The Potter or the Clay

4/16/14

“Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the Potter; we are all the work of YOUR hand” Isaiah 64:8

Many of the rich and famous are constantly getting plastic surgery, nips and tucks and who knows what else.  A few people I know have gotten Botox or some other treatment trying to alter their looks.  Many people spend most of their lives trying to be someone or something else other than what GOD made them.

Have you ever seen a potter at work? It’s amazing to see how the potter creates the pot.  The potter puts the clay in the center of the wheel which is a very critical step as it is the foundation of the pot. The pot is only as true and as strong as the centering.  The next step is opening the centered clay so the potter's hands can begin to pull the clay up vertically from both inside and out.  Excess water is removed from the bowl with a sponge which also smoothes the surface and contributes to the strength of the finished bowl.  The freshly thrown bowl is then removed from the wheel and allowed to dry to a "leather hard" state at which point it can be trimmed to remove excess clay from the bottom and establish a foot.  Once the pot is trimmed it is again set on the shelf to dry. This will take several days for a bowl this size, as the drying rate must be carefully controlled to prevent cracking.  The next stage in the creation of the pot is the application of glaze.  First the potter checks the pot and removes any bumps or imperfections we see. The potter may sandpaper to smooth surfaces.  Then the potter will sponge the entire surface of the pot to remove any dust left from sanding to provide a clean surface for the glaze to adhere to.  Once the pot is glazed, it is returned to the kiln for a second firing, in which the clay and the glaze are matured, meaning stoneware is brought to a temperature at which it is no longer porous and the glaze achieves a glasslike finish.  And it is finally a finished product.

If an earthly potter can make a thing of beauty out of a lump of clay, wouldn't it be expected that GOD’s creation of each one of us is far more beautiful and is worth protecting?  We are so fearfully and wonderfully made that no one has the same DNA or same fingerprint.  We are each unique and wonderfully made by GOD, for GOD and for HIS purpose.  Knowing this why do we make attempts to change our path?

We are said to be a preculiar people, set aside for the glory of GOD.  Yet, we try to force our round peg into that square hole of the world.  We’re constantly throwing ourselves back on that potter’s wheel to remake what GOD has already perfected.  We’re not content with who we are, how we look, what we have, what we do, so we constantly climb back on that potter’s wheel at different seasons in our lives trying to mold and shape ourselves into what we want to be and who we want to be based on nothing more than a whim or a desire to be someone that the world says we should be.  What is in us that makes us want to change what GOD has made, who HE’s molding and who HE wants us to be?  We have chosen jobs and spouses during our remolding of ourselves that were not what GOD wanted for us.  We have made decisions that were not in line with GOD’s will for our lives reshaping our path and we set out on a path that we were never supposed to be on because we were too bored being the clay and wanted to take on the role of the potter and re-create our lives, our dreams, our desires, our ethics and our standards. 

As children of GOD created by GOD we are the clay in the hands of the Master.  Clay is pliable so it can be formed into something beautiful.  We are not yet the finished product, GOD is constantly reshaping us for HIS work, HIS plans, and HIS purpose but HE can only do this if we remain on the wheel.  We were never meant to take on the role of the potter.  When we chose personal gratification over GOD’s will, we become the potter.  When we shape our lives and our character by our own choosing we no longer remain the clay in the hands of GOD and we lose any chance of being all we can be in HIM because we are no longer being shaped by HIM.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

GOD says, HE knows the plans that HE has for us.  This is HIS declaration.  Plans to prosper us and not harm us plans that give us hope.  But if we do not allow GOD to continue to mold us and shape us into HIS plan and purpose we will never experience the true plans or prosperity that is needed for hope for our future.

It is not too late.  If you’ve been more of a potter in your life instead of the clay, you can still be reshaped by GOD.  All you have to do is climb back on that potter’s wheel, remain focused and let CHRIST be the center of your life because the pot (you) are only as true and as strong as the center.  Our GOD has begun a work in each of us, and even in our flawed or broken condition GOD can restore and reshape us while in the midst our brokenness.  Never forget the power of the hands of GOD. 

 GOD BLESS

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?”

3/17/14

Years ago in 1966 there was a song by Jimmy Ruffin called What Becomes of a Broken Hearted?  I don’t know why this song has been in my spirit for the past few days but it has.   As I drive through the city of Los Angeles I see people, children and our youth with expressionless faces.  There is not one ray of hope in their eyes and no sense of joy on their faces.  It’s almost like they are they are the walking dead. 

The question I pose to you is, what becomes of the broken hearted in Los Angeles? In the community?  In your neighborhood?  This city is full of brokenhearted people.  There are people who once had dreams and hope for a future.  There are people who had the love of loved ones but have been separated by circumstance, trial and error.  They are roaming the city as lost souls who can’t find any peace of mind searching for something that will allow them to succeed in this life according to their definition of success.  And maybe their type of success is what’s got them where they are today.  But for whatever reason they are on the streets, those that may know JESUS have lost faith and hope in HIM.

What happens to these people who have been broken is so many pieces that there appears to be no foreseeable way to mend them?  What I see is a society who mocks, oppresses and ignores the poor and the worst part of this picture is believers are woven into the fabric of society and are intertwined just like every other person we know. 

What is our responsibility?  Are we doing enough as believers?  What does GOD expect from us? When I say us, I mean each of us as individuals.  Us doing something outside of giving our tithes and offerings. This isn’t a trick question.  Just what is expected of us? If we read the Bible then we are well aware of what GOD expects of us, it is very clear. But what has our response been as a people?  The Bible says this:

Deuteronomy 15:11 "For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.'
Proverbs 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
Proverbs 17:5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.
Proverbs 21:13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.
Proverbs 22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.
Proverbs 28:27 He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
Proverbs 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Matt 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Matt 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matt 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

In every one of these verses, and others not listed, GOD and JESUS are adamant about our attitude, our response, and the level of compassion that is required of us.  There is much need in our communities and there is time to regroup, be a blessing to others and follow in JESUS footsteps loving the disadvantaged unconditionally.   

How close do we resemble CHRIST in our dealings with the poor and needy?  Do they see us or do they see HIM?  What has our response, your response been when you saw the hungry? the naked? the thirsty? the one in prison? the stranger?  And finally, what would JESUS’ response be to any of us? Depart from me or well done?  It's something to think about.

GOD BLESS

Keep Faith/Hope Alive

3/11/14

This is one of those weeks where I felt a now word in prayer form was due.  And I came across this prayer that I felt the need to share it.  I have been getting         e-mails from as far as the Philippines for prayer from total strangers.   I have been befriended by a man in Malaysia who needs hope to stay and remain alive because he is struggling and hurting.  I am in a place of weariness due to the continued attacks on my body for the 3^rd year in a row that now have taken a toll on my heart and have bruised my Spirit but I still seek GOD for deliverance according to HIS will.  I feel in my heart I could easily give up but in my Spirit I know I must go on.  Life has to be lived on the foundation of Faith and Hope or we drown in our despair and depression.  There are those who are drowning going down for the 3^rd time without a life preserver in sight because they have lost their faith/hope.  Pass this on to someone you know who needs a NOW WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT, GIVE SOMEONE HOPE TODAY! And not just hope in anything, but hope in GOD.  I too am reminded, to keep Faith and Hope alive.

MY PRAYER OF HOPE….By Elena Ramirez, Christian Author

FATHER, almighty GOD, I am not letting go of my Faith.  I am holding on!  Lately, I have heard a lot of negative reports, even from the clergy, where they just are not holding on to their faith; they are letting the enemy lie to them.  LORD how I long to see YOUR power working in my life, and in other lives also.  That we would be inspired, and take responsibility for our own faith.  For our own miracles, because of YOU!  LORD, I believe YOUR word, and I know all things are possible, with YOU, my GOD.  I am not letting go.  I do care if people believe.  I want to give someone Hope, not discourage them.  LORD, many are sick and tired, yes, of being sick and tired, well, I believe, by YOUR stripes, we are healed.  Emotionally, physically, and yes, even financially, YOU say YOU are not a liar, and I submit to you and I am blessed by YOUR word.  I pray this, stir us up to remind us, YOU are GOD, and YOU are able, in all things, after all YOU created the earth, and the fullness thereof and the universe and I believe.  I am no longer claiming I am sick and tired.  But claiming, by YOUR stripes, I am healed and rejuvenated by CHRIST and by YOUR word.  Thank YOU LORD, and all glory, and honor, and praise are YOURS.  In JESUS name.  Amen.

There is nothing more to be said except this: Ask, Believe and Receive.  Faith/Hope in CHRIST is alive and well.  I needed this more than you because when you’re in physical pain on awaking in the morning, throughout the day and as you retire at night in pain and toss and turn all through the night because of pain or discomfort and there appears to be no end in sight it is easy to become weary. I have to believe that my Faith will continue to be renewed even in the midst of my trial, if I Believe. Whatever your prayer needs are today, this prayer covers them all.  GOD IS WILLING AND ABLE.

GOD BLESS

“Do Everything in Love”

2/25/14

Regardless of what version of the Bible you read whether it is KJV, NIV, AMP, ESV and countless others 1 Corinthians 16:14 all say the same “Do everything in Love.”

As members of the family of CHRIST, the Body of CHRIST, we cross over from the human family ties that we have with our brothers, sisters, etc. to a spiritual tie with our CHRISTIAN siblings.  The human ties that we have do not compare to or define the relationship that we have with our CHRISTIAN family.  Our spiritual relationship with one another bears a greater responsibility bound by New Testament teachings.

This very verse was among the foundational teachings on our relationship to one another as believers.  This verse prompts us, and should compel us to strive towards CHRISTLIKENESS in how we live, act and respond to those whom GOD has joined us to.  In our doing everything in love we would be presenting a true, mirrored reflection of CHRIST in every way including HIS love for all.  What does it mean to be CHRISTLIKE?  It means to live our lives, watch our actions, make wise decisions and be considerate in our daily interactions with one another as HE lived.  And this does not stop with us loving our own and other believers but this reflection of CHRIST extends to the non-believer as well. 

There is a void in the hearts of man and a sense of loss because there is a lack of CHRISTLIKE-NESS in the world.  Evil has taken hold of the hearts and spirits of many.  It was thought that this verse was one of the keys to resolving the problems of the people as well as the problems of the early church.  Doing everything in love can change our immediate surroundings and could have global impact today.

If we look around us we may feel the act of loving one another has become almost non-existent.  It has become lost in the cares of the world replaced by bullying, hate and disconnect.  The more technology that is developed the more disconnected we become socially.   E-mail, texting, phone answering systems has separated us from one another.  Love cannot be seen, felt or experienced in these technological replacements yet we chose these forms of communication over face to face interactions. 

Doing everything in love is the pinnacle of service to GOD without reservation and it is an unselfish act of putting someone else before ourselves.  But how many of us are willing to do  everything in love?  Doing everything in love is a concept that could easily be adopted by each of us but it takes a willing heart, a teachable spirit, belief and transformation into the image of CHRIST.   GOD in-

cluded the word love in HIS word because GOD knew the significance of doing everything in love and HE also knew it is something that could be achieved by faith.  After all HE is love and because of HIS love HE gave HIS SON.  HE took love to the highest level imaginable.

What would doing everything in love look like today?  It might look like no physical or verbal abuse of others. Or not deceiving those we know us and love us.  Or not cheating anyone out of anything or taking something from someone that does not belong to us.  Or not waiting for our sister or brother in CHRIST to ask for something that we already know they need.   Or not back biting to climb up the corporate ladder or the church leadership ladder.  Or freely feeding, clothing and sheltering the homeless.  Or being a mentor and encouragement to a single mother or a teenager.  Or visiting a senior or sick and shut-in individual in their home.  Or going to the local nursing homes spending time in the presence of those who paved the way for many of the comforts that we have today.  There were prices paid for each us in one way or another by someone, even by those who have prayed for us during our different seasons.

The negative incidents and activities that we are seeing all around us have gone from being isolated incidents to everyday occurrences.  If evil can show itself daily, why can’t love?  If we are to love like CHRIST did per HIS command it will be by choice.  To love like CHRIST requires action that is committed or omitted by our own will.  I am always looking for that happy, joyful ending; I am a hopeful believer and a kid at heart and cannot help myself.  Therefore, I chose to believe that WE ALL CAN DO EVERYTHING IN LOVE and cancel out some of the evil that is around us. 

As CHRISTIANS, love defines us.  Love is in essence the foundation of what CHRISTIANITY is.  CHRIST HIMSELF said in John 13:35 (NIV) “By this everyone will know you are MY disciples, if you love one another.”  Paul describes just how important love is.  He states in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV) 1 “If I speak in tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or cymbal 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast but do not give love, I gain nothing.”

Love is mentioned in the Bible more than 500 times close to 700 times depending on which version of the Bible you are reading.  In the KJV, it is mentioned 508 times in the Old Testament and 697 times in the New Testament.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?  WHEN DO WE BEGIN TO TAKE THE LOVE WE HAVE RECEIVED SERIOUSLY AND BEGIN TO DO EVERYTHING (IN THE NAME OF JESUS) IN LOVE?  BECAUSE BY GOD’S STANDARDS WITHOUT LOVE WE ARE NOTHING AND WE GAIN NOTHING, LEAVING THE VERY LIFE WE HAVE LIVED ONE LIVED IN VAIN.

GOD BLESS

“How Heavy is Your Cross?”

2/17/14

There are many people in the Bible that played a pivotal role in history and some of their names were not mentioned but their circumstance or actions were.  For instance, the woman with the issue of blood, the woman at the well and the widow that provided bread for Elijah.  These women’s names were never given, but their roles have been echoed throughout history.  Their stories are among the most remembered by CHRISTIANS.  But more than 2000 years ago Simon of Cyrene marked his place in history that has not only been documented in three of the four gospels, but has been seen in many pictures of JESUS carrying HIS cross walking the path to Golgotha with Simon walking behind JESUS carrying the cross. 

During that time in history it was a custom for the condemned man that was to be crucified to carry his cross to the location of the crucifixion.  And for any man regardless or his size and weight this feat was one that was almost impossible.  My research suggests that the crossbeam weighed between 200-300 lbs. JESUS had been beaten, physical abused and was dealt trauma to HIS body that no human being could endure but JESUS.  HE could not bear the weight of the cross. 

GOD had a plan and purpose, JESUS came to save the world 1 Timothy 1:15 (NIRV) “Here is a saying that you can trust.  It should be accepted completely.  CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners”.  And I am the worst sinner of all”.  HE also came to be a mediator.       1 Timothy 2:5 (NIRV) “There is only one GOD.  And there is only one go-between for GOD and human beings.  HE is the man CHRIST JESUS”.

GOD set the stage for Simon to play a role that would be remembered as long as the world survives.  Simon was in the crowd, watching with hundreds of others.  He probably had no idea that he would be called upon to become one of the most well-known figures during JESUS crucifixion.  He was like most people who find themselves in a situation like that where chaos breaks out and they find themselves a spectator of something they have no control over.  He probably did not want to get involved on any level, he just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time.  And then it happened, a Roman soldier seized and forced Simon to carry the cross.  The Romans had the authority to call upon anyone they pleased for whatever they pleased, therefore saying no was not an option and the rest as they say is history. 

At any time during that journey, JESUS could have called thousands of angels to rescue HIM but HE chose to continue the journey and pay the price for our sins.  There is no indication on what Simon may have been thinking as he carried the cross behind JESUS. 

I believe every word, sentence, verse, paragraph and book of the Bible is relevant.  I believe the stories and the way the stories played out were designed and divine in nature.  I believe that the fact that GOD inspired this incident to be recorded as all scripture is was for a reason.  JESUS fell under the weight of HIS cross and Simon was there to carry it.  We have become so independent in our living, we strive to be men and women in our own right, we do not ask for help or feel we need help, and we feel everything we have we have attained on our own.  This is not so. 

We were never meant to live alone and especially never meant to carry our own cross and certainly we were never meant to be independent of CHRIST.  We were meant to lean and depend on HIM and this includes us allowing HIM to help us carry our cross.  None of us can carry the cross we are to bear as we follow JESUS without HIS divine intervention.   What makes us think that we can bear the weight?  When we think we can do it on our own we will struggle over and over and over again until we learn the lesson.  It is not until we are at our breaking point, face down and at our lowest point that we come to understand that it is not by our might, strength, or any miniscule power that we possess that will enable us to carry the load.  JESUS said it all when HE said “Without me ye can do nothing” John 15:5.

The crosses we bare are meant to show who we really are and who we are not. We can become crushed under the weight.  The cross is meant to destroy all of our human effort.  It is not until we understand our weakness, swallow our pride, give in, give up and yes even sometimes become broken, that we finally ask for GOD’s help and find peace.  No one can be both weak and strong at the same time it is impossible.  We are weakened because of the weight (importance) that we give to our problems.  We can only become strong from the grace and mercy of GOD.

We all have a cross to bear from time to time.  Can we be honest and look at our current cross?  Is there anything that is hovering over our life that can break our spirit?  Is it our spouse? Our children? Our job? Our finances?  An Illness? A habit?  Emotional distress?  Depression?  Loneliness?  Anything that has upset the balance in our spiritual life may be considered a cross.  Each of these things weaken us and puts us in a place where we realize that we need JESUS to lift up our head and heal our heart.  After all HE is the lifter of our head and HE can bring us out of whatever miry pit we are in. 

We were never meant to carry our burdens alone.  JESUS has been here with open arms to receive us to rest in HIM and give us perfect peace.  HE has open ears to ear our prayers and intercessions. HE has kept HIS eyes watch over us and has seen and counted every tear that we have shed.  So why would we want to remain weary and heavy laden when we can find rest in THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST?  

GOD BLESS

“Name Change”

2/10/14

When we  name our children it is not always an easy choice.  It takes a lot of thought and consideration before we pick that special name.  Most times the name we chose is given after someone we know, something special or a special meaning i.e. the name Faith, Grace, Hope.

Biblically, when a name was given it was carefully chosen because it had meaning and significance but it also was a name that may represent purpose.  In our Bible reading and studies we discover numerous incidents where a person’s name was changed by GOD.  Although it was not always known what HIS reason was but the name change always lined up with HIS plan and purpose.  Any name change that GOD did represented a life change for that person.  The call on their life was redirected by GOD.  They had a new mission.  Their life, desires and character was changed forever.  From the very day of their name change, they became a different person with a new destiny.

Abram’s name was changed to Abraham.  Jacob’s name was changed to Israel.  Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah.  Simon the disciple name was changed to Peter the Apostle by JESUS.  Each of these people’s destinies was changed for life and each left a mark in Biblical history and present day history that still resonates in our hearts today.

We know their journey, faith walk and significance in Biblical history.  In some cases GOD’s changing of the person’s name did not come immediately.  Look at Abram his name was changed to Abraham “Father of many nations” but it was years before Isaac was born.

There have been many people, present day, that have tried to change their identity to become a new person, but in reality they are the same person but with a new name, everything else remains the same.  But when GOD changed someone’s name most times it was to establish a new identity.  Every action GOD performs is significant, especially a name change. 

Those of us who are believers have been given a new name.  We have been given the same blessing that GOD gave Abram, Sarai and Jacob.  But our name was changed by JESUS.  We were given the name CHRISTIAN.   We have been accepted and adopted in to our new family, taking the name of our adopted family as our own forsaking all others.  As CHRISTIANS it becomes evident that we are now heirs of GOD and joint heirs with CHRIST.  It does not get any better than that.  To give less recognition to our earthly given name and all honor to our adoptive name is awesome.

Abraham, Sarah and Jacob were given a new identity-we as CHRISTIANS identify ourselves with JESUS CHRIST.  We are to be witnesses, a light, the salt of the earth, exhibiting the love of GOD.  We have a responsibility to fulfill, uphold and protect our name change.  When someone has been given a name such as we have, and we cherish it as we should, much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.  We have been entrusted with a name after the name above all names, after the name that will cause every knee to bow and tongue confess, we bear the name of JESUS CHRIST (CHRISTIANS).  This is the significant event that has changed our lives, our character, our destiny and mission for a lifetime. 

Our lives have messages, if lived right, that will give someone hope for tomorrow but it does not end there.  Luke 10:20 says-WritingRejoicingWhat Heaven Will Be LikeNames Written In HeavenElection, Characteristics Of"Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."  Our name change is recorded in the Book of Life where we find our hope for tomorrow, today.

Every time I put pen to paper (I write these longhand before it ever gets to the computer) and begin to write these blogs, it’s like I’m doing the most important one on one Journalistic interview of my life.  For those few minutes I come face to face with GOD in such a personal way, and am given revelation and insight, and at times conviction, so strong that I have to force myself to stop.  I have to remind myself that I am not the spokesperson here, I am just the conduit. The scales fall from my eyes, as did with Saul’s, and I see where I am now and where my destiny is taking me.  I sit at the feet of JESUS, like Mary, and I am ministered to in a way that allows me to bear witness with each word and phrase and continues to strengthen my faith in ways I could never imagine as it molds and shapes my perspective of what it means to live in CHRIST and be a part of this family.   I become fully reminded that my family name has more prestige and honor than the Rockefellers or the Kennedys.  That my FATHER’S riches go beyond that of silver and gold and my inheritance remains solid.  My blood line goes back thousands of years before me and will continue years after I’m gone until the day of CHRIST’s return.  I am reminded in such a most personal way how great is my GOD.  This is what our name change produces and it becomes the greatest legacy we can leave our children and the world.

GOD BLESS

 “Politically Correct or Biblically Correct

Which Do You Chose?”

2/3/14

Despite what people may say, CHRISTIANS are the majority NOT the minority in this country. The large majority of Americans 77% of the adult population identify themselves as CHRISTIAN with 54% of that number being Protestant and some other non-Catholic religion and 23% Catholic.

The US and World Population Clock as of 9:13 PM on 1/30/14 stated our population is 317,451,505. Every 8 seconds there is a birth in the US.  It would be safe to say out of the 244,437,658 a great majority of this number is the adult population.  A minimum 200 billion would be adults who consider themselves CHRISTIANS so why with this the type of  power in numbers and bargaining power why are we playing it safe as CHRISTIANS?  There have been laws passed, TV programming and other issues that we know is against what we believe and we have just sat by in the background and kept silent. 

For example the institution of marriage, the nuclear family, family unfriendly TV programming and video games are now bloodier than the grizzliest TV show and we have let it happen.  I know GOD needs no defending but our beliefs do.  We talk among ourselves in the work-place, in our homes, with our families, our friends but not in the arena that we need to be speaking in.  I’m just one person but I’m trying to do something about one of these issues.

Everywhere we look there is something NEGATIVE being presented in the newspaper, on the news, on TV and in the movies and entertainment industry.  Many times we see things up close and personal in many of the things we see people do to and say to each other daily.  We have been inundated with sex, drugs, murder, cursing, and actions towards one another that would even shame the devil. (Not really) but you get my point.  I for one am sick of it.  There is no balance in any of the areas of entertainment that has anything that lines up with our spiritual/Biblical beliefs and lifestyle.

Between the years 1994-2007 we had 3 faith-based prime time TV shows.  Touched by An Angel (1994-2003 with 211 episodes), 7^th Heaven (1996-2007 with 246 episodes) and Promised Land (1996-1999-with 68 episodes).  We lost any chance of evangelizing on prime time, through meaningful messages when these shows were cancelled.  Whether it was due to ratings or the religious message, GOD’s messages were halted.  These family friendly and morally sound shows were in competition with shows that have little substance or morals for the past 20 years of TV shows and their themes have gone from bad to worse.  Currently there is not one TV show that is faith based and there has been no faith based shows since the last viewing of 7^th Heaven in April, 2007. 

The movie industry is no better.  Between 2000-2013 there has been only 56 Christian based/faith based movies in the US out of the 3560 released.  There are no positive, healthy, faith-based movies available for release weekly like the worldly movies.  So it’s garbage in, garbage in, garbage in.  Our children, grandchildren, young adults, and ourselves are constantly saturated with entertainment that is socially damaging. 

I have taken up this cause and earlier this month I launched a movie ministry.  (You’ll get more on that later) and with what I found as I was researching for this blog, confirmed that I am on the right track and right calling. WE HAVE TO BAND TOGETHER AND SUPPORT THE CHRISTIAN MOVIES WHEN THEY ARE RELEASED or we will keep putting garbage in, garbage in, garbage in, and this generation will get lost in the garbage heap, and it will be on our heads.  Because we did not do anything about it!

I am boldly taking a stand and am calling you to action in 2014.  GOD is using Hollywood in an unconventional way and if we take this opportunity we can make an impact on the world in 2014 for GOD’s glory.  This is the heading that I saw on the website Entertainment on Wednesday 1/29/14:

Hollywood Declares 2014 the Year of the Bible

Russell Crowe is Noah. Christian Bale is Moses. Brad Pitt is Pontius Pilate. With pages of action and a faithful fan base, Hollywood is mining the good book for blockbuster stories.

In the next 11 months, beginning this month Hollywood is releasing a record number of Biblical and faith based movies, more than they have released totally in the past 11 years.  And there is word that Hollywood plans to continue with more of this type of movie in 2015.  Regardless of why they are going in this direction, it’s not important, but I don’t think it’s purely money because I have seen the box office figures for those CHRISTIAN movies that came out between 2000-2013 all coming in under the cost that it took to produce it.  They all were flops with the exception of  The Passion of the CHRIST.

I have a partial list of movies that are coming out this year and will update the list as I do my research and notify you in future blogs as the information becomes available.  As believers we MUST SUPPORT THESE FILMS WITHOUT FAIL AND TAKE OUR CHILDREN.  Here is the current list and schedule: On Feb. 28 is the first one Son of God, in March with Noah. in April is Heaven is for real, the Mother of God drama Mary and Exodus in December. 

In the past 16 months I have watched 140 Christian movies on everything from the early martyrs, the writing and printing of the King James Bible, Charles Wesley and the composition of his beautiful hymns, the Book of Matthew, and other Biblical stories as well as Christian drama stories about grace, redemption, forgiveness, upholding our faith, loving thy neighbor, transformation, and other life lessons presented like any other drama; interesting, thought provoking, heart wrenching,  stirring up emotions and some of them caused me to take action, take a second look at myself, my situation, and they reinforced my faith.  These movies have the same impact on us that the worldly movies do but in a positive way but with faith based themes and with spiritual foundations.

I have taken that passion that I have found to get the word out by beginning this movie ministry. My goal is to show 300 people movies in 2014 but I’m sure GOD will do more.  There are several ways this will happen: 1) in home movie parties, similar to the Avon, 2) one on one individual home movie showing for people who are sick and shut in, don’t have a circle of friends or just want to watch a good wholesome movie 3) churches (during the summer)  4) lending portable DVD players and DVD’s to families/individuals who do not have access to them any other way.  I have no doubt the movies and this way of ministering will touch lives.  For more info e-mail me at: degruyassociates@yahoo.com.

I truly believe this is our time.  This is the believer’s supper bowl.  We have a chance to win the game in the name of JESUS and restore hope for tomorrow by showing our belief and faith at the box office.

GOD BLESS

SPECIAL NOTE:  There is a cable channel the UP channel that has family oriented and faith based programming with some of our favorite past TV shows and new movies that they produce themselves.  You can also have access to FREE Christian movies on Youtube and http://christiansocialnetwork.spruz.com