Jesus fights for truth – in this land of freedom, liberty and justice for all!

Job 16:19

“Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And my advocate is on high.

As I read this simple story this morning, I thought about Jesus:

On May 2, 1962, a dramatic advertisement appeared in the San Francisco Examiner: “I don’t want my husband to die in the gas chamber for a crime he did not commit. I will therefore offer my services for 10 years as a cook, maid, or housekeeper to any leading attorney who will defend him and bring about his vindication.”

One of San Francisco’s greatest attorneys, Vincent Hallinan, read or heard about the ad and contacted Gladys Kidd, who had placed it. Her husband, Robert Lee Kidd, was about to be tried for the slaying of an elderly antique dealer. Kidd’s fingerprints had been found on a bloodstained ornate sword in the victim’s shop. During the trial, Hallinan proved that the antique dealer had not been killed by the sword, and that Kidd’s fingerprints and blood on the sword got there because Kidd had once toyed with it while playfully dueling with a friend when they were both out shopping. The jury, after 11 hours, found Kidd to be not guilty. Attorney Hallinan refused Gladys Kidd’s offer of 10 years’ servitude.

From the Book of Lists #2, p. 157.

Jesus always sides with truth, it is His very nature. In this world of deception, and murder and lies, God stands holy, in absolute purity, in perfect truth.

In this account, Gladys Kidd had nothing to defend her husband with, but her life. She knew him, and she knew he was innocent. So, she performed a desperate act, an appeal to justice, and any true appeal to justice, reaches heaven…

She was willing to become a slave for 10 years, to work as a servant, out of love for her husband, and clearly God Himself raised up a champion for her cause!

Jesus is truth, stands for truth, and executes judgement against all evil and lies…

Yet, the gospel would not be good news, if that were the end of the story. In heaven’s justice system, there is mercy…

Jesus is still a friend of sinners. His blood is still alive before heavens throne, and to all who come to that blood, there is mercy, forgiveness…He will forgive!

1 John 2:1

[ Christ Is Our Advocate ] My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

If we have committed crimes, when we are guilty, there is a place of forgiveness in God.

Ephesians 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Hebrews 10:19

[ A New and Living Way ] Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood ofJesus,

His blood will atone for our sins. He can forgive our deepest, darkest secrets, and we can be cleansed from our guilt and shame, by His precious, heavenly, holy blood.

Today, do not seek to manage your sin, come bold to His throne, and find His blood there. Confess your faults and guilt to Him, and Him alone, and find mercy in heaven’s courts, and watch Him move on your behalf, here, in the earth.

God is not your problem, unless you keep running – Jesus is your answer, and can create a bright new day, and future for you, no matter how dark your journey has been.

Let’s pray:

“Father God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth, judge of all the universe, today, I come to Your throne, asking for mercy. You know all, see all, and have seen my wickedness, my failure, my sin before You. I ask that You would forgive me – I ask that the blood of Jesus might cover my sin, and wash me clean again. Today, I commit to doing Your will, and Your plan for my life, no longer my own. For this fresh start, for mercy, for a future, a way, where there has been no way, I humbly thank you, and recieve Your grace to live right, from this day forward. I ask this, only because of You Lord Jesus, and Your incredible love and mercy towards me. Amen’

 

Conflict Resolution – Biblically

I have always argued that Jesus taught clearly on things of everyday life, that His teaching are meant to be lived, not merely studied and preached.

As I sat in Dr. Young’s class, ‘The Jewish Roots of the Gospels”, and we were studying what the first thirty years of Jesus life could have been like, as he explained from many sources, the traditional culture and lifestyles of practicing Jews that were most probably the life and customs of Jesus as a Jew in Galilee being raised in Israel and visiting Jerusalem.

Like a bolt of insight, I rethought Matt 18, and Jesus teachings on conflict resolution from a Jewish perspective. I have not finished my meditation, prayer, research, or study yet, but let me share with you what I have traditionally taught, and then suggest to you where my thinking is heading:

Basically, I have always taught that the Biblical pattern of relationship reconciliation was four-fold:

1. If someone has sinned against you, and you are offended, privately, after prayer, go to them and confront them personally, humbly, directly, with the intent of seeing the wrong made right, and reconciling the relationship. (Matt 18:15)
2. If they will not hear you, go to them with two (hopefully objective) witnesses, again with the intent that wrongs be made right, and that the person be given the opportunity to correct themselves before God and you, and again, restore the relationship. (Matt 18:16)
3. If they still will not hear you and two witnesses, Jesus commands the matter be brought before the church, and that the person be disciplined by church leadership, and if they still will not repent, they are to be removed from fellowship. Remember in this, that church leadership should be actively seeking to emulate the love of God, and exhibit the goodness of God that might lead the offending person to repentance. Jesus mission is still to seek and save the lost, and He is still a friend of sinners. Sin is a horrible thing though, some will still not repent. (Matt 18:17)
4. Here is where it gets complicated in Western society – God is still in charge of the governments of the earth, and has set police, soldiers, courts and prisons in place, and I believe even capital punishment, to rid the earth of evil. If the person at large is a criminal, and a menace to society, I believe there are times when legal charges must be brought, and the person must be prosecuted under the laws of the land, that justice may be served. (Romans 13:1-5)
   
   As a Christian leader, I have engaged in this process several times over the years, both as an offended party seeking to get paid for work I had done as a contractor, and as a pastor called to execute judgment in certain brutal life situations (like a divorce, custody arrangements, and similar gut-wrenching situations).

Here is where I received my ‘lightening bolt’ of insight as I sat in lecture:

Jesus is a Jew.

Though this passage of instruction was given to the church, initially, until Acts 10 when Cornelius was converted, it was spoken to a Jewish or Messianic church who were well schooled in the law of Moses.

Let’s look at a couple of verses:

Deuteronomy 17:6

On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.

Deuteronomy 19:15

[ Witnesses ] One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Notice in the first verse, when two witnesses to a crime were brought forward under the Torah, that was enough evidence to put the criminal to death!

 

Then, we read in Deut 19 how two witnesses were required to establish guilt, but if they were found, these eyewitness accounts were enough evidence to have a person executed.

 

In my millisecond of insight, I saw a whole other depth of seriousness in the new testament passages. At the point of two witnesses being brought forward to testify and confront a person involved in some sin, assuming these two witnesses are truthful, under the law, this was enough, in a capital offence, to have the person executed!

Seems there is a process then – that is very thorough when applied, to determine guilt. I am not educated enough to know yet what this would like like in a Jewish community, when step three was implemented – where the matter was brought before the church. My thinking would be that at this point, the churches job was to investigate the claims of the offended party, and the statements of the two witnesses, and weigh it carefully before God, always attempting to see the one accused repentant and potentially restored to community.

 

When this was not possible, judgment in the form of exile was executed by the church or synagogue, the convicted criminal was forbidden to fellowship or worship with the church.

 

What is interesting here, is that Jesus describes His, at that time future, heavenly ministry, seated at the right hand of the Father, as just ruler, and judge of all life. He declares that His authority was invested and entrusted to His church, and that He literally would be present to enforce what was decided upon by church leadership in the words of Matt 18:  ¹⁸ Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

In other words He is establishing that whatever His church forbids in the earth, is forbidden, and once that judgment is decreed  and declared, He Himself, from heaven, also forbids it, and I believe, releases His power and authority to enforce this decree. Likewise, whatever is permitted (after deliberation, prayer, and declaration) is executed as permitted.

Equally as astounding is verse: ¹⁹ Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

What makes this verse astounding is the fact that in His heavenly ministry, Jesus, by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, personally attends every prayer meeting, and listens to, agrees with, and actually enforces His authority where only two or three are gathered together in His name.

Truly, He spoke:

John 16:7 (AMP)

⁷ But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the ^[a]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]

What gives these verses excitement and teeth is the truth that while Jesus, in the days of His flesh, could only be in one place at one time: now, as God the Son, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent – He is literally present when we gather together in His name. The loving, merciful, yet holy judge of all the universe is present in power and judgment, and to those living contrary to what is right, this should bring a fear of the Lord, a tremor of reverence, knowing the day will come when we all face Him in absolute truth.

On that day, unless we have received Him as our Lord and savior, and received His forgiveness and mercy, we will face Him as judge, with no appeal, no parole, facing eternity separated from Him in a fate far worse than death – eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

Yet, if you recall my introduction, I had written four steps of relationship reconciliation and justice. My concern in this, is my Western American interpretation of this process. Recall, it was written by a Jewish Jesus, to a Jewish church, who were to understand the whole counsel of God. I do not know the full judicial system of the day, but it appears that the priests were also the judges of all morality, applying the law to all of life. In this context, when a person came to church, he also went to court also, for it was there one should find the law and the Spirit fully working to judge the very thoughts, motives and intents of the each human heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

¹² For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged ^[a]sword, penetrating as far as the division of the ^[b]soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets, and now we live under a covenant of mercy and grace, a new and better covenant. (Heb 8:6)

Yet there is more to be understood here, and before I investigate step four, which I might sub-title ‘a Christian’s role in the judicial system’, I must consider a couple verses:

First, the words of Jesus, in confronting the religious leaders of His day:

Matthew 23:23

“Woe to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you give a tenth (tithe) of your mint and dill and cumin [focusing on minor matters], and have neglected the weightier [more important moral and spiritual] provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are  the [primary] things you ought to have done without neglecting the others.

 

Or what about the verse: Matthew 5:40

If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also [for the Lord repays the offender].

 

1 Cor 5:12 For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders (non-believers)? Do you not judge those who are within the church [to protect the church as the situation requires]? 13 God alone sits in judgment on those who are outside [the faith]. Remove the wicked one from among you [expel him from your church].
Okay, enough for tonight

 

Here are my thoughts that I will expound upon as we proceed:

 

1. The first three steps of correction are for Christians, in the church.
2. There is a clear distinction between the way God judges His children in the church, and those who do not know Him, who live in the world, outside the faith.
3. Clearly one of the weightier matters of the law, is justice.
4. Clearly, according to Romans 13, God is also Lord of the justice systems of the earth, and there is a place there for Christians to learn, grow, and exemplify Jesus.

   For today, thank you for walking with me this far in my study – like many great sermon series, this is ‘to be continued’.

‘Father, give me courage to confront people, and walk out Your process of reconciliation within your church. You know, you see, and you have seen all that has happened. Give me grace and wisdom to know when to pray, and when to say, as I seek to see people and situations through Your eyes, and to judge them only with Your heart of love and compassion towards them. Teach me Your weightier matters, matters that reveal hearts, motives, and all the justice systems of the earth. I ask, knowing I am heard, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen.’

Prayer Requests: If you or your family need specific prayer for anything, please send us a prayer request. We as a family will pray for you today, and if you would, please let us know the wonderful ways God answers. This is a great encouragement to us

 

Bible Verses:

 

Matt 18:NASB ¹⁵ “If your brother sins^[k], go and ^[l]show him his fault ^[m]in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. ¹⁶ But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every ^[n]fact may be confirmed. ¹⁷ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as ^[o]a Gentile and ^[p]a tax collector.¹⁸ Truly I say to you, whatever you ^[q]bind on earth ^[r]shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you ^[s]loose on earth ^[t]shall have been loosed in heaven.
KJV:  ¹⁸ Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹ Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matt 18 Amp¹⁴ Just so it is not the will of My Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost and perish.

¹⁵ If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.

¹⁶ But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed and upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

¹⁷ If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector.

Be Subject to Government

Romans 13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.² Therefore whoever ^[a]resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves. ³ For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation. ⁴ For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore one must be subject [to civil authorities], not only to escape the punishment [that comes with wrongdoing], but also as a matter of principle [knowing what is right before God]

Proposed 28th Amendment

I am not normally a political poster, but this makes sense:

28th Amendment, 35 States and Counting       

    

It will take you less than a minute to read this. If you agree, please pass it on.  It’s an idea whose time has come to deal with this self serving situation:

    

Children of Congress members do not have to pay back their college student loans.

    

Staffers of Congress family members are also exempt from having to payback student 

loans.

    

Members of Congress can retire at full pay after only one term.

    

Members of Congress have exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed, under which ordinary citizens must live.

    

For example, they are exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment.

    

And as the latest example, they have exempted themselves from Healthcare Reform, in 

all of its aspects.

    

We must not tolerate an elite class of such people, elected as public servants and then 

putting themselves above the law.

    

I truly don’t care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent, or whatever.  The 

self-serving must stop.

    

Governors of 35 states have filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon their states. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention.

    

Each person that receives this will forward it on to 20 people, in three days most people in 

The United States of America will have the message.

    

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States  

    

Constitution:

“Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the Citizens of the United States …”

Who is on Trial?

Who’s on trial?

We read of the trial of Jesus before Pilate.

John 19: 10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

Jesus, fully submitted to the will of our Father, explained to Pilate that he would give an account to God, for what he was doing that day.

That day, Jesus stood before Pilate, awaiting unjust judgement, to go to the cross for our sins.

On another day, the day of Pilates death, Pilate stood before Jesus, to be judged for his sins before a holy God. History records that he never understood nor accepted the sacrifice of Jesus for His sins, and he probably heard from the lips of Jesus, the most chilling words every spoken in eternity: ‘Depart from me, you worker of iniquity, I never knew you…’ and then angels escorted him to eternal hell.

How many of us are like Pilate? We go through life, and we hear about Jesus, or worse yet, as Christians, we tell others what we think He says or means, when perhaps He has not spoken.

To some who mock Christianity, they like Pilate are about to get the eternal surprise of their lives, for denying the existence of Jesus, does not cause Him to cease to exist.

The Judgment seat “is meant for us professing Christians, real and imperfect Christians; and it tells us that there are degrees in that future blessedness proportioned to present faithfulness.”
Alexander Maclaren, 1826-1910

Ps 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.

Imagine, if you will, the day of Pilates earthly death.

Like all of us, his spirit left his body, to appear before God, for his eternal judgement.

Now, the one he crucified sits upon the throne, and unless he had a radical change of heart in the latter years of his life, he heard the most chilling words, any human can ever hear:
Mt 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matt 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

We only think we judge Jesus, but truth is, He will judge us.

2Co 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

For those of you who like to listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JQOBMi4QS8&sns=fb

Some have said, that fearing a God of love is ‘sin conciousness’ and a perversion of the gospel.

I remember hearing a minister tell of how he visited Jim Baker in prison, who had embezzled money from his organization. He asked him: “Jim, at what point, did you stop loving Jesus?’ Jim replied: “I never stopped loving Jesus, I just stopped fearing Him!”

My greatest thought is my accountability to God.
Daniel Webster.

Heart check.

One day, all the games stop. All the lies end. All the rationalizations, justifications, appeals, and deceptions end, and we will stand before Jesus in absolute holiness and truth. He sees not only what was done, but why we did it, and we will each, alone, individually give an account of our lives.

Let’s take time alone today, and humble ourselves before God, asking Him for absolute truth. That He might reveal our true condition before Him.

For those of us serving Him, this usually results in a glory encounter with His love, but not always. There have been times, when I discover I have strayed, and His presence has brought a cold chill of conviction to my heart, and I have made radical life changes.

Let’s pray:
‘Father, reveal Jesus to us today, in absolute truth! Show us your love, your glory, and your direction! If we are deceived in any way. Convict us, forgive us, cleanse us, and lead us and guide us in all truth. In your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

The Weighter Matters of Life…

Matt 23:23  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

As I read this passage of Scripture, the words: ‘Weightier Matters’ jumped off the page at me, making me think carefully about the weightier matters of life. So, I looked up this verse in several other versions.

Matthew 23:23

Amplified Bible (AMP)

23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you give a tenth of your mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected and omitted the weightier (more important) matters of the Law—right and justice and mercy and fidelity. These you ought [particularly] to have done, without neglecting the others.

Matthew 23:23

The Message (MSG)

23-24 “You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but on the meat of God’s Law, things like fairness and compassion and commitment—the absolute basics!—you carelessly take it or leave it. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required. Do you have any idea how silly you look, writing a life story that’s wrong from start to finish, nitpicking over commas and semicolons?

Justice, Mercy and Faith!

What a topic! In this land of the free and home of the brave, where we strive for freedom, liberty, and justice for all.

If we can’t get it right in the church house, there is no hope for the White House!

 

1 Peter 4:17

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Let’s look at Websters simple definition of ‘Justice’

Simple Definition of justice

Popularity: Top 1% of lookups

• : the process or result of using laws to fairly judge and punish crimes and criminals

• : a judge in a court of law

• Justice —used as a title for a judge (such as a judge of the U.S. Supreme

Full Definition of justice

1. 1a :  the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishmentsb :  judgec :  the administration of law; especially :  the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity

2. 2a :  the quality of being just, impartial, or fairb (1) :  the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action (2) :  conformity to this principle or ideal :  righteousnessc :  the quality of conforming to law

3. 3:  conformity to truth, fact, or reason :  correctness

I am not an attorney, legislator, nor judge, yet, as a man of God, determined to walk in holiness and integrity, I am required to look at justice, mercy, and faith.

We see lady justice with scales in one hand and a sword in the other.

How well I knew it all after finishing Bible school, full of the Word of God, determined to make a difference in our generation, a man on fire for Jesus, filled with spiritual power, loving my enemies, walking by faith, knowing that the Word of God held every answer to humanities needs, for is it not written:

2 Peter 1:2  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

I still believe that, that Jesus is the answer, and that through His promises, we can overcome any difficulty this world throws at us, for

1Co 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Jo 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

That if we walk in love, and stand bold in faith, we will see victory in this life, in every arena!

Then, I realized that not everyone sees it that way. Some people, are not ever going to see it, and receive the love of God, or decide to walk in faith.

God gave people free will, and it has amazed me over the years, how strongly people will hold on to their will over the will of God!

The United States has three branches of government, while the kingdom of God only has two:

The political government of the country, and the authority of God invested in His church.

Where these two meet, there are some interesting dynamics!

Let’s give a couple examples:

As a pastor, I have performed marriages, and perform marriage counselling for church members. Yet, what about the divorcee? What does a child custody agreement need to look like?

Or how about our outreach to folks struggling with an addiction? People broken, battered and abused by their helplessness to stop the insatiable cravings for their drug of choice?

Let me tell a story:

Several years ago, a community that I pastored in had a drug problem. It was a government housing project, and one night in a drug raid, they arrested 70 people ! Shut down 7 crack houses in a day! Glory to God right?

Yet, God directed me to open an alcohol drug program for those hopelessly addicted, and suddenly our life became interesting!

I promised to love and walk with the 22 addicts that joined my program, through whatever they got themselves into, on one condition: It was a 26 lesson course, and they had to be willing to take the next lesson.

This meant that I had to mediate unpaid drug debts, go to hospitals to visit sick or overdosed folks, attend family court with those who had children, and regularly go to the local jails and prisons to visit folks.

Some of these court sessions were brutal, yet enlightening, sometimes comical. Listen to this story I read:

Supreme Court Justice Horace Gray once informed a man who had appeared before him in a lower court and had escaped conviction on a technicality, “I know that you are guilty and you know it, and I wish you to remember that one day you will stand before a better and wiser Judge, and that there you will be dealt with according to justice and not according to law.” Surprised while burgling a house in Antwerp, Belgium, the thief fled out the back door, clambered over a nine-foot wall, dropped down the other side, and found himself in the city prison.

Oops: The Book of Blunders, 1980

As a pastor, I always stood in love, with the person in my care, but as a man of God, I could never lie, nor agree with sinful choices they had made.

Sometimes the courts had mercy, other times folks went to jail, but here I stood, in love, mercy, and faith believing the best for the addict, while the courts read the muck and mire they had been involved in.

Brokeness and tears were my portion during that season, crying out to God for mercy, and deliverance for these suffering souls, and by His grace, 21 of the 22 folks who went through the program, remain alcohol and drug free 10 years later.

This whole season was not a formula, but a living vital relationship, with Holy Spirit, seeking Him for wisdom as to how to help people, and for the judges to know what to do also.

Love with skin on. 

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth

How easy it would have been to become cold, clinical, detached, and to say to those broken people: well, you did the crime, now do the time!

This appears to be the position of these religious leaders in Jesus day. They knew the letter of the law, but had not experienced God personally, so that their example had become cold, sterile, lifeless, devoid of love and power. How easy it is for us in care-giving positions to become this way!

Doctors, nurses, counselors, health care, senior care, we must break before Him, often daily, or quietly die inside…

If you have died inside, here’s good news:

Ezekiel 36:26

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heartout of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Pray for tears, that He again break your heart with the things that are breaking His.

Thank God for the eternal standard of the Word of God, and His holiness that we all seek to emulate! Holiness is simply another word for LOVE…

Yet, without love, we are clanging gongs, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 1 Cor 13:1

Freedom, Liberty and Justice for all:

Jesus said, knowing Him, and Him alone will produce true freedom: Joh 8:32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Then there is a walk of faith, and intimacy with God, where the Holy Spirit is given preeminance, that will produce liberty: 2Co 3:17  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Yet, mercy is what we all need, forgiveness at the feet of a holy God, Ro 15:9  And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Jas 2:13  For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

I read this story about Napoleon that touched me:

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death.

“But I don’t ask for justice,” the mother explained. “I plead for mercy.”

“But your son does not deserve mercy,” Napoleon replied.

“Sir,” the woman cried, “it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.”

“Well, then,” the emperor said, “I will have mercy.” And he spared the woman’s son.

Luis Palau, Experiencing God’s Forgiveness, Multnomah Press, 1984.

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, we recognize that people make wrong choices. That there are sure consequences to those choices. Father, for those of us in leadership, empower us to do what we must, to restrain evil in our generation, always operating in your love for people. Have mercy on us today, and give us courage, wisdom, and strength to continue to care, love, and pursue you and your holiness, and purity of heart before you, as we continue to trust and obey you, that the strong muscles of our faith, break every chain that would attempt to hold us back from the destiny you have created us to walk out, in your name I pray, Lord Jesus, Amen’

OLD JIM CROW GOTTA GO! – A Stand Against Racism

As many of you know, I stand positionally against racism in any way, shape or form. I honestly believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, and I stand for the oppressed, and against the oppressor, whenever called upon to do so.

Over the years, I have begun to learn the stories of the host peoples of America, the treachery, the atrocities, the broken treaties, and I have publically made the statement: In American history, the black man has suffered incredible injustice under slavery, segregation, and under racist policies today, yet to the credit of this great nation, we have had a civil war to end slavery, and a cival rights movement to begin the process of true integration into mainstream society. Obviously, there is much to be done, to provide true freedom, liberty and justice for all in our black communities. Yet, in the case of the red man in America, historically, anytime, anywhere a strong native leader rose up to speak for his people, he has been shot.

I am beginning to develop relationship here in Tulsa with the Afro-American resource section of the public library, and through them, have been introduced to the wonderful work of the John Hope Franklin Center for reconciliation.

As I have participated in several events over the past years, I was invited to read a tremendous book entitled “The Warmth of Other Suns’ by Isabel Wilkerson, the Pulitzer Prize winner.

It is the story, of many, many black American’s that migrated six million strong, from the oppression of segregation in the South, to the more relative freedom from racisim, to the north.

I was reading this account of the possible history of the Jim Crow laws, and the following Bible verse came to my attention.

Galatians 6:7

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galatians 6:8

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

From Ms. Wilkerson’s book I quote:

“In the darkest hours of this era, the abolitionist Frederick Douglass saw his health fade just as everything he spent his life fighting for was falling apart.  He said, in his last great public lecture, delivered in Baltimore in January 1894, a year before his death, “I hope and trust all will come out right in the end but the immediate future looks dark and troubled.  I cannot shut my eyes to the ugly facts before me.”

It was during that time, around the turn of the twentieth century, that southern state legislatures began devising with inventiveness and precision laws that would regulate every aspect of black people’s lives, solidify the southern caste system, and prohibit even the most casual and incidental contact between the races.

They would come to be called Jim Crow laws.  It is unknown precisely who Jim Crow was or if someone by that name actually existed.  There are several stories as to the term’s origins.  It came into public use in the 1830s after Thomas Dartmouth Rice, a New York-born itinerant white actor, popularized a song-and-dance routine called “the Jim Crow” in minstrel shows across the country.  He wore blackface and ragged clothes and performed a jouncy, palsied imitation of a handicapped black stable hand he had likely seen in his travels singing a song about “Jumping Jim Crow.”  Jim Crow was said to be the name of either the stable hand or his owner living in Kentucky or Ohio.  Rice became a national sensation impersonating a crippled black man, but died penniless in 1860 of a paralytic condition that limited his speech and movement by the end of his life. “

Seems this verse was proven true in the life of Thomas Dartmouth Rice. He acted as a palsied black man, promoting segregation and Jim Crow laws, and died in a paralytic condition, not unlike the role he acted out as ‘Jim Crow’, to promote segregation across America.

Racism in any form, is evil. People are people, and no matter their station in life, are to be loved, honored, respected as people created in the image of God. Let us stand against racism, wherever it is found, in the name, authority, love and power of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is another article I wrote about racism some time ago, that you might enjoy: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/using-racial-privilege-to-promote-the-kingdom-of-god/

Let’s Pray:

‘Father God, we come before you, in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, you told us, that we could speak to mountains, in Your power and authority, and they would move. Truly, Racism, is a mountain in the United States of America. So, we command this mountain, MOVE, that Your love, honor, respect, and true freedom might prevail across this land. Amen’

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

Donate on-line: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=95XHSDDXDS7MC

Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Did Jesus Give the 2nd Amendment?

 

Should a Christian own a gun for self defense?

Answer: What does the Word of God say?

Luke 22: 35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

Lu 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Here we see Jesus at the last supper, (I encourage you to read Luke chapter 22) giving some final instructions to His disciples in his last teaching before He left the earth..I picture what that might have looked like.  You know that a cloak to keep warm was pretty important during that season, because when Peter betrayed Jesus, people were huddled around a fire for warmth,  Lk 22:⁵⁵ The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there.  yet Jesus said that procuring a sword was more important than even wearing a winter coat!

He sees the future, and sees that disciples are about to be sent into all the world, to preach the gospel. They had been sent originally to the Jews, who had hospitality laws, and had been provided for, in safety, wherever they went, but now, the great commission was to be given, and people without the Word of God as a basic premise of life, are dangerous. As He prepared to send them, he said you were going to need a weapon for self defense, in fact, He expected that everyone should know this and should own a sword. Yet his command is more urgent than mere passive fancy. If you do not have a weapon to defend yourself, get one, even if you need to sell your coat to buy it. Well, one of the disciples took this literally, and went out and procured a couple of swords.

Let’s continue reading in Luke 22:verse38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

These swords were not needed yet, for Jesus knew He was to be crucified, and it was not time to fight, yet.

Peter, as usual, was the impetuous one. He had a sword, and a weapon in ones hand, just like a young man with a gun, makes a man feel powerful. Peter had some radical life changes in his years walking with Jesus, and with a sword in hand, he was ready to go to war on behalf of his king. Remember, the Jews were expecting a conquering king like David to lead them into battle to overthrow the Romans.

Yet, Jesus kingdom is a kingdom not of this world, a kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Jesus needed no mere human disciple to defend Him: He is Lord of Heaven and Earth, He could have simply called 12 legions of angels to defend him, but He was determined to die on our behalf, willingly, for the sin of all humanity. There was no other way.

John 10:17-18

¹⁷ Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Lets continue reading the account here in Luke 22:47 ¶ And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

So, we see here the two swords brought into the last supper meeting. Peter had one, and in passion and zeal, when Jesus was betrayed, and the soldiers came to arrest him, he acted impetuously, and cut off Malacus ear. Jesus, loving and understanding Peter, and the servant, healed the guys ear. In the natural order of things, He destroyed evidence, because Peter would have been charged with the equivalent of assaulting an officer, and been imprisoned or executed. Kind of hard to charge a guy, when there is no evidence. Can you see this case before a judge “This guy attacked me with a sword, and cut off my ear, your honour!” Well, where is the wound, says the judge. Well, this guy named Jesus, healed me, and miraculously recreated my ear back on my head. Yeah, riiiiiight! We don’t do this miracle thing you speak of, case dismissed.

Yet, there was another sword there that day, and Jesus is Lord, with obedient disciples, ultimate commander in chief of all the armies of the earth, Lord of heaven and earth.

Who held the other sword? I’m not sure, but I think it had to be John, the apostle of love, because look at the interaction in the heat of battle:

Lu 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

This should be the heart of every soldier and police officer on the planet. Shall I smite with the sword?

Lord, should I shoot? A man under firstly divine authority, and secondly natural authority. A man under command, under orders. This brother recognized Jesus as more than Saviour, but as commander in chief of all the armies that have ever marched.

You need to understand the mindset of this brother when he asked Jesus the question, ‘Shall we smite with the sword.’. His mind was instructed with the Torah, the mighty exploits of David who slew Goliath, and then there were David’s mighty men, men of courage, valor, warriors.

Here is a sample of a couple of them:

1 Sam 23:

⁸ These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth, a Tahchemonite, chief of the Three [heroes], known also as Adino the Eznite; he wielded his spear and went against 800 men, who were slain at one time.

⁹ Next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines assembled there for battle, and the men of Israel had departed.

¹⁰ [Eleazar] arose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword. The Lord wrought a great deliverance and victory that day; the men returned after him only to take the spoil.

¹¹ Next to [Eleazar] was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines were gathered at Lehi on a piece of ground full of lentils; and the [Israelites] fled from the Philistines.

¹² But he stood in the midst of the ground and defended it and slew the Philistines; and the Lord wrought a great victory.

This brother, with one sword, now stood before an armed trained military unit, and he as the Lord for orders to open fire. He was convinced that if that order was given, he would not only attack, but wipe them all out: single-handedly if necessary!

Makes Rambo, and all those hero movies kind of pale in comparison, because this isn’t Hollywood, this is a true story.

If you are a soldier or police officer, or any type of law enforcement, you need to recognize that there is a greater authority, than even the government you serve. Jesus Christ is Lord, and He will speak to you what to do, even in battle:

John 10:²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: ²⁸ and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Even with bullets flying, and men screaming and dying around you, He will speak to you, personally, in your heart, what to do, when and where to fire, who to kill, who to let live

.Soldiers in combat, led of the Holy Spirit will be divinely empowered to stop evil attacks both from within or without.

Psalm 144:1

Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

The Lord is a warrior, make no mistake about it.

Yet, in this new covenant: He would have us win our battles like He did, in prayer, in faith, with His Word:

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/12/the-warrior-heart-of-god/

Remember the account of Elisha hearing the directions of God, to thwart every evil attack against Israel. The Spirit of God, literally revealed the battle strategies of the enemy army, to the king. So detailed was this knowledge, that the king was convinced there had to be a spy in their midst.

2Ki 6:12 And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

Consider the following testimony from one of our US soldiers, serving in Afganistan, who had a mother who is a pastor, and who prayed for him daily, for protection and guidance. The man was trained as a sniper, and the story goes that they were on a routine patrol, when they came to a Taliban check point. There was a father and 12 year old son there, dressed in traditional garb, with flowing robes. The soldier claims that he heard a voice supernaturally speak to his heart, “Shoot the boy!” He immediately drew his weapon, and shot and killed the boy. When the father reached inside his tunic, he again fired, and shot and killed the father. There was immediate chaos, shouting, screaming, he was thrown to the ground and disarmed by his buddies, and there was an armed stand-off while his commanding officer order a cease-fire and investigated the bodies. Both of them were strapped as suicide bombers, waiting to enter the center of the platoon before detonating themselves. Clearly, many lives were spared that day, through the prayers of a woman of God, and the radical obedience of her highly trained son.

This kind of hearing and obedience, can prevent a soldier from responding to erroneous orders from even his own commanding officer, should his leader miss it. Each of us have to live with our own conscience before God, and killing a man is not a light thing to have to live with. I have had to minister to veterans that were given orders to open fire upon innocent civilians, the nightmares of children ripped apart by a 50 calibre still haunt them. Yet, Jesus heals PSTD – https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/11/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-jesus-heals/

Much needs to be said here, about the heart of self defense, but Proverbs 16: 32 Better a patient person than a warrior,

one with self-control than one who takes a city.

God’s kingdom is within us, and the fruit of the Spirit within us are the strength and honor of this country. Self-control, meekness (strength under pressure), longsuffering, gentleness, patience. This is the heart of honor, the heart of the gospel, and the heart of America, that Jesus is developing in each of us. This is the love of God, and freedom worth defending.

This is the spirit of the 2nd Amendment, in right to bear arms. Should free citizens be allowed to own firearms to protect themselves, their families, and this country from enemies within or without. Emphatically, YES!

The question is, what is our intimacy with God like? Are we governed by the Word and Spirit of God, seeking to love our fellow man, as our primary motive?

What makes weapons dangerous, are the people that wield them. A trained, honorable police man or soldier, upholding that which is decent, honorable, and lawful, is entitled and responsible to carry a gun, responsibly. In fact, the Bible says that soldiers and police officers serving Jesus, are ministers of God, set in place by God to execute God’s justice upon the evil doer.

Romans 13:1-8 Authorized (King James)

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. (government) For there is no power (authority) but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ² Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: ⁴ for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. ⁵ Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. ⁶ For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Notice here, that police officers are sent of God to do good for those of us doing right, yet for criminals, the police or military becomes the avenger to execute wrath on him that does evil.

It is when fatherless men, walking in pride, arrogance, and often a drug and alcohol induced lifestyle, own guns that we have problems.

Children should be taught to pray for God’s protection and given training in gun safety at a young age, that the best fight is the one that never starts. Any honest parent wants peace…

Psalm 34:14

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

One last thought from Romans 13, where the Word of God speaks about the role of police officers and soldiers acting as the agents of God, to keep order and peace in a country.

Rom 13:1 ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Basically, this verse states that we need to obey the laws of the land, and submit to the authority of righteous government, (and pray for them daily 1 Tim 2:1-4). Yet, see how this works: Policemen and soldiers are actually called of God as his ministers to prevent the spread of evil in the earth. (and our taxes should legitimately support them)

As a husband and father, I am responsible to act like Jesus, and to love, serve, and lead my family into the call and plan of God for our particular household. Yet, I am also called to defend my wife and children, if necessary. Primarily, this is done solely through the Word of God. I believe the 91st Psalm, and that no weapon (knife, gun, or bomb) fashioned against me shall prosper. This is our primary defense, and best defense for we are in a spiritual battle, where we wrestle not against flesh and blood.

We know that Satan is a mind blinding spirit, that works through the thoughts and deeds of people who are not walking with Jesus. The nature of Satan, is to kill, steal and destroy whoever, and whatever he can. He puts thoughts of ‘Go rob that house, that person, etc”, but for a tithing believer, walking in faith, God becomes our rock of defense, impenetrable.

When we deal with the spirit behind the wicked man, the man is no problem.

If more Christians, actually did what Jesus said to do in Matt 6:33, and sought first the kingdom of God daily, and served Jesus every day, there would be far less violence in the world, and our primary warfare would be spiritual, and our focus would be on preaching the gospel to all the nations, not ruling over them with a gun.

1 Tim 2: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

I actually believe these verses, and I pray for our President (even when I do not agree with him), our government, military, police officers, and judicial system, daily. Why?

1. The man that wrote this, Paul, heard God,  loved us, and had our best interests at heart.

2. He said to do this first.

3. When we pray for the government, I believe God will honor this very word in our lives, and supernaturally grant us the reward of our obedience, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Yet, I had an experience some time ago, where we found our front door wide open in the wee hours of the morning. Guess we woke up, and the perpetrator ran off in the night. I now have a gun in the closet, that I honestly pray I will never have to use.

Shooting and killing someone is a rather permanent, and if you believe the Word of God, an eternal solution to a temporary problem, yet there are lines that cannot be crossed.

Someone breaking into a families house, has crossed that line, and just met the government of God, the right to bear arms in defense of our homes and families.

If called upon, I would shoot and kill an intruder, for I will protect my home, wife and children.

This is the heart of taking up the sword. We do not go out to conquer with it, but when enemies arise to destroy our homes and families, we will defend our freedom, come what may, here in the land of the free, home of the brave, where there is freedom, liberty, and justice for al

As Christians, we look for, pray for, and long for peace, for Jesus is the Prince of Peace. First in our hearts, then in our homes, communities and nation.

Our nature is love, and we long to forgive and turn the other cheek, but we meekness is not weakness. When evil people march, and begin slaughtering innocent civilians, women and children, then we are forced to rise up and defend our families and communities, our country.

This is our heart, to trust God for true vengeance, but when evil empires march, they quickly discover that God goes to war:

Each day I pray:

Psalm 91 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

Psalm 91

¹ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

² I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in him will I trust.
³ Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
and from the noisome pestilence.
⁴ He shall cover thee with his feathers,
and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
⁵ Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
⁶ nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
⁷ A thousand shall fall at thy side,
and ten thousand at thy right hand;
but it shall not come nigh thee.

⁸ Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold
and see the reward of the wicked.
⁹ Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge,
even the most High, thy habitation;
¹⁰ there shall no evil befall thee,
neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
¹¹ For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways.
¹² They shall bear thee up in their hands,
lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
¹³ Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

¹⁴ Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:
I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
¹⁵ He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him, and honour him.
¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him,
and shew him my salvation.

In whatever station of life we find ourselves, we must be trusting in Jesus personally, intimately for our protection. Yet, sometimes, Jesus calls free men to pick up the sword.

.

Let’s Pray:

‘Father God, I come to you now, seeking you for wisdom, peace, and protection. I choose to believe that You have indeed given your angels charge over me, and in Jesus I receive peace. Father, I desire to forgive and love all people, yet embrace my God given responsibility to protect my family and this nation from those who would do evil. By faith, I declare and decree Your Kingdom, in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost over this country, trusting You to bring true freedom, liberty and justice for all. I ask this, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

Donate on-line: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=95XHSDDXDS7MC

Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Healing America Tour – Choctaw/Spanish

As I have spent a recent time over in the Holy Spirit, praying in other tongues, it has come to my attention that I need to go to Mobile, Alabama, and pray over the land, to cleanse it from the defilements resulting in the innocent bloodshed of the Choctaws at the hands of the Spanish conquistador De Soto.

For those of you unfamiliar with why I do this, know that I am committed to a move of the Holy Spirit in the United States of America, and if you have been to many prayer meetings, you have heard quoted:

2 Chronicles 7:14New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Ever thought about the land itself needing healing?

It can be defiled by innocent bloodshed:

Psalm 106:38

They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood.

Only the blood of Jesus, applied by faith can do this…

For more thoughts on this, read my article: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/redeeming-the-land-2/

It is my intention to travel to Mobile, Alabama to the site of the Choctaw massacre of 1540 where an estimated 11,000 Choctaw were killed in battle defending their home. No date for this trip is yet set. If you would like to join me, please either call or text me at 918 851 4070, or email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com.

For more information, please read the historical account:

History of the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Natchez Indians – Horatio Bardwell Cushman

Pages 79-83

The Choctaws were first made known to the European world by the journalists of that memorable adventurer, Hernando De Soto, who invaded their territory October, 1540, and introduced the civilized (so-called) race of mankind to the Choctaws in the following manner: A manly young Indian of splendid proportions, and with a face extremely attractive and interesting, visited De Soto after he had left Tallase. He was the son of Tuscaloosa (corruption of the Choctaw words territories extended to the distant Tom big bee in the west. (Tom big bee is a corruption of the Choctaw words Itombi, box, ikbi, maker), a name given to a white man, it is said, who, at an early day, settled on the banks of the river and made boxes for the Choctaws, in which were placed the bones of their dead, which will be particularly noticed elsewhere. The young warrior bore an invitation from his father to De Soto to visit him at his capital. The next day De Soto, advancing to within six miles of where the great chief awaited him, made a halt, and sent Louis de Mascosso with fifteen horsemen to inform Tush ka Lusa of his near approach. Mascosso and his troopers soon appeared before Tush ka Lusa, who was seated upon an emin ence commanding a broad and delightful view. He was a man of powerful stature, muscular limbs, yet of admirable proportions, with a countenance grave and severe, yet handsome. When De Soto arrived Tush ka Lusa arose and advanced to meet him with a proud and haughty air, and said: “Great Chief; I receive you as a brother, and welcome you to my country. I am ready to comply with your requests.” After a few preliminaries, in company with Tush ka Lusa and his followers, De Soto took up his line of march for Mobila the capital of the mighty chief. (Mobila is a corruption of the two Choctaw words moma, all, binah, a lodge, literally a Choctaw word Pi-a-chih, to care for us), they passed through many populous towns, well stored with corn, beans and other provisions. On the fourth morning, De Soto, with a hundred cavalry and as many infantry, made a forced march with Tush ka Lusa in the direction of Mobila, leaving Mascosso to bring up the rear. At eight o’clock the same morning, October 18th, 1540, De Soto and Tush ka Lusa reached the capital. It stood by the si de of a large river, upon a beautiful plain, and consisted of e ighty handsome houses, each large enough to contain a thousand men, and all fronting a large public square. Dodge says in his book styled “Our Wild Indians” that “The aboriginal inhabitants of the North American continent, have never at any time exceeded half a million souls;” yet according to De Soto’s journalists who were with him in his memorable raid, Mobila alone, “consisted of eighty handsome houses, each large enough to contain a thousand men;” and if each house contained Dodge’s “several families consisting of men, with two or three wives, and children of all ages and sexes, occupy for all purposes one single lodge of 12 or 15 feet in diameter what must have been the number of indabitants in Mobila with “80 handsome houses, each large enough to contain a thousand men” with two, three, or more wives, and children The reader can make the calculation at his own leisure; though it seems Mobila alone contained over half the number of souls that Dodge allows for the entire continent, “at one time.” A high wall surrounded the town, made of immense trunks of trees set close together and deep in the ground, and made strong with heavy cross timbers interwoven with large vines. A thick mud plaster, resembling handsome masonry, concealed the wood work, while port-holes were abundant, together with towers, capable of holding eight men each, at the distance of fifteen paces apart. There were two gates leading into the town, one on the east, the other on the west. De Soto and Tush ka Lusa were escorted into the great public square with songs and chants, and the dancing of beautiful Indian girls. They alighted from their horses, and were given seats under a canopy of state. Having remained seated for a short time, Tush ka Lusa now requested that he should no longer be held as a hostage; to which De Soto giving no heed, the indignant chief at once arose and walked off with an independent attitude to where a group of his warriors stood. De Soto had scarcely recovered from his surprise at the independent conduct of Tush ka Lusa, when Jean Ortez followed the chief and stated that breakfast awaited him at De Soto’s table; but he refused to return, and added, “If of my territory.” At this juncture De Soto secretly sent word to his men to be prepared for an attack. Then, hoping to prevent an attack until he could again get in possession of the chief, De Soto advanced toward him with assumed smiles and words of friendship, but Tush ka Lusa scornfully turned his back upon him, and was soon hidden among the multitude of now highly excited warriors. Just then a warrior rushed out of a house, denouncing the Spaniards as robbers and murderers and declared that they should no longer impose on their chief, by holding him as a prisoner. His words so enraged Baltaserde Gallagas, that he cut the warrior in twain with one sweep of his broad sword. At the sight of their slain warrior, the Choctaws, with their defiant war-whoop, at once rushed upon De Soto and his men. De Soto, placing himself at the head of his men, fighting and retreating, slowly made his way out of the town into the plain; and continued to retreat until he had reached a considerable distance upon the plain. In the mean time the troopers rushed to secure their horses, which had been tied outside of the walls. The Choctaws at once knocked the chains from the hands and feet of the Indian prisoners whom De Soto had brought with him, giving them weapons bade them help destroy the perfidious strangers. In the first rush the Choctaws killed five of the Spaniards, who had good fortune in dense masses before the gate. At that moment, De Soto with his cavalry, closely followed by his infantry, made a fearful charge upon the disordered mass of the Choctaws, who were still on the outside of the enclosures, and with a terrible slaughter drove them back into the town. Immediately the Choctaws rushed to the port-holes and towers, and hurled clouds of arrows and spears upon the Spaniards, and again drove them from the walls. Seeing the Spaniards again retreat, again the Choctaws rushed through the gate and fearlessly attacked the Spaniards fighting them hand to hand and face to face. Three long hours did the battle rage, the Spaniards now retreating, then the Choctaws. Like a spectre De Soto seemed every where hewing down on the right and left, as if his arm could never tire. That sword, which had been so often stained with the blood of the South American, was now red with that of the North American, a still braver race. Above the mighty din was heard the voice of Tush ka Lusa encouraging his warriors; his tomahawk, wielded by his muscular arm, ascended and descended in rapid strokes, like a meteor across a starry sky. But could the feeble bow and arrow and the tomahawk avail against the hug e lance and broad-sword? What the unprotected body of the Choctaw warrior against the steel clad body of the Spanish soldier? At the enclosure of their town, closing the gates after them; and at the same time the Spaniards made a desperate charge against the gates and walls, but were met with showers of arrows and other missiles. But the infantry, protected by their bucklers, soon hewed the gates to pieces with their battle-axes, and rushed into the town, while the cavalry remained on the outside to cut to pieces all who might attempt to escape. Then began a carnage too awful to relate. The Choctaws fought in the streets, in the square, from the house top, and walls; and though the ground was covered with their dead and dying relatives and friends, still no living one entreated for quarter. Hotter and hotter, and more bloody waxed the desperate conflict. Often the Choctaws drove the Spaniards out of the town, but to see them return again with demoniac fury. To such a crisis had the battle now arrived, that there could be no idle spectators; and now were seen women and girls contending side by side with the husbands, fathers and brothers, and fearlessly sharing in the dangers and in the indiscriminate slaughter. At length the houses were setson fire, and the wind blew the smoke and flames in all directions adding horror to the scene. The flames ascended in mighty volumes. The din of strife began to grow fainter. The sun weut down, seemingly to rejoice in withdrawing from the sickening was in ruins, and her people slain. For nine long hours had the battle raged. Eighty-two Spaniards were killed and forty-five horses. But alas, the poor Choctaws, who participated in the fight were nearly all slain. Garcellasso asserts that eleven thousand were slain; while the “Portuguese Gentleman” sets the number at twenty five hundred within the town alone. Assuming a point between the two, it is reasonable to conclude that six thousand were killed in and outside of the town. Tushka Lusa perished with his people. After the destruction of Mobila, De Soto remained a few days upon the plains around the smoking town; sending out foraging parties, who found the neighboring villages well stocked with provisions. In all these foraging excursions, females of great beauty were captured, and added to those taken at the close of the battle. On Sunday the 18th of November, 1540, this monster and his fiendish crew took their departure from the smouldering ruins of Mobila, and its brave but murdered inhabitants; and with the poor Mobila girls, at whose misfortunes humanity weeps, resumed their westward march.” Thus the Europeans introduced themselves to the Native Americans nearly four centuries ago as a race of civilized and Christian people, but proving themselves to be a race of fiends utterly void of every principle of virtue the Europeans as a race unknown to civilization and Christianity, yet proving themselves possessed of many virtues that adorn man, together with a spirit of as true and noble patriotism, martyrs upon the altar of liberty, that has never been surpassed. I challenge history to show a nation whose people ever displayed a more heroic courage in defense of their country and homes than did Tushka Lusa and his brave people in defending their town Mama-binah. They exposed their naked breasts to the keen lances and swords of those iron-clad Spaniards with but stone and bone-tipped spears and the feeble bow and arrow, which were but as toy pistols against the deadly Winchester rifle of the present day; and heroically stood face to face with their terrible foes with their frail weapons and disputed every inch of ground, and yielded only when none was left to fight. That they should have killed eighty two of the Spaniards with their feeble weapons is truly astonishing, proving conclusively that had they been on equal footing with the Spaniards, not a Spaniard would have survived to tell the tale of their complete destruction.

40 Days of Prayer Against Racism

40 Days of Prayer against Racism

As we prepare for the reading of the Tulsa Race Riot eyewitness account, on July 1st at the Tulsa Historical Society, through the Afro American Resource Branch of Rudisill Public Library we are committed to this 40 day prayer vigil, in advance of the event.

We believe that ‘Unless God gets involved, it is merely men talking, but when God gets involved, hearts and minds can be changed by His Spirit’

Today’s prayer point is: That God would forgive the sins of our ancestors, all the way back to Adam, and we call them forgiven! By Faith we call Tulsa fully into the kingdom of God, and pronounced this city redeemed. Where demons have held sway, and influenced the minds of men, we command them to leave, and declare and dispatch a changing of the guard in the realm of the Spirit, declaring and enforcing the kingdom of God, in righteousness, power, peace, love and joy in the Holy Spirit. Where demons worked, we now dispatch the host of heaven, believing Ps 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. That today, angels are delivering people in our city from everything associated with racism, both individually, corporately, and institutionally.
Every tree our heavenly Father has not planted, must be rooted up, and we are appointed and anointed to uproot, destroy, build and plant.
We uproot every root of racism, and destroy every administrative structure oppressing people, throughout this city, whatever color they are, in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ!
I read this prayer and I like it: http://christianstt.com/topical-prayer-prayer-against-racism-and-prejudice/
That we all need the cross of Jesus Christ for forgiveness, that we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, that only in Him can we heal together.

Please forward this, to anyone who might consider joining us in this prayer vigil, directly targeting the eradication of racism, such a critical need in our city.

Keep Smiling!

Jesus is Lord
Chris Walsh
Do you know Jesus?
Dogs bark, cats meow, birds chirp, and sinners sin. Jesus did not come to make bad people good, or good people better, rather dead people alive! We must become born again by His Spirit, new creations, adopted into His royal family, by faith.

Each day, we seek first the kingdom of God, and this post is designed to encourage you to read through your Bible, daily, each year.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Each day, as we read, we must meet with Him, for He is life!

Knowing Him, is the difference between heaven and hell, healing and sickness, heartbreak or peace, success or failure…

Today, give Him your life, for He is King of the universe. Only God, your Creator, the One who flung the universe into being, is big enough to fully understand the complexity of who you really are, powerful enough to literally recreate your life from all its drama’s and tragedies, and loving enough to heal your deepest pain. He knows you, and He cares…
The question is: Do you know Him?

Ac 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Call on Him today! He knows you, and He loves you! He will speak to you and give you direction, purpose, and peace!

Ro 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Let’s pray!
“Father God in heaven, I come to you now, and ask that You would forgive me. I choose to believe, that You raised Jesus from the dead, and Lord Jesus, I receive You now. Please come into my life, and fill me with Your presence, plan, and purpose, that I am created to live. Fill me with Your love, and may I obey, and love all those You place in my path, Amen.”

John 12: 19 behold, the world is gone after him!

Welcome to the Grand Illusion – A Prophetic Prayer Strategy to Take America Back!

Welcome to the Grand Illusion – A Prophetic Prayer Strategy to Take America Back!.