially over the course of the last few years, we have seen repeated efforts—in the courts, in state legislatures, in Congress, and on Pennsylvania Avenue—to erode what has been called the first freedom: religious liberty.
It isn’t hard to cite numerous cases where Christian organizations and individuals have been singled out and punished for adhering to their faith.
In New Jersey, a Methodist camp lost its tax exempt status for refusing to hold a same-sex civil union ceremony. In California, Christian doctors were successfully sued for refusing to offer in-vitro fertilization procedures for a lesbian couple. Catholic Charities in Boston had to shut down its adoption services because it was being forced by the state to place children with same-sex couples.
The current health care bill has no protections for religious medical personnel or health care providers who, by reason of conscience, refuse to participate in abortions. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is gathering momentum in Congress. The bill would require even Christian-owned enterprises with more than 15 employees to hire those who do not share their faith.
The list could go on and on.
So why is religious freedom such a concern to us as Christians? Freedom of religion is called the first freedom for a reason. Our founding fathers recognized that without freedom of conscience, no other freedom can be guaranteed.
Christians, in fact, are the greatest defenders of religious freedom and human liberty—not just for Christians, but for all people. Compare religious freedom in those countries with a Christian heritage to the state of religious freedom in Islamic nations, communist countries, and Buddhist and Hindu nations, and you will see my point.
The reason that Christians place such a high value on human freedom is that freedom itself is part of the creation account in the Bible. God made humans in His image. He gave us a free will to choose to love, follow, and obey Him, or to follow our own way.
That free will, given us before the Fall, is part of human nature itself.
Perhaps more than anything else, it was this understanding of individual freedom that turned me into the kind of patriot who would willingly give his life for his country. It was the words of the Declaration of Independence that inspired me to join the Marines: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
So this question of human freedom goes to the very heart of who we are as Christians and as Americans.
So this Friday at the National Press Club in Washington, a statement signed 125 evangelical, Orthodox, and Catholic leaders will be released—an historic declaration on life, the family, and religious freedom.
And please, today, go to http://www.colsoncenter.org/ to view my Two-Minute Warning video on religious freedom. We will have some great resources for you. Then Friday at noon, we will have for you the declaration itself—probably the most important document I’ve ever signed.
The Church needs to understand the urgency of the hour and do its duty.

Feeding The Homeless

A few of our brothers and sisters from the Fellowship went down this Morning and fed the Homeless.  It was a good day.  No confrontation and no obstacle.  The funny thing about this is there were abou 150 people and maybe 45 were homeless the rest were there foe worship.  What a great work.  We will continue praying for the churches in Phoenix.

-- Pastor Michael 

Living On Purpose

How many of us truly live on purpose?  Majority of the time we live our life doing things on accident.  We don't know half the time how we got where we are at, all we know is we sre here.  Living on purpose means that you make a CONSCIENCE effort and have a CONSCIENCE purpose in your life.  For example it is the person who gets up inthe morning and says "I WILL....." 
     Now let us direct that to God and say today, "I WILL...tell someone about Jesus.....Pray.....Read the Bible.....Help.." 
     Live on purpose for God. 

Neighborhood Preservation & Loving Your Neighbor

     A couple of days ago I was speaking to a friend of mine who moved into our neighborhood about 2 years ago.  I asked him how everything was going, since I had not spoken to him for awhile.  He told me he had an exciting adventure.  He ended up building a small shed on his property to hold his tools and various assundry and it turned out the one of the neighbors reported him for building the shed without a permit.  When the city came out it turn out to be a few square feet too big.  He was forced to renovate it.  He was very upset.  He was livid and could not understand how people could be so pety.  He was very angry and stated that he was now going to go around and make sure that everyone is compliant.  I advised him not to stoop to that level.   
     Is Neighborhood Preservation really supposed to be like that?  Are we now ratting and snitching on every neighbor who we feel is not in complaint?  The program which is to bring peace and conformity has and is only creating anomisity against neighbors.  Neighbors who are supposed to be loving and friendly have now become enforcement agencies and rat ships.  Telling on each other and ratting on each other.  I know that this person will never look at his neighbors the same again.  I could understand someone having a problem when their neighbor infringes on their property.  What happened to talking to your neighbor first.  His shed was not on anyones property.  It was not infringing on anyone.  People who are nosy are not a benefit to the neighborhood but rather a nusinance.  The program which was to protect property rights of others is now creating anger and hatred among neighbors.  It is so sad. 
     Resolution:  Despite the fact that many Christians want to hit back, I would advise you not to stoop to that level of scum.  I say scum with reservation.  God calls them worse.  As a matter of fact God calls those who cause discord among neighbors to be an ABOMINATION to HIM.  I would hate to be them on the day of judgement unless of course if they repent.  So just pray and watch what you do and remember what a person sows they will reap.  They are only reaping contentions and strife.  Vengence is mine says the Lord!     

Feeding the Homeless is a crime...

     On Novemebr 10th, 2009 the city of Phoenix and their anti-christian sentiments came up to the conclusion that if you are a church that you are not allowed to have ministries that cater to serving the poor.  Yes, you heard it right.  It is a crime and against city ordinance if you as a church feed the homeless. 
     I spoke to a few Pastors and ministers this week concerning this decision.  They pretty much felt that the City can KISS THEIR GRITS.  They felt that this decision is not only unconstituational but it is bias.  The fact is folks I AGREE.  We have all decided that if the city even thinks about enforcing such a rule like that, there will be a Class Action Lawsuit against them.  So pass this on.  If your church feels that it may be hindered now or in the future from doing the work of the Lord, as feeding the poor or homeless to let me know.  We already have churches on board ready to take action.  Victory outreach, Teen Challenge and the Dream Center are ministries dedicated to outreaches that reach out to the poor and needed.  Church on the Street and Phoenix First are also ministries and churches dedicated in serving the poor and homeless.  There is going to be a big fight that may end up bankrupting our city.  It is so sad that all the councilmen and women we have none who call themselves Christian are able to fight.  A cloud without water.  Thunder without rain.   

What Is A Revival?

     I am in the process of reading a book called, The World's Greatest Revivals.  I cannot tell you whether I am going to read it all the way but some of the material in there is not that bad.  This is why I thought I would like to talk about what makes a real revival.
      We have heard it all the time.  Come to our church, tent, home, event or whatso maybe because we are going to have a revival.  Have we taken this word and used so lightly.  Revival???  What is a Revival?  Is it a bunch of people excited for Jesus.  I believe a revival is something or event that has changed the church as a whole.  Pentecost.  That began and changed the church. Also Rome in 300 A.D.  the Bizantine Era.  Also the REFORMATION.  That is a revival.  The CRUSADES that is a revival.  A bad one but it still was one.  AZUSA was a revival.  The Revivals in England and So forth.  These are revivals that have changed the Church as a whole and thus have changed the world.  If we really look at these revivals we wil find one thing in common.  They were not based on the emotional hupla but rather on the deep theological issues of the church.  How we believe and what we believe in.  This is a true revival.  Not just full of emotions and shallow feelings.
      So when Pastors want to change the people of God maybe we should think about teaching them the truth rather than the emotion.  It is the spiritual truths that will change a people and nation.

  

WHY NOT HALLOWEEN?

A lot of people have asked why should Christians not celebrate Halloween?  Other than the obvious of all reasons:  Halloween represents evil.  Many of the costumes and props represent death, demons and ghouls.  It glorifies evil, horror and darkness.  This is not what Christians should be a part of.  We are to celebrate Life, God and Light.  No matter how we try to dress up Halloween to be harmless it is like putting lipstick on a pig.  O.K.  I will try the expression of lipstick on a Donkey.  Christians will try to come up with alternatives.  Why?  Why not just teach your people not celebrate this evila dn not to be a partaker of it?  Now here is the other reasons we do not celebrate Halloween other than the obvious:

 History traces Halloween back to the ancient religion of the Celtics in Ireland. The Celtic people were very conscious of the spiritual world and had their own ideas of how they could gain access to it - such as by helping their over 300 gods to defeat their enemies in battle, or by imitating the gods in showing cleverness and cunning. Their two main feasts were Beltane at the beginning of summer (May 1), and Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween) at the end of summer (Nov. 1). They believed Samhain was a time when the division between the two worlds became very thin, when hostile supernatural forces were active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished.  "During this interval the normal order of the universe is suspended, the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed, the sidh lies open and all divine beings and the spirits of the dead move freely among men and interfere sometimes violently, in their affairs"
The Celtic priests who carried out the rituals in the open air were called Druids, members of pagan orders in Britain, Ireland and Gaul, who generally performed their rituals by offering sacrifices, usually of crops and animals, but sometimes of humans, in order to placate the gods; ensuring that the sun would return after the winter; and frightening away evil spirits.  To the Celtics, the bonfire represented the sun and was used to aid the Druid in his fight with dark powers. The term bonfire comes from the words "bone fire," literally meaning the bones of sacrificed animals, sometimes human, were piled in a field with timber and set ablaze. All fires except those of the Druids were extinguished on Samhain and householders were levied a fee to relight their holy fire which burned at their altars. During the Festival of Samhain, fires would be lit which would burn all through the winter and sacrifices would be offered to the gods on the fires. This practice of burning humans was stopped around 1600, and an effigy was sometimes burned instead.

TRICK OR TREAT ANYONE?
Some trace the origins of present day "trick-or-treat" to Samhain, which was the supreme night of demonic jubilation. Spirits of the dead would rise out of their graves and wander the countryside, trying to return to the homes where they formerly lived. Frightened villagers tried to appease these wandering spirits by offering them gifts of fruit and nuts. They began the tradition of placing plates of the finest food and bits of treats that the household had to offer on their doorsteps, as gifts, to appease the hunger of the ghostly wanderers. If not placated, villagers feared that the spirits would kill their flocks or destroy their property.

So in a nutshell when Christians participate in Halloween they actually participate in demonic worship.  Yes, even if you are dressed as an angel.

When Laws Go Wrong!!

Lisa Snyder is the kind of neighbor everybody likes to have. Every school day, the Michigan mom welcomed neighborhood children into her home—kids whose mothers have to leave for work an hour before the school bus picks up the kids. Snyder didn’t charge anything—she just wanted to be a good neighbor.

But then someone reported Snyder to the authorities—and the state of Michigan told her to stop babysitting, or else. The Michigan Department of Human Services said if Snyder wanted to take care of unrelated kids in her home, she had to get a daycare license.

It’s an example of laws gone wild—too many regulations, and too little common sense.

And that’s not even the worst example. Last March an Indiana grandmother named Sally Harpold was arrested for buying two boxes of cold medicine in less than a week. That’s illegal, if the combined boxes contain more than three grams of pseudoephedrine. They did—which put Harpold in violation of state laws regulating methamphetamine, which can be made from pseudoephedrine.

Harpold—who was handcuffed and booked—wasn’t running a meth lab. She was buying medicine for her three sick grandchildren. But the local prosecutor was unapologetic. Harpold, she said, ought to have known the law.

That might be easier if there weren’t so many local, state, and federal laws to keep track of. While Harpold is catching up on her legal reading, maybe the prosecutor can take care of her sick grandchildren.

Happily, in Michigan, common sense prevailed. Governor Jennifer Granholm ordered the Department of Human Services to work with lawmakers to change the daycare law to protect people who are simply trying to be good neighbors.

Sally Harpold was not so fortunate. She had to go into an alternative punishment program, and pay attorney fees and court costs.

With cases like these, it’s no wonder Americans are growing increasingly distrustful of government—and of the growing numbers of laws and regulations that are making daily life, well, difficult!
Part of the problem is that we have lost the biblical view of the role of government, which is to preserve order, restrain evil, and promote justice. Government has no legitimate interest in slapping the helping hands of citizens like Lisa Snyder. Rather, government should promote neighborly charity! When it comes to helping a neighbor in trouble, government is not the answer. Good neighbors are.

The Reformers understood this, and called it “sphere sovereignty.” Each institution—family, church, and the private associations—knew their job.

In Catholic social teaching, it was called the principle of “subsidiarity,” recognizing that the interests of individuals are best served by the institution closest to them.

In both traditions, government should perform only those functions which can’t be performed by these “intermediate structures.”

But the other part of the “laws-gone-wild problem” is we ourselves. As the moral order of society breaks down, government—and its laws—step in to fill the void and to prevent chaos.

Indiana banned buying too much cold medicine because of the plague of methamphetamine. When we can no longer master our own cravings and inclinations to evil—in other words, when we can no longer govern ourselves—we invite government intervention. And grandmas like Sally Harpold get dragged off in handcuffs.

Time to wake up and apply biblical teachings to the role of government and the individual.

Like Sheep Lead To The Slaughter - So Also The Church

     Yesterday I received an email from a Neighborhood Association that was crying outrage against the fact that a Church was feeding the homeless on their property.  The purpose of this email was to have everyone come to this meeting and voice opposition against a Church feeding the homeless.  Sad fact is that is exactly what is going to happen.  The world will be there to state that church should not be allowed on their own property to feed the homeless or in fact have any food service outreach without the permission of the City.  Meanwhile the 1000's of people who attend worship every Sunday will be nestled in their homes on Thursday Night doing nothing because they will feel like it is not their business, I mean it is not their church that is being attacked so why be there.  The one thing they will failto understand is that a City-Wide Interpertation makes it applicable to everyone.  The church will be lead like a sheep to the slaughter, unless we truly learn to unite and become one as Christ prayed for us to be and as the scriptures demand us to be in 1 Corninthians 12.  The meeting will be held Tonight, Thursday October 22nd, 2009 at 6:00 PM at the Burton Barr Library.  Let us as Christians come together and defend our religious rights and obligations before the Lord says to us, "I was hungry and you feed me not." 

In Christ.

The Life In Christ

Do you have a life in Christ or is Christ in your life?  The other day I was reading an article that spoke about being a Christian.  What makes a Christian?  Is it because someone goes to church?  Actually the article goes on to say that a Christian is someone who lives their life for Christ always.  I agree.  As some of you know, my wife and I have worship at my home.  We have people come to our home every week and worship Jesus Christ.  We have dedicated our lives to God, our home, our property and our family.  When I walk on my property, I feel as if I walked into the land of God.  Our Jerusalem!  When my family and friends come to worship I am grateful that God has granted us the ability to share in His blessings.  God has placed in our hearts to feed the poor, to help the needy, to minister the gospel to all in need.  I remember when we lived at our home in Waltann and worshipping in the living room every Sunday with our family and friends, how small it was but how wonderful it was.  Oh!  How good the Lord is!!!  I am a firm believer that when you are faithful in the least you will be faithful in the much.  God has granted us a larger property with more room.  Thank you Lord.  I say that to say this:
     I began my life in Christ giving Him everything.  There is never a line in my life that said, Christ here and others there.  It is and always has been Christ.  So it should be with you in your life.  Whether work, play, relationship, friends and no matter what Christ needs to be all and in all.  This is what it means to have a life In Christ and not just Christ in your life.  May God bless you in your walk with Him.

Our Trip - Results

     O.K.  here is what everyone is waiting for.  As some of you know last week we decided to go on a family trip to California.  We left after worship on Sunday and first stop was San Diego California.  But First we had to stop at the Sand Dunns off highway 8.  It was so neat.  My kids and I walked up the top of a huge sand dunn.  Let me say, that it really took your wind.  Sarah made it half way.  Anna didn't even start, Rachel made it to the top and Abby crawled her way to the top.  It was very steep.  We took a picture at the top.  That was nice, then off to San Diego again.  San Diego was beautiful.  We stayed at a Hotel and then in the morning we went to Sea Port Village.  I recommend this to anyone going to San Diego.  It is full of shops and attractions.  It is free to get in and there is a lot of neat things there.  One thing that my family and I decided to do was to rent a boat.  We rented a 8 passenger for a 5 passenger price.  We got a deal.  It had been a long time since I driven a boat but it all came back to me suddenly.  We went out to sea.  I had the kids in the boat and I was the driver and let me say it was fun.  It cost around $100.00 per hour.  Of course we went out for an hour.  Suzanne brought snacks, but we were having so much fun going so fast in the ocean that we failed to even have anything to eat.  We stopped by a pier where there were sea lions everywhere. We rode right up to them.  The kids had a ball.  of course not all.  Anna freaked out a little.  LOL.  That same day, we drove up to LA where we stayed at the Crowne Plaza.  It was nice.  Sauna, Jacuzzi, Pool, Spa, Gym and nice rooms.  We had a bell hop that after our tip refused to want to to help us anymore.  "I warned him."  I told him I got it, but he refused and said, no no sir, that is why we are here.  I said, no its OKAY.  He said, he got it.  Well, I only had a $1.00 in my pocket and that's what he got.  Sorry to all the bell hops.  : (    The following day, we went to Universal Studios.  It was raining so we then decided to just go ahead and head up to San Fransico.  It was a nice cool drive.  We got there at night and stayed at the Hilton.  Let me say, that the Hilton is overrated.  The next day we decided to tour all of San Fran.  We went to the island of Alcatraz.  It cost $79.00 for my whole family.  It was nice.  Alcatraz is remarkable.  How anyone could have survived it.  We took a boat load of pictures and had a great time.  We then walked fishermans wharf and pier 39 and 41 and of course ate fresh sea food and Clam Chowder out of a Sourdough Bowl.  YUM YUM!!  We drove the hills of San Fransico and let me say that it was stunning.  The Bridges at night were beautful.  The streets and city is remarkable.  Believe it or not we may have ran into one gay person there.  We saw more gays in LA then we did in San Fran.  Go figure..  My brother said, "That they probably knew that I was going to be there and they ran and hid." LOL.  That night we decided to stay at the Econolodge.  If you ever go to San Fran stay at the Econolodge in Oakland.  It was nice, Huge rooms, Patio Area, Free Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi and the service makes Hilton look like the dollar store to say the least.  The next day we toured China Town and then went back to LA.  Once in LA we stayed at the Crowne Plaza again for the rest of the nights.  The following day we went to Universal.  It was nice.  We have annual passes so let me say that we are veterans.  My kids and I know the place inside and out.  After Universal, out of a whim we decided to visit my aunt in Covina.  We were there for about 4 hours.  It was nice.  The kids had a ball then we drove back to the hotel where stayed for the last night and then in the morning headed back. 
     God is so good.  It seemed that everywhere we turned and everything we did God had his hand in it.  From turning off the right place to walking in at the right time, God was there.  Our trip was awesome and by the grace of God we had a ball.  Let me recommend that anyone go on a trip like this should try these features:  1)  Hotwire - Hotwire got us the Crowne Plaza a 4 star hotel for $59.00 per night.  Get a hotel by the airport you pay for parking which is about 10-15 per night but the hotel you get is exceptional.  2)  Ever in San Fran stay in Oakland.  oakland is only 10 minutes from San Fran.  Central to everything.  Stay at the Econolodge by the Airport.  Parking is Free, Free Breakfast, Wi-Fi and many more.  3)  Walk the piers in San Francisco.  Park at the Fishermans Wharf down at pier 41 and then walk the rest.  Parking is free for 3 hours.  4)  Check out Alcatraz.  The trip is worth it.  My family it was $79.00  4 and under are free.  5)  San Deigo, Don't stay at Good Nite Inn --- You get what you pay for.  6)  Rent a boat.  They are not that difficult to drive but it is worth the money.  The boat tours are like $30 for adults and $20 for kids.  They last 90 minutes.  Renting a boat is $100.00 but the fun is limitless.
     Thank you all for your prayers and I look.  Let me say, that California is nice to visit.  But I thank God I live in ARIZONA!!!!!!!  Thank you Jesus.  

PHOTO LINK:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=2034537&id=1031397604&ref=mf

Layaway Vs. Deposit

     Have you ever had anything on Layaway?  You take it up to a counter where you slowly place a payment on it and then it is yours.  Have you ever placed a deposit on something?  You choose what you want and then you place a deposit on it.  The deposit states that it is yours and that you are going to take it.
     2 Corinthians 1:21-22  States that God has placed an earnest deposit on us.  He has sealed us with the Holy Spirit and paid the deposit.  When Christ returns he will take what is His.  That is you and me.  Praise God for that.  You see Jesus did not put us on Layaway.  Layaway means that we do not actually belong to Him but rather he is slowly paying us off.  The deposit means that God has paid the price for us.  That price is the cross of Christ.  Thank God for His love.  He has assured us that He is there for us and that evidence is the Holy Spirit.

FOR PROFIT???

      Have you ever heard the saying, "Your going to shoot yourself in the foot."  This is exactly what is happening in the churches these days.  They are shooting each other in the foot.  Today I received an email from a ministry who was asking me to buy buttons.  The buttons were $130.00 for 250 of them so that we can get the message out.  That is 52 cents each.  Are you kidding me??  Why so much?  Why do people have to make a profit to help other people get the word of God out?  People need to remember this is not what the church is?  The church is a place where Christians preach the gospel without making a profit from each other.  The only people allowed to live off the people of God were the priest and ministers of God and they lived through the tithes and offerings.  This has been God's plan all along.  Now, we have people selling books, CD's, Buttons and so forth for outragous prices.  I can get 250 buttons that say, "I love the world." for $.08 cents each.
      People need to re-examine thier ministry and purpose in life.  The only thing I can say, "I thank God that I have a job."  May we hold the example of the apostle Paul who said I would rather work with my hands so that the gospel does not become a burden to anyone.  AMEN TO THAT,