Quaking in Chicago

My wife and I were literally shaken awake this past Wednesday morning around 4 a.m. (February 10) by what was later told to us as being an earthquake of 3.8 in magnitude. Of course, all the dear ones who live in California experience this stuff all the time. But, we are new comers to this phenomenon. The next day, February 11, Susan Hough, a seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, wrote in the Chicago Tribune, "Illinois' magnitude 3.8 is, of course, light years away from the magnitude 7.0 quake that devastated Haiti last month. But even a little quake underscores the point that virtually no place on our planet is entirely immune from earthquake hazards. The Midwest, in particular, is an interesting and enigmatic region, earthquakewise." We're okay - no damage - just hard to go back to sleep that morning. Later that morning, as we realized what had happened, I was reminded of what Jesus said, recorded in Matthew 24:7 -- allow me to write it in the old King James Version, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there will be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places." The next verse say, "All these are the beginning of sorrows." 'Earthquakes in divers places' - I need to translate: the Amplified Bible helps, "earthquakes in place after place". If you study that passage you'll discover that Jesus was predicting that earthquakes would happen in odd, or "not to be expected" places --- like Bartlett, Illinois (well, actually the epicenter was about 8-10 miles from my house). It definitely got my attention. I know it is nothing like what just happened in Haiti, and our prayers and money continues to go out to the people of that land, as aid workers continue to feed, treat, house, and clothe the needy survivals. One thing is for sure, I can never take another day for granted. Every day brings us closer to the culmination of the ages -- the soon return of the King - Jesus Christ- to this earth to rule and reign. You read it right -- I'm a citizen of two worlds -- earth - and heaven! My King is Jesus Christ - and HE will return soon to take His rightful place on the throne of this planet. Are you a citizen of heaven? Get ready - something awesome is about to happen!

Pray for Spiritual Victory in Haiti

We've all seen these photos in the news of the devastating earthquake which destroyed Port-au-Prince, Haiti in the evening hours of January 12, 2010. Even the Presidential Palace collapsed. Fortunately President Rene Preval and his wife were not in the residence and were not harmed. Over 200,000 Haitians (Haitian government estimates) were not so fortunate, as they lost their lives as their world literally collapsed on top of them. The next day, CBN founder Pat Robertson, commented on the 700 Club that Haiti had made a "pact with devil" and thus has suffered such trouble in time. He compared the prosperity of the Dominican Republic (which shares the island of Hispanola with Haiti) and the poverty of Haiti. He concluded his short remarks saying the CBN would be helping the suffering (and they are doing that right now through Operation Blessing). The world of the liberal news media "hit the fan" about his remarks -- even Christians began to attack his remarks. In no way did Robertson say that the "pact" caused the earthquake. He just stated what is a FACT. I have a Haitian Pastor friend, Bishop Joel Juene, who wrote an article in 1997 explaining what really happened in Haiti. In his article, Juene writes, "The slaves brought from Africa went through many, many years of so much cruel treatment and atrocious sufferings ... that terrible situation caused the slaves to turn away from our loving God in heaven to their tribal gods of Africa for help. On August 14, 1791, a leader named Boukman called for a secret meeting with many other slaves in a forest called Bois-Caiman near Cap-Haitian where they had a satanic ceremony, killed a pig, and drank the blood, swearing and dedicating Haiti to serve the devil." He goes on the write, "For 206 years Bois-Caiman has been a very sacred high place for the devil where no one could ever set foot, except the witch doctors when having voodoo services. Every year for 206 years on August 14 all the witch doctors would meet there to offer sacrifice to the devil. In 1991 the government renewed that contract with the devil." Pastor Juene goes on to tell of what happened on August 14, 1997, when Christian leaders both in Haiti, and around the world, fasted and prayed for deliverance. Pastor Joel's church group started in front of the Presidential Palace rebuking all the evil spirits, then traveled six hours to the very area and spot where the satanic ceremony was held 206 years before. He writes that they felt such a heaviness and force against them -- but they persisted in prayer and taking authority over the spirits -- then marched around a huge tree (where the sacrifice had been done) - seven times -- on on the seventh time, victory came! The evil spirits left. It's interesting that this was on August 14. Those witch doctors didn't show up that day. However, three days later they did -- trying the call on the 'spirits' - and nothing happened. After two days of trying to call up the dead and evil - the witch doctors gave up! Victory had been won. The witch doctors complained to the government - the government complained to the preachers and Christians - the media got involved. But, God gave Pastor Juene and others favor. Pastor Joel Juene writes, "Haiti is now God's country. We do not want any site in any corner of the country reserved for the devil. ALL will be taken for God."

Under President Francios "Papa Doc" Duvalier (President from 1957-1971) and his son Jean Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier (President from 1971-1986), repression and oppression of the people prevailed. Corruption was prevalent. "Papa Doc" Duvalier, the religion of Haiti was "voodoo". Duvalier claimed to be a "voodoo" priest. This is not fiction - this is fact.

I visited Haiti in ministry a number of years ago. I've seen it for myself. I've felt the oppression. Now since 1997 - something better is happening. God is moving mightily in the country. But, so much must be done. Now the earthquake -- it seems like the Haitian people are taking a terrible step backward. But, God still is in control. I think it is significant that the Presidential Palace collapsed. It's like the seat of corruption for so many years --- the opulence of a few at the expense of the poor masses -- is gone! I understand the French have pledged to rebuild the palace as before. Whether they do or not - it's time for a new attitude. The world is coming to their aid -- feeding the hungry -- fresh water -- but, the Haitians need so much more -- education, hospitals, a way out of systemic poverty. I heard a Haitain on the TV News just a few days ago state that he believed Haiti has hope - but Haiti has no future, due to the lack of education. It will take more than just education to change the country. The victory at Bois-Caiman is the beginning. Let's pray and give and help restore a NEW Haiti -- not the old one. It's time for a spiritual REVIVAL in the land. God bless all the churches - the missionaries -the teachers - the aid workers. Keep up the good work -- and it's going to be a long and hard work. Satan is defeated and Jesus is Lord! Is HE the Lord of your life?

Christmas is for Children

We are just hours away from Christmas Day, 2009. The gifts are all wrapped ...the bows are trying to hang on .... before the tornado hits (when colorful paper flies .... bows get ripped off.... you know the scene)...the cookie jar is now half-empty ...the candy bowl is looking a little weak....Christmas is coming! You know that it is so true ..."Christmas is for children" --- maybe I should say, "Christmas brings the child out of all of us!" This year, I have the honor of visiting with my oldest son, Rusty and his lovely wife, Victoria --- but, really I came to see Ruthie!!! (just kidding). Ruthie is our first grandchild! She is now seven months old ... she's sitting up ....not running yet!! But, she is so pleasant -- so cute -- she is a real young "heart-throb". Last night, we took her to the mall to visit with Santa (her first)....after waiting through that long line, her mommy and daddy were all smiles .....video camera rolling ... she sat down in his lap ...looked up at him and smiled! I wondered what she was thinking ..... All the flash bulbs popping....One man sitting near by told me ... "she's not my grand kid...but it was worth the wait to see her!"

Think what those shepherds in the field that first Christmas night must have thought ...as they heard the angels proclaim "A King is born" ....wow .... think what they must have thought when they first saw that baby "wrapped in swaddling clothes"..... God in the flesh! Wow! This child was God Himself ....The greatest event of history ...a baby in a manger ....the Savior of the world as a child!

I wonder if you have really realized the truth that Christmas really is about children ... the Christ-child. Have you invited this baby to become the King of your life? Have you let the 'reason for the season' become your Savior? You can today. You can right now! "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son ....that you might have everlasting life"

Merry Christmas to you all! May the Christ of Christmas be the Lord of your life everyday in the New Year!

Begin Again in 2010

In just a few days now, 2009 will be history. What a year! I'm thankful for all that God has done for me this year -- but frankly, I'm glad this year is near completion. I'm ready for a new year - a new beginning - a new slate - a new day. This has not been an easy year for me. Many of the things I hoped for, just did not come to pass. I've had many disappointments this year --- many supposed friends have walked away.

The economy has really hurt us all this year. With record unemployment in America, many families just cannot see how they can go on. The cost of living only continues to escalate, with no end in sight. Our national leaders continue to talk about 'hope' out of one side of their mouth, but plunge us further into debt. Even our new President who rode a wave of "hope" into the White House -- now is mired so deep in Washington politics that the American people are losing hope in him.

Where is real hope anyway? The 'old-timers' (me included) used to sing a song, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." The refrain of that song says, "On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!".

That's the hope! That's the way out! That's the way to true happiness -- Christ the Solid Rock. Not much else in this life has any "stick-a-bility" - when jobs leave - when money leaves - when friends leave - when hope leaves -- there is ONE who will never leave. HE is solid! He's my Rock.

So goodbye 2009 -- take your grief with you. I want to "Begin Again in 2010"! A New day is coming ... a new year is coming... I know who will be standing in the doorway of 2010 when I get there -- Jesus the Solid Rock!

Christmas for the World

We are now in the middle of the Christmas "rush". We've survived 'Black Friday' -- where thousands spent more than they should on stuff that hopefully their family and friends will love. Now it's time to settle down and ask ourselves the question -- "What's the rush all about?" To many this is a season of depression -- remembering lost dreams -- lost jobs -- lost friendships -- lost sense of importance and appreciation. It's not all "joy" to the world to many! Fact is, we just heard that a large number of our Marines will be leaving home to spend Christmas in a country around the world - somewhat hostile and dangerous to their well-being, in the defense of democracy and freedom worldwide. What's it all about? The first-century apostle, named John, said it so well, "God so loved the world, that He gave His Son...." Think about it. God is so madly in love with this world of people that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to the world to redeem us (to buy us back from the arch-enemy of God himself - Satan). What a price to pay -- His Son for me! His Son for you! So you're thinking what I'm thinking -- ME? I don't deserve that love! Neither do you! That's the surprise of Christmas -- God loves you, no matter what you've done or not done -- just like you are. Of course HE loves you too much to leave you the way He finds you -- HE came to change us -- to restore us -- to make us better than we are now. God is so inclusive -- HE loves the whole world! The believing world - the unbelieving world - the atheist world - the Muslim world - the Hindu world - the world of people -- whoever and wherever. The invitation has gone out -- Come -- Receive --Accept! What are you going to do with this special Gift this year? I hope you'll receive, accept, and open the package and enjoy new life! Need help in understand how to receive this gift? Need prayer? Email me.

To Hell and Back

As I wrote in my last blog, Darla and I had the opportunity to go on a cruise with her family to Grand Cayman Island. I was shocked to find out that during our taxi tour of the island that we were going to stop in HELL. That's right folks, there is really a town (if you can call it that) called HELL on Grand Cayman Island. People on the bus made jokes about "going to hell" -- got me to thinking. You know it really was terribly hot that day .... well, I can truthfully say that I have been to hell, and come back to tell about it. They even have a post office in "hell". Wow! Some of the fellow travelers wanted to mail post cards to their friends - postmarked "hell". It was sort of creepy. Got me to thinking....Thank God, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, I do not have to worry about spending an eternity without God in a place called "hell". Because I believed the Gospel, and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, I will never ever step one foot in HELL -- the real hell. So, a few weeks ago, I went to Hell -- Grand Cayman hell -- and came back to tell you all that Jesus Christ is still Lord, and trusting in HIM gurantees you a home in HEAVEN, not HELL. Have you trusted HIM as Lord of your life?? Do it now! Hell is too hot for me!

Cruising the High Seas

A few weeks ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to join her family for a cruise from Tampa, FL to Grand Cayman Island and Cozemel, Mexico. Believe me it was HOT in the Caribbean!
As we were sailing through the sea, I began to think about how life is like a cruise. NO, I don't mean that everything about life is as nice as sailing on a ship, with all the food you can eat ... and servants everywhere to wait on you. Life is like sailing the seas, with God as our Captain, and we are the trusting passengers. It takes faith to get on one of those big boats (ships). I don't know my way from port to port ...but I trust the Captain and his crew to get us there safely. Several times during the cruise, I would turn on the TV in the room, and look at a special channel, which told me the location of the ship (lattitude and longitude) - the direction (from the compass) - the speed - and the estimated time of arrival. They even told me the direction of the wind and it's speed. God's Word is like that channel. As we read and study the Word, we get God's direction for our lives. The Word tells us where we are IN HIM -- and what to expect. Amazingly we were always on time -- whenever they said we would dock at such a time, it happened. I know that we could have encountered rough seas (God spares us that), but I know that no matter what the seas would bring, we were safe. Afterall, the first thing we did on the first day -- was the famous lifejacket/lifeboat drill. EVERYBODY had to go to your "station" and receive instructions. Thank God we had no emergency in actuality, but, it's comforting to know that the crew knew what to do....and after the drill, so did we. God has a lifejacket/lifeboat drill too .... it's His Holy Spirit that indwells us. What an assurance to know that no matter what happens in life ...we are "covered" by His Spirit! Oh well, the week on the cruise was great. While there with Darla's parents and her brother and his wife, we celebrated Mom's 80th birthday. She's been sailing through life for a long time. How about you? Do you trust HIM to get you to the port called heaven? If not, you should talk to the Captain right now!