I'm In Knoxville, Tennessee! God Is Good!
Keep praying, God still reigns over the universe

By David J. Stewart | October 2013

Hebrews 11:27, “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”

       Hurray! I'm in Tennessee! I flew from Hilo to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines, then took Delta Airlines to Los Angeles, stopped for a short layover. Then flew the same plane to Minneapolis, had a one hour layover, then flew another Delta jet to Knoxville. I fell asleep for much of the trip, which made it go quicker. My sinuses dry out from the dry air on the planes, which for some reason really aggravates my neck pain. My gums, nose and face are hurting horribly as I type, as the pain radiates from my neck. Over the counter pain meds don't help much.

It's feels so nice to be back in the states. Most Americans don't realize how good we have it here in the United States. Even Hawaii feels like a foreign country, and in many respects is just that. I really enjoyed being in California in 2009 for my first neck surgery. I came to Knoxville cold turkey with no reservations for anything. I rented a car at the airport and found a hotel to stay while driving around. It's kind of fun doing things spontaneously like that. I was just burned out in Hawaii and in so much pain that I couldn't do any more. I drove through Maryville and am now in Alcoa, just south of Knoxville. There's a live Mexican band singing and playing in the next room and they sound really nice. I'm using their wireless Wi-Fi in the front lobby, sitting on their comfy couch. I wanted to let my web visitors share in my adventure and let you know how my day went. The airlines accidentally sent my 75 pounds of luggage to Atlanta, Georgia. Delta is supposed to drop it off tonight, hopefully. Not to worry, I made it in one piece. Thank you Lord!

I bought a loaf of “rainbow bread” before I left Hilo from a place called “Low International Foods.” A local man makes 11 different flavors of his famous bread. I tried some of his coconut bread, and he also makes mango bread. The rainbow bread is colored, I guess with food coloring, but it has a great texture and tastes wonderful. My loaf got smashed flat in my carry-on bag on the plane, but I just ate some and it tasted really great. Now I guess you could also call it “flat bread” ...lol.

I love Mexican food and music. They're having a private baptism party I was told by the Indian man in charge of the hotel. I'm listening to the music as I type and it is very pretty. I ate at a Mexican restaurant earlier today when I arrived, which I found while driving. They spoke broken English, but were very friendly, the food was great and I really enjoyed being there. I rarely go out much, so the past three weeks have been a grand blessing for me and very appreciated from the Lord. Some people travel and eat out so much that they no longer appreciate it. But to me, this has all been overwhelmingly awesome! God is so good! It doesn't take much to make me happy. I'm a simple person. The Bible tells us to be content with just food and clothing (1st Timothy 6:8).

Being in physical pain all the time has compelled me to appreciate life much more than I ever did. But the pain makes me irritable easily, so I have to continually be careful, which drains my energy. My neck is hurting badly and burning, with sharp pain down my right arm, so I won't spend much longer typing, and I am very tired from my travels. I just wanted to let my web visitors know that you're all in my heart and mind continually.

Oh yeah, I stopped by a cool looking bookstore in the Minneapolis airport. There's about 4 big pillars on top of large stacked books. It looks really nice. As I looked over the books I remembered that I wanted to read Bill O'Reilly's (co-author) new book titled, “Killing Jesus.” I bought the book for $30 including $2 tax. I'm not an O'Reilly fan because he covered-up for the 911 Inside Job and he covers for the New World Order criminal establishment, whether he realizes it or not. Albeit, so far I really like the book. It is fascinating. It's not a religious book; but rather, contains details from secular history pertaining to the life of Jesus. I learned a lot in the airport and on the plane reading about Herod, who the book says had kidney problems, gout in his feet, worms, gangrene and venereal disease at the time he ordered all the Jewish children murdered in an attempt to kill Jesus.

Herod had his own family murdered due to his paranoia of losing his title as “King of the Jews.” Herod had renovated the temple which Zerubbabel rebuilt, so basically Herod considered it his own temple. O'Reilly writes about popular methods of execution in Jesus' time, including: wild animals, forcing people to jump off tall buildings, stoning, a skull-crushing hammer and being burned alive. Herod didn't use crucifixion though, lest he offend one of Rome's high rulers back in Rome, since it was their preferred method of capital punishment.

The book reveals that both Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy believed that Jesus is God. O'Reilly does too, and he believes in the virgin birth. But Bill O'Reilly professes in the book to be a devout Roman Catholic, which means Biblically he is not a born again Christian believer. Catholics are foolishly taught that salvation can only be obtained through water baptism into the Roman Catholic church, and also by keeping all of the Seven Sacraments of the Roman church. Bill O'Reilly dedicates his book to all those who love their neighbor as them self. I like that! The book shows a different side of O'Reilly that I like. There's no question that he is a good man (as far as sinful men go... “For all have sinned,” Romans 3:23), with sincere and wholesome intentions; but the Bible warns in Proverbs 16:25 that there is a way that SEEMETH RIGHT unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions!

Anyway, Lord willing I plan to write a full review when I finish the book. I'm only in the first chapter still. Very interesting stuff. It reminds me of the type of things that I learn from Pastor J. Vernon McGee's Thru The Bible series, which includes a lot of secular historical facts. I was listening to Pastor McGee on the radio in Hawaii, on the Big Island a few days ago. I always love listening to him preach. He was known for often wearing vivid colored Hawaiian shirts. In 1988, he went to be with the Lord in his sleep at 84 years of age. I learned the phrase that I often use about having churchianity without Christianity from J. Vernon McGee. Like Evangelist Billy Sunday, Pastor McGee with a Presbyterian minister. Today, the Presbyterian denomination has embraced homosexual ministers and is for the most part DEAD spiritually, although I am still convinced that there are some good churches out there.

Lord willing, I'll check out North Knoxville and Cookeville over the next few days. One day at a time. My luggage just arrived from Delta Airlines while I was sitting here, so that's a blessing. Amen! It's 11:41 PM and I just changed my time zone on my laptop to Central Time for Tennessee. I see that gas is about $2 cheaper per gallon in Tennessee than Hawaii. I got the hotel for $48 a night, which is better than the $261 plus tax per night in Kohala on the Big Island in Hawaii. Thank you again to all those who remember me in your prayers. Prayer is the only thing that can change anything in the spiritual realm. Without prayer, we are not humble, and God resists the proud (James 4:6). J. Vernon McGee was teaching about how the prayer of a RIGHTEOUS MAN (including you ladies) availeth much (James 5:16). 1st John 3:22, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” We cannot expect God to answer our prayers if we do not obey His commandments. To have a successful life of prayer, then we must live to PLEASE GOD. That's an important Biblical truth to learn.

Most people only go to God in prayer when they need something, instead of striving to please God in all they do and praying continually while walking with the precious Savior, abiding in the Scriptures and praising God with thanksgiving continually, sharing the gospel with everyone we meet. The most important advice I have for any Christian is to WALK WITH GOD!!!
 

God's Promise To Guide His Dear Children Along

Listen to Brother Lester Roloff (1914-1982) sing, He Leads His Dear Children (Download)

Well, my paradise isle is fast becoming the sinking Lost City Of Atlantis (or Gilligan's island or the island of Dr. Moreau). As with most things in life, it's been a bitter/sweet experience thus far. The commitment that I had from a local doctor's clinic to prescribe my pain medications fell through. I carefully went over the information three times before I moved to Hilo, but the woman handling the clinic's new patients didn't know what she was talking about. I've been all over Hilo and can't find a doctor who will prescribe pain meds. They won't even take cash. So I went to the local emergency room and they wouldn't help me either. I have all my medical records, MRI images, all recent prescription bottles and legitimate doctor's contact information. Sadly, innocent citizens requiring prescription opiate pain medications are treated like criminal cocaine addicts, meth heads and heroine junkies by the system.

I'm still in high spirits in the Lord, but it looks like I won't be staying in Hilo much longer. I've been rationing my pain meds and went down to Wal-Mart to get some over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) to make what I have last. I'm hurting a lot and can't stay here much longer like this without proper pain meds. I've been having withdrawal symptoms, which causes my muscles to hurt from head-to-toe, and overwhelming tiredness. I'm enjoying my Hilo, Hawaii P.O. Box very much. At least I can say that I lived in Hilo, Hawaii for a couple weeks. Amen! Please keep me in your daily and continuous prayers, for God's will to be done in my life. I believe the Lord is leading and guiding me, as I claim these precious promises found in the inspired Word of God...

These are but a few of the hundreds of precious Scriptures which teach us that God guides His dear children along throughout life. Romans 8:28 was Dr. Lee Roberson's favorite life's Bible verse. Things won't always be good in this life, but we have the sweet blessed assurance and promise from our holy and unchanging God that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD. That means you if you have trusted Christ as your Savior. Your sins are eternally forgiven if you have received (put your faith in) Christ's death, burial and resurrection as full-payment for your sins. You can claim God's divine guidance as His dear child. The problem is when our will conflicts with the Lord's will. Proverbs 14:14, “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” God cannot lead a man who is leading himself in arrogance, pride and foolishness. If you want to be led of God, then SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES and pray, NOT MY WILL O GOD, BUT THINE, BE DONE! Luke 22:42, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

I humbly told the Lord years ago that I'll gladly live anywhere He wants me to live, whether it be Antarctica, Hell's Kitchen in the New York Bronx, a remote island halfway around the world or in some rural town way out in the country. Brother Jack Hyles used to wisely say that it's more important to do the WHAT of the will of God, than to be in the WHERE of the will of God. Amen! I've been praying and will continue to pray, and I humbly ask for your special prayers for God to show me where to move, live and continue my ministry by God's will and power (Zechariah 4:6).
 

Why God Deliberately Led The Israelites Into Hard Times

My original plans were to move to either Tennessee or Hawaii. Hawaii was always the hard choice, because it posed more difficulties (more than I foresaw evidently). I've never believed that the easy way is God's way. From my own personal experience, the hard way is usually God's way, because it requires greater faith on our part, and faith is what pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). I'm not speaking about salvation here, for the simplicity that is in Christ is the pure and uncorrupted Gospel message of Christ's death, burial and resurrection (1st Corinthians 15:1-4). I'm speaking about the daily journey that we travel as individual believers. The Bible is filled with examples. God led Abraham through the merciless desert into an unknown land as a complete stranger. That was very hard for Abraham. God promised a son to Sarah and Abraham when they were nearly 100 years old. That was very difficult for them to accept and believe.

God led the freed Israelites from Egypt into a desert wilderness with no water, no food, scorpions, snakes and extreme weather conditions of burning sun and blowing sand storms. God led them into a very hard way to test their faith, to see if they would continue to keep God's commandments or not. This is exactly what we are taught in Deuteronomy 8:1-4. Read why God led the Jews into such horrible conditions in Deuteronomy 8:2, “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.” Yet, God provided water, food, meat and took care of the Israelites despite their constant whining, bickering, rebelling and complaining against God and Moses.

The same God Whom we worship today 3,500 years later uses the same methods to test and break His children. No Christian is exempt from being led into the wilderness (that is, tough times and hardships). God wants to see how we're going to react. Will we complain as many of the Jews did? Or will we have a spirit of faith as did Joshua and Caleb? I choose to praise the Lord anyhow!

As I mentioned, my original plans were to move to Tennessee, so if things don't work out real soon on the Big Island I'm going to continue with my original plan, Lord willing, to move to Tennessee. That way I can obtain an orthopedic doctor to treat my chronic neck pain. I had considered North Carolina in the tri-cities area for a long time too. I'd be happy to live in either place. Home is where I hang my hat! Being Baptist, I've always wanted to live in the Bible belt. Hawaii was a last minute decision, and I don't regret it one bit, because I had to find out if this is for me or not. If I can't get my pain meds, I can't get my pain meds! I haven't picked an area yet in Tennessee. I like Cookeville in middle Tennessee. It's a small quaint town of around 30,000 people. Knoxville and Nashville have too much crime. I wouldn't live in Nashville, but somewhere up around Madison or Hendersonville would be nice perhaps. Chattanooga is an old cultured city. Murfreesboro sounds nice too, but growing really fast. Franklin is moderately expensive, but a charming town from everything I've researched. I'm earnestly praying for the Lord to lead me. One day at a time!


Consistent Prayer Is Much Better Than Long Prayer

I've been repeating this section on prayer, because repetition is the key to learning and I want you to learn prayer so much. Most new believers pray for a while, don't see any results and then quit. Or people are unsaved and pray to a false god they do not know. Oh my friend, prayer doesn't work that way because God doesn't work that way. God works behind the scenes in ways that way cannot see nor understand. This is why we are commanded in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Most people pray and quit because they don't understand why God hasn't answered. You just do as God commanded and PRAY WITHOUT CEASING (1st Thessalonians 4:17). We ought to pray throughout the day as we go about our business, as problems arise, as we think of others who are suffering, as we continually realize how great and real and merciful and awesome our God is! Jesus is precious!

I'm just taking things one day at a time. God is with me wherever I go (Hebrews 13:5). My faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ. I know more trials and tribulations are ahead, as always, but God will see me through as He always has. Amen! Even so, come, Lord Jesus! All my Christian brothers and sisters in the Lord, please keep me in your continued prayers. I believe that even a small prayer activates the machinery in Heaven and starts the ball of God's omnipotent power rolling. To believe in prayer is to believe in God Who hears and answers prayer. To not pray is a lack of faith, saying that we really don't believe God cares about us nor will He do anything to help us, so why pray?

Listen to what King David said in Psalms 22:1, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.” David said that he prayed to God, but God didn't seem to hear him at all. Yet God was very much awake and listening! Psalms 44:23, “Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.”

David was frustrated, impatient and bold in his prayers to God. David asked God how much longer He was going to stay sleeping? David cried out in prayer, but didn't feel like God was listening. We've all been there. I've learned that you truly begin to mature in the Lord when you keep on praying anyway, no matter how dismal, unproductive or useless prayer may seem in our finite, flawed and human minds. God is capable of doing the unimaginable, miracles and that which everyone said couldn't be done. It requires a greater faith to keep praying when the answers don't seem to be coming, and faith pleases God.

Anybody would gladly pray if the skies of heaven poured down gold, silver and materialistic blessings. I believe that's why God steps out of the picture and makes us feel like He's ignoring us. In fact, this is the exact Biblical teaching of Luke 18:1-8. The unjust judge avenged the irritating woman to get rid of her, but God ignores us to test us (that is, to test how much faith we really have). How much faith do you have? You have as much faith, not how long you pray; but rather, how persistent you pray. Long prayers don't impress God (Matthew 6:7-8), but to keep praying when it seems like there's no reason left to pray greatly pleases God. Let's all start praying consistently, morning and evening and afternoon. Amen!

Remember the story of the rabbit and the turtle. The rabbit was fast and could outrun the turtle anytime, anywhere. But the turtle still won the race, because he kept with the stuff! The rabbit became overconfident and lost sight of his purpose, but the turtle stayed with the course and finished. In God's marathon it's not a matter of who finishes first; but rather, just finishing the race that He has set before you. Amen! All God expects is that we keep going, never quit, don't stop praying, don't stop sharing the Gospel, keep trying to do right, and keep trusting Him at all times, no matter what happens (Job 13:15).

The best of Christians may fail to live right 5 times out of 10, but that's a lot better than failing 10 times out of 10 because you're a heathen that's not even trying. I am speaking of our fellowship with God here, as Christians. I am not speaking of salvation, which has nothing to do with our lifestyle or how hard we try to live right. Eternal life is a free gift, paid in full by Jesus' precious blood. All we do is receive God's righteousness by faith in the Gospel, that is, Christ's death, burial and resurrection three days later (1st Corinthians 15:1-4). What a Savior! Jesus is precious!!!

We are all living on borrowed time, so may we all learn to number our days by living each day for the Lord Jesus Christ...

Psalms 90:12, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

The Error Of Expecting Everyone To Have The Same Salvation Experience As Paul

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

I love you all in the Lord, whoever you may be!

Christ Paid Our Debt Of Sin!

1st Thessalonians 5:25, “Brethren, pray for us.”

Ye Must Be Born Again! | You Need HIS Righteousness!