Year In Reflection

The past is the past! Nothing can change it or what happened, no matter how much we would like to. But would we really want to? Most of those situations, made us who we are today. Whether we like our self or not— how we think, feel and act all derived from our past choices. Only, what we do and/or say today, can change or effect what we will be tomorrow.

This past year of 2009, began as a year of great expectations for me. I believed, I had made some good choices then, but before the year was half over, things began to changed. Thoughts of prosperity, giving, blessing and ministry all took a different turn than what I had expected. The last half of the year, seemed like survival. I began to realize and feel like I had step out into free-fall. Jesus had said, "Come" and so I did. But I didn't expect what happened. I was trusting Him, Now I was hoping, that He was going to catch me before I hit the ground. It's been a long ways, but He has assured me that He is with me all the way, reassuring that every promise He made would be fulfilled, even if I didn't see or feel it at the time.

When God speaks I listen and try to obey, my spirit man says, "Amen, so be it!" But later, my flesh sometimes wanted to scream, "Help me" or "God, where are you?" And then He reminds me again, "I'm still with you. Do you trust me?" My answer is still, "Yes!" So now, I'm thanking Him for things unseen as though they were.

Jesus changed my expectations into clarification of relationship and destiny this past six months. So now, I'm making choices to leave the old and familiar for a better future—to go where no man has gone before. But more significant, knowing what will happen is not as important as knowing Jesus and who I am. The Bible says, "the steps of a righteous man are order by the Lord." So by faith I'm taking those steps each day, for tomorrow and next year and the years after that. And I'm taking bigger ones each time; knowing everything I do with Him in 2010, has already been accomplished—because with God there is no time restraints. And 2010 was an awesome year. Hope it was for you too.

Thank you, Jesus, for a wonderful and happy new year.

Breaking Traditions

My wife and I have been attending a small pentecostal church for about a year. I prefer home churches more than organized churches for reasons I have already stated on my blog. But the small church is where God has me for now.

A couple months ago, I didn't partake in their communion service. It was not because I quit believing, but because it was a matter of conscience. Each person should examine his or her own heart as to what they are doing and why they are doing it. But, what I have seen over the years has bothered me greatly—even in the larger churches that we had attended in the past. I have been grieved by how this sacred covenant rite has been abused, both by ministers and by members (including myself in the past).

Here are some serious questions you may want to consider. Do you know the true meaning of the covenant involved with communion? Have you taken communion so often that the true meaning has been lost or has been made common? Have you ever taken communion when you didn't want to or didn't feel right about it, but you did anyway because of others around you? Or did you take it when you were not even thinking about Jesus at the time? Has taking communion felt more like a habit or a tradition to you? What do you do when you are visiting another church? Do you still take it when you have some issue with God or with someone else? Is the fear of what people may think more important than what God thinks? Has your partaking of communion become hypocritical?

The Communion covenant is a prophetic reminder of what Jesus did in his sacrifice and the cost involved in our serving of God. Our partaking of the covenant should mean that His blood is on our hands if we prove to be unfaithful to Him. It is a blood covenant. We have chosen to come into an agreement with those same terms as his disciples did — to deny self and take up our cross and follow Him... to our death. Jesus had asked his disciples if they were able to drink of the same cup as He would. And they agreed, out of a curtain amount of ignorance—just as we have. The "cup" represented the cost; the shedding of Jesus' blood for them. Even hours later, Jesus himself in the Garden of Gethsemane, was still struggling with "the cup" and the terms, even to the very point of sweating blood. (Luke 22: 42-44)

Jesus told his disciples to "do this in remembrance of me." The word "remember" is also a covenantal word; it means to think back—in this case to the cost or the requirements. Covenant agreements were usually sealed with a meal (bread and wine). In communion it is the "eating of His flesh" and the "the drinking of His blood," represented by the bread and the wine. By doing so, we become one with Him and with the Body of Christ to the extent of our willingness to lay down our lives for His sake, the Gospel, and our brothers.

Yet today, some casually offer and take communion as if it were some kind of tradition or ritual that has to be preformed before they can move on to the next program, the next song, the offering, the sermon and onto the "finish line" (exit sign to the real world). I know that seems crude, but let's be honest here. Seriously think about it. Communion should not be taken lightly, because it is a matter of life and death. There are serious consequences (involving health) for everyone involved. (I Cor. 11:27-32). Apostle Paul warns us to "examine ourselves" and, "to judge the body rightly" (the church), that we are connected to. When we don't do this we can open the door for judgment. (This is a major problem in big churches — very little intimate fellowship and often lots of hidden secrets.) Is there a lot of sickness in your church? Maybe this is one of the reasons.

I have seen a number of problems in churches over the years regarding the communion service. Mainly, it doesn't look anything like the example Jesus gave. He said, "remember," but we seem to have forgotten. I have divided the problems into four areas: When, How, Who, and Attitude, the most important being attitude surrounding covenant. Many ministers and organizations have struggled with these same issues. To solve the problems they simply establish certain rules and guidelines, and the ministers seem to be content with that. When in truth each minister and member should be asking God what He would have them do, instead of following other men's guidelines.

First, is when do we have communion? The scripture says, "as often as you think of me," Yet, Jesus only had it one time with his disciples after being with them for over three years. That in itself should be a note of caution, considering there was a traitor in the group. However to solve the problem of when, religious organizations have come up with guidelines, suggesting once a month; and most ministers have followed suit. Usually the first Sunday of the month is the religious guideline, and it has become a tradition, with a few exceptions.

The second problem is twofold—the unleavened bread and how to serve it? It seems that the bigger the church is, the bigger the problem is—but religious people are very resourceful. "Then the Lord took bread and blessed it," He then broke it and gave it to them to divide between the disciples and said, "this is My body." We've come a long way from one loaf of baked unleavened bread to tiny individual crackers or bread bits. What happened to the loving act of women baking break, or the human touch of the elders in breaking the bread? Today, churches have become very "hands off" and germ conscience. Everything has to be just right, decent, neat and safe.

Yet Jesus' body hung naked on a rugged cross, broken, plucked, beaten, torn, shredded and pierced for us. (Nothing was neat about His death.) When Jesus fed the five thousand plus people, he broke the bread and handed it to his disciples to divide. Afterward they picked up the leftover pieces. (I don't think it was for the birds.)

Now the question about the wine and how to serve it? "Then, the Lord took the cup and He gave thanks..." Again organizations of big churches lead the way and the smaller churches follow. Since wine was forbidden in their doctrines, grape juice became the standard. (This would be a shocker to the early church). Then came the matter of how to dispense it, since there was no alcohol to kill any possible germs. The small whiskey shot glass with modifications, became "the cup" of preference , considering people's fears and lack of faith. (There are lessons to be learned in the "crushing" of the grape and the waiting until the time is right for the purpose for which it is meant to be used. This concept is how God tries to work, and how he instills truths into our lives.)

The third problem is who should partake of communion? The answer is really quite simple. All who have the desire to love and obey Jesus with all their hearts. However, many churches have tried to teach their members that whenever a person becomes a Christian, that person may participate in communion; they also tell people that parents should determine whether their children are old enough and whether their children understand the meaning of communion. But there seems to be very little discernment or accountability from ministers regarding the behavior of their flock or the behavior of new people coming in to meetings. Often people are living in sin and still participating in communion, also influencing others around them. This is a serious problem, especially in larger churches—and such a church body will be judged by God. There is often little available time for ministers to get to know their flock when they are in their offices or in meetings. Discernment comes by being on one's face before God and being out among the flock like a Shepard, examining each sheep as often as possible, and not just greeting people or shaking a few hands. The minister also needs to be interceding for his flock, and needs to be on guard for danger. He should not take things for granted until it's too late and the damage is done. Ministers should not feel obligated to serve everyone in order to maintain respectability, nor leave the members or adults to judge for themselves. It would help if we all confessed our sins one to another (and this includes ministers), ...so that you may be healed. (James 5:16). This would give the body an opportunity to be complete or be made whole.

Fourth, and most important I believe is our Attitude. Look at the attitude and what Jesus did, before and after communion that night. First, "He loved them to the end. I earnestly desired to have this meal with you." Then He got up, "and began to wash the disciples' feet..." Then he gave instructions. "For I gave you an example that you should do as I did to you."(John 13:15). Then He predicted the future by saying, "Truly, truly, I say one of you will betray me..." (John Ch.13:21). Jesus was discerning the body of believers. We need to take the proper time to prepare our hearts before God. The wrong attitude only adds to the other three problems. If our attitude is right, then by faith it doesn't really matter what is eaten (regular bread, crackers, or pretzels) or the drink (any fruit juice, fruit blends, or Kool-Aid if necessary). What matters is the heart, who you're with and why. Don't you agree? And it should be done by faith, when we are led by the Holy Spirit.

Note—a week from today will be one of the most holy days for the majority of Christians around the world—Christmas. This is another tradition fueled by emotions and deception, just as Easter. I have chosen to follow Jesus and not Christianity (a religion which seems to be based mostly on doctrines and traditions of men, rather than on the TRUTH, Jesus Christ). I will continue to love people and pray that their eyes be opened to the lies and deceptions, even as God opened many other people's eyes, including mine. So for now, I will obey God who has asked me to turn my focus on reaching the lost and not the saved. Next year, 2010, will be a year of big changes (for me, others and the world), but it will all begin with small steps of obedience, steps that I'm taking now. You can also begin today by taking small steps of obedience and trust in the loving Heavenly Father. God Bless You, and have a great new year.

Birthday Parties

"Happy Birthday to you... and many more." Almost everyone loves birthdays parties, especially children; all the attention, presents and the decorations. However, I wonder sometimes if we have gone too far from what I have seen. What are we really doing or trying to establish? Why all the parties and when are we and children too old for all that personal attention? Sometimes people start something and then don't know how to stop it, and then feel guilty if they try to or the children get all upset, because their friends still have birthday parties. So it somehow becomes a tradition for many families. And some people just have a hard time saying, no to themselves or others.

Parents today love spoiling their children and grandparents are usually the worse. Sometimes children get so much, it's just like Christmas. But, is this really good for them and do they really appreciate the time, effort and value of all that is done for them? Obviously the younger ones don't understand the meaning of all this, they just want more presents and ice cream. But, are we setting a precedent that will regret later in life.

It's a challenge for many parents today to even get their kids to clean up their messy room, with all the stuff they been given— now lying all over the floor, stepped on /or broken. As a result many young people today have the same careless attitude and seem to expect a lot more in return for little work or effort.

When I was a kid I had a couple of birthday parties at home with some friends invited from school and I enjoyed them. But most of the times it was just our family, with cake and ice cream and a gift or two that came after the song, "Happy Birthday." But now I'm older and a couple generations wiser, things have changed a lot. In many families these day, children show little appreciation and more disrespect. So when is enough, enough? I realize that everyone has a "birth" day and calenders to remind us. But, as Christians how should we view birthdays. What does the Bible have to say about birthdays or birthday parties?

Nothing is said about birthdays; and birthday parties or birthday celebrations are mentioned only three times. Once in the New Testament and twice in the Old Testament. In all three accounts something bad happened. The first one, involves Job's children. They were all at a party and the roof collapsed, killing all of them. The other two situations involved two kings. The results of the first one was Pharaoh, hanging his chief baker (Gen. 40:20) and the other one, Herod, consenting to the death of the prophet, John the Baptist (Mark 6:21). The only other thing remotely connected to birthdays, was the age of some men in the old testament; when they died and none in the new testament. Hardly a glowing report for having a birthday party.

So my question still is, why do we have birthday parties? True everyone has a birth day, even Adam and Jesus. But is that a reason to have a birthday party? Jesus never told his disciples to remember or celebrate His birthday or theirs. Obviously, it is something that has evolved out of traditions where man have chosen to recognize and honor someone.

God, desires to honor all his children and show should we. And I have nothing against birthdays, parties or honoring people. But, what our responsibility is as Christian parents and what the world does, is another story. What the world does has a tendency to influence many Christians. The world is party crazy. But, as sons of God, shouldn't we be led by the Holy Spirit, not the world? The Bible tells us not to love the things or the ways of the world. (II Tim 1:7)

I believe parents should love and honor their children everyday. We should bless them and give them gifts, just as our Heavenly Father does. But it's the annual parties that seem to get out of hand, even the one they claim is Jesus' birthday (Christmas). Is that what God really wants us to do?

I believe many societies, especially Americans, have gone overboard regarding parties (parties for every occasion). Many parents smother their children with gifts of toys and clothing, starting from age one on up. And as adults many still go overboard by indulging themselves with junk food and birthday gifts, (big TVs, cars, RVs and boats) and the credit card balances show it.

Another area that concerns me is the things that are done at parties. From my experience at parties, even in Christian homes, conversation are seldom about Jesus or the Kingdom God. And then there are activities and traditions that come from pagan and worldly traditions. Blowing lit candles out on a cake and making a wish, sound more like a fairy tale concept that God would not look to highly on. The same goes for Pinatas. Yet many of these things people don't even give a second thought about where it originated or what God would think it? You may think what's the harm, its all pretend. It's called perversion. Also as many get older, those kinds of activities can hinder ones faith and can invite a spirit of discontentment. As a result many are not grateful for what they already have and "wish" for more.

As Christians, we are not to think, speak or act the way the world does. We are to live by faith not sight. We should also be led by His Spirit, as to how we honor one another, not out of habits or traditions. God is for love and honor. Again, I don't think it's wrong to have parties or celebrations, but it wouldn't be wise for us to pray and consider about how and when we do it?

Here's something else to consider. I knew a man, who wasn't wealthy. On his 30th birthday, he invited about 30 guest, I was one of them. The invitation he sent stipulating, "no gifts, please." After all the guest arrive, he gave each one of them a very nice and different gift. He wasn't thinking about himself but his guest. Maybe its something we should consider sometime.

The Fear of Man

After the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, all living creatures developed a fear of man, including the race of mankind. But it was never meant to be. From the beginning of creation, we and the animals were meant to live in harmony with one another and with our loving Creator. The fateful day of mankind's fall changed everything. Now, thousands of years later, we all have the need of reprogramming by the Holy Spirit, as to learn that the only one to be feared is the Lord himself.

"The fear of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom."

Proverbs 9:10

There are some people who boast that they're not afraid of anything or anyone. But their actions, and many of our actions, seem to imply otherwise. Many people today live in an environment of fear, the "what if this or that were to happen" scenario. Others have phobias. Some have the fear of failing. However, every one of us have been trapped at one time or another by fears. It seems that for the majority of people, the fear of man is the worst kind of fear, only surpassed by the fear of death. Most of our actions or reactions stem from our thoughts of what other people may think, say or do. Only when we are willing to make decisions contrary to other people's opinions, including the majority, have we succeeded in overcoming the fear of man.

Many people today, especially in western civilization, are overly conscious of their actions and appearance. Celebrities, politicians, the rich, etc., have a great deal of influence on society's choices and decisions. The advertising and marketing industry also contributes to the fears. It's all about perception. People want to look good, feel good and "WOW" others. Most people would prefer that other people like them and accept them; approval is important. Some people are willing to go to great extremes to try to keep their jobs, looks, family or relationships together, all from of fear of losing them. (This emotional bondage can be very painful and terrifying.) The amount of time and preparation some people spend thinking about and/or getting ready to meet other people is incredible—just for going out on a date, on an interview, or perhaps a company dinner. Nothing is wrong with appearance or acceptance, but for many people it stems from the pride and the fear of rejection.

For the most part, we would like to get along with one another, even when we have differences of opinion. Sometimes we can do that by talking, negotiating and making concessions. (Choosing the right words and using the right tone of voice can also be helpful). Many times our differences deal with politics or religious beliefs. We need to learn to be patient and loving in order to get along. It seems the easiest thing for most of us to do is just go along with the crowd. "Don't make waves," people say. Especially when it comes to the boss, wife, or the church. That may be a nice gesture, but it is also usually a poor decision that can lead to future problems and/or outbursts from pent-up feelings.

When a man is placed in the role of leadership (whether political, business, church or marriage), he has been given the responsibility by God to do what he believes to be right (hopefully by listening to the Lord and sometimes godly counsel). Leadership is a great responsibility. Sometimes it requires us to be peacemakers, and that is good. But if we are not careful we can make big mistakes if fear is the motivation. Making right decisions is more important than keeping others happy. And it is the surest test of responsible leadership.

Why do people care so much about what others think or say? It's simple really, because we like or love them and would like them to feel the same about us. But, whose opinion or whose honor should matter the most? God's or man's? (Acts 5:29). Is there the possibility that some of our actions or non-actions come from fear and fearful hearts? The Bible teaches us that broad is the road that leads to destruction and narrow is the path that leads to life. Fears seek to control our destinies. The fear of man is the broad road. The fear of God is the narrow path.

In the Gospels, we repeatedly find situations where the Pharisees feared the people and at other times the people feared the Scribes and Pharisees. It may seem silly to us that they fear one another, yet 2000 years later we're not much different; every one of us seems to have failed many times because of fear. Only Jesus was completely successful in being fearless regarding anything or anyone. That is why it is important that we learn from Jesus how to break the fears that bind hearts and minds.

Throughout my life I have often battled this enemy—the fear of man/woman. As a former professional artist and teacher, I tried to please my customers and students because that was how I made a living. Before I was married I tried to please women. Now that I'm married I have a greater responsibility, and I would still like to please my wife and make her happy, but it doesn't mean I have always made the right decisions.

Whether it's a stranger, customer, friend or spouse, as sons of God our first obligation is to obey the Lord, regardless of what anyone else thinks, even though we may love them. I have not been as successful at that as I would have liked. Even though I love my wife, communication has not been one of my strong suits. I have often delayed in communicating things God wanted me to do or say, because I knew they would make her unhappy or cause an argument. I kept putting it off by making excuses to myself (There were some consequences, I learned later on, that because of my fears, it hindered my hearing and God communicated less with me.) During those times I felt like a coward and was often frustrated by my fear of telling her. But, I'm slowly learning to communicate, and God has been very patient with the both of us.

Even when I write these articles, some are very personal and sometimes I would prefer to be seen for impressive actions and great revelation knowledge. But I'm just a simple man who loves God, and by faith I try to do the right things. There are times when I don't like revealing my weaknesses or mistakes. Nor do I like writing things that have the possibility of hurting people or friends. I realize that sometimes I might write things that offend people (though such is not my intention), but I believe the truth needs to be told; hopefully I will do it with the right spirit. Therefore, I will continue to write what I believe God wants me to, and try to say it the way He wants. I will let the chips fall where they may.

Jesus is the best example to follow to help us overcome the fear of man.

There are many examples in the Bible of what happened to people who yielded to the fear of man. Here are some examples:

• Aaron — the first high priest of Israel. He made the Golden Calf (Israel's first idol) for the children of Israel to worship. He did so because he feared and, listened to the voice of the people." (Ex 32:21-25)
• King Saul — the first King of Israel. He disobeyed God and he, "...feared the people and listened to them." (I Sam. 15:24). God regretted that he had made Saul king of Israel.
• Simon Peter — the first leader of the Church. He denied knowing Jesus three times, because he feared the accusations of the people. (Luke 22:54-63)
• Caiaphas — the last High Priest of Israel mentioned in the New Testament. But, because of fear he, "...advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people." (John 18:14). It was also a prophecy.
• Pontius Pilate — the governor of Israel. He feared the crowds that were insisting on the death of Jesus, the Son of God and King of the Jews. Luke 23:24 reads, "And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted."

Here's something to think about: Whether you are a man or a woman, the next time you hesitate to speak up about what God is saying to you or asking you to do, maybe it would be a good idea to ask Jesus to reveal the true source or sources of your fears or hesitancy. Then repent from them, so as to avoid them in the future. Also, ask that Jesus teach you how to deal with those fears, and instead learn to fear the Lord and honor Him.