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,

Change is Emminent

     The fact is people do not like change.  Good change or bad change people just don't like change.  Yet the change is emminent.  Something is going to change.  Neighborhoods change, work changes, processes change, money changes, prices change, many things change in this world.  We know that President Obama is currently trying to change a lot of things, Our Health Care, Our Tax Liabilities, Our School Days and much more.  There is no doubt that the Democrats who have long waited for this majority moment is comming in like a strom to change a lot of things.  Then there are people who are shocked and are constantly resisting any change.  Even if we need it.
      We need to be careful that we do not fall into the same catagory as the Pharisees who felt like Jesus was making too many changes too fast.  I in no way am trying to compare what Jesus is doing with Obama but rather that, I believe that we can become a Pharisee by resisting even good change. 
      When God makes changes in your life how do you react?  Sometimes changes need to be made to better us.  So remember to really analyze the changes and ask yourself whether this is really good or not.  Then and only then should you come up with an opinion.  Remember this, sometimes God uses your enemies to make changes in your life.  I know in my life that without my enemies we would not have had what we have.  It was due to God using them that made us move strong and stand stronger and aquire what we got.  All things work together for Good to those who love God! 

The Constant Struggle

     Last week a cousin of mine called me up and asked me if I was interested in a Beagle Puppy.  He stated it was full blood beagle and that someone gave it to him and since his family lives in a small condo he could not keep it.  I thought sure.  I mean a beagle usually run around $250-$800.00 and free is good.  Of course Freeonly becomes free for so long until you have to buy the food, crate, treats, shampoos and so forth.  Anyway to get to the point.  We are housetraining this puppy and let me say, during this time God is giving me patience.  One of the factors of house training a puppy is the fact that you have to constantly be watching the puppy and since we are crating the puppy we hve to take him outside every 3 hours to show him that you have to go outside and not inside or in the crate.  Let me just say, Thank God for Tile Floors.  If you do not watch after the dog he can not hold it and iwll make a mess in his cage.  So being consistant is important. 
     Living the Christian life is just like that.  You have to constantly think about your life, your speech, your attitude and then you have to practice it.  If you do not you will find that you will have a big mess.  Many peoples lives are a big mess because they refuse to tend or shall I say, place on a leash their life.  Their inner sin goes crazy and ends up messing everything up.  Let me say that the time you spend watching your life and reading and praying is much easier then having to clean up after you when you have not tended to it.
     Eventually, my puppy will grow and know what to do.  He will mature and through discipline he will make no messes or less messes.  This is also true to all those who live a disicplined life for God!!

The Credit Card of Sin

     A credit card can be a blessing or it can be a curse.  When people get a credit card they go and start to buy things.  They spend money and place it on the card racking their credit.  They bring the product home and it is very pleasurable.  They use it for a while and then after a while then that New Feeling wears away.  This usually happens way before the bill for the credit card comes in.  When the bill comes in they find that all that stuff they bought is very very expensive especially with the high interest rates, fees and so forth.  After a while many people just can't pay it anymore.  People go into debt and that which brought them joy for awhile is now threatening and harassing their lifestyle with creditors calling and demanding payments and threatening lawsuits.  The repo man comes and begins to take it all back.  Relationship are stressed and even in some cases broken. 
     There is a card like that which works spiritually.  People live their lives anyway they wish.  Drinking, Smoking, Fornicating, Adultery, Pornography, Jealousy, Anger, Wrath and so forth.  It seems pleasurable for a moment until the bill comes in.  Let me just say that the interest rates are very very high.  In some cases the interest rates includes a destroyed marriage, relationships broken and in some case death.  The Sin MASTERCARD is one Credit Card you do not want to use. 
     We had such a card at one time but Jesus Christ came and wiped away the debt and gave us a new start.  We thank God for his payment in full.  Now it is up to us to listen to His voice and make sure that every offer that comes to us to get a Credit Card is one we decline, even if it is pre-paid.  And believe me the offers will come!  By the way, when it comes to sin there is no such thing as a 0% intrest rate.  May Christ Keep You!  

Thank You For Your Prayers

     As many of you know ever since we bagan worshipping at my home we have been harassed, threatened and even accussed of doing things we did not do.  It can really make someone angry and even upset, but one thing I have learned is that the Words of God are so much greater than any emotion.  Jesus stated, "Forgive them for they know not what they do."  Here is Our Lord forgiving those who are crucifying and even mocking them.  These words have helped me to be able to keep a soft heart, compassion and consideration to those who are against us from worshipping at our home.  There is no one perfect.  Even myself.  Yeah I know that is a shock to some, but really, everyone has made mistakes.  One day the Lord will reveal all things to all people.  Yesterday in court I began thinking of my brothers and sisters in Christ who was in court for breaking the law.  Thier crime?  Preaching and Teaching the Gospel without a permit from their government.  The difference is....They faced death and I do not.  So death or no death I have learned and am learning to be strong and faithful even in times like this.  God has given my wife and I such a peace that we can truly count it all joy because we are in court, not because we are theives, or murderers or adulterers but because we are Christians worshipping God at our home and with a true heart that we have have love for those around us.   God Keep Us!

Coincidence or Godincidence

    What if God had a message for you and then not even 2 minutes later another person came and gave the same message?  Would it be a coincidence or a Godincidence?  So many people dismiss the messages that God gives because they believe this was just by coincidence.  God had warned the Babylonian Kings over and over again but they refused to listen.  Finally God gave them the message loud and clear by having Persia come in and invade and untimatly take over.  What will it take for our governament to realize that God is speaking and we are not just some right wing, conservative, fanitical, religious folk who are giving our opinion?  I guess God knows and they will have to find out.  I hope before it is too late!  May God bless our city, state, nation and country and open the eyes of our heart.

The Right To Worship

     Every morning I get up ready to begin my day.  I wake-up the kids, take a shower and get dressed ready to go to the office.  I begin by reading the scripture for the day, my devotionals and some study, then as fast as the day begins it ends.  From dealing with businesses throughout the United States to going to pick up the kids from school the work day is finished.  I get home where my home is the safe haven and I am the prince of the castle.  Of Course Jesus is the King.  The rest of the day I enjoy meeting with my friends, family and other brothers and sisters in Christ and occasionally a good movie.  Then I spend a couple of days during the week where my guest come to my home and worship with me as we celebrate the day the Lord has Made!  This is what it means to be a Christian who lives in America.  Protected to worship God in the privacy of your home with your family, friends and guests.  Is that against the law?  Should people who gather in their home under Christ be different than those who gather under superbowl, or new years, or Christmas.  I thank God that through his Provisions and Providence He forknew to place in the heart of our founding fathers the 1st Amendment!  Thank you Jesus. 

Jack Black Prays To The Devil At The Music Awards

     I just received a note today that Jack Black prayed to the Devil at the MTV music awards.  Looking at many of the comments on a Christian website, people were offended.  Why?  You have to be spiritually retarded not to know that Jack Black and many others in Hollywood worship Satan.  Have you seen this guys movies.  I am offended that Christians would watch the MTV music awards in the first place.  I am not at all shocked that Jack Black prayed to the devil.  As a matter of fact I expected it.  I did not watch the awards and personnally don't care for them but what I saw in a report was that many held hands and chanted with him the words.  Something good did come out of this.  Many Christians became very offended and stated that I will never watch MTV again.  PRAISE GOD!!  Thank you Lord for revealing to your children the truth.  Now I pray many will stand on that promise.