POWER BLOG

Link: http://powerofaith.com

Is it a sin for a Christian to play the Lotto? The only example in the bible where it was truly a sin to gamble, was when the centurians were drawing lots (gambling) for Jesus` clothes. But then, the centurians were "not" Christians.

There are really no scriptures against it. If you do it for fun and you can afford it, then do just that! Have fun. Know that your chances of winning big are small to almost non existant, but have fun.

I've had people write in and ask me to pray for them to win the lottery. (and I do) They say, if I won, I'd give money to the Church and to the poor. But the truth is if you're not giving any money to the church or to the poor now, it's highly unlikely that God will answer that prayer.

It may sound real good to say, but the truth is, if your not giving anything now, you won't give anything after you win the lottery either. God knows that, and in your heart, you know it.

However, if you can afford a dollar a week, have fun with it. If it ever reaches a point where you are spending money on the lottery and can't afford to pay your bills or put food on the table, the lottery is "not" for you and you would do wise to avoid it.

If you play the lotto, you're not sinning, but if you give a dollar to promote the work of God, you'll be storing up riches in heaven. If you give a dollar to the poor, or even a neighbor kid to buy an icecream, at least you get a smile in return for your investment.

The best way is: "Do both" (if you can afford it)

Read more on this: http://powerofaith.com/lotto.htm

Link: http://pofm.org

This painting by: Ralph Kozak is probably one of the best pictures I have ever seen of Jesus Christ. I personally believe that this one image of him laughing, more acurately describes him, than all the works by all the master artists combined.

Most images of Jesus portray him as being so, serious, religious and majestic that we can't relate to him. One of the reasons he came here in human form, in the flesh, was so we "could" relate to him.

I'll bet he was not only happy, I'll bet it was contagious. I'll bet to be around him was to feel joy.
http://picturesofjesus4you.com/223.html

Link: http://www.powerofaith.com

Mary said: According to John 2:5 ~

His mother *said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

2000 years later, It's still good advice!

Link: http://www.powerofaith.com/pray.htm

I personally don't remember it very well, but when I was a toddler, probably about three or four years old, I used to have an invisible friend named George. According to my parents, George went everywhere with me. I talked to him allot and my mother used to have to set a place at the dinner table for George. (or I'd throw a fit)

Where most parents would tend to freak out when their child starts talking to someone who isn't there, my parents handled it pretty well. They neither promoted it nor condemned it. They just waited for me to grow out of that stage and eventually, I did.

I've read allot of different theories about this subject and though some people say that it's reason for concern, most experts say that it's a sign of a good imagination, creativity and a healthy mind. (whew)

On my website as well as on this blogsite, you will hear me stress the need to have a personal relationship with God. Sure it may seem like I'm wearing it out, but it so imperative to receiving answers from God that it's worth repeating. If no one gets anything from this website, I pray that they would hear that!

If they will get in the habit of talking to God and have a relationship with him, God "will" do the rest. Allot of people find it extremely hard to just talk to God regularly. I personally don't find it hard, I find it enjoyable. I often wonder, is this because of "early training?". From talking with George when I was little? (who knows)

I do know that God has stepped in and rescued me from horrible trouble. I watched him defeat and humiliate my enemies who were out to defeat and humiliate me. (or worse) I watched him bless me, and I still do.

Some years ago I was talking with a friend (more like a close acquaintance) and I was telling him that the main time God really seems to listen and hear my prayers, are when I am distraught and praying intensely. He replied: "No, No, No - we were meant to calmly walk and talk with God, just like Adam did in the garden of Eden".

Well, I couldn't very well disagree with "that". After all, that does seem to be what God created man to do! Walk and talk and fellowship with him. So I thought about it and came to the conclusion that "we were both right". God hears us when we walk with him calmly in the back yard, and he hears us when we are crying out to him desperately for help.

The common factor here is "we're talking to him". Either way, we are including him and having a personal relationship with him. I don't know whatever happened to George, but I have replaced him with a new friend. His name is Jesus. Was it George that got me into this habit, or even made it easier to talk to God? (I don't know - maybe)

I don't know where you are, but all I can say is "Thank you George" and "Thank you God". You've both been good friends.

Link: http://www.powerofaith.com

I guess it may look hypocritical to some folks that on occasion I sign my letters as "Pastor" Dan Douglass, (technically, it's Reverend) when I've made it clear that I don't believe in using a title that would leave the impression that any one person is actually of a higher rank or status than the rest of the church or congregation of Jesus Christ.

There is only one head of the Christian Church, Jesus (the) Christ. So, why do I do it? I do it for the benefit of those that are in deep distress, have no hope or have lost faith. To tell someone how to get God to answer their prayers or receive a miracle, is received gladly if they believe they are receiving it from someone in authority. On the other hand, it is hardly received at all if it is from "Joe the mechanic".

I'll be honest though, Joe the mechanic may have better advice to offer than me. Maybe Joe had cancer and God healed him from it. I haven't! If you were to write in because you had cancer, who would you rather get advice from? Me? or Joe the mechanic?

Pastors are only human. They have no more of a "Red Phone" line to God, than you do! People want to believe that their pastor is Holier and ranked higher than they are, and the pastors wallow in it like a pig wallows in the mud. I'm sorry, this is just simply "Not True".

If you are depending on your pastor to get you to heaven, then you are on the wrong train. You need to know that not everything your pastor teaches you is correct! You would be hard pressed to find even two pastors who agree on everything, even within the same denomination.

God never intended for you to find a disciple of Christ, then follow him around the rest of your life. God intended for you to "Be the Disciple!" He intended for you to "make disciples" and then set them free to do the same. Jesus never intended for us to be forever dependant on a church or so called Church leader.

"You" are to be the leader! "You" find out where the water is, then "You" lead people who don't know where the water is, to the water. Then you let "them" drink it! Then they will be able to lead other people who are thirsty to the water, because they know where it is.

The problem with the modern Church is that preachers are not leading you to the water. Instead, they keep the water locked up and ration out just enough to make you feel good, but then you have to return to them later for more! Then they teach you to recruit other people to come to "them" for the water. Soon they are as much a captive as you are.

Captive? Yes, I'm talking to you. Jesus "is" the water. Matter of fact, he referred to himself as the "living water" and he is. Jesus made it very easy for you to be saved and go to heaven. However, most preachers make it "very hard" for you.