So You Want To Get Married?

Darkness to Light (my testimony)

I was living in darkness. I was headed for disaster. I had a drug problem. I had a drinking problem. I was out of control. Then came the freeway crash.

But more than that. Someone in heaven reached down. Someone (Christ!) reached down and lifted me out. He opened my blind eyes. He unstopped my deaf ears. He delivered my soul.

I can't explain it. It's like there's this whole other world (spiritual dimension) that I was oblivious to. (After all, it wasn't being taught to me in school.) This whole other world can only be accessed through faith.

Let me put it to you this way. God is not a man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19) Jesus never sinned ~ not a single time. (John 8:46) Why not believe Him? Take the chance like I did.

You've read my posts. I'm a present day Saul turned into Paul. (Acts 9:1-19) (I wish you could see the tears as I write this.) I was living for the devil. (Oh, how you have no idea how messed up I was.) But then I met the Savior.

Some of you Jesus Christ is trying to rescue at this very moment. He's reaching down from heaven (even via this post). Ephphatha! (Mark 7:34) \o/

"[Christ] has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9c)

Friendly Fire (What's a Shot Gun Blast Among Friends?)

According to wikipedia, "friendly fire" is the "inadvertent (unintentional) firing towards one's own or otherwise friendly forces while attempting to engage enemy forces, particularly where this results in injury or death." It goes on to attribute many "friendly fire" incidents to a so-called "fog of war." It adds: "Fog of war incidents fall roughly into two classes: Errors of position ... [and] Errors of identification." And I wonder if we don't have some incidents of "friendly fire" taking place in the church from time to time. It can come from any of the following three directions: (1) brother (in Christ) to brother (same as sister to sister; brother to sister; sister to brother); (2) brother to preacher; and lastly (3) preacher to brother. (Yeah, it happens from the pulpit, too.) Jesus referred to His disciples, James and John, as the "Sons of Thunder." It was not without cause. At the drop of a hat it seemed the pair was ready to blow up a village and ask questions later. (Luke 9:51-56) In another episode, they saw someone who was doing similar miracles to the ones they were doing, but since he wasn't in the "in" crowd (following them), they sought to stop him. (They were jealous?) The "Sons of Thunder" would shoot him down, too, except for Christ's intervention. (Mark 9:38-40)) I think it's significant to note that James and John were in a "fog" in both incidents. (See Bible passages.) They had an error of position and an error of identification and Jesus pointed it out. "'You do not know what kind of spirit you are of.'" (Luke 9:55) And we can get all hot and bothered and our underwear in a bundle over the actions of others, especially of believers. It happens. But even if they're sinning, sure we ought to confront them, but not with a shot gun blast. "Then Peter came and said to Him, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" (Matthew 18:21-22)

Virus (Heart) Scan

When was the last time you ran a virus scan on your computer?

I don't know about you, but I get lazy. Here's what I mean. I've got so much going on that I keep putting off scanning my computer for viruses for another day. "Well, with Twitter and Facebook and blogging and video blogging and reading others' posts and keeping up with the latest politics and news headlines as well as adding value to the online (and offline) community, I'll just do that tomorrow." Do you ever talk to yourself like that or think it?

And I was considering this same type of scenario as it has to do with our hearts and how we deal with the sin that so easily entangles us. (Hebrews 12:1) You do know that you still sin from time to time as a Christian. Right? You're simply not better than me in that department. No one is. (Romans 3:10)

But we put that off, too. We put off "scanning for viruses / dealing with sin" for another day. We put it off. And we put it off. And we put it off some more. And then what happens is we got all this crud and junk and temporary cache files bogging us down and maybe a malware virus or trojan horse or two. (Those are the real bad ones.) And we're literally hijacked.

Do you ever find yourself less than patient/short with your spouse or kids or burdened with worry more than you ought to be or in bondage to ugly thoughts (why do I keep thinking like that?) or it could be anything else where you're just not living the abundant life Jesus talked about, quite frankly? (John 10:10) I suggest it's because you need a "virus / heart scan."

You'll be surprised how your "system" runs so much better after it. (I think the analogy works.) Who needed to hear this?

"If we confess our sins, He (Christ) is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed." (James 5:16)

Friends (An Ode)

They make you smile. They make you laugh. They make you think. They know you best. They see your worst. They’re sad when you’re sad. They’re scared when you’re scared. They hold you up when you’re down. They have the power to speak into your life. They are there when you need them most. You’d be lost without them. Friends. "'Abraham had faith in God, and God was pleased with him.' That's how Abraham became God's friend." (James 2:23)

How It Ends (An Ode)

Unemployment soaring. States bankrupting. Stock market tanking. Lawlessness at the top levels of government. Oil gushing in the Gulf. Flood waters swamping Tennessee. Illegals overwhelming Arizona. Europe on the verge of collapse. Upheaval in Thailand. North and South Korea on the verge of war. Iran nuking up. Israel in a corner. Jesus at the door. "For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will." (Matthew 24:21)

UFOs, Little Green Men and Bible Interpretation

The Bible. God’s Word. The sword of the Spirit. The “word of truth.” The Lord’s holy book goes by many names.

And you can prove anything with the Scriptures. Do you realize that? You can prove anything with the Bible. What do you need to prove?

Some people believe in ETs and space aliens. And even the Bible backs these beliefs. It really does. (So they say.)

Like when Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot. That really wasn’t what you thought it was. Instead, it was an alien abduction.

And what of the wheels/discs that the prophet Ezekiel saw in his vision? Or the "star" the Wisemen followed? Yep. You guessed it. They were flying saucers.

And then - do you really think our Lord went to heaven on a cloud when He ascended from the Mount of Olives? No way. He, too, was stolen away - by little green men. (Where's Fox Mulder and Dana Scully when you need them?)

Which brings me to the very important subject of interpreting the Bible. And the art of interpretation – you really do need to have it in your head what is a reasonable approach to extracting the meaning from the Word of God as opposed to imposing your own meaning upon it. Do you know there’s a difference? (The big words in Bible school are “exegesis” versus “iesegesis.”)

And a great start to correctly interpreting the Bible is when you understand the Bible itself is a useful tool for interpretation. And there are thousands of commentaries out there, but did you know what the best commentary on the Bible is? It's the Bible! The Bible really is a commentary on itself. Do you have a good commentary? If you have a Bible you do!

And so the next time you need to interpret a verse or passage or chapter you should search the Scriptures for relevant portions that speak to the same topic and find out what they have to say which then you’ll have a good idea especially when it comes to some of the more challenging issues.

To sum it up, let the Bible interpret the Bible. When you do, you’ll find your understanding of God’s Word going in the right direction. And you’ll come to realize the UFOs and little green men you thought you saw in the Scriptures weren’t really there after all.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15; KJV)

(Picture above in the public domain: here.)

Top 10 Trending Topics on Twitter the Day After Rapture

The trumpet is about to sound. (Revelation 11:15) When it does, believers in Jesus Christ will be "caught away" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) in the "twinkling of an eye" (1 Corinthians 15:52) to meet the Lord in the air. They will be removed from the earth. That's when all hell breaks loose. Trust me. You don't want to be left behind. Some of you will be reading this post who are. You'll bookmark/favorite it today and you'll come back to it on the day after Rapture. You'll come back to find out if I was right about the...

Top 10 Trending Topics on Twitter the Day after Rapture:

10. Millions disappear
9. Christians gone
8. Evolution takes next step
7. Great world leader appears
6. Peace treaty with Israel
5. Global government
4. One world religion
3. Microchip implant
2. Justin Bieber still here?
1. 666 (Revelation 13:18)

A Mountain Top Prayer

I climbed to a mountain top recently. It wasn't just any old mountain top. It was the mountain top where I had prayed for a wife many years earlier. I prayed there, "Lord, I want to get married. It needs to be a woman who loves You just like I do." And so this was the very same mountain top on which I now stood. But this time it was different. You see, my wife was with me (the one I'd prayed for so many years earlier) and along with her, our three kids, ages 18, 16 and 11 were also there. Wow. Talk about cool. When I'd prayed for a wife long ago it never crossed my mind we'd be there in the future standing together like that. But God knew we would be. Actually, He planned it that way. And did you know that prayer isn't so much us asking God to do something as it is us agreeing with God as regards what He's already decided to do? And so it was really God who prompted me on that mountain top to pray for a wife so that what He had planned would come about. Wow. That's cool, too. "This is the confidence which we have before Him (Christ), that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." (1 John 5:14-15) "But He knows the way I take." (Job 23:10) (That's my little one, Theresa, in the picture at Coyote Hills in Newark, California.)

In Memory of Zion

Pastor Mike shares his original worship chorus about the Jewish captivity long ago. Is America headed that way?

How Far We've Fallen (A Call to Prayer)

We don't pray. Let me explain. You see, there's this big oil spill off the Louisiana coast and, don't get me wrong, it's not like we shouldn't be busy doing everything possible to stop it, but we ought to be praying, too. (Ya think?) I know. I know. There are people who are praying, but not all of us. We do that a lot these days. We say, "You're in our thoughts and prayers," but we're not praying. We're "just sayin'." There are some things beyond us, folks. (Hello.) Like oil spills and earthquakes and global warming and out of control spending, etc. I could go on. (And sin. And death. And hell.) We won't handle it without God. Just try putting toothpaste back in the tube and you'll understand what I mean.

The Perfect Game

I was the 2nd baseman on a baseball team called the "Orioles" for three years in Little League Seniors. The last two years we won the championship and missed going undefeated by one game (17-1) in year 3. (God had to keep us humble?!) Probably the most significant memory for me (beyond these) was the "perfect game" my friend pitched. 7 innings, 21 outs, no runs and no hits. What made it even more significant was moi (pronounced "mu-ah") had to make five different plays on balls hit to him to help secure the feat. One of the plays was on a short liner just over my head into right field. Without thinking I had to scramble with my back to the infield and catch it over my shoulder while diving to the grass. That's how close we came to losing the perfect game. Now what if I'd rather have been playing shortstop or catcher or left field instead of where I was meant to be? Let's just say I had gotten caught up in another position instead of my own. After all, it was so much more glamorous to be somebody else on the field as opposed to what I was doing and was best equipped for and the boring place between 1st and 2nd. And it's not like anyone else couldn't have made those plays and that catch over the shoulder. But it was designed for me. It was meant for me. I was the one chosen by the manager and coaches to be there that day for whatever was to take place. And just maybe that perfect game would never have happened if I was somewhere else. Quit trying to play a different position in the Body of Christ other than your own. And quit dreaming, "If only I were so-and-so or him or her or over there or doing that." God didn't need you there or need another him or her. He needed you. He crafted you to play 2nd base (or wherever you happen to be playing). Now get back out on the field and make that catch. It's yours to make. And you'll make it. "I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) It's always a perfect game when you're playing your position. \0/

7 Lies About Abortion

I used to work in a deli/cafe as a sandwich maker. A friend and coworker of mine was in a bad relationship at the time, got pregnant and decided to get an abortion. I tried to talk her out of it, but her situation was just too overwhelming. She got the abortion. As I look back, I can't help but think of the position of my friend. It wasn't an easy thing to find yourself with child by a guy who didn't love you. It wasn't an easy thing to find yourself unsupported and having to decide whether or not to end a pregnancy. It wasn't an easy thing to find yourself dealing with feelings of loneliness, despair, turmoil, fear ~ and anger, too. The conclusion: It's real people who grapple over the abortion issue. It's real people who need to be loved and cared for, talked to and pointed to a better way. I hope the following list is a tiny step in that direction...

7 Lies About Abortion:

#1: The 6th commandment does not prohibit abortion. (Exodus 20:13)
#2: You can be a Christian and be "pro-choice."
#3: That thing in the womb is not a human being.
#4: Abortion is not murder.
#5: A woman is not traumatized by the experience.
#6: There is not a tremendous sense of guilt that follows.
#7: God can not forgive you if you've had one.

"If we confess our sins, He (Christ) is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

"'Come to Me (Jesus), all who are weary and heavy-laden (with guilt and sin), and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you (walk in obedience to my life-enriching instructions) and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Matthew 11:28-29)

How Are You With "New"?

We like the "status quo" (or come to like it). I'm talking about believers in Jesus Christ. What I mean be "liking the status quo" is we so easily settle into a way of doing things ~ and it's usually our way of doing things that we settle into. (Ya think?) Jesus exploded on the scene long ago and, in the way the Gospel of Mark describes it (and I paraphrase), He was a (quote) "new preacher with power." (Mark 1:21-28; 38-39) We're not always ready for a "new preacher with power." Let me explain. You see, we're used to doing things differently. We're used to the "status quo", thank you. Don't rock the boat. Don't change things. That can be uncomfortable. That can "unseat us" from our places of importance and "in charge-ship." Jesus would go on to hang out with the "tax-gathers and sinners." (Mark 2:16) Do you remember that part? The scribes and Pharisees weren't too happy that the new preacher hung out with untouchables. More than that. They were downright incensed. And their "us four and no more" mentality can become ours, too. You see, we're used to doing things differently. We're used to the "status quo", thank you. Don't rock the boat. Don't change things. That can be uncomfortable. That can "unseat us" from our places of importance and "in charge-ship." How are you with "new"? Some people (even some Christians) miss God because they're stuck in the rut of themselves. Selah. (Measure wisely; weigh solemnly)

On Obeying God (Following Jesus Series 2)

The Gospel of Mark (or Someone Else?)

The Gospel of Mark is action-packed. It was written to the Romans who loved action. It reads as a thriller. It's John Grisham, Michael Crichton, Stephen King, Frank Peretti and more. It never stops from beginning to end. If Matthew is the Gospel of the King (lion), if Luke is the Gospel of the human Christ (man), if John is the Gospel of the divine Jesus (eagle), then Mark is the Gospel of the Servant (ox/calf/beast of burden). It presents Jesus as a servant serving others and meeting their needs. The writer highlighting this aspect is none other than John Mark of book of Acts' fame. (Acts 15:36-41) But how could he know these things about Christ of which he wrote? Of course, God would "breath upon" him as regards what to include and exclude. (2 Peter 1:20-21) And sometimes the Spirit's work is as natural as receiving dictation from a friend. It is believed that the Apostle Peter is the one from which Mark received much of his material. And the evidence is pretty convincing. One such proof is the references in Mark to one named "Simon" and "Peter." There are 7 mentionings of Simon (the prime Apostle's name prior to meeting Christ). If you have a Bible I encourage you to circle "Simon" in Mark 1:16 (it's there twice), then in Mark 1:29, 30, 36, 3:16 and 14:37. Beyond that, we find "Peter" mentioned and referred to a total of 22 times. The most significant of those is the Resurrection angel's statement at the empty tomb to the women there, "'But go, tell His (Christ's) disciples and Peter.'" (Mark 16:6-8) Do you see that there? Why would Mark include that particular angelic comment? He would only include it if the one to whom it had the most meaning had told him. The Gospel of Mark is really our Lord's life and ministry through the eyes of Simon Peter. Only an eyewitness could know these things. Only someone who was there in person. And I think that's pretty cool.

Brush with Death (Following Jesus Series 1)

My “MO” and How I Use Twitter

My online “mo” is blogging and vlogging. (vlog=video blog) I think it’s important to have an “mo” (method of operation). It keeps you from becoming sidetracked. It’s so easy to become sidetracked with social media. (Have you noticed?) It’s so easy to become sidetracked with Twitter especially.

There are so many voices out there telling you how much time to spend, how many tweets to send (that rhymes), what you can and can not do, even chastising you when you don't obey the "rules." (Yes, even I've been blasted.) The bottom line: I stick to my “mo.”

I especially use Twitter to promote my blog and vlog posts. I engage in conversation, too. I spend time listening, too. I follow others and promote others, too. I tweet news articles, songs, Bible verses and a little politics, also. But that doesn’t consume the bulk of my time. The bulk of my time is spent producing (or at least trying to produce) good content. If you produce good content the thinking is: "they will come" (to coin a phrase). It seems to have worked.

The recent Easter/Holy Week numbers for @aheartforgod's posts totaled 6,162 views. That's 880 a day, 37 an hour ~ and from all over the world. (See maps in right sidebar.) How do I keep count? I add up youtube views (over 3,000 Easter/Holy Week due to the Last Sayings of Jesus series), tangle.com views (where most of my vlog traffic comes from - going on 230,000) and the number of visits from a simple counter at the bottom of aheartforgod.net.

So what's your method of operation? How do you use Twitter? Are you able to measure success? I hope this brief look at my "mo" helps to enhance yours.

Proof of Reliable Witnesses

There was a knock at the door and my dad opened it only to find two police officers there. And as it wasn't an uncommon thing for this type of visit to the Campagna home, it would be this time. You see, my brother - he'd be the one who'd often get in trouble in the neighborhood and the cops would often come to talk to my parents about it as certain neighbors would complain. But this time the officers weren't coming for Tony (that's my brother's name). No. They were coming instead for another person that happened to live under the Campagna roof. They were coming instead for "yours truly" ~ me ~ not quite Pastor, just plain ol' Mike back then.

You see, it seemed that someone had, on a recent night, done some "work" on a particular house in the track of houses a ways from where I lived. And the work they did included a number of things like "toilet-papering" it, spraying shaving cream on the windows and walls and cars, and then even putting peanut butter in the locks. Yeah, they did it right who did that stuff and more to that particular house. And the "they" the cops thought that did it was not my brother, Tony, this time, but me~and especially since I came to find out later that my name was signed on one of the house's walls along with a friend of mine's (and I think it was in big letters that our names were signed to boot!).

Now to say the least, I was stunned at what I was hearing and didn't know what to do. And that's when good ol' dad stepped in. "I can vouch for the lad," is a paraphrase of what he told the officers as I remember it. My dad went on, "He was in bed the night the incident happened."

And as quickly as they'd come, the cops left. And the reason why they left was because they were offered proof of my innocence. (It's the point I'm wanting to make.) And it was by a reliable witness's testimony that the proof came.

And we have the proof of reliable witnesses of Christ's being alive after He died, my friends. And we can trust their stories because it was under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that they were recorded in the Bible.

These reliable witnesses include:

(1) Mary Magdalene - who grabbed hold of our Lord and was "clinging" to Him on Resurrection Sunday (see John 20:15-17a);

(2) The disciples - who literally gave Jesus a piece of fish and He ate it! (Luke 24:36-43);

(3) Saul - who met Christ alive on the Damascus road and the encounter changed his life and name (Acts 9:1-6). Each of these met a living Lord after His crucifixion and burial.

To read more about these reliable witnesses' testimony (and see a list of others who testify) click here: Proof Christ Is Alive. It'll be worth your while to check it out. Have a happy Easter everybody!

The Lord Cometh (instrumental)

Pastor Mike shares his original instrumental about the return of Christ. Lord come!