Why do we do the things we do?

Posted on January 8, 2004 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 104-2
January 8, 2004

Why do we do the things we do?

This week brings us yet another time to “come reason” on things that are happening today. We’ve heard this week that a professed man of God has declared that God told him that President Bush will win the election in 2004, but isn’t it the bible that says that the governing authorities are established by God? So does that mean that if the democrats win the election that God has stepped out of the picture and really doesn’t control all things? Or what if an Independent should win the election…not God again? Now what happens if those that believe this man is a man of God and has heard from God runs out to vote for Bush thinking they are doing the “will of God” to put Bush back into office, and not bother to even ask God about voting, much less who to vote for? Sure is something to think about isn’t it? How can either party be outside the power of God or the will of God??

Have you ever thought about why God allows men to do the things that He does? How about the preacher preaching the funeral of a member of his church telling the “lost” members of the family that they will never see their deceased family member if they don’t profess Christ as their Lord and repent from their sins? Would that likewise mean that if the person that died is someone you hope you never see again that you shouldn’t ever profess Christ so that you will not ever see them again? Or what about the one that died without making that important profession in Christ, does that same minister stand in front of the bereaved family and say “take a last look, this guy is gone to hell, and since you made a profession in Christ you’ll never see him again”? Then still yet, how does the preacher preaching that funeral have any guarantee of either situation enough to stand and make such statements? If God is the judge of every man’s heart…. how can anyone really be sure of where they are going or not going until God himself says so?? Sure gives us a lot to think about with just a couple of things that has been said this week.

So with that said, let’s take a look at a couple of things…first…what if there is no heaven, no hell, no seeing family that has gone on before you, no pearly gates, nothing in the here after at all, does that mean that we wouldn’t or shouldn’t serve God? Have you ever thought about the real reason that you are or decided to do what others told you that God wants you to do or expects you to do? See we see so many people and talk to many that have said that their motivation for “accepting Christ” and “trying to live right” came from the fear of being sent to hell, missing heaven, or simply not getting to see who they loved that has died? We see and hear time and time again the same “fear factor” coming out of those that want to “introduce other to Christ”… and saying that “Jesus loves them”… but will send you to hell if you don’t do this or that? So what is the real motivation in “serving God”… “professing Christ”…or any of those other “terms of endearment” that we hold so sacred in defining ourselves. Should we not just simply call ourselves “greed mongers”… “self-centered” and “reward oriented society”? Isn’t that the real reason that many have made their “profession of Christ”…to get out of debt, to get their situation changed, to get to go to heaven, to get some reward for the things that they have done, to escape some judgement day and wrath of a God that is supposed to have loved us enough to send a Son to redeem us even in our sin??? Come on.. it’s time to think about this and see why there are very few, that when given a chance to really think about it… would be honest in saying that their motivation for “serving God’, “accepting Christ” was based either on fear or some type of “self” reward. Why not simply love God and do whatever He asks you without any thought of price or reward? Isn’t that what the book of Isaiah said about the coming Messiah, that He would do what God said.. “without price or reward”. Isn’t that the true sense of love!! After all, do you love others, and do things for them so that they will do something for you in return, so that they will take care of you, or benefit you… or do you simply love them and want to put what makes them happy ahead of yourself?

Why can’t we see that to even consider the “benefits”, “blessings” or what might be after this life, and use it as a basis for deciding whether to do what God has said, is saying or will say is simply to not LOVE GOD? Can we honestly say that we would still love God, hear His voice and do His will if there was absolutely nothing in it for us… no one else to tell about it… or no one else to “win” to God…. no reward … no heaven…and certainly no hell?? It sure is something to think about!!

Have a wonderful week, and remember in all things, HEAR HIM!! ASK HIM!! KNOW HIM!!

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All Things New….

Posted on January 3, 2004 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 104-1
January 3, 2004

All Things New… or are they?

Well it’s a New Year now but what’s New? Is is simply a new year because the last digit in the year has changed? Is it a new year because the days on your 2003 calendar ran out and you had to purchase a new one? Is it a new year because the ball has dropped in Times Square and there has been celebrations throughout the world? What makes it a new year? Could it be that the old is gone and it’s a time to embrace the opportunities of something new and different? Could it be that there is a “hope” for something different and exciting to look forward to? But then isn’t that what we are to consider each day for? So what is really new? Have we taken a new look at things and seen all things new? Have we taken a look around and seen all things perfect as God created them, and know that God is in control of all things… or have we carried once again into a New Year all the traditions, teachings, and mindsets of the old?

See that’s why it’s not a New Year! The celebrations have come and gone, and the digit in the year has changed, as well as the calendars have all now been changed, but nothing else has changed! We still look at our brothers and sisters, the very creation of the Almighty God and refuse to see them anew. We still see things as we did last year, and still fight and war over the same old things and yet call it a New Year. We have new laws in place and changes in so many other things, but why not in the mindsets of those that say it’s a New Year, and have celebrated it. So what was celebrated? These questions screamed to be answered… what’s really New?

Could we for just a brief moment, look at all things New! Can we see the face of another human being and see them anew from the way we’ve seen them before? Can we look beyond the color of their skin, their financial status, the clothing they are wearing, or the location where they live and see them anew? Can we see beyond the membership they hold in a denomination of church, or the membership in any group they have associated themselves with and see them anew? Can we see them as the wonderful creation of God that they are? Can we see them “new”? Not new to God, but new in the sight that we use to view them! “New” as in our perspectives and our teachings! We can see the calendar “new” and we can see the year “new” but can we see those that make up the calendar and the year likewise as “new”??

See when the days of 2003 came to an end, likewise the things of 2003 ended. The words that were said then, the actions taken then, and the things done then have ended, they are no longer “present” but “past” and we recognize that in our daily thinking, but limit it to those things such as the calendar and the digit in the year, but shouldn’t we look each day at everything new? Shouldn’t we look everyday with new eyes, new perspective and opportunity to see all things anew? Wasn’t it the Apostle Paul that said that we are transformed by the daily renewing of our minds? Why isn’t it a daily renewal of our minds? How can we renew the calendar hanging on the walls in our homes, or carried on our person, and renew the year we write and record in daily life, but we reject the renewal of other things such as perspectives, traditions, teachings, and creation?

See repeating 2003 is something that we know we’ll never do again… nor should we! 2003 brought some great and wonderful things, as well as some that were not great and wonderful… but we don’t repeat them… we learn from them and move on. In moving on, not repeating the past, we grow and embrace what’s new and ahead. Let’s not forget that in moving between 2003 and 2004, that we must likewise do the same between the first century and times prior and 2004. We can no longer continue to repeat what was done in times past and keep the mindsets and perceptions of times past… following the words of the Almighty God spoke to men and women and the acts of God done in their times. It’s time for us to embrace what the Almighty God is saying today, to the men and women today and live by that… not continue living in the past… those time have ended as 2003 has ended…and it’s time to embrace each day as “new” forgetting what is behind and moving forward into what lies ahead! We can not embrace today, and what lies ahead of us while trying to repeat the past! Let’s hear what God has to say today…. live by what God is saying to each of us and see what is really “NEW”!!

Have a wonderful week, and remember in all things, HEAR HIM!! ASK HIM!! KNOW HIM!!

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Traditions and Teachings of Men VS the Will of God?

Posted on December 11, 2003 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 1203-2
December 11, 2003

Traditions and Teachings of Men Versus the Will of God!

Another week is coming to a close, and with that I’d like to share with you a few things that have been discussed in our emails and chat sessions. First, I am still amazed at the number of people professing that God is Lord of their lives, and yet do not even ask God or seek God’s direction or will in the things that they approach, or undertake. I am quite aware that God will always have His will done, but it stands to reason that a person that would say that they serve God, and profess that God is the Lord of their lives, would ask God what His will is in all situations. We need to realize that when we follow the traditions of men, and the things that traditions have taught us, we are not following God, but man. That is where the trials and tribulations will always begin. So many face trials and tribulations and wonder why, yet if we would all step back and see what is going on we’d find out a uniquely consistent situation. Let me explain a bit further, then I’ll ask each of you reading this to see if it applies to your situation.

The traditions of men always tell us what we cannot do, what is not possible to be done, or what we have to do to be acceptable to men. Then we hear the voice of God telling us or directing us in an area, and we know it’s the voice of God, but we also know that to follow what God is saying would mean going against the traditions of men, and the teachings of men, and result in being rejected, by those that follow those traditions. We find that when we follow the traditions of men, and the teachings of men, that we are acceptable to them, and they will receive us and welcome us into their fellowship… yet if we do not then rejection begins. But the trials and tribulations occur not when someone else rejects us or when we are no longer welcomed into the fellowships that we’ve been a part of by following the traditions, the trials and tribulations begin when we start within our own hearts to weigh the instruction and direction of God against the traditions and teachings of men. That is and will always be the only reason that any of us will ever experience trials or tribulations…. think about it. There are many of you right now that know you have a personal direction from God. It is something that God has spoken to you that you are to do, but for you to do it would mean that others will not understand, they will question you in doing it, or already have, or you realize that others will accept you if you do what you know God has said. Yet, in that, you struggle. You have no doubt about what God has said, and is saying to you. You know that God is able to handle all the details to bring it all together, but your only struggle is with “what will others think, or will they understand”? The answer is always NO! Most people will not, even those that claim to love you and believe that God is in control of all things, those will be the people who will do all that they can to make doing the will of God as difficult as possible…. but take heed, it still remains the word and will of God for your life and that will not change.

What if Jesus had waited until all understood what He was directed of God to do? What if God had waited until all of us understood and knew what was ahead before sending Jesus? Was acceptance and approval needed by Christ to do the will of God? Did He need to have the acceptance of those that were his friends, and family to do the will of God? The answer for Christ is the same as the answer for you….NO! Doing the will of God for your life, and following what God is telling you to do needs no confirmation, approval or acceptance of men, regardless of who those men are, or who they claim to be. Your acceptance is with God and you received that when He breathed into you the breath of life, and the acceptance of God will never depend on men, nor should you consider what men say or think before doing what you know God is directing you to do.

Want your trials and tribulations to cease? Want more than anything to do the will of God, for your life? Then you must do whatever it is that God directs you, without hesitation, reservation, acceptance or approval of anyone! Hear God, and do whatever it is that He directs you and let Him deal with the outcome.

Oswald Chambers penned “The Real Cost of Obedience” as follows. “If we obey God, it is going to cost other people more than it costs us, And that is where the sting comes in. If we are in love with our Lord, Obedience does not cost us anything, it is a delight, but it cost those who do not love Him a great deal.

If you obey God, it will mean that other people’s plans are upset and they will gibe us with it…”You call this Christianity?” We can prevent the suffering; but if we are going to obey God, we must not prevent it, we must let the cost be paid…..

We also can disobey God if we so choose, and it will bring immediate relief to the situation, but we shall be a grief to our Lord. If we obey God, He will look after those who have been pressed into the consequences of our obedience. We have simply to obey and to leave all the consequences to God!”

Have a wonderful week, and remember in all things, HEAR HIM!! ASK HIM!! KNOW HIM!!

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Are you doing the will of God?

Posted on December 4, 2003 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 1203-1
December 4, 2003

Are you doing God’s will?

Another wonderful week is upon us, and another opportunity to enjoy the wonderful will of God in all things. There are many things that continue to happen that most are so convinced have nothing to do with God, nor the will of God, without realizing that to believe either is to have no God at all, and to reduce God to being less than an Almighty Supreme Being that He is. Wonder why it is that many don’t believe in God, or want to know God, when it is clearer each passing day that it’s those that profess to know God and claim to believe He’s God, the Almighty Creator of all things, that don’t believe or live by what they claim.

We have those that say that they know the will of God, and that God is the Lord of their lives, and directs them in all things, and yet seek the acceptance, or permission of others to do what they say God has directed them to do. How is that possible? It’s like just this past week, I had someone call me on the phone and want to know if they could do something for me. I asked them the question that most of you know that I always ask, “What did God say?” The person responded, that God said for them to do what they mentioned. I then responded, “well if God told you to do it, why would you need my permission to do the will of God?” See its ever so clear that so many claim to know what God has told them to do, and they will quickly tell you that God has told them to do something, and yet they will seek permission, or acceptance, or try to make sure it’s not offensive to others in doing it. It’s like we’re saying that God has told us to do this, but we want to make sure that you’ll agree with us, and accept it if we do it. How can that be doing the will of God? Isn’t that more like doing the will of man over the will of God? When it’s God telling you to do something, you do it, no matter whether another person is upset by it, offended in it, or accepts or rejects it. It’s doing the will of God, that God has directed you to do that’s important, and not the acceptance or permission of another. When we ask for permission, or acceptance, or even check to see if another person would be offended by us doing it, then we are putting that person and their feelings and acceptance above God. We don’t like to talk about or even think about things like this, but it’s time that we do.

So many know what it is that God has directed them to do, and to say, yet they are so afraid of what someone else will think, or that they will be outcasts or rejected for doing what God has clearly told them to do, that they let fear be their “god”, and in doing so attempt to go against the very will of God… which by now some of you know is impossible… even when we try! Some haven’t even considered that to seek permission, acceptance, or even to check to see if it would be offensive, is to not do the will of God, and put the other person above God. Should it matter what another person does or says, when it’s God directing you to do something? Absolutely not! What if Jesus had thought it would be offensive if He did what God told him? What if John the Baptist had considered that he would have been beheaded for what he said and did? What if so many others in the bible would have considered the opinions, feelings, or the acceptance of others before they did what God told them? Where would we be today?

It’s time to hear God, to know what it is that God is telling you to do, and to do it. Without hesitation, reservation, or the acceptance of anyone else! You have the Almighty God, Creator of all things, whose will is perfect giving you the direction, so what’s there to consider more than that? If you have to stop and consider anyone else, then there are a couple of reasons that would cause that to happen. One, that it is not God telling you to do it! That you are following traditions of men or the teachings of men, or you are doing it because someone else has told you that you should. Two, that you know it’s God and you want to do what God has told you but you know that to do what God has told you will not be acceptable to others and that they will not like it or reject you for doing it and going against what they think is right. Three, that you are having trouble hearing the difference in the voice of God and the will of God and the other voices of tradition, and teachings that are so ever-present in all our lives, but the thing that we must all realize is this… God will always make HIS voice known to us, and if you have any question about it, all you have to do is ask God. He will make it abundantly clear to you whether it is HIS voice and then with that… the only thing that should stop you from doing whatever it is that God is telling you is GOD!! AMEN!! Let no one or nothing take the place of God in your life. We are to hear Him and do His will no matter what … and without hesitation or reservation!

There are some of you right now as you are reading this that God has directed you to do something, that haven’t done it yet. You have been looking at what will happen when you do, and what the consequences might be if you do what God has told you, or how it might affect you or others around you. Why? Is God really God? If so, then you do whatever it is that you know God has told you to do, and let God be God! Doing the will of God should be paramount in the lives of all that profess to know Him as God, and Lord! Otherwise, we have no God at all, and have made man our ‘god’!

Have a wonderful week, and remember in all things, HEAR HIM!! ASK HIM!! KNOW HIM!!

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Is the Will of God being done in the earth??

Posted on November 27, 2003 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 1103-04
November 27, 2003

Is the Will of God being Done in the Earth?

Is the Will of God being done in the earth today? As we come to the end of another week, this question is what many are thinking about. There are many things that people seem to think is beyond the power and control of the Almighty God. Because of so many teachings and traditions that have reduced God to being less than the Almighty, Supreme Being that He is, many have come to believe that the will of God is not being done in the earth today. I ask you, how is that possible? How is it that an Almighty God, who created all things, and who is in full control of all things could miss anything that’s happening in the world today, or not be the very hand guiding it and purposing it all? For us to see anything separate or apart from God, is to not see God as the Almighty Supreme being that He is!

Some would ask, how is it that with people being killed, and diseases rampant that God would allow such things, but we are reminded by the words of the bible that it was God that sent the flood, and it was God that cursed people and land and did so to accomplish His will! It’s like saying that we would somehow rather not had the flood, than have God have His will? But how would that be possible, for without that flood, the will of God wouldn’t have been done then and God wouldn’t have been really God!

So now with that in mind, let’s look at a couple of things. We all say that we want the will of God done in all the earth, and even if we don’t think it’s currently being done now, why is that? How does a person know the will of God? Some say it’s found in the pages of the bible, yet that’s not what the bible reflects as the way others before us knew the will of God. Some say it’s the words of the bible together with the words of a pastor, teacher, preacher, etc. But again, that is not the example that the bible gives us. So how is it that we are to know the will of God? Simple. We are to ask God and Hear Him! Those that profess to believe in God will quickly say that they want to do the will of God, but how is that possible without hearing God’s plan for today? How is it that we can know the will of God by hearing what the will of God was for the people of the bible? How can we claim to be doing the will of God in the earth today and no one is talking to God, asking God for His wisdom and understanding, and trusting God that His plan is the perfect one?

Then some say, well if God is God, and He is going to have His will in the earth no matter what, then why would I care what His will is or what my part is in that will? Great question! So to answer, let’s consider this, if you really believe that God is God, the Almighty Creator of all things, and that His will and plan is perfect, what sense would it make not to ask Him and know what His will is, and your part in it unless of course you really don’t believe He’s God? See it makes no sense at all to claim to believe God is God, that He is the Almighty, creator of all things, and in control of all things, and that He is going to have His will done in the earth no matter what, and then not bother to ask Him about it and your part in it to see it happen. Right? It is so easy to say that something is the will of God based on what others have told you, the bible records as His will before our time, or to echo what someone else has told you is the will of God… but the fact remains that until you ask God, and hear Him, how will you ever be sure that you’re doing the will of God? Why say you believe He is God, the Almighty, with the perfect plan for all of mankind, and not bother to ask Him about it and allow Him to share it with you and the role you were created for in the master plan? It’s time for all to ask, “are we doing the will of God… or trying to fight against God to have our own will done”? The reflection of your life will let you see clearly which it is… for if the fight is against God to have your will, you will see the reflection of YOU! If you are doing the will of God, no matter what, then the reflection your life casts will be that of God.. and whether anyone else recognizes it or not, you will. For you will see God, and know that it’s HIS will that is perfect, and that most of all, that you know that and believe it! AMEN!!

A person ask me once, “well God is going to do whatever God wants to do isn’t He”? I responded, sure He is, but if you really believe that, then why are you asking Him for things in prayer? There was no response … for in the very question was the answer, God is going to do whatever God wants to do, He’s God, but the point is that when we don’t acknowledge that in our lives, and fail to ask God His will each and every day, then we are only reducing God to being no God at all in our own lives, and the world has seen enough of that!! How can anyone say they are doing the will of God without first hearing God, and asking God His will for today!!

HEAR HIM!! ASK HIM!! KNOW HIM!!

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God Doesn’t See Things as Men do!

Posted on November 19, 2003 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 1103-03
November 19, 2003

God Doesn’t See Things as Men do!

Well another week is upon us and a lot is being seen! We are seeing God be God and we’re going to take a closer look at a couple of things this week that God would have us to be reminded of.

First, God is God! He is a Just God! He is the Creator of all things, and He is in control of all things! He does not see things or perceive them as we do. He is God! He doesn’t see things as being “right or wrong”, “good or evil” for He is God and nothing is beyond HIS control, HIS authority, or HIS will! He has a perfect will, and that is not based on what any of us thinks, accepts, or agrees with! He’s God!

It is when we, despite the very example of Christ, partake of the knowledge of good and evil and judge yourselves and those around us, that we are actually judging the Almighty God that creates all things and controls all things! How can we look at the death of a child and see that it’s a “bad” thing, without saying that the giver and taker of life, God Almighty is bad! How can we look at anything that an Almighty God has done or controls and consider it anything other than just, the perfect will of an Almighty God and still claim to believe that God is God!

Most people have an understanding of God only based on the teachings and traditions of men. Even though as some will say, never attended church, the influences of the traditions of men are everywhere. We hear how God knows the plans that He has for us, to prosper us and give us good health. That God will give us the desires of our hearts, and that it is His will that we have prosperity, power and wealth! That anything we ask God, in Jesus’ name He will do for us! Are those the words of the bible? Yes! Are they for you and I? No! Those words were spoken to people before our time! It is time for us to hear God’s word for each of us and to know God’s will and the part we have been created for that will accomplish the will of God today! I can assure you that some of the “parts” that God has for some are not going to be considered by “good” even though to God they are! Let me give you an example of this, so you can see what God is trying to show us today!

Judas Iscariot! Most of you will quickly say that this man was horrible. He sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, and later took his own life! That what he did was so bad that he didn’t deserve to live, but I ask you this, “where would we be if Judas had not done his part”? Would the prophecy that we find in the other books of the bible been fulfilled? Would God have men say that there would be one that would sell Christ for those thirty pieces of silver and then not have it happen and make himself a liar? What if Jesus wasn’t sold out? Would there have been a cross, and a resurrection? Would there have been a “redemptive work”? Now I ask you, would you have rather had Judas not do the will of God? Surely not! Did it make Judas elated over the job that God gave him? No! We see that clearly! Judas hung himself rather than face the rejection of the people. However we also see God, the giver and taker of life allow that because Judas had done God’s will, and Judas’ part in the fulfillment of the prophesies of God was complete. It was the catalyst for the cross, resurrection and redemption! But I’m sure that until now, most of you haven’t taken a moment to consider any of this!

So now, is what we see as good or evil important? No! God doesn’t and neither should we that believe HE is God! If He is the creator of all things, and nothing that has it’s being, is not created by him, then all things are GOD! If He controls all things then how can any event be “good or evil”? Why can we not just see it for what it is! The perfect will of an Almighty God which created all things, controls all things, and who is Just no matter how we perceive what He does!

With all that is happening in our nation today, I encourage you to see from the eyes of an Almighty God, creator of all things, and not from the tree of knowledge of good and evil that resulted in the death of Adam and Eve who was the first partaker of such judgement! For to see anything separate and apart from an Almighty God is to have no God at all!

HEAR HIM!! ASK HIM!! KNOW HIM!!

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Why is God letting this happen??

Posted on November 13, 2003 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 1103-02
November 13, 2003

Why is God letting this happen?

Once again this week brings us many of the acts of God and so much confusion in the minds of those that claim to know God and can’t understand why God would allow such things. We see that Judge Roy Moore has not only lost the right to have the “rock” in the courthouse, but also has lost his job for defying the law for which he took an oath of men to uphold. Was that God? Sure it was. See many do not understand the basis for the fight for the “separation of church and state”. So I ask you, isn’t it people such as Judge Moore that will declare that God gave man a “free will”? That it was GOD Himself that said in the bible, “choose this day whom ye will serve”?

On one hand they preach a doctrine of “free will” and the “God-given” right of all men to choose whether to serve God, and that a man must choose, but then on the other hand, mandate that the citizens of this country believe in God and have the “symbols” and words of God displayed in public. Why is that? If God is really God, the all-powerful Almighty God, then don’t you think that if He wanted the Ten Commandments in the courthouses they would still be there? If God is God, then why would He not stop the government from taking not only the commandments down, but the job of a man and the livelihood of a man standing so proudly against his employer to keep them on display?

If the Ten Commandments on display in the public buildings of America was going to influence all men to believe in God, and honor the country which claims to be “under God” you’d think by now that we would all be living this harmonious, God centered life, but we are not! In fact, if you take a moment to look back in history, you’ll see some key things that tell us differently. Like for instance, (only to mention a few).. We see several well-known and much televised ministers and ministries celebrating their 50th year in ministry, and likewise Play Boy celebrating their 50th year in business. We heard just this week one of those ministers celebrating his 50th year in the ministry expound on that and then in the same message say that in the last 50 years that the United States has become more corrupt than ever in the history of the country. Does that not seem to click with these people? Can they not see that the more that people who go out to mandate and dictate and control the people of this nation, and those of God’s creation, that the more “evil” it creates? As long as there are people using the name of God to mandate and dictate what is acceptable and necessary to be in relationship with God, there is going to be those that oppose it. Is that so hard to see?

The bible says “where there is law, there is wrath”… and “the strength of sin is the law”… so does that mean that we are to have no laws, absolutely not… as Paul would say, God forbid, however it is time for those that believe that God is the Almighty God, Creator of all things, in control of all things, to know what the “law” is. Yes, there are laws of this nation that are used to control the masses, and to keep order, but I ask you according to whom? If God is the one that is in full control of all things as so many claim to believe He is… then why isn’t it to HIM they are looking for the laws that dictate and govern them? How can you see anything separate and apart from an Almighty, Supreme Being you’re all calling God? Come on… think about it people…. This is God! It was God that sent the flood, without the intervention of men to destroy an entire people… it was God that sent the angel of death to take the lives of the first-born children, it was God that destroyed the Egyptians as they pursued the children of Israel, it was God that allowed the children of Israel to be destroyed at the hand of those to the north of them in the wilderness… it was God that allowed men and government to crucify Christ…. it was God, and it was also God that spared Lot in the face of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, it was God that spared the life of Moses in the bulrushes, it was God that spared the lives of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo…. it was God… He is the creator of ALL THINGS.. and all things are totally in HIS control or He simply isn’t God…. It’s time for us all to take a hard look at what we claim IS GOD! What is the attributes that God has that makes HIM GOD!! So with that… let’s explore a couple of them.. and then you and God continue this discussion after you finish reading this….

If God is really God, in control of all things, the Supreme Almighty, Creator of all things, then let me ask you this…
Why would you pray and ask God to change anything or anyone? (God’s will and plan isn’t perfect?)
Why would you look at someone and judge them as being good or evil? (God didn’t really create all?)
Why would you believe that the bible is the inspired word of God, but yet not believe that God inspires still to this day?(God has changed?)
Why would you believe that you’re a sinner, and that you continue to sin? (God didn’t create us all in His image and for His purpose?)
Why would you pray for someone and ask God to bless them with something? (God doesn’t know what they have need of before you or they ask?)
Why would you subject yourselves to the authority and accountability of anyone other than God? (God can’t teach you?)
Why would you tell anyone that they have to believe in God, or choose to serve God? (Is God not God until someone believes?)

See with only a couple of things, we can clearly see that our problem lies not in what we claim to believe but in the very attributes of that which we claim to believe in. It’s easy to claim to believe in God, and yet with our actions and the very “beliefs” speak against the very attributes that makes GOD … GOD! If God is God only when someone believe He is, then He is no God at all! If what you can say or do will impact God and change HIS Perfect will, then He’s no God! If what you think or believe or mandate to others will change their heart, then they are reducing the Almighty God to have you be their god!! Think about this!! Ask God! Let God arise and HIS enemies be scattered!! He knows His enemies… and will likewise scatter then! When He has a problem with someone… or something… He is able to take care of it.. or He’s no God at all! So I ask you in closing…. who is this “GOD” you claim to believe in and serve? Is He really the Almighty, Supreme BEING, the Creator of all things, controller of all things, or is He something less than a GOD?

See when you go about to try to tell others what they are to believe, mandate that your rights are honored over the rights of others, dictate the “belief” in one thing over another, and approach the throne of God with your “requests” to change someone’s heart, you’re approaching the very heart of God with your doubts and unbelief in WHO HE IS? Either God is really GOD, or He is not God at all!!!

HEAR HIM!! ASK HIM!! KNOW HIM!!

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America’s Issues and Christianity

Posted on November 4, 2003 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 1103-01
November 4, 2003

America’s Issues & Christianity!

Many things are happening this week! We have the partial birth abortion ban bill being signed into law by the President, (as if it could not have been done three years ago when the President took office). However, it is being signed into law this week, right before the elections, wonder why now? It was a means for the President to “make merchandise” of men by giving the “Religious Right” one item on their agenda, that would help to solidify their support of the President and the Republican Party.

We heard the President make a statement about the “neglect” to the African-American population, a day or so before the elections, again an attempt to gain votes, and sway Democrats to consider voting Republican. Does the Administration think we are not able to see through these tactics?

The Supreme Court declines to hear the case of “Roy’s Rock”, but has agreed to hear the case of “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. (For those of you that would like more on that topic, visit “Under God??”) So where does all this bring us? It’s clear, the government and the “religious” organizations of this nation, for “votes” are taking advantage of people to meet their agendas. It’s a continued attempt to merge church and state, for the benefit of a few at the cost of the masses. It is an attempt to keep the separation of church and state from moving forward. It is a defiance of the Constitution and should be able to be seen by all. It’s manipulation in the truest form and it’s hard to ignore, especially from the government and people of a nation claiming to be “Christian”! Wasn’t it Jesus Christ himself that referred to those that would “say what your itching ears want to hear”? How can a “Christian” nation be part of this?

We have “religious freedom” which is granted by the Constitution of this nation to all men equally. It gives all people the freedom to choose our “religion” or the lack thereof without any discrimination. It is not the “right” to dictate that all men be religious, or believe the same way that we do, or for that matter even believe. This is not a dictatorship, even though some in our “religious communities” and legislature try to make it that way, while claiming to be a “Christian” nation. What mockery!

As for the war on “terror”, the “terrorist” are not the people across the oceans from us, nor are they those that are other nationalities or religions. The “terrorist” are the “religious” groups, churches, and leaders in America that want to dictate to everyone who, what, how, and when, we are to express our religious convictions and mandate that all be “religious”. Their god is not the God that has allowed America to be a land of “religious freedom” in spite of their claims that the “founding fathers” were”Christian” and therefore this nation is a “christian” nation. It only takes a brief read into history to see that America and those that founded this land were not following the teachings of Christ themselves, nor did they ever intend to dictate that all that came to this land, were brought to this land, or that were born here would have any “religious” dictates placed on them in being here. They brought here their traditions and their teachings, and modified them based on their understanding and founded this nation based on that. There is no where in the history of America that mandates that to be an American, or to live in America that you must be “christian”. If that were so, how would we differ as a nation from those in other countries that dictate their citizens be of one “religion” or be outcasts, and killed? Isn’t that exactly where America is heading? Isn’t it going on right now in America?

Look around you! Isn’t it the ones that are claiming to be “christian” that are speaking against those that are not “christian”, making outcasts of those that don’t believe as they do, that won’t attend “services” as they do, that will not dress according to their dictates, nor behave and function in the community as they would have them? Sure they are… and it’s happening in every “religious organization” in America.. as well in other countries where these same “religious” organizations are allowed to infiltrate and bring this same dictate. Should the “religious organizations” have the freedom to believe, dress, behave, and function in the community as they see fit? Absolutely! However, they do not have, nor should they ever be allowed to dictate, how another person is to believe or make outcasts of those that will not or do not believe as they do. After all, who is it that says that the “christian” is the only person that is “right”? Isn’t God the only All Knowing being? Isn’t God the one that knows the heart of every man? Isn’t it God that is the judge of us all? Why don’t those that claim to believe in God, know God, or understand who the God is, believe what they claim? It’s simple to see they don’t!

What is the solution you might ask? Simple… it’s is understanding that as an American you are given “religious” freedom, but that extends no further than yourself. It’s not a freedom to dictate to anyone else, nor reject anyone else that is not of the same “religious” affiliations as you are. It’s time for us to know our God, and accept that He created all men in HIS image and after HIS likeness… and it’s only GOD that can make Himself known in the hearts of men. It is time to leave God’s creation to God! It is time to see all of God’s creation as just that… God’s creation! To embrace the beauty of God in each and everyone, and to welcome our differences, while not grouping or categorizing others based on what they “believe” but on what YOU BELIEVE!

If you’re going to claim to believe that GOD created all things, and is in control of all things, how can you do anything more than see others as YOU BELIEVE… even if they don’t. Be assured of this…. it doesn’t matter to God who does or who does not believe….. nor does it change who He is.. or what He is.. or what control and power that He has… and it never will, or He is no God at all! Think about it! It’s time to let God be God!

HEAR HIM!! ASK HIM!! KNOW HIM!!

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Hate Crimes

Posted on October 27, 2003 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 1003-3
October 27, 2003

Hate Crimes!

This week, we have heard in the news that Canada has signed into law a bill that prohibits religious organizations, churches, or any group from preaching or teaching hatred. This is a wonderful thing that God has allowed to happen, and hopefully it will be something that the legislature of this country will follow suit with. It is time to see that liberty and justice really is for all in this country, and that one group of people whether by race or religion doesn’t have any preferencial treatment at the expense of another.

We have “hate crime” law already in place in this nation, and it’s time to enforce it . It is time for those that spread hatred and fear among people, insight riots, demonstrations, boycotts and such against any specific group of people should be stopped! Doesn’t the bible that say that all men were created in the image of God? Isn’t it the bible that says that God is the creator of all things, and that all things were created by Him and for Him? To do the will of God, and fulfill the perfect plan of God?

Well I ask you, if that’s God’s plan, and He is in full control of all things, then why is it that the church and religious organizations in this country are preaching hatred and fear among the people? Why are they telling people to stand up against other people and to fight to have their rights taken simply because they don’t agree with or support the beliefs of the church? Just this week, I heard several well known ministers on national television say that it was time to stand up and fight! That it was time for the people to take a stand against those that don’t accept Christ, and are trying to destroy those that do. I have to ask this question, “who is the God that they claim to be serving?” How can anything be separate and apart from God, or out of the control of God? If God is God, then why isn’t it God that is destroying the ones that the church is having so much trouble with? Why is it that the churches are being struck by lightning, their financial support dwindling, and their missions closing if it’s not them that God has the problem with? Ask God!

We’ve got to start thinking about what we claim to believe, and ask God about some things if we are ever going to see past the teachings and traditions of men and that which is ANTI CHRIST, and see the truth! We have been taught to be so dependent on the teachings of others and do it without question or reasoning, and look where that has taken us as a nation. The church has had preferencial treatment in deciding national leaders, television ratings, and so much more, and has used the power that they had in the “numbers” to mandate the governments support, while fostering hatred, and liberty and justice for only a few. They call it “favor of God” when it’s nothing close to favor, only bondage and intimidation. I’ve recieved petitions to sign telling the President of this nation, which is elected by the people, that unless he will sign into law specific things that the church wants, then they will see to it that he is not re-elected. I have received petitions of similiar threatening tactics over the reinstatement of prayer in school, the issue with “Roy’s Rock” only to name a few. Why? It’s simple.. the tactics of manipulation and intimidation for the benefit of a few at the expense of others.

We have seen this week the Governor of Florida interfer in the law of the land over his religious beliefs against those of others, and change the law of the state of Florida to benefit one person. Why have law, and have the vote of the people to put lawmakers in office if one man or one group is going to have the power to overthrow the law for the benefit of one person, regardless of the situation! How can we claim to be a “christian” nation and yet be so far from the teachings of Christ which is the basis for the title “christian”?

It is time for the government of the people to be the government of the people.. not just the government of a few people. It’s time for those that claim to know God, to hear HIM and to follow HIM without being influenced by the dictates of a few. It’s time to put off the titles that so many have taken to describe themselves, to group themselves with others, to exalt themselves over others, and see all people for who they are…the perfect creation of an Almighty, Supreme God! To see anyone otherwise is only to foster hate and to deny the Creator of All things you claim to know!

If you believe there is a God, and He’s the Almighty God, then Hear Him and Believe Him! Stop the spread of hatred and fear! Stop the intimidation tactics of a few and look around you. The church is the one that is fostering the separation and hatred, when it is those same people that are claiming that GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD!! It can’t be both ways… either you beleive that GOD loved the world, or He lied!

HEAR HIM!! ASK HIM!! KNOW HIM!!

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The Debates Rage on.. why?

Posted on October 20, 2003 by Denise

“Come Reason”
Newsletter of Denise Smith
Volume no. 1003-2
October 20, 2003

The Debates Rage on… Why?

As we enter into this week, we find debates continuing, Supreme Court cases going forward, and all of it on the minds of many. The question must be asked, “Isn’t it time to be fed up and see that it has not accomplished anything?”The fights rage on, and as they do, the nation is divided! We’ve seen people debate the very existence of God, the word of God, the creation, and so many other things, and at the helm of all the debate are those that claim to know God, and hear His voice, but I have to ask, “are they really hearing God?”

There is no evidence that God argued or debated with anyone. Why would He? He’s God, right? So why would those that are claiming to be His people debate and involve the government of this nation to fight for rights that never have been taken from them? It makes you wonder who is this God that so many claim to be serving, and if everyone that claims the bible is the word of God, how have they missed what’s recorded in there about those that have heard the voice of God and done mighty things in times past.

Like Daniel, never fought for the right to pray publicly, he never did! He didn’t petition or boycott nor did he fight to get the government to allow him to pray. He went home, prayed in the privacy of his own home to God, and God showed the government who the God of Daniel was! Then we see the Hebrew children, not fighting for their rights, nor taking things to court, but trusting God, and walking out of the fire without even the smell of smoke… and having the government of that time, know readily the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo. Then we see, Lot, even in Sodom and Gomorrah which so many today are claiming that America is heading for being once again, not take on a fight in the courts, or a fight with those that were doing what so many claim was the sin, but it was God that removed Lot, and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and those people including Lot’s wife, knew who it was that was Lot’s served, and seen the provision of God, in the safety of Lot, even in the face of the destruction of the entire cities! Let’s also remember, Sodom and Gomorrah was not destroyed for homosexuality, but for refusing to HEAR GOD! (Hint, Hint)

I ask you, when it is that the people who are calling themselves by the name of God, are going to turn from their wicked ways and hear GOD!! It was the Pharisees (the religious sect of the Jewish nation) in the days of Jesus that turned to the government to carry out what they claimed was their laws… only to have the government find no fault with the one that they brought to them. Why is it that the “religious” today, those calling themselves “christian” are repeating that same thing… not willing to trust God, to do His will, but are trying to turn to the government of this nation to uphold their law, and their rights! Why not trust the God of Lot, Abraham, Daniel, Christ, and many others, that did not take the issue to the courts, but trusted God! Wasn’t it God that said, “vengeance is mine”! Why aren’t those that claim to be men and women of God, not willing to trust God?? HEAR HIM!

Some will say, but it’s our place to fight! Is it? Isn’t the battle already won? Wasn’t it Christ that said go not to law against your brother and if He takes you to law seeking your tunic that you give him your cloak also? Where is your God? Shouldn’t you be the one willing to trust the God that you claim is God? Isn’t it your God that is the judge of All?

Believers should embrace the opportunity for “under God” to be removed from the pledge. We should welcome public prayer being removed from our schools, buildings and other public locations. We should welcome alternative lifestyles and those that are part of it! We should refuse to see anything separate and apart from God, or we’re simply not seeing God as He really is … GOD! Think about it.. what kind of God is it that you serve that has changed and is not able to take care of doing HIS WILL? Wasn’t it your God that so loved the world that He took away the sins of the world?

The book of Acts records some words that should be remembered. It states, “let those people alone, for if their counsel is not of God they will fail, but if their counsel be that of God, you will find yourself haply fighting against God himself“. Has those words occurred to any of you? Have they not been read in your bible as you have taken on the fight, or followed it in the years since prayer was taken out of schools, abortion legalized, and many other things happened?? Can you not seen that God has allowed it, and has not allowed these people to fail in their attempts? Are you not seeing that it’s a fight against God Himself, and those of you claiming to be of God, that have taken on the fights are the ones that are fighting against God? Come on, how blind can we be?

See God for who He is, and trust God! If God has a problem with all of this, God will take care of it! If He doesn’t and you join in the fight, you’ll find yourself fighting against God himself!

If this nation, it’s government and it’s people, along with the rest of the world is to see God, it will happen only when those of God, let God be God!!

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