More Than Enough

For many years environmentalists have issued warnings of certain commodities being depleted. While growing up in the 1970s, I heard a poem in school about the earth supposedly running out of trees. I also remember seeing TV commercials warning about shortages of oil and fresh water. Nowadays, hotels have signs encouraging guests to conserve water so we can supposedly “save our planet.” 

Now there’s another resource being targeted by activists. This past week I saw a BBC News headline claiming “the world is running out of sand” (the Smithsonian Institution published a similar report on their website). Immediately, I thought of God promising Abraham’s descendants would be “…as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.” (Genesis 32:12) Still, I read the BBC write-up which explained not all types of sand are in danger of extinction. It’s the kind used for infrastructure and making certain electronic products. I don’t take articles like this seriously when exaggerated titles are used.

The truth is we serve a God of abundance. He has provided the earth with plenty of natural resources. God can create additional things to meet the needs of His people. When Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, He didn’t make just enough to satisfy the hunger of those that heard His word. Matthew 14:20 says, “So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.” Once while having dinner with friends in Canada, pieces of chicken were supernaturally added. Missionary Heidi Baker has testified of God multiplying food for her numerous orphans in Mozambique.

So-called shortages are often the result of individuals hoarding up things. Proverbs 13:22 says, “…the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous." So don’t let fear-mongers make you think the earth is being tapped out of necessary resources. God provides more than enough.

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God [El Shaddai]; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” - Genesis 17:1-2

Would Jesus Ride in a Limo?

Once I heard a story about a pastor’s son who just got his driver’s permit and asked his father about using the family car. His father answered, “Son, I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible more, and get your hair cut. Then we will talk about it.” 

Two months later the boy approached his father again about driving the family car. His father said, “Son, I’m proud of you. You have brought your grades up and studied your Bible diligently, but why haven’t you gotten a haircut?”

The young man replied, “Samson had long hair. Even Jesus had long hair.” 

His father said, “Yes, son…and they walked everywhere they went.”

Technically, the pastor’s claim isn’t 100% accurate. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. People have used that as an excuse to criticize modern-day preachers who drive expensive cars and fly in private jets. If Jesus riding a donkey is supposed to be a sign of humility, then how come these critics don’t practice what they preach? Why don’t they sell their cars and get a donkey to show us how humble they are?

One well-known minister (whose teachings I often agree with) posted on his Facebook page the above picture of a circuit preacher from 1867. He added the caption: “In the days before famous preachers were picked up at airports in stretch limos, this is how ministers got around.” Airplanes and limousines didn’t exist then.

As a missionary I have traveled from place to place through a variety of means: car, bus, boat, train, and plane. Many times I’ve had to walk or ride a bicycle to go shorter distances. One time the Lord led me to hitchhike from one city in Virginia to another. Four separate drivers offered rides without me sticking out my thumb. 

Then there was the time I took a bus to London, Ontario to house sit for a Canadian friend. Upon my arrival at the London bus station, I called my friend who offered and arranged to have a chauffeur pick me up in a luxurious vehicle as a way to bless and honor me. 

Most people don’t have a problem with celebrities and political leaders being treated as VIPs. So why not spiritual leaders? Jesus didn’t object to having expensive perfume poured over Him as an offering. I believe He would respond the same way if offered a limousine ride today. Still, there are individuals who claim, “That’s wasting resources that could be given to the poor.” These critics are echoing Judas Iscariot in John 12:5. Their concern for the poor is really a cover for covetousness.

God’s people shouldn’t get angry or jealous of brethren who have been faithful to Him and are enjoying some of the finer things in life. Revelation 1:6 says Jesus “...has made us kings and priests.” Christians sometimes refer to themselves as “King’s Kids.” Therefore, it’s not a sin for a preacher to be given royal treatment unless he demands it.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” - 1 Peter 5:6

God’s Gold

Yesterday a Facebook friend griped about the Catholic Church “…surrounded by gold and all the riches of the earth and I believe Jesus must be sad with them. I’d rather be poor and get by as I am…Those dreams of a Ferrari and touring the world will never come around for me.” He’s right. My friend’s dreams won’t happen unless he renews his mind to what God’s word says. As Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith let it be to you.”

Certainly, I’m against Catholic doctrine that contradicts Scripture but them having gold is not a sin in itself. When Solomon’s Temple was built, precious metals were used. 2 Chronicles 3:4 says, “He overlaid the inside with pure gold.” Many of the things in the tabernacle in Exodus 25 were also covered in gold. Would I use gold if I built and pastored a church? Probably not but I still want a nice place for my congregation to meet and to see them blessed. 

What about heaven with its streets of gold and surrounded by a wall made of precious stones? Did God also create those things on earth for the devil and his crowd? I don’t think so…

“And the gold of that land [the Garden of Eden] is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there.” - Genesis 2:12 

“Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.” - Genesis 13:2

“The Lord has blessed my master [Isaac] greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold…” - Genesis 24:35

“But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.” - Exodus 3:22

“For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.” - Psalm 21:3

“‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts.” - Haggai 2:8

Religious people may argue I’m mostly quoting Old Testament verses. Did possessing gold suddenly become sinful after Jesus appeared on the scene? No. Hebrews 8:6 says that “…He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” In recent years, I’ve seen Christians supernaturally receive gold teeth and fillings plus gold dust manifestations. The latter has happened to me a few times.

Many Christians need to get rid of a poverty mindset. God is not against us having gold, silver, and other valuable things as long as those things don’t have us.

“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” - Revelation 3:18

Heavenly Homes

A few years ago, actress Jennifer Anniston purchased a one-bedroom penthouse apartment in New York City for $8 million. Around that time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg bought a $7 million home in California. It was also reported Michael Jordan was building a home in Florida with an estimated value of $20 million. The secular media doesn’t mind celebrities and athletes owning multi-million houses. Yet they will launch an “exposé” if a preacher buys (or is given) a house for a fraction of that amount.

Even some believers are critical of brethren with nice domiciles. One time a homeless man I met in Florida complained about a local pastor having a $500,000 house. Before you pity this homeless man, it should be pointed out he was a modern-day Jonah running from the call to preach. God will bless those who will obey His will for their lives. Isaiah 1:19-20 says, “‘If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword’; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Every Christian will someday walk through pearly gates on streets of gold and have a heavenly mansion (John 14:1-2). A wall made up of twelve different kinds of precious stones surrounds the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21). God desires His people to live in beautiful places.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus prayed for the Father’s will to be done “…on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) Joshua 24:13 talks about the Lord giving the Israelites, “…a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.” Therefore, a Christian shouldn’t be made to feel guilty by jealous brethren for having numerous possessions including a nice home. It’s not up to any individual to dictate how much a believer should or shouldn’t have. That’s between him and the Lord.

Once I met a woman who felt led to reside with a group of homeless people in “Tent City”, a makeshift shelter in a wooded area of Mobile, Alabama. Of course, not all Christians are called to live like that. Those that are usually do so for a season to reach certain individuals. A couple times, the Lord led me to stay in a homeless shelter for the night. Despite the uncomfortable environment, it resulted in ministry opportunities.

Some missionaries like myself have traveled from city to city without a permanent home. In her book “Tramp for the Lord”, Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom wrote about living out of a suitcase for years while preaching around the world. Corrie still desired a place of her own. God eventually blessed her with one where she spent the latter years of her life.

Admittedly, there have been times I’ve considered leaving the mission field and working a regular job again to have a more “secure” lifestyle. Whenever that thought crosses my mind, I remind myself of this comment a Facebook friend posted…

“A good friend I went to college with started out in full-time ministry. He had some bad experiences and decided to become a fireman instead. I talked to him today. He is retiring with great benefits and a nice house at a young age. I told him, ‘I'm jealous of you.’ He said, ‘Don’t be, I wish I had the courage to stay with ministry. I'm jealous of you.’ Wow, kind of helped me see things in a different way.”

While still desiring my own house, I will trust God to provide one at the right time and not settle down somewhere for the sake of being comfortable. Serving the Lord occasionally requires sacrifices. However, rewards are available when a Christian is willing to give up worldly possessions and the approval of man to obey a higher calling.

“Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.” - Mark 10:29-30

An Open Letter to Mark Zuckerberg

Dear Mr. Zuckerberg,

I’m a traveling missionary who’s been using Facebook now for over ten years. It’s a marvelous tool to help me reconnect with old friends, meet new people and minister to them. However, there are a couple of things I don’t like about your social media site. They are serious enough to me where I’ve considered leaving Facebook completely.

One of them is being forced to use Messenger if I want to send a private message through my smartphone. It often results in other Facebook friends trying to start up chat sessions with me. I liked it better when my chat room could be kept off and not let everyone know I’m online. I’ve had to use the “block messages” function with individuals who persist in initiating conversations with me. I don’t want to be rude but maintain boundaries and limit distractions. Some of my friends won’t even use Messenger because of privacy concerns. 

Another intrusive feature I loathe even more is Facebook groups. Since 2010, friends have been able to add me to these groups without my permission (yesterday I was added to three of them without being asked). This has been a recurring annoyance. Being added to groups results in extra emails sent to my inbox that I don’t care to read. Not only that, my membership to these groups are automatically made public even if I have no interest in them. It’s especially annoying when I have to remove my name again from a group after being added a second time. This can happen if I leave a group using my smartphone. I don’t have the option of preventing my name from being added again like from my laptop.

Yesterday, a fellow minister sent me an article explaining your desire to use Facebook groups to build “meaningful communities” and “bring the world closer together.” Regardless of your intentions, that hasn’t changed my aversion toward groups. Unless changes are made and people are allowed to be invited first (like with Fan pages), I will not be part of any Facebook group.

In the past, I made a few exceptions. In 2015, I had a new song aired on Dr. Demento’s radio show and briefly joined his Facebook group to connect with listeners interested in my music. The problem is when some people see you’re part of one group, that gives them ideas to add you to other groups.

In closing, I want to commend you and your wife Priscilla for your desire to give most of your wealth to charity  However, I must remind you that we will all pass away from this life to the next. Good works will not buy your way into heaven. I pray you will seek His Face so your name will be jotted into His Book (the book of life). That comes from entering into a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Hopefully, you will then recognize the greatest mission God wants us involved in...preaching the gospel throughout the world so fewer people will spend eternity in hell.

“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” - Romans 10:9

Disabled for Christ?

A friend of mine once sent me an email that intended to be a praise report. Due to personal health issues, he was approved to receive disability payments. This man became (as he called it) “disabled for Christ.”

In one way, it was good news my friend started receiving a consistent income stream. From the time I’ve known him, he’s struggled with finances and keeping a steady job. I can identify with creative individuals who have difficulties finding their niche in the workplace. Aside from that, my friend prefers to be in ministry and occasionally does volunteer work in that area.

On the other hand, I don’t consider being “disabled for Christ” a praise report. Immediately Philippians 4:13 came to my mind, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Sadly, there are people who don’t want to be healed for fear of losing money and people’s sympathy. It reminds of a joke I heard years ago…

A Republican with a hunched back entered a restaurant one afternoon and asked the waitress for a cup of coffee. He shuffled over to a booth, painfully sat down, and glanced across the restaurant and asked, “Is that Jesus over there?”

The waitress nodded, so the Republican said to give Jesus a cup of coffee, his treat.

The second patron to enter the restaurant was a Reform Party supporter on crutches. He hobbled over to a booth, sat down and hollered, “Hey there, sweet thang, how's about gettin' me a cold glass of Coke!”

He, too, looked across the restaurant and asked, “Is that God's boy over there?”

The waitress nodded, so he said to give Jesus a cold glass of Coke, on his bill.

The third patron to come into the restaurant was a Democrat in a wheel chair and he asked the waitress for a cup of tea. He also looked across the restaurant and asked, “Is that Jesus sitting over there?”

The waitress nodded “yes,” so he told her to give Jesus a cup of tea on him.

As Jesus got up to leave, He passed by the Republican, touched him and said, “For your kindness, you are healed.”

The Republican felt his back straightening up, and he rose up his hands, praised the Lord and did a series of back flips as he went out the door.

Then Jesus passed by the third party guy, touched him and said, “For your kindness, you are healed.”

The man felt the strength come back into his legs, got up, and danced a jig out the door.

Then Jesus walked towards the Democrat. Suddenly the Democrat jumped up and yelled, “Don't touch me...I'm drawing disability!”

I’m not saying it’s wrong to receive any form of government assistance. Personally I would like to see more done for our military veterans who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms we often take for granted. As a young Christian, I briefly collected unemployment benefits but didn’t feel comfortable with that. Once I submitted an application for subsidized housing but later found a place to live through a pastor I know. I felt this was a reminder believers should avoid looking to the government as their source of supply.

God wants to be our provider as well as our healer.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” - Psalm 103:2-3

I'll Fly Away

Many people have this idea Christians aren’t supposed to be prosperous. This belief is often propagated by misquoted Bible verses such as “money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10 actually says, “...the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”). As a result, the secular media and even some believers frown upon ministers who own expensive homes, cars, and especially airplanes. 

This past week a well-known pastor experienced a social media backlash after launching a fundraising campaign for a jet. Since 1999, Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International has owned a Gulfstream III to transport him and his ministry team plus thousands of pounds of food to be a blessing to others. Last November, Creflo's jet became inoperable due to an accident in London when it slid off the runway during an aborted takeoff.

Creflo now wants to acquire a Gulfstream G650 valued at over $60 million. A video posted on his website (which has since been removed) suggested if 200,000 donors gave $300, Creflo would have the money to buy this jet. Some people think it would be more economical for Creflo to fly commercial, which he is doing in the meantime. Then again with the ridiculous baggage fees airlines charge nowadays, bringing along extra pounds of food could become quite costly.

Most people don’t realize many so-called “prosperity preachers” are generous givers plus have income streams apart from ministry. Creflo said in a 2007 Associated Press interview that he had renounced his church salary. His income now largely comes from personal investments and has published more than 30 books. 

Personally, I won’t ask people to send me specific amounts of money when believing God for something. Psalm 37:25 says, “I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” On the other hand, fundraising campaigns for airplanes have been done by two of my favorite preachers: Jesse Duplantis and Keith Moore. Keith has an excellent teaching series called “Would Jesus Wear a Rolex?” that I recommend hearing.

Kenneth Copeland is another flying preacher I enjoy listening to. One time I heard Kenneth talk about a time the Lord instructed him to fly to Israel to minister to one woman. At first, Kenneth questioned this mission as being a bit extravagant. The Lord told him, “I am extravagant...I am never wasteful.” He then asked Kenneth if one of his daughters was on the other side of the world and would only listen to one person, wouldn’t he send that person to get her out of trouble. 

Kenneth replied, “When do I leave?”

1 Timothy 6:17 says God “...gives us richly all things to enjoy.” That would include airplanes. Most people don’t mind celebrities like Oprah Winfrey owning multimillion-dollar jets. I’d rather see aircraft like these doing the Lord’s work.

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” - Deuteronomy 8:18

Live Long and Prosper

This past Friday actor Leonard Nimoy passed away at the age of 83. Leonard was best known for playing the original Mr. Spock in the “Star Trek” media franchise. One of Spock’s famous catchphrases was “live long and prosper.” That and the Vulcan salute pictured here originated from an Orthodox Jewish synagogue Leonard attended while growing up in Boston.

God wants man to have long prosperous lives. Psalm 91:16 says, “With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” Unfortunately that’s not a reality for everyone. Some people die young due to accidents, disease, or were murdered. A few individuals choose to take their own lives without fulfilling their divine purpose.

Likewise not everyone on earth experiences prosperity. It amazes me how some religious folk criticize sermons on the topic when Scripture is full of promises of abundant life. I’d rather hear a “prosperity gospel” than a poverty gospel. People who think Jesus was poor must remember He had a treasurer. Why hire someone to carry a money bag if there is little or no money to carry?

On the other hand, God doesn’t want man going the other extreme and become covetous. This past Wednesday as I was leaving McDonald’s, I stopped to minister to a young woman who wore a sweatshirt that read “In God We Trust - Greed.” I pointed out to her it’s not wrong to have money as long as money doesn’t have us. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Do you want to live long and prosper now and for eternity? Start by giving your life to Jesus Christ if you haven’t already done so. Then pray and ask what His plan and purpose for you is. You’ll be amazed at what He can do for you and through you if you’re willing and obedient. In Christ, you can boldly go where no man has gone before.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9-10